Lxx60 block heater max temperature?

[fishpick]

Is there a max temperature that the Kubota block heaters cut out at or won't come on at?

Yesterday we had 16" of snow so I plugged mine in on my new L4760 about 2 hours before I was going to clear the driveway. Granted it was about 32F... I plugged it in so the cab would be warmer faster when I got going and figured it wouldn't hurt on a new engine either. When I unplugged it after 2 hours the heater stub in the block was not warm.
So - does it not heat over 32F? That seems "wrong".
Can't find anything in the service manual so I came here.

 

[bearlindsay]

Is there a max temperature that the Kubota block heaters cut out at or won't come on at?

Yesterday we had 16" of snow so I plugged mine in on my new L4760 about 2 hours before I was going to clear the driveway. Granted it was about 32F... I plugged it in so the cab would be warmer faster when I got going and figured it wouldn't hurt on a new engine either. When I unplugged it after 2 hours the heater stub in the block was not warm.
So - does it not heat over 32F? That seems "wrong".
Can't find anything in the service manual so I came here.

I can't speak directly about your tractor, but my 2016 Chevy Colorado has the factory block heater and they put a thermostat in the cord. It won't work unless the temperature is below a certain temp. I hope it helps!

 

[fishpick]

I can't speak directly about your tractor, but my 2016 Chevy Colorado has the factory block heater and they put a thermostat in the cord. It won't work unless the temperature is below a certain temp. I hope it helps!

That's what I'm wondering here

 

[moship]

It's the same block heater used on the Lxx40's and I believe M's and there is no indication a thermostat feature is built in. Something is wrong with your cord or heating element.

When operating correctly the brass portion gets very hot and I suggest you do not touch with a bare hand.

If you own an electric meter, check the resistance of the power cord and heating element itself.

 

[fishpick]

I think I had premature postulation here... Pretty sure the plug wasn't all the way in.

While embarrassing - I hear it happens to everyone at some point.

 

[Peter 315]

Nice easy fix:thumbsup: If you want you can get one of these Thermo Cube

 

[David_Kb7uns]

None of my 3 Kubota block heaters have any type of thermostat. Thermo Cube is a good idea.

David

 

[fishpick]

I have a WiFi smart plug that I turn it on / off with from the comfort of the house - and only turn it on when I know I need to use it. It's an even "smarter" plug

The issue was the human not being smarter than the plug itself!

 

[majorwager]

Fishpick
You did not mention how tractor performed in that very wet snow?

Can you be certaIn you always have internet coverage in barn? The smart cube is attractive. Or complicate things. Hard wire short length of SO cord into a box, then use twist lock plugs .

 

[Oldoak]

I never had a problem starting my Kubota L4200 GST for the 21 years I have owned it, even on mornings when temparatures were down in the single digits. No block heater, I just cycle the glow plug once and start. And I'm only on my second battery for the tractor.

Of course, I don't have a cab to bring up to a comfortable temperature before using the tractor.

 

[majorwager]

Oldoak, share you sentiments, I did add a cab but don't bother w/ block heaters. Had my tractor six years, rarely even use glow plug. Battery is original.

 

[fishpick]

Oldoak - I don't use it to make starting easy... I use it like your last comment suggests - to make the cab warmer faster... period.

majorwager - it was just not plugged in all the way - the extension cord end and the block heater plug didn't like each other - that's fixed. WiFi is strong in the barn - hard wired access point out there. L4760 moved the wet snow like nothing - way more power than the old TC45 ever had.

 

[Oldoak]

Oldoak - I don't use it to make starting easy... I use it like your last comment suggests - to make the cab warmer faster... period.....................................................

Yes, I realize that. That's why I added that last little comment. I wasn't criticizing you. Just adding my experience in cold weather starting. :drink:

 

[MinnesotaEric]

At -5 below Fahrenheit my block heater is hot, as are the pre-heater electrical wraps for hydro filters and fuel filters.

 

[PILOON]

A word of caution here, modern electrical codes specify GFI for all outside outlets.
Now if it snows or rains you stand good chances that the GFI will kick off the block heater circuit.
It's a bummer.

Local city snow contractor was plugged in but the extension he used was subjected to snow at the connection and he had a cold no start tractor.
GFI simply kicked out, they kick out at the slightest sniff of wet and snow is frozen 'wet'.
We intend to replace all those outside outlets with non GFI's as they are simply a major PIA.

On my tractor I use a wireless remote switch like a car 'key fob'.
I also parallel a witness light bulb* to confirm the heat is on.
Generally I switch 1 hour or so B4 plowing. If the engine is warm then the cab heater will cozy me.
(like I hate driving all bundled up and wearing gloves)
Before that I had a switched outlet with the switch in the clothes closet but I like the wireless better.

* I use an LED night light from the dollar store. (taped over the sensor to make it always hot, like permanant night time)

 

[majorwager]

Believe Fishpick stores his tractor in enclosed building. Not sure if classified as "wet location", GFI likely not a code requirement, his situation.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Believe Fishpick stores his tractor in enclosed building. Not sure if classified as "wet location", GFI likely not a code requirement, his situation.

LED lights build into the extension cords let me know the story on my GFI.

 

[majorwager]

I suppose if Fishpick becomes paranoid that his heater is disconnected, he could easily add a WiFi camera to monitor a thermometer connected to the block heater. Fun spending his money for him........

 

[fishpick]

The WiFi smart plug in the barn reports if it's on or off - so I don't need other light bulbs and whatnot in the barn to turn on... I just need to make sure I plug the flippin plug in ALL THE WAY if I'm using the extension cord that gave me greif...

And I have a WiFi camera in the barn @majorwager - for security more than anything... shoots movement it detects to the cloud and stores everything on an internal SD card - for $20. Check out Wyzecams - love them!

 

[Peter 315]

The WiFi smart plug in the barn reports if it's on or off - so I don't need other light bulbs and whatnot in the barn to turn on... I just need to make sure I plug the flippin plug in ALL THE WAY if I'm using the extension cord that gave me greif...

And I have a WiFi camera in the barn @majorwager - for security more than anything... shoots movement it detects to the cloud and stores everything on an internal SD card - for $20. Check out Wyzecams - love them!

I just have a flip phone, So way over my pay grade