Block heater

[D'oh]

Fires have been caused by "Incorrect Extension Cords" being used from the Home/Garage-the Vehicle.

Make sure to use a Good Quality 12AWG grounded Extension Cord. The Block Heater it's self will be fine if the area is clean

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I’d really like to see what all you guys would do if the hydro shutdown unexpectedly. My 2014 tractor sits in a cold dry barn, although on a battery maintainer 24/7, and it will start whenever I need it to.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that has no idea what you're talking about, "...if the hydro shutdown unexpectedly."

My tractor also sits in an unheated shed all winter. It's a hydro. It has never "shutdown unexpectedly". Can't see how it ever would, or why it would be related to temperature in any way (as this discussion has been about). If something BREAKS in the hydro, that's one thing, but "shutting down unexpectedly"? You'd have to explain that one to me.

My battery has never had a maintainer on it, or a warmer or heat blanket. Doesn't need them. After my OEM wet cell Interstate battery died the first winter I owned the tractor (on the first night we hit -30F), I went out and bought an Optima AGM battery, which has been in it ever since (over 6 years now). It has never failed to start the tractor, down to a real ambient temp of -45F. It has never needed a "jump" or charge (other than what it gets off the running engine's alternator). Chalk it up to "quality care & maintenance".

I use a synthetic engine oil, and a synthetic hydro fluid. Both are rated for the temperature ranges I regularly see here in ND. We can get to just over 100 F in summer (not for long, and not every summer), and we have gotten down to -45 F for a real ambient air temp once in the last few years, normally we'd be between -30 F and -40 F for winter time lows. The oils and fluids I use are rated for that extreme temperature range.

As per my last post, I do have a pad heater stuck to the side of my oil pan, and a pad heater stuck to the side of my hydro sump. Along with those is a block heater. All 3 are tied together and plug into a timer in the shed. The heaters make the startup easier and exhaust "cleans up" quicker, but push come to shove, the tractor will start without being plugged in. It only becomes an issue if I have to plow the driveway when I get home from work so we can get in, and the timer only comes on in the morning, so the tractor will be "cold" (at ambient temperature) in the evenings.

 

[Robin Veerman]

"...if the hydro shutdown unexpectedly."

I’m talking about electricity/grid power….

 

[grsthegreat]

oh....ok, i was lost also. i thought you meant hydro transmission.

i have whole house generator.

 

[Robin Veerman]

Haha….sometimes I’m in my own little world. Yeppers on synthetic oils like Slowpoke mentioned, so we can count on our equipment if we care/maintain as best we can. My area in Ontario Canada can have extreme temperatures too, hot/cold.
And yes I’ve got generators for backup too.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

"...if the hydro shutdown unexpectedly."

I’m talking about electricity/grid power….

Ok, I get it now. We don't often see that term used for utility electric power here.

Makes more sense. Electric grid power loss in winter would be devastating here. We'd be ok with a generator and wood stove, but many would be left hurting. Our little co-op has been pretty stellar in keeping the power on. Never any outages in winter in the 8+ years we've been on this grid (spanned across 2 separate houses but both on the same co-op).

 

[Robin Veerman]

A lot of our electricity comes from hydro electric dams, at least it used to, thus the term “hydro” that I used.
Good idea to start/run our tractors without any external help a few times just to see what it can do. I think the manufacturers have built them to be quite robust and there’s no need to pamper them if their upkeep has been top notch…

 

[John_Mc]

I’d really like to see what all you guys would do if the hydro grid shutdown unexpectedly. My 2014 tractor sits in a cold dry barn, although on a battery maintainer 24/7, and it will start whenever I need it to. My 50 year old David Brown would (sold though) too.
Understand how your tractor behaves in all kinds of weather, maintain it to the highest degree possible, and treat the fuel as if your life depends on it because your tractor certainly does.
Certainly any “helps” are beneficial but be prepared for the unexpected when all you can really rely on is the quality of care/maintenance that you’ve given to it…
My 2cents

I'm not sure what "all you guys" would do, but if our power goes down and I need the tractor, I start it without a preheat. However, given the option, I'll preheat it when it's cold out. Cold starts are a major source of engine wear.

 

[Williy]

The heat lamps give off a lot of heat so would think a couple of them under your
tractor would keep it nice and warm or just one

willy

 

[grsthegreat]

But heat lamps draw about 250 watts of mostly lost heat.

 

[ironman1952]

Sorry for not chiming in sooner, I did not realize that there are a limited number of replies per page. :-(
I am in the Spokane area of Washington state. not nearly as cold as where you guys are. the coldest so far has been about 25+-

I know what a baby I am Hydro electric has been a mainstay for many years,
the extension cord issue brought up is a good one. The gauge of the wire is based on the amperage rating of the heater coil and the length of the cord. The longer the cord the higher gauge of wire necessary. I have an enclosed trailer with my cabinet making tools and I have a air compressor, lights, chopsaw and outlets in the trailer. I use a 100' 10 gauge wire to carry any possible load.
Anyway I have not been using the block heater as of late.
Thanks again for all your sage advise Regards, Joe

 

[Williy]

Heat lamps 100 watt 125 watt 175 Watt 250 watt 500 watt etc
With the heat lamp focused on the oil pan should heat up quickly

willy

 

[John_Mc]

Heat lamps 100 watt 125 watt 175 Watt 250 watt 500 watt etc
With the heat lamp focused on the oil pan should heat up quickly

willy

Heat lamps do work, but "quickly" is a relative term. A tractor engine has a lot of thermal mass. In really cold weather, it can take hours to get a good preheat. Putting the heat lamp under the tractor and throwing an old blanket or sleeping bag over it can help - just make sure things are arranged so as not to start a fire.