Kubota M59 block heater install

[caballero59]

Went to the dealer today to pick it up and noticed the installation sheet said the hydraulic pump needs to be removed. This is nearly a no-go for me. Is is possible to work it in to the freeze plug hole without removing the pump?

 

[Adiredneck]

Went to the dealer today to pick it up and noticed the installation sheet said the hydraulic pump needs to be removed. This is nearly a no-go for me. Is is possible to work it in to the freeze plug hole without removing the pump?

Absolutely not. The pump has to come off and even then it is a tight squeeze, where you will be lucky to get good access to it.

 

[mike69440]

Went to the dealer today to pick it up and noticed the installation sheet said the hydraulic pump needs to be removed. This is nearly a no-go for me. Is is possible to work it in to the freeze plug hole without removing the pump?

Unless your north of the arctic circle, The right battery, 30-50% kerosene mix, some good anti gel additive, and 5W-40 synthetic diesel formulation oil seems a lot easier.

 

[caballero59]

I hear you loud and clear. It's not so much about getting it started but pampering it a little bit when its zero.

 

[oosik]

Don't go with the block heater - a PITA to instal. Use a radiator hose tank heater - easy to instal, provides good heat & circulation.

 

[sixdogs]

Don't go with the block heater - a PITA to instal. Use a radiator hose tank heater - easy to instal, provides good heat & circulation.

Wise advice. A recirculating lower rad hose heater does a wonderful job and sure beats the aggravation of the block heater. Life's too short and lots of things that can go wrong. Even better is mike69440's advice to use synthetic oil for easy starting. Kubotas can take it, no problem.

 

[mike69440]

Wise advice. A recirculating lower rad hose heater does a wonderful job and sure beats the aggravation of the block heater. Life's too short and lots of things that can go wrong. Even better is mike69440's advice to use synthetic oil for easy starting. Kubotas can take it, no problem.

Those kits for a lower hose heater are only around $100 or less. I saw 0-40W diesel oil. Was surprised!

 

[sixdogs]

Those kits for a lower hose heater are only around $100 or less. I saw 0-40W diesel oil. Was surprised!

When we lived in a cold climate I used 0W40 or maybe it was 5W40 and started a 90HP Kubota at 20 below. Yes, it was in a barn but that's cold and it cranked not much different from summer. Fired right up, chugged for a moment and I let it warm up for an hour. Transmission was still cold. Lots of advantages to the newer synthetic oils.

 

[CalG]

Those kits for a lower hose heater are only around $100 or less. I saw 0-40W diesel oil. Was surprised!

0-40w would not really help getting things turning at winter temps.

0W-40 on the other hand would be thin as 0 weight at 0 degrees C and still be 40 weight at 100C. A much better combination for winter work.

 

[crazyal]

I have a dealer installed block heater on my L4240 and on occasion use it. I've never had a problem starting the tractor without it but it does help. Often I just don't want to wait for it to heat up enough to make a difference. I doubt I would go through the work of removing the hydraulic pump to install one.