Block heater

[rkhpapa]

Just replaced a 1980 JD2040 with a brand new L4400. The JD was very hard starting in the winter and required the use of the block heater almost anytime the temperature went below 35 degrees F.
I've been reading the posts here and see that most New England users feel that they don't need the block heater, but based on my experience with the JD, I'd like to be ready.
I see that Kubota has 2 types of heater. I'd prefer the screw in actual block heater.
Does anyone know how much it costs? How easy is the installation for the owner?
Any comments are welcome...what would you do if you were me?
Thanks,
RGH

 

[AMR]

I can't speak for the installation, my dealer did it, total cost for the heater installed was $50 at time of purchase, but I can say that I use my block heater in the winter and I only live in CT. I keep my tractor in the garage but when temps outside dip down below 30 F I use it for about a half hour, when temps dip to the 10's I use it for about an hour. I use one of those cheapo electric timers when I know it is going to snow so it kicks on either an hour before I get home from work or an hour before I get up so I know she is ready to go. I think it is all just piece of mind. My BX23 had no block heater and it started just fine but it rock and rolled a little more, my B3030 with the heater "feels" like it runs smoother with the block heater, I am sure it is in my mind.

 

[Egon]

In cooler weather using a block heater makes your tractor engine happy even though it is not required for starting.

Costs for heater and installation should not be exorbitant.

 

[zionview]

I'm in central PA, and I don't know of many diesels without heaters, Even skidsteers have them around here. Much easier on the engine.

 

[sw03]

I have used diesels for years and never needed a heater. If you use a good oil and GP are good, along with batt you are fine.

 

[botayota]

I was told by one dealer here in New Hampshire that a block heater is better for the engine for cold starter, another dealer told me a block heater is no longer needed. I had one installed at purchase of the tractor.
So I guess you have to determine yourself if one is needed.

 

[sw03]

I was told by one dealer here in New Hampshire that a block heater is better for the engine for cold starter, another dealer told me a block heater is no longer needed. I had one installed at purchase of the tractor.
So I guess you have to determine yourself if one is needed.

define better I would say. Do you have less wears on UOA???

 

[nh DRAGON]

I asked about one at the time of purchase. At the time Kubota was making the engines for the bobcats and the dealer told me that they move them in every night and that they start with the glow plugs to at least -20f. And I figured that if it is that cold I wouldn't be out there anyway!!!

 

[savageactor7]

In the winter we use a 40 watt light bulb clipped under the oil pan....makes a big difference when you go to start in 0* weather. engine spins so much easier.

 

[peterc38]

In cooler weather using a block heater makes your tractor engine happy even though it is not required for starting.

Costs for heater and installation should not be exorbitant.

I agree with Egon. Sure todays tractors will start in very cold weather without a block heater but to me it makes sense to have one if you live in a cold climate. I'm no mechanic but it seems as though it would help heat up the engine oil faster, thereby thinning it out and helping it get to lubricate moving engine parts faster than colder thicker oil would? For me it was $50 installed on my tractor when I bought it so I went for it because it can get as cold as 30 below around these here parts in winter.