Mechanos
Veteran Member
Now that cold temps are here, I see a lot of discussions about block heaters, oil pan heaters, etc., etc. So, is anyone here using a transmission/hydraulic oil heater? I see that one is an available option on many models.
Hyd. oil heater
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Gale Hawkins
Super Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
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- 8,265
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- Murray, KY
- Tractor
- 1948 Allis Chambers Model B 1976 265 MF / 1983 JD 310B Backhoe / 1966 Ford 3000 Diesel / 1980 3600 Diesel
The heater options are out there.
I think it may be a little like with a pick up truck. If it will not move when started you can let it warm up by running the engine. The hot engine will heat the transmission over time.
Some of it is 10 to 20 weight oil so it is pretty thin. I do raise the FEL some for a load but many tractor transmissions will put a load on the pump and start heat generation.
If it is zero F I sure would take it easy for a bit but it will be life/death matter before I will be starting the tractor at those temps. :thumbsup:
I think it may be a little like with a pick up truck. If it will not move when started you can let it warm up by running the engine. The hot engine will heat the transmission over time.
Some of it is 10 to 20 weight oil so it is pretty thin. I do raise the FEL some for a load but many tractor transmissions will put a load on the pump and start heat generation.
If it is zero F I sure would take it easy for a bit but it will be life/death matter before I will be starting the tractor at those temps. :thumbsup:
beenthere
Super Star Member
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- Aug 16, 2001
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- 18,510
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- Southern Wisconsin, USA
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- JD_4x2_Gator, JD_4300, JD_425, JD_455 AWS, added JD_455, JD_110, JD_X485(sold)
I suppose a heater cannot hurt, but where are you located that you think you might need an oil heater?
OP
Mechanos
Veteran Member
I'm in the midwest, and don't really think that I need a hyd. oil heater... I was just curious how many people out there used them. Everyone is so concerned about starting their engines with cold oil, but nobody seems to be concerned about immediately pumping cold hydro oil through the trans, etc.
I've been told that after starting the engine and letting idle for a few minutes, I can close the rate-of-drop valve and move the TPH lever into a raised position to put the hyd. system into bypass and let it run for a few minutes that way to help warm the hydro oil. But I'm not totally convinced that is a good idea.
bp fick
Super Member
I think folks are concerned. But, the block heater to primarily to be sure the thing starts!!! If the engine isn't going to start, the cold Hydro is rather pointless.
Now, getting the hydro fluid to flow is a stinker at -10. First, if your tractor is exposed to those kinds of temperatures, the OEMs offer a very, very low viscosity fluid to assist in cold flow. Kubota, for example, is even coming out with a new Super UDT-2 for increased cold/hot protection.
Frankly, it takes forever to raise the hydro temps on a sub-zero day. Idling alone doesn't get the job done, imho. You do have to "exercise" the 3 pt, FEL and gently move the tractor a bit to actually warm the hydro. I find that it doesn't reach working temps for good while. Thus, most folks take it very easy on it for the first 15-20 minutes, but it must be actually operated to warm it up.
I don't think a hydro heater is a bad thing at all.
wdchyd
Elite Member
Last edited:
OP
Mechanos
Veteran Member
Well, that sounds exactly like what I was told I could do. On my JD 955, if I completely close the rate of drop valve and then move the TPH lever to any raised position, the hydraulic system is dead-headed and goes into relief. Sounds like the same thing as holding the FEL controls hard over after the cylinders have reached the end of their stroke..... only you don't have to hold it there. But you do have to remember that you did and not walk off an leave it operating in that state. Manually holding the FEL control would provide a bit of a built-in fail-safe.
s78wingrider
Gold Member
Last winter I wrapped a heat tape around some of the metal Hyd. lines, Hyd. filter and engine oil pan and kept it plugged in most of the time. Don't know if it helped but I felt better about starting when it was cold and it always started. 
TCSavage
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2004
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- 68
- Location
- Lakeland Shores, Mn
- Tractor
- JD 4210 eHydro, F725 w/54" deck
I use both a block heater and a hydro heater on my 4210 and plug them in if the temp drops below 20º or so. The tractor is an excellent starter, however it is nice to have oil flowing right away.
wdchyd
Elite Member
It does work and it doesn't cost anything but time to warm it up....(you'll be waiting anyway)......
How's that .....Free Advice and Free Hydraulic Oil Heater..:thumbsup: