Electric start pony...why?

[quote="BigAgCat"]So, I am trying to understand the concept of the electric start starting engine.

When did the electric start starting engine come into existence? Was it more of a standard thing or a special addon?

When did glow plugs come into existence? Wouldn't it make more sense to have an electric starter for the diesel with glow plugs?

If you can pull on steering clutch levers all day long, wouldn't it be easy enough to use a $5 rope on the pony instead of a $100+ electric starter?

I am trying to figure out if there is any real benefit to an electric start starting engine...[/quote]

Use an electric start pony and you will never go back to the rope job. (That is my experience) My neighbor managed to cause his shoulder problems by yanking too many times on a rope start pony. The fix was $37,000 surgery and 9 months recovery which makes the electric pony seem like a real bargain. :doh:
Early direct starting with glow plugs and ether were were not good for the diesels either. Many improvements with the high speed starters and improved injection over the years.

[quote="BigAgCat"]So, I am trying to understand the concept of the electric start starting engine.

When did the electric start starting engine come into existence? Was it more of a standard thing or a special addon?

When did glow plugs come into existence? Wouldn't it make more sense to have an electric starter for the diesel with glow plugs?

If you can pull on steering clutch levers all day long, wouldn't it be easy enough to use a $5 rope on the pony instead of a $100+ electric starter?

I am trying to figure out if there is any real benefit to an electric start starting engine...[/quote]


-my local Cat parts guy says "1965" was the year...:hail:

-extremely quick and effortless to hit the button...but a rope start wouldn't be the end of the World

Neil, I would say that you need a good pull as 2 don't have an impulse for the mag like every other starting engine out there, you are right though when they are right it does not take but a pull and away you go. the electric star just prolongs how long till you have to fix something. when I go on a recovery mission I sure glad to see one if I trying to bring something back from the dead. ever try pulling a rope in the house of a crane /dragline there not much room, to say the least. the pony motor was doing a lot more than just turning the main motor over some of the thinks an electric starter just can't do. long live the pony motor forever!

My mag's pretty hot so just a steady pull does the trick - not a shoulder-jerking pull. And I think it's things like that that make the difference. If you have to injure yourself to start the pony, then it's time to take action and get a decent tune-up (or go electric). I use my electric most of the time but there's nothing like the rope to check the health : ) It's a rum thing that the designers didn't put an impulse on it - probably would have helped the longevity for a lot of ponies

My D4 7U has electric start pony. It would be extremely difficult to start it in it's current tune during the winter months. I have never actually started it cold (below freezing) on the rope. It is no issue to start on electric though. I am planning on overhauling the pony here soon this summer. It is my goal to get it in tune to where I can start it to -20c on the rope and just pull in the clutch and turn the main. The way it is I often have it stall out and have to babysit it until it gets some heat and is rolling well.

Pressing a button sometimes is much nicer than pulling your guts out on a cantankerous pony .

We'll get you there Nathan. They're pretty easy to get going properly. Reach out when you're ready.