The heat of summer

jimbob200521 · #1 05-28-2014, 03:17 PM

This hotter/muggier weather we have coming in is both a blessing and, well, maybe not so much of a blessing. However, one way or another, it's got me wondering; on our nice little air cooled Cub's, how much of a difference does the outside temps make in how much you use your machines? I've got 3 yards to mow and I try to kill them all in one day but it takes some time. I know our air-cooled engines aren't as efficient at cooling themselves as their water-cooled brothers but does that mean that we should shy away from using them as much/as hard during this upcoming weather with temps in the 90°'s reaching all the way up to 100°F+ and air full of humidity? I'm probably being paranoid but it never hurts to ask (you know what they say; the only stupid question is one you don't ask)! I know that air coming out the front of an M-18 powered machine can get quite warm after hours on end of heavy grass at WOT so just wanted to see what the others here have to contribute to this!

Maxwelhse · #2 05-28-2014, 03:35 PM

If the work needs done mine is working. Hot, cold, raining, whatever. About the only thing I'll do is take a full speed romp a few hundred yards down the street to get some air over the running gear from time to time. No clue if helps or hurts. Its as much to cool me off as it is the tractor... and it's fun.

If its super hot, I pull the side panels off of the QL. I've heard various arguments about that before and I'm not trying to start another. It's just what I do.

I also tend to change my engine oil right in the middle of super hot season (for the second time... once in the spring, once mid-season... About the time my oil is nice and black I change it (way early) and that's OK with me).

Otherwise its business as usual.

J-Mech · #3 05-28-2014, 06:35 PM

Your not going to hurt your motor. Run it with 30wt oil and forget about it. I usually try to blow out the engine with it running at idle from the front. Grass builds up from the back side. In combination with the engine running blowing forward, and compressed air blowing back, you'd be surprised how much grass is stuck in there that will come out. Keep it clean, it will be fine.

drglinski · #4 05-28-2014, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Your not going to hurt your motor. Run it with 30wt oil and forget about it. I usually try to blow out the engine with it running at idle from the front. Grass builds up from the back side. In combination with the engine running blowing forward, and compressed air blowing back, you'd be surprised how much grass is stuck in there that will come out. Keep it clean, it will be fine.

This is a good idea. I know I gotta hit the whole thing every late spring because of the neighborhood cottonwood. I'll try this method.

Maxwelhse · #5 05-28-2014, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drglinski

This is a good idea. I know I gotta hit the whole thing every late spring because of the neighborhood cottonwood. I'll try this method.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-blo...ion-68257.html

Sam Mac · #6 05-28-2014, 08:23 PM

I use a leaf blower on my stuff after I'm done with it or if I see the temp gauge climbing on the water pumpers I'll stop, pull the screen and clean them out. Keep them clean and cool and they will run a long time.

jimbob200521 · #7 05-28-2014, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the replies, guys; looks like a good leaf blower just moved up a few notches on my to get pile, but still below a good compressor. I've got an air compressor right now but it isn't a very good one (2 gallon that takes about 1/2 a beer to pump up and is empty in one sip

). Keep in mind I'm still building my garage so cut me some slack!

larry03061976 · #8 05-28-2014, 10:36 PM

Not to jump a thread but could you put a small electric fan in the grill?

Cub Cadet 123 · #9 05-28-2014, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry03061976

Not to jump a thread but could you put a small electric fan in the grill?

Anything that could come loose in the engine compartment could spell trouble, so I wouldn't recommend it and the effectiveness of one probably wouldn't even be measurable. The air cooled engines were engineered to cool themselves down while running if maintained properly (as others have already mentioned).

I do like to run the pure synthetic oil in my cubs to help prevent my oil from thermally breaking down.

Cub Cadet 123

Maxwelhse · #10 05-28-2014, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

I've got an air compressor right now but it isn't a very good one (2 gallon that takes about 1/2 a beer to pump up and is empty in one sip

). Keep in mind I'm still building my garage so cut me some slack!

Everybody starts somewhere! That's why I have more Chinese tools than I'd care to admit. The $3600 Quincy compressor I want still isn't in reach.. So, $140 HF compressor it is!

If you want a leaf blower AND a shopvac (and don't mind electric), Sears has a combo unit that works well (I really like mine). It's on sale right now but Sears ALWAYS has sales these days. $93.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-16-ga...4&blockType=G4

Should clean a tractor up nicely! Does OK on leaves and makes an awesome vacuum. Does NOT run air tools or pump up tires.