Kioti NX cold weather operation

[RockyNY]

Since we're into another winter and the NX series has been out for a few, just wondered if any one else (besides Eric) have noticed that their NX runs very cold. The last 2 times I plowed it was below freezing, one time it was 15*, I ran the tractor for an hour and it just made it up to the 1/4 mark on the temp gauge. The last time it was below zero and it just barely made it up to the first mark on the temp gauge, after running for 1/2 hour at 2000+ rpm. Plus I had the block heater plugged in for 3 hours prior to starting. It's enough to keep the cab comfortably warm, but it's not hot enough to defrost the windows. I was hoping to avoid a warranty voiding mod like changing the t-stat, but I have to do something, I'm going to try blocking off the radiator for now and see how that works.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I have yet to use mine in anything below about 34 but compared to my kubota its slower at warming up. Been thinking about putting some gauges on it to better tell what the temp is running.

 

[Looking4new]

Since we're into another winter and the NX series has been out for a few, just wondered if any one else (besides Eric) have noticed that their NX runs very cold. The last 2 times I plowed it was below freezing, one time it was 15*, I ran the tractor for an hour and it just made it up to the 1/4 mark on the temp gauge. The last time it was below zero and it just barely made it up to the first mark on the temp gauge, after running for 1/2 hour at 2000+ rpm. Plus I had the block heater plugged in for 3 hours prior to starting. It's enough to keep the cab comfortably warm, but it's not hot enough to defrost the windows. I was hoping to avoid a warranty voiding mod like changing the t-stat, but I have to do something, I'm going to try blocking off the radiator for now and see how that works.

IF you close off the front of the grill, keep a close eye on the temperature gauge.

 

[Threepoint]

[snip]It's enough to keep the cab comfortably warm, but it's not hot enough to defrost the windows.[snip]

Rocky, are you referring to actual frost on the exterior of the windows? Or perhaps moisture condensing and fogging on the insides even with the heat and the blower fan cranked up? If the latter, that sometimes happens to me when I've operated for a few minutes on a very cold day. I just keep the temp and fan dialed up and press the A/C button. The fogging clears right away. Sounds at first counter intuitive, but the evaporator works great as a dehumidifier.

On the warm up issue, I haven't noticed much delay in getting the engine temp up on the "cold" days we've had, say 25 - 30 F or so. In fact the other day I was impressed how quickly it made it to the 1/4 mark on the gauge. I've been conscious of the potential issue because of Eric's experience in No. Minn.

 

[RockyNY]

Rocky, are you referring to actual frost on the exterior of the windows? Or perhaps moisture condensing and fogging on the insides even with the heat and the blower fan cranked up? If the latter, that sometimes happens to me when I've operated for a few minutes on a very cold day. I just keep the temp and fan dialed up and press the A/C button. The fogging clears right away. Sounds at first counter intuitive, but the evaporator works great as a dehumidifier.

On the warm up issue, I haven't noticed much delay in getting the engine temp up on the "cold" days we've had, say 25 - 30 F or so. In fact the other day I was impressed how quickly it made it to the 1/4 mark on the gauge. I've been conscious of the potential issue because of Eric's experience in No. Minn.

It is actual frost on the inside of the windows. I too use the AC to "de-fog" the windows and that always works, but only if I can actually get the frost to thaw into condensation. The other morning when it was below zero the AC wouldn't even turn on, I'm not sure why except that it was too cold. I tried it right now (it's about 35*) and the AC works fine.

It seems to get warm enough unless temps are in the teens and below.

 

[Trillium Farm]

Since we're into another winter and the NX series has been out for a few, just wondered if any one else (besides Eric) have noticed that their NX runs very cold. The last 2 times I plowed it was below freezing, one time it was 15*, I ran the tractor for an hour and it just made it up to the 1/4 mark on the temp gauge. The last time it was below zero and it just barely made it up to the first mark on the temp gauge, after running for 1/2 hour at 2000+ rpm. Plus I had the block heater plugged in for 3 hours prior to starting. It's enough to keep the cab comfortably warm, but it's not hot enough to defrost the windows. I was hoping to avoid a warranty voiding mod like changing the t-stat, but I have to do something, I'm going to try blocking off the radiator for now and see how that works.

You may have a thermostat problem. I'd start with changing it and see the results. You can always have a partial block of the rad if that doesn't work. I had a diesel car in the 70s and then they all came with a rubber mask to block the rad in the winter.

 

[RockyNY]

I put a partial block on the rad for now, we'll see what the results are from this but I'm thinking I'll just bite the bullet and do something with the thermostat. Also noticed I have a leaking 3pt lift cylinder, will have to look into that as well.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Have you spoke to your dealer about a possible thermostat problem?

 

[RockyNY]

I'm happy to report that an initial test of my cardboard radiator cover exceeded my expectations. It was 12F when I plowed this morning, and the temp needle rose so fast I thought I was going to have to pull the cardboard out. But when it hit the middle mark on the gauge, (normal summertime operating temp), it stayed right there. It was up to temp within 10 minutes of run time. I used a piece of cardboard with a 6" center cutout in place of the radiator debris screen. I will have to watch it closely, I may have to remove it when operating in temperatures closer to the freezing mark, or make a larger cutout.

 

[Threepoint]

Excellent! Thanks for posting. About how long was your work session this morning?

Looking forward to an update as you get more run time and in higher temps. I can't recall if Eric experimented with a radiator cover before eventually going with his successful thermostat swap. Maybe he'll jump in on this.