Installed lower radiator hose heater...

PRF · Jul 31, 2013

I didn't like the way the Kubota cold started and didn't like the freeze plug option, so I put an inline heater in the lower radiator hose this past Spring... I think it's going to be worth having this Winter... Here's some pictures and a video showing start up with no heater, then plugged in for 30 minutes, then I think 2 hours the last segment..I think 2-3 hours plugged in during the Winter will do the trick..

Note in picture #4 that the section removed from the hose (about 1.5") makes a perfect chafe hose with a zip tie, nothing wasted.

Zick · Aug 2, 2013

Nice work! Looks like that helps a ton. :thumbsup:

PRF · Aug 2, 2013

Zick said:
Nice work! Looks like that helps a ton. :thumbsup:

Thanks !! Yeah, I gotta think it'll help out a lot when Winter rolls around .

oosik · Aug 2, 2013

I can tell you that a properly installed inline heater is very effective. Two-three hour plug in will bring the antifreeze solution almost to full operating temps. Other than some fairly exotic methods this was the system used almost universally in the colder areas of Alaska.

PRF · Aug 3, 2013

oosik said:
I can tell you that a properly installed inline heater is very effective. Two-three hour plug in will bring the antifreeze solution almost to full operating temps. Other than some fairly exotic methods this was the system used almost universally in the colder areas of Alaska.

Thank you, sure seems like a good idea to me, not only for easier starting, but for increasing the longevity of the engine... I was told by a race car engine builder friend of mine once that 90% of engine wear occurs at start up, and this thing starts pretty rough without the heater.

wmonroe · Aug 7, 2013

Nice install, I've also been thinking about a block heater. What were the ambient temps during those videos (roughly)? I think when it's cold out a heater for the hst fluid would also be good.

Buckgnarly · Aug 7, 2013

Why didn't you like the freeze plug option? That's all I have on all our stuff up here, more efficient at heating the block and not wasting heat through the radiator.

I agree about starts, everyone says they don't need a heater, but sure does not hurt, especially at -20F!

PRF · Aug 7, 2013

Buckgnarly said:
Why didn't you like the freeze plug option? That's all I have on all our stuff up here, more efficient at heating the block and not wasting heat through the radiator.

I agree about starts, everyone says they don't need a heater, but sure does not hurt, especially at -20F!

Where Kubota wanted it installed made for a lot of work, and I didn't like that it was a press fit. If it was threaded I definitely would have gone that route... I think a block heater should be standard equipment on anything sold in the North..

wmonroe said:
Nice install, I've also been thinking about a block heater. What were the ambient temps during those videos (roughly)? I think when it's cold out a heater for the hst fluid would also be good.

Thanks !! It wasn't very cold, maybe 50* ... I'm fortunate that I have a place to keep the tractor indoors, but I was hoping to eliminate smoking the shop up when I start it cold.. Definitely an improvement.

oosik · Aug 8, 2013

You know, I've seen a few freeze plug installations and there are problems. Since it is not a threaded installation there is a tendency for leaking and there is no circulation with a freeze plug heater. Also, I see no way, at least on my Kubota, to use an inline heater for hydraulic oil. And I'm pretty sure the inline heater is NOT designed to directly heat oil of any kind. What is used successfully is a magnetic heater. They "clomp" on to the tranny/oil pan and will elevate the oil temps. I've used these magnetic heaters and have always been leery of them being dragged, brushed, rubbed off of their attachment point. Sooo - what I did was use a good type of glue and applied it around the heater as if you were welding it to the metal. You don't want to put it on the magnetic surface because it probably will interfere with its ability to attach. I had an arrangement that would turn on both heaters around three hours before starting my pickup. The antifreeze got almost to operating temps and the engine oil was around 65 degrees F. I lived in Alaska for twenty years (Anchorage) and this system was very helpful in the one (yes, only one) trip I made to Fairbanks in the winter. Temps on that trip hit -48 deg F and I made a promise to myself - NEVER in Fairbanks in the winter again. In Anchorage I only used the heaters if it got below zero - which might happen a couple time during the winter.