Block heater for Branson 3510

East Bench Ray · Jun 8, 2017

I recently got a 2003 Branson 3510 in nice shape with about 500 hours on it. It is a beefy little beast and joy to work with. I'm going to be moving a bit of snow with it next winter and it is definitely going to need a block heater. It has the 3T90L-ATC engine which has a threaded plug on the left side of the engine block just above the starter. The plug has a 1/2" square socket in it. I figure this is where the block heater would go. I was wondering if anyone else had installed one on a similar model, and if so where I could find one.
Thanks in advance.

CWB Wyo · Jun 9, 2017

East Bench Ray

I got one from Carquest auto parts. They just crossed referenced it in their books.
Think it was about $30.00 are so. Think it was a Katz heater.

Stimw · Jun 9, 2017

I have used the heaters that you cut the bottom radiator hose and installed them on cars and a Van.
I loved it when I lived in Ohio, plug in at night, in the morning start up and turn on heater and defroster!!

Kentuckyfarmer · Jun 9, 2017

East Bench Ray said:
I recently got a 2003 Branson 3510 in nice shape with about 500 hours on it. It is a beefy little beast and joy to work with. I'm going to be moving a bit of snow with it next winter and it is definitely going to need a block heater. It has the 3T90L-ATC engine which has a threaded plug on the left side of the engine block just above the starter. The plug has a 1/2" square socket in it. I figure this is where the block heater would go. I was wondering if anyone else had installed one on a similar model, and if so where I could find one.
Thanks in advance.

The plug where you are talking about is where it goes and I believe any block heater for a 4bt or 6bt cummins will work.

Hombre · Jun 10, 2017

First off, congratulations on your tractor, that's a nice unit. You should check on the electricity draw on the heater. I do not know if there are differences with them or not but I do know, and I suppose it has to do with "local" electrical costs, that they (block heaters) can run your bill up as much as 2 dollars a day. As a "for instance" if I leave my cummins diesel PU plugged in all day every day for a month I can expect at least a $60.00 higher electric bill. It may vary a couple bucks one way or the other but that's a pretty good guide line where I live. I realize that most won't/don't do that, (there are times my truck will sit for a couple weeks and not move, I'm retired) but guessing at least 12hrs. out of 24 would not be out of line for most. What the heater on a tractor would draw I have no idea but can't see where it would differ by much. Just a consideration. I'll add that our colder "typical" winter temps run from the teens to mid 20's at night to maybe mid 30's during the day but can run a bit colder. I seldom use the block heater on either the truck or tractor with no issues.

Slowpoke Slim · Jun 10, 2017

You can also put a timer on the outlet you have the block heater plugged into. I haven't run the block heater on my truck once, or the wife's car, but I'm considering whether or not I need to put one in the tractor before winter. It's sitting outside right now, but hope to be in a shipping container shed by winter time. It can get to -40 F here (with no wind chill), and I'm going to need the tractor for snow removal.

LouNY · Jun 12, 2017

My way of doing mine, which was on an 8050. I got a few gallons of high end long life antifreeze and 5 gallons of distilled water.
On the right side of my engine was a 1" npt plug with a recess 1/2" square drive.
I pulled the plug out and measured how much depth I had and ordered a 1"NPT x 3" 400 watt heater and installed it (between#2 and #3 cylinders) I pulled the lower radiator hose and blew thru with my airline before I installed the heater, flushed it out twice with plain water, then added enough anti-freeze to be a 55-60% anti freeze mixture and topped it off with more distilled water, I had to pull the manifold heater sensor out to bleed all the air out. According to my manual the anti-freeze is to be changed yearly with the factory fill.
I have been satisfied with the block heater, I do need to do one more thing before next winter, when the heater is used the manifold heater will not stay on long enough to warm the intake air, i have to cycle the switch numerous times to get some heat in the intake, below zero (F) it doesnt like to start without manifold heat, I need to see how the cycle works if I disconnect the sensor or if Im going to have to get another sensor and mount it where it reads air temp and a switch t go between air and water temps. As far as cost goes for electricity at 16 cents per KW every hour is .4 of a KW which is 6.4 cents per hour.
Enjoy
Lou

Hombre · Jun 23, 2017

Not sure what year your tractor is or what "changes" have been made year to year but I was cleaning my 4020R (2016 model,same as the 3520 but has turbo) and it has a block heater already installed. Funny I never noticed it before but the cord is neatly wound and stuck up out of the way. Pretty observant on my part I must say.....

boggen · Jun 23, 2017

no idea on your specific tractor. most tractors have a "knock out" or plug on side of engine block. for a block heater.

double check your installation instructions for block heater. there can be a "top and bottom" side to them. this is to more ensure the coolant in the block keeps the element fully submerged. all the time.

double check length of block heater, if it goes to far in, you may end up cooking the elements and/or shorting the unit out.

most blocks heaters that i looked at, did not have a real long "cable" coming off of them, or had a plug end that went into the block heaters. i had issues finding spots to route the cable. so it would not get snagged during warm times of the year. as a result ended up cutting the cable up, and cutting up another extension cable. and spliced them together. so i could run the cable in a better spot. and then used zip ties and electrical tape to fasten cable to other wiring harnesses and other parts of the frame.

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if you are dealing with single digit F temps (ugly winter storm). you might consider a battery blanket, after the block heater installation, if unit sets outside and not in a shed. then again at these temperatures, normally have issues with all vehicles and tractors. due to it is so cold out.