Snow Equipment Owning/Operating cccoldd weather staaaaarrting

[TugHillDog]

Anybody out there have any experience with magnetic block heaters for their tractor?
So far my MF1529 has started, but I'd like to make it a little easier on all of us to get it going. I could do the standard antifreeze/coolant insert heater, but saw this magnetic thing advertised on Norther Tool website and thought I'd pose the question here.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I keep a few magnetic ones on hand just in case my block heater quits. They actually work quite well. 1999 - 200X VW TDI engines just had a flexible rubber pad glued to the oil pan for an engine heater. They also worked quite well.

 

[Looking4new]

I have two of the magnetic ones I used to use on the Farmall C. They work pretty good. DO NOT touch the magnetic side after having them on for a while. You WILL get burned.

 

[tcartwri]

Portable space heater placed under the hood with a heavy blanket draped over the hood will get you through the cold snap. The heater should have a thermostat on it obviously.

 

[TugHillDog]

Thanks for the notes.
Weatherman predicts 3-5 ft of snow today, so before it comes, i just might get one of those heaters.
Tim- I could share my blanket with my Massey...that would be cool! Thanks for that suggestion.

 

[oldnslo]

Frost plug style heaters are more effective than magnetic heaters but in a pinch anything is better than nothing. If it is sitting outside in the wind covering them will help tremendously on keeping the heat in the engine.

 

[NewfieDan]

Portable space heater placed under the hood with a heavy blanket draped over the hood will get you through the cold snap. The heater should have a thermostat on it obviously.

I know what you are trying to do. But is it wise to have a "arcing and sparking device" under the hood of a vehicle where there may be potential for fire? Just a thought.

 

[tcartwri]

I know what you are trying to do. But is it wise to have a "arcing and sparking device" under the hood of a vehicle where there may be potential for fire? Just a thought.

If it was safe enough for our planes and helicopters, I'm pretty confident about our tractors.

 

[deerseeker001]

I went to start the Tractor yesterday after 2-3 weeks -25/-40 below wind chills and was turning over slowly I took the torpedo heater pointed at the oil pan for 5 minutes,it started like it was summer time.

 

[leonz]

I went to start the Tractor yesterday after 2-3 weeks -25/-40 below wind chills and was turning over slowly I took the torpedo heater pointed at the oil pan for 5 minutes,it started like it was summer time.

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It is SO, SO, much easier than a block heater to use a space heater as the heat made by a magnetic heater dissipates quickly and is of little use.

Even uncovered your mule will wake up after 20 minutes of heating with a torpedo heater .
Just decide where you want to point it and be sure its at least six feet away and turn on the switch.

I use my small generator some times because of the electrical interference it creates in the house circuits.

I use mine to heat the tractor and the truck both as it cheap insurance used to warm the oil
in the crankcase pan


Don't buy a propane one unless you can keep it it indoors to stay warm as they are finicky about being left out of doors/cold garages.
Even with a full tank of propane it did not work well unless it was left in a warm place over night-I brought it back to the retailer and bought the kerosene unit.

I can leave the kerosene unit out of doors to cool or overnight with no issues.

I can use five different fuels JP1,2,3 diesel and kerosene.
Its larger and heats everything up faster.

 

[D7E]

I went to start the Tractor yesterday after 2-3 weeks -25/-40 below wind chills and was turning over slowly I took the torpedo heater pointed at the oil pan for 5 minutes,it started like it was summer time.

Sometimes it's the only way

 

[rmankty]

Hello, I use a elec 1500w space heater under the seat of my '48 Cub. The tractor is in pole barn,covered with 2 heavy canvas tarps,with 4 inch thick slabs of sponge on top of fuel tank,and heavy carpet over them. In past, 20f or lower required space htr. I could put heater on timer. But that is only part of answer to lower elec bill. The mag heater would put the heat on the tractor,not warm the air. Might be safer,and more efficient than space heater, I dont know. My Dad used to leave His Cub outside all year,covered with tarps. If it wouldnt start with a little starting fluid,He put a small metal bucket filled partially with charcoal and lit it off,and put it under engine,staying right by it. I could do that,as I know it works,just trying to find something that works without me being right there,that I can use timer on. Some people who bought the Kats 300W Mag heater said plastic cover had meltdown. The temp on that unit stated 350-400F. The zerostart by phillips-temro has temp limit to 250F. I dont know if that would be sufficient to start tractor or not. Has anyone used the zerostart? Thank you for posting results!

 

[rmankty]

How difficult is it to install a external tank heater? It was recommended to me instead of magnetic. I have a 48 Cub. Thank you.

 

[Walkin Horse]

I I

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It is SO, SO, much easier than a block heater to use a space heater as the heat made by a magnetic heater dissipates quickly and is of little use.

Even uncovered your mule will wake up after 20 minutes of heating with a torpedo heater .
Just decide where you want to point it and be sure its at least six feet away and turn on the switch.

I use my small generator some times because of the electrical interference it creates in the house circuits.

I use mine to heat the tractor and the truck both as it cheap insurance used to warm the oil
in the crankcase pan


Don't buy a propane one unless you can keep it it indoors to stay warm as they are finicky about being left out of doors/cold garages.
Even with a full tank of propane it did not work well unless it was left in a warm place over night-I brought it back to the retailer and bought the kerosene unit.

I can leave the kerosene unit out of doors to cool or overnight with no issues.

I can use five different fuels JP1,2,3 diesel and kerosene.
Its larger and heats everything up faster.

What brand and where did you get it. I was going to buy one last year but most of the reviews at Lowes and TSC were bad. So I didn't waste money on one.

 

[rmankty]

I I

What brand and where did you get it. I was going to buy one last year but most of the reviews at Lowes and TSC were bad. So I didn't waste money on one.

I havent bought one yet. I was going to buy a magnetic htr,and someone advised me to buy an external tank heater. I thought they may be safer,and efficient-and worth the effort. I havent seen any bad reviews. I was trying to get someone who has actually installed one in a Cub,to post their results. I contacted by email one who has one,but I havent heard back yet. I will post as soon as I hear from them.

 

[leonz]

I I

What brand and where did you get it.
I was going to buy one last year but most
of the reviews at Lowes and TSC were bad.
So I didn't waste money on one.

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I bought a Duraheat 125,000 BTU space heater
from out local Agway store.

it can burn JP 1,2, 3, number fuel oil and kerosene.

I have had no issues with it and this is my second winter with it.