New BX1800 owner

[paparammer]

I bought a new BX1800 in June and sort of wish I had found this forum before then. I've since spent hours going through old messages and guess what I found? Everybody loves their BX! Although I've only used mine for mowing so far (20 hours), I can't wait (sort of) for winter as I want to see what the snowblower and blade (if it ever arrives. they keep pushing the delivery off) can do. (upstate New York - last winter was a doozy)
One question I do have: when I bought the tractor, I ahd been told (verbally - should have got it in writing) that the dealership installed block heaters on all the tractors. When I got mine, I was told they had stopped doing it for the BX1800 as it was too complicated for the 1800 engine and that besides, it really wasn't needed. I'd enjoy comments on both points.
Anyhow, this seems like a great place. Everybody keep up the good work!

 

[BrokerBob]

I own a BX1800 and do not have a engine block heater installed. I am skeptical, though, that the BX1800 engine presents a more difficult/tedious installation process. In fact, I vaguely recall reading about the installation in the Shop Manual which can be purchased separately. It seemed to me more or less the same procedure with the BX2200 or the BX1800. Although I can't say with certainty whether or not you really need the heater, I think that it would be better to have it if you plan on using your machine regularly during the winter. You may be able to start the engine without it, however, the warmer crankcase will place less of a load on your starter motor as well as reduce engine wear during the early warm-up period.

I think that I would go back to your dealer and exert a little pressure on him provided this is, in fact, something that you think you need. My hunch is that it certainly wouldn't hurt.

BrokerBob

 

[surfran]

I purchased my BX1800 in March/April timeframe and had them install the engine block heater. I have not used it, but it is ready for the upcoming inevitable Winter season. I don't know how hard it was for the dealer to install, but I do know the muffler needed to be removed as they re-installed it incorrectly. It doesn't look that difficult to get to if the muffler is removed. I think you were just given the run around as they didn't have one, or didn't want to bother. I for one figured it was a cheap insurance policy. As you noted our winters in NY can be something, and I don't want to get into a situation where it won't start and I can't move snow cuz it's too cold!!!

I have inserted a old picture that shows it and the cord. It is not a very good picture, but you get the idea. Of course this photo also shows my muffler mounted incorrectly which is the real reason I took it.

If you need further photo's let me know and I can actually go take some for this.

Good Luck,

 

[Dooze]

Congrats on your new BX. I've had mine for almost three years and about 250 hours. I live in Northern VT and used the BX with the front mount snowblower for 1 winter before installing the block heater. The tractor is stored in an unheated shed and starts pretty easily down to about 20 degrees. After that it starts but you have to keep the glow plugs on for a long time. Your dealer is giving you a snow job about the installation. I installed mine in less than an hour at a cost of about $30.00. I bought the heater from the dealer and was surprised at how small it is. It replaces a freeze plug in the front of the engine. I had to remove the muffler (3 bolts) if I remember to get to the plug. I used an awl to puncture the plug and remove it as it is pressed into the block. The heater inserts into the hole and you tighten the screw in the heater and it expands to fit tightly in the hole. I used plastic ties to keep the cord from touching any hot parts. While the heater is quite small it is powerful, about 400 watts. It needs less than an hour to warm the engine to make it start like it does in the summertime. It is a very worthwhile investment in this cold climate.

 

[Henro]

As a benchmark for reference,

I got a BX2200 a couple weeks ago. The added cost for a block heater and a heavy-duty alternator, installed, was $125 total. This was on top of an already-agreed-to price for the tractor, so I don't think there was any smoke and/or mirrors involved.

I understand that the 2200 and 1800 are essentially the same except for engine displacement. Can't imagine that my dealer could have done the job for that price if it involved much.

Come to think of it...the mechanic told me he could have put it on either side...perhaps [if I understood him right] one side is easier to install on than the other? I have to take a look and see...perhaps there is a freeze plug on each side of the block...

I'm glad I got a block heater on mine. I also have a B2910, and I can tell you whether the tractor needs it or not, it sure makes me feel good when I start the tractor up in sub freezing temps! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[paparammer]

I was told by my dealer that the 1800 and 2200 engines were laid out differently and that while it was a simple process to install the block heater in the 2200, the 1800 was much more involved. The impression I was getting is that it would be a several hundred dollar job.
On a somewhat related note, how does one obtain service manuals for these tractors?