Do I need a block heater for a BX24???

[BXRICK]

As the original poster, I live in MA. Cold, but not THAT cold.
I have a $25 magnetic block heater. But I doubt it's necessary most of the time, and I don't always use it.
I park my tractor in an unheated shed. I have an extension cord that goes to the shed, so I can turn the block heater on from inside the house.

The fuel additive is very important. Especially if you don't use your tractor 100s of hours a week. As mentioned, it's possible the fuel you have may or may not have additive in it. Just add some when you buy more fuel. The stuff works. We all know the fuel you buy in Janurary (on-raod, anyway) has additive. But how about in October or Nevember? It's not so clear. Just add it, and save a lot of grief.

 

[john_bud]

How cold does it need to get before I see this violent horrible idling? With no cab I think I'll be more uneasy about cold weather starts than it will.

The poor idling with white smoke comes some time after -20f. The violent horrible idling with lots of white smoke comes after -30f.

I don't know what comes after -40f --> and am hoping that it stays a secret!

A "trick" is to cycle the glow plugs once for every 10 degrees the temp drops starting at 10f.

Down to 10F cycle as normal
0f cycle 2 times
-10f cycle 3 times
etc

The cold intake manifold and head will suck the heat right out and heat is needed to start a diesel.

jb

 

[mswlogo]

Yikes that's pretty **** low. I can't recall it ever being much below -10f during early daylight hours (excluding wind chill, which the tractor does not feel). Sounds like the tractor is a lot tougher than I am, I confidently say I won't be on it at -20f.

 

[Egon]

John, at -40F there is usually very little noise. Sorta a click-er and then silence.

But if there is a block or inline heater that has been powered up for a few hours the start up sounds are quite normal.

 

[LBrown59]

I just got a BX24 and researched this a lot on these forums and talked to dealers.

I read on other threads about 4 hours.

I was gonna get one and 2 dealers said you don't need it.

I'm in NH. It will be in unheated unattached barn (actually a boathouse).

If I do use my tractor in winter it probably won't be planned and 4 hours is a long time, so I passed on the heater for now.

From what I read it will start fine, it will just run rough longer without the heater. And if it doesn't start when it's bitter cold it's usually because the fuel is too thick.

I plan to put synthetic in engine after break in which should help.

No block heater for my kubotas here.
If it's to cold for the tractor to start it's time to stay in the house anyway.