Starting Your Kubota in Cold Weather

[Ivan49]

3301DT here in northern Mich would not start today. Plugged the block heater in for an hour and got it started. I think they use crap batteries in them as mine even in warm weather rolls over slow. I am going to replace the battery with a higheer amp one later . Should not have to do this on a 2 year old tractor

 

[corl]

I have a 29 yr old Kubota F2100 that is used to plow snow in the winter. It has a block heater and starts like its summer time. I usually plug it in the night before I use it. I also have a Kubota MX5100 without a block heater. It starts when I need it but it is not used much in very cold weather.

 

[sixdogs]

3301DT here in northern Mich would not start today. Plugged the block heater in for an hour and got it started. I think they use crap batteries in them as mine even in warm weather rolls over slow. I am going to replace the battery with a higheer amp one later . Should not have to do this on a 2 year old tractor

My experience with Kubota is that they use excellent and long lasting batteries that don't leak and are adequate, or better, for the task. Like all batteries, I keep mine charged before winter with a modern "smart" charger that will also desulphate. I use a NOCO 3.5 amp charger. The old style chargers that boil the crap out of the battery are obsolete. It's possible you have a one-off problem but give it a chance before you jump.

 

[Ivan49]

My experience with Kubota is that they use excellent and long lasting batteries that don't leak and are adequate, or better, for the task. Like all batteries, I keep mine charged before winter with a modern "smart" charger that will also desulphate. I use a NOCO 3.5 amp charger. The old style chargers that boil the crap out of the battery are obsolete. It's possible you have a one-off problem but give it a chance before you jump.

I think they use to low amp battery for northern climates. It just grunted as it has since I bought it 2 years ago and I had the dealer check it at that time and all was fine. In the cold temps we have been having I knew it would not start. The temp was 2 when I tryed to start it yesterday so I plugged the block heater in

 

[oldballs]

Having owned a BX in 2009 and now a 2012 B series Kubota, I'd say that the OE batteries are top notch. The glow plug starting in cold weather never failed me. I do use the Battery Tender on them (tractor stored outside). And just like when all our kids were born in December/ January, I bring the battery indoors and leave on the charger. It's always worked for me.

 

[Ivan49]

I guess I am old school as I am use to getting on the tractor and it starting right up. My old tractor would start down to -10 with no help and I have started my skid steer at -20 before with no help. I like this tractor but there are a few things I donot like on it but can live with. Buy one of my questions to the dealer was about cold weather starting. Had I known whatI know now I probably would not have bought this tractor. I have always kept it in the pole barn the same as the old one

 

[civilian]

I think they use to low amp battery for northern climates. It just grunted as it has since I bought it 2 years ago and I had the dealer check it at that time and all was fine. In the cold temps we have been having I knew it would not start. The temp was 2 when I tryed to start it yesterday so I plugged the block heater in

Had my BX2230 plugged in a hour north of you for about 2 hrs. -10F when plugged in, about -8F when started. Bit of glow plug and she fired. Ran rough, idled up and left it for 10-15 min and off and blowing snow. Just plugged it in again, (-6F)and will try starting in a 1/2 hour to an hour. Need to open up a parking area for a neighbor coming up to his cottage. Was -18F this morning at 9am. Jon

 

[civilian]

This is what I have to open up.

Jon

 

[RoyJackson]

This is what I have to open up.View attachment 534667
View attachment 534668
Jon

Is that cleared area a road, or a driveway?

Looks like you'll have to clear a path to the front door too...
You probably already know this, but raise your blower and take relatively small bites...you'll get through, eventually.

 

[civilian]

Is that cleared area a road, or a driveway?

Looks like you'll have to clear a path to the front door too...
You probably already know this, but raise your blower and take relatively small bites...you'll get through, eventually.

Actually I will start at the neighbor's mailbox, to the left of the pictures(maybe not in pictures), and clear about 2/3 the length of the house. Mostly moving the pile. At the tree is his septic tank, so I have to keep that covered. That pile/berm is the plowed mess from the county going around the turn around. Usually further away from yellow house, but not this year. Will actually touch the pile with the back blade in areas to make sure it is broken up, then turn around and chew with the blower. And keep moving in a little bit at a time. If that doesn't work, I'll drop the blower and go get the BX's loader and use the bucket. Jon