BX1500 Tank Heater ?

Robert_Parent · Nov 1, 2004

Hi All,

I purchased a BX1500 this fall and will need to install some type of heater for the winter months. I believe I read here on the forum that the Bx1500 does not have a provision for a screw-in style block heater, so what options do I have? What sort of heaters have the rest of you Bx1500 owners installed? Thanks....

ByronBob · Nov 1, 2004

Bob do a google search on block heaters, grab a beverage, order takeout and you'll be here all day reading links.

There is a block heater which screws into the side of the engine and one which goes inline on the low pressure return hose to the radiator. I have the latter. Cost about 35

MIKE_E · Nov 1, 2004

Just to add another question. Not knowing a whole lot about diesels, how cold will my BX-1500 start reliably without a heater?

Thanks
Mike

BANDAMAN · Nov 1, 2004

My dealer has repeatedly talked me out of ordering a block heater for my BX2230. It stays in my garage which is unheated, but attached to my house. It gets very cold here in MI, but he tells me unless it sits outside in below 15 degree temps, I will never need the block heater. Most members on this site will probably disagree, but I am trusting my dealer on this one. I wouldn't see any reason why he wouldn't want to make a few bucks on a part, unless he truly beleived that is was unecessary. I keep asking if it will be hard on the engine, and he calming shakes his head no, and says the tractor will outlast me. (i'm only 31, so that is pretty bold)

By the way, I shopped for BX tractors for along time(BX1500 included), and not one dealer would reccommend a block heater to me, said I would never need it and that Kubota builds the easiest starting diesels in the world. My $.02

frank_f15 · Nov 1, 2004

i have a b 2400 (4 years now) and mine sits in an unheated garage, WITH NO BLOCK HEATER get quite cold here in Bufflao ny area, and i have never had a problem with the tractor starting. 10 to 15 sec with the glo plugs and fires right up.The only advantage i can see for the heater is a little better lubrication on start up. but this is just MHO

NY_Yankees_Fan · Nov 2, 2004

Block Heater = Sleep Insurance ($30)
Synthetic Oil VS. Dyno Oil = Sleep Insurance ( $12)

These are choices you make, nothing more or less, which is better and which is not, well you can read maNY hours of posts for and against the above and still not know. I like my sleep so I use both. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Robert_Parent · Nov 2, 2004

I agree that you can likely get your Kubota started when it's a -15 degrees without a heater but it will not be easy on your engine. I agree with Tom in that a $30.00 heater is cheap insurance and will greatly minimize engine wear.

Is it true that you can get a screw in style block heater for the BX1500? I know you can for the 18 and 22 series but I thought for the Bx1500 that was not the case, hence my question...

Tom, how soon can you start using synthetic oil? I've always read that you need to go through a break in period using dyno oil, is that true? I only have 10 hours on my 1500 so it's still in the break in period.

Thanks...

ByronBob · Nov 2, 2004

Bob if you follow the regular maint. requirements then at 50 hours just go synthetic an you'll be fine. The dealer told me not to bother with the heater also and I believed him. But one day at -10 Deg I started the tractor and it just wasn't happy. So for $30-40 I figured I could blow my money for once doing something wise for the long term investment I made. May not matter either way but I'll take my chances with one thank you. As for the 1500 being a 2 cyl vs a 3 for my 2230 I don't know if the block mount heater can be added. I put mine on the radiator hose anyway. Get the hose style if anything. At least the fluid will warm some regardless which should help starting the block easier

paparammer · Nov 2, 2004

I have a BX 1800 and my dealer was also adamant about not needing a heater. However, one day at 0 degrees was all it took to convince me (not that I wasn't already):
did it start - yes
was it easy - no
could it be good for the engine - doubtful

A block heater doesn't exist for the 1800 but a Kubota part does - goes in a freeze plug knockout. I suggest you contact Tractorsmart and ask them what's available for the 1500; that's what I did for mine as my dealer obviously wasn't going to tell me. $30, an hour or so and happy engine when cold.

Robert_Parent · Nov 2, 2004

Thanks Guys!

Sounds like a lower hose heater is what I need. I also plan to switch to synthetic oil at 50 hours. In MN it always feels like winter is here so every little bit helps!