What's Your Warm-up Procedure?

[LFEngineering]

With a nor'easter fast approaching I decided to brave the 17 degree temperatures and get some chores done before the storm. As I went thru my warm-up procedure I wondered what everyone else does.

I suppose my "procedure" starts the last time I shut the tractor off. Since my throttle cable occasionally freezes in position I like to leave it at half throttle after shutting it off that way when I go to fire it up it's not stuck at idle. I also like to leave the creeper engaged, I've had a few times where the creeper lever gets frozen and I can't shift into low. According to the manual I can run 10 weight oil if operating below 32 degrees, but since I live in New England and tomorrow could be 55 I decided to stick with 30w and pre-heat the oil before starting. To do so picked up a 400w Kats magnetic block heater and stuck it on the bottom of the oil pan. 30-45 min with the heater on and the oil pan and bottom of the block are warm to the touch. Lastly I pull the choke and turn the key. She normally fires up with no problems. As I mentioned earlier I leave the creeper engaged that way I can slowly head off towards my destination as it warms up without taxing the motor too much.

What do you guys do?

[Eugene]

Cover a portion of the radiator in cold weather.

[danmcdonald]

Start the tractor and go in the house for coffee 10-15 minuets.

[SONNY]

After it sounds like its running decent,--let it run at fast idle for a good half hour ,--that way carb is not freezing up so fast before you hit the cold!--- hang side covers on the engine will help keep warm air in too!---just cut some old tin panels and wire them on,--dont gotta be nuttin fancy! thanks; sonny

[outdoors4evr]

My tractor is a turn-key. (but it does get to live inside an unheated pole barn)
Remove the battery tender, shake hands with shifter, pull out choke, depress clutch, turn key, open choke 1/2 way, drive. After a minute, fully open choke.
Nothing special needs to occur for cold weather.