Get An Engine Heater!!

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

This is what I do since my shed has no power and I use a block heater. I lay the extension cord on the lawn in the late fall. I then mark the location with 2' rebar (or anything you have) so I know the location under the snow. This way I do not drive over it. Do not know if this will work for you but is easy and fast.

I also use 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger from Harbor Freight to keep the battery from going dead. I am on the original OEM battery since 2002. I keep the solar charger on year round.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[johnamon]

I will also vote for a heater. When we bought our JD 2320 three years ago it was on the list for the dealer to install. They didn't really think it was needed but also didn't put up too much of a fight when I wanted it added to the sale.

One morning it was real cold, down around 0F. The tractor started OK and I started blowing snow after letting it warm up for a couple minutes. After about 5-10 minutes I lost power and could just keep the tractor running. Luckily I could get back to the house. I plugged in the heater for half an hour and then it ran great.

For the first year we had one of those tent-garage-things. After the poor running experience I ran an extension cord from the front porch outlet to the tent. There I had a light and plugged in the tractor heater. Anytime it got down to 10F or so I would plug it in for 30 minutes or so while I ate breakfast. Always worked great.

Now we have a proper pole barn with lots of electricity. I installed one outlet in the barn that is switched from inside. Now on cold days I can start the heater without even sticking my head outside.

I don't know if the heater heats the engine or oil or coolant or fuel. But for me it really makes a difference.

Now I just keep thinking about a cab ...

 

[CBW1999]

I would never have a tractor without a block heater. We usually have a run in Mid February where the temp in the early morning can be 40 below zero (not including wind chill.

I have found the same, that about an hour- is all it takes to arm up the engine (B7510). I haven't had much trouble when it is above zero, seldom used the heater, but several days this last week had a tough time getting it going.

I like the idea of the trickle charge on the battery to keep it warm. I also picked up a "magnet heater". not sure if i will put it on the oil pan, or the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The oil pan usually gets warm with the block heater, but not sure if it is enough to have warmed the oil too.

Unfortunately, my tractor has no indoor accommodations available..

 

[BX22inMO]

I heeded what good I thought was some pretty good (and cheap) advice.

Tractor Supply was out, but O'Reilly's had a magnetic 200W heater. An hour and a half later ... first crank. Ten seconds on the glow plugs and turn the key. First time that's happened in ... well, since it got God Awful cold here in NEMO. There is only a small place to put it on the oil pan on my BX, but it's as snug as a bug in rug.

Does anybody leave them on all the time ?? Seems dangerous to me, but the destructions say it's thermostatically controlled, so..... (maybe the night before a storm comes in ??? )

I also put a trickle charger on it last night for the battery's sake, but it was the heater that got it to start.... GARRANTEEED !!!

Thanks, guys !!

 

[jeffgreef]

Okay, so, explain to us ignoramuses what the different types of heaters are, and how they work.

From what I read, there is an electric blanket heater that you can put on your battery, starter, and block, right?

Is there an oil pan heater that is essentially an electric element that sits in the oil? this must be impossible to retrofit, unless you are willing to cut holes in the oil pan.

Is there a blanket that you wrap around the oil pan?

I've heard of truckers lighting hibachi charcoal fires under their engines to warm up the oil and block. Doesn't sound like such a good idea.....

My main question is- if you buy a used tractor with no heater, what are your options for installing one?

JG

 

[Trails2004]

..........My main question is- if you buy a used tractor with no heater, what are your options for installing one?
JG

Look at the link below perhaps this will help

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/159771-jd-790-battery-maintainer-block.html

 

[brandoro]

Okay, so, explain to us ignoramuses what the different types of heaters are, and how they work.

From what I read, there is an electric blanket heater that you can put on your battery, starter, and block, right?

Is there an oil pan heater that is essentially an electric element that sits in the oil? this must be impossible to retrofit, unless you are willing to cut holes in the oil pan.

Is there a blanket that you wrap around the oil pan?

I've heard of truckers lighting hibachi charcoal fires under their engines to warm up the oil and block. Doesn't sound like such a good idea.....

My main question is- if you buy a used tractor with no heater, what are your options for installing one?

JG

The oil pan heater could be a magnetic one or a flexible one that mounts with adhesive, both on the outside of the oil pan so no holes required. A blanket for the battery is okay but not really needed if your tractor is run regularly and the battery is in good condition. A block heater is the best bang for the buck if you can get one that is meant for your tractor. Block heaters are not a new idea so should be available even on a used tractor 20 or more years old.

 

[wolc123]

I do love the block heater. I would never use a diesel in the winter without one. My JD 4120 actually starts smoother on a 10 deg below zero day, after being plugged in for about an hour, than it does on a 80 deg summer day. I dont even bother to use the ignition pre-heat. I also love the power reverser (gear)trans. in the winter, as it is ready for work at all temps, not sluggish in the cold like the hydros can be.

 

[bp fick]

I have two 250 watt magnetic heaters on either side of the oil pan on my BX. I find it take 3-4 hours to do the job at -5.

The engine itself is an easy starter, but I take some comfort in knowing the oil is warm and flowing quickly. Frankly, the HST isn't going to do much for at least 10-15 minutes anyhow. I gently move the blade up and down, side to side. I repeat that joystick movement a few times during warm up. I also creep out of the shop very, very slowly. I find the HST to be slower than the engine to warm up. Considering a trans pad heater I've heard about. Couldn't hurt. Anyone have one of those?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I bought one of those magnetic heaters and the only thing it did for me was make my wallet $30 lighter. They are worthless compared to a lower radiator hose heater or any sort of block heater.

Chris