Better to shut off and restart, or let idle?

[danovercash]

Good advice, Boss! Probably should not idle over 2-3 minuets, but sometimes I let it run longer. Another words if idling will use more fuel than restart, shut off. My 6v restarts easily, no extra throttle or choke required. Another thought, fuel cost versus wear and tear on starter.

[pickerandsinger]

My 2 cents....Shut it off if you're going to leave it unattended....By all means disengage any moving implement(mower etc) even if you are dismounting to check a leak or take one....Mistakes do happen....Dave

[CPIII]

I would also suggest shutting it off as it is the safest option.

[glennhuff]

Ditto on the shut it off, if only for the safety factor. Tractors can and do run over operators. I know that I don't trust the brake lock to hold, so I always shut it off and leave it in gear.

glenn

[Rudi]

Here's a question I haven't seen an answer to, it's a simple question with maybe as many answers as people on the board.

If a Cub's going to sit for a short bit, like while making an adjustment to an implement, running back to the shop for a tool, pausing work for a minute to talk to someone, etc, is it better to shut off the engine during that period or to let it run at idle? Should I be shutting off the engine every time the tractor's not actually in motion (minimizing engine run time) or starting it up for a task and not shutting it down until I'm done (minimizing engine starts). Or does it matter?

To get back to the original question and let me amend/update my previous comments so that they more address the questions posed. I apologize for shortchanging the question in my first reply and not replying seriously.

• Running back to the shop or leaving the Cub unattended is not safe so the Cub should be shut down in that instance.
  
• Stopping to talk to someone, as long as you do not leave the Cub unattended should be ok, depending again on the situation.
  
• Adjusting an implement as long as it isn't a pto driven implement, it should be ok to leave it run for a short period to allow the adjustment.
  
• Adjusting an implement that is pto driven requires you to shut down the Cub before you make any adjustments. That way your clothing can't be caught up in a running shaft.

There is probably a few things that I may have forgotten ... I am sure others may add more.