Cold start John Deere LX277 tractor in January

This is a routine winter start and warm up. The machine is setting unused since fall, no way to drain fuel system so I try to run it monthly, on a day it’s not severely cold. This time not been started for about 3 months. Certainly not wise by me since we have crap ethanol gas. I do use fresh stabilizer year round in all my equipment.
I’ve owned this tractor since 2006, it was purchased preowned with about 35 hours use. Except it was at a dealer 175 miles from the house.
Having used a couple similar small tractors over many years, I like how this one feels the best. Good transmission operation too. Nice handling tractor overall. I have no plans to replace it with anything new. I installed the Freedom 42 dedicated mulching decks on all 3 of the small JD tractors I own. They are excellent if you only mulch. Even tall grass can be cut neatly if you don’t rush.
This 17 hp Kawasaki V-twin engine starts and runs like a fine German car. Super smooth operation at all RPM ranges. To compare, I have a slightly larger JD tractor at my other property with an 18 hp Vanguard , and a 1999 JD slightly smaller with a 16 hp Vanguard at my sister’s place, both continue to run flawlessly all these years but the Kawasaki is superior in my opinion. For last few years I only use only 20-50 synthetic Small Engine oil and OEM filters in all my OHV small engine equipment.
You’ll see in the video, my normal procedure when engaging the PTO. This is done this way to minimize slipping the clutch by not running engine at full speed when PTO is engaged. But it must be warm otherwise it try’s to stall. Normally I start with the throttle open to a fast idle and a soon as I pull the PTO switch I open the throttle wide. Works every time when it’s warmed up.
In conclusion, I will be replaced that tired battery this spring. I’ve squeezed about every last amp out of that old one. I’m a firm believer in good quality battery maintainers too. However I’m sure the next battery won’t last anywhere near as long as this one.

[@cedric13]

We got ours in 2002 and only just recently, I think in 2021 got a new battery, the John Deere guys said that the batteries from that particular time were exceptionally well made and they saw many, many old ones last 15+ years. I actually removed the battery and took them in where it wouldn't freeze then I would just charge them up, once around christmas time, then another right before installing them back in to be used. Worked really well.

[@chatrkat]

I can totally belive they were getting good quality batteries. Mine still cranks well now in 7-2023 even when it has not been connected to the maintainer for a couple weeks. If it wasn't here to see I would not believe any battery of that age would still hold a decent charge. Full disclosure, it has lived on a good quality Schumacher Battery Maintainer most of it's life.

[@themicison]

Love it

[@danielclint1033]

If you poison mice, you poison Owls and other animals. Do not do that.

[@chatrkat]

I try to deter or relocate when possible. Unfortunately when damage results then stronger measures are required.