Get An Engine Heater!!

[KennK]

Okay guys, the one hundred dollar question: What if the tractor shed does not have electricity and it is a fair piece from the electricity? Running a power cord 150+ feet doesn't thrill me. We get some cold weather and snow where I am. The power cord would quickly get buried by snow and then run over by the tractor or a snowmobile. Does anyone have any ideas? Taking the wife's car out of the garage is NOT a viable idea.

Thanks,
Matt

Find the smallest portable generator you can buy. Warm it up in the house. Carry it to the shed. Start it up. Plug it in to the engine heater. Let it run for 60-90 minutes. Start the tractor.

The small generator could also be useful for using power tools remotely.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Not sure how much the block heaters draw, but I'm thinking of taking my generator with me when I visit my tractor, which is on property with no electricity.

Mine draws 600 watts on the tractor. I am guessing the one on both my Powerstrokes is less than 1000 watts.

Chris

 

[JMER817]

(Okay guys, the one hundred dollar question: What if the tractor shed does not have electricity and it is a fair piece from the electricity? Running a power cord 150+ feet doesn't thrill me. We get some cold weather and snow where I am. The power cord would quickly get buried by snow and then run over by the tractor or a snowmobile. Does anyone have any ideas? Taking the wife's car out of the garage is NOT a viable idea.)

Have you looked at one of those solar powered panels Sold at TSC? Not sure what kind of power they produce, but might be worth a look at?

 

[irvingj]

The M-F block heater on my 2310 is rated at 400 watts; the one on my Jetta diesel is 1000 watts (!).

 

[Botabill]

I'm going to tell you something you may find hard to believe in these easy days. I remember my dad perhaps in 1953-55 lighting a small fire under the engine oil pan of his car before sun up to warm it to start in extreme cold winter weather. I live in a fairly cold climate in Ontario. Point being... we do what we need to do with what we have at hand to get the thang going. Sometimes takes real creativity or whatever.

 

[bullsram]

I just put a block heater in my 5103 Deere, I paid $70 bucks for the heater from the dealer, it took an hour to install myself, the dealer wanted $75 to install it . I normally keep it in an unheated garage but after moving snow I didnt want it all melting inside so its been outside and I keep it plugged in. The block heater for my 5103 is rated at 1000 watts..... Bull

 

[JJT]

Okay guys, the one hundred dollar question: What if the tractor shed does not have electricity and it is a fair piece from the electricity? Running a power cord 150+ feet doesn't thrill me. We get some cold weather and snow where I am. The power cord would quickly get buried by snow and then run over by the tractor or a snowmobile. Does anyone have any ideas? Taking the wife's car out of the garage is NOT a viable idea.

Thanks,
Matt

Run Synthetic 5w40. I don't have a block heater and have never had a cold start problem. I finally upgraded the 9 year old OEM battery last year as added insurance.

 

[megotatractor]

A block heater is a very good idea below zero. I once got lazy and fired up my JD2210 at 20 below, the motor oil was too thick to pump and she shut down. Had to stick a magnetic oil pan heater on and plug in the block heater to get her going. My short cut cost extra time and nearly damaged the engine.

 

[gerard]

A small salamander or propane heater would be an option if you didn't have power. If you DO have power, a block heater is a must. Just because I CAN start my tractor cold, doesn't mean it's not easier, AND better for the engine, to have it pre heated. Can't make an argument against that if you have a little mechanical knowledge. I've also used a 75 watt floodlight in one of those clip on arrangments and clipped it to a jack stand. Point it straight up and adjust it with the reflector pointing straight up and right under the oil pan. Cheap to run 24/7 and keeps it all nice and toasty.

 

[Plow Jockey]

Run Synthetic 5w40. I don't have a block heater and have never had a cold start problem. I finally upgraded the 9 year old OEM battery last year as added insurance.

+1 JJT, I just switch to 5w40 Syn. in my tractor and already had a block heater. Anything below 0 and she's plugged in for a hour or so and have had no problem starting. Money well spent on both products.