Block heater

[Ed ke6bnl]

Never heard "block heaters don't last that long". Maybe it's true, but I've had a few, and not one of them have ever died on me.

I plug mine in about 20 - 30 minutes before using the tractor on very cold mornings. It doesn't take more than that to feel warmth coming up thru the block, if it's properly sized and your tractor is stored under shelter out of the wind. I don't need the engine to be 180F to start.

I would not keep any block or pan warmer plugged in 24/7, that's just a total waste in a climate like MA. This ain't Fairbanks, where oil freezes in the pan.

I went the inexpensive route with a glue on the pan one, with a a plug adaptor that only powers unit when the temp is below 32 degrees. Great in my area where we rarely see under 32F

 

[WinterDeere]

I went the inexpensive route with a glue on the pan one, with a a plug adaptor that only powers unit when the temp is below 32 degrees. Great in my area where we rarely see under 32F

I have mine on a ZWave outlet, so I can just hit a button on my phone to turn it on from the house. By the time I get my boots and coat on, and then quick clear the walks with a shovel, the tractor is warm enough to start and hook up the snow plow.

I can also program it to come on at a certain time, say 5am to be ready in the morning before I have to go to work. But my wife and I both work from home now, so it's been years since I've used that feature.