New TC owner with questions about security code and winter fuel.

[BisonTC]

Hello TBN. I have been reading posts for the past few weeks and yesterday I took delivery of a new 2020 Toolcat 5600. The TC has all the options that are available for it. I am using it for personal use on my property. Today we had about 4 inches of snow. I have ordered the SB240 72 inch Bobcat snowblower and the 68 inch Bobcat angle broom but neither one are here yet. My 12 year-old son and I used the bucket for snow removal today and had a fantastic time. It wasn稚 the fastest we致e moved snow but we had a blast. What an amazing machine! We ended up doing a number of other projects just because we were having so much fun. Great father and son time. Previously I owned a John Deere subcompact tractor for the past 10 years. It was a nice machine but the ability to sit two people side by side in the TC is a game changer for us.

First question, how do I program a security code to start the machine? Nothing is programmed right now and I didn遞 see how to do it in the operations manual. I would like a code to be programmed if I leave it sit outside.

Second question, what is best for diesel fuel for winter? Just use normal winter diesel (diesel #1) or do you recommended to use additives as well? If recommend using additives, which one is best? I will primarily keep the TC in a heated garage but it may sit outside periodically. Our temps can get to -40 F once in a great while. Temps down to -20 F at night are common in our winter.

Thank you for your help.

 

[ruffdog]

Security code set-up...go to "system setup and analysis" section in the manual and go to "control panel setup". You can see you can setup many parameters including the security code. To change codes, the control panel must first be in Locked Mode! Call your dealer and they will help you with the first code. It helps to write down in your own words the process to do the programming as following the manual is sometimes difficult.

 

[ruffdog]

Fuel....if you put summer diesel in a jar and put it in a freezer, you will see how much it changes. I treated summer fuel and it didn't help as much as I wanted. I then tested winter grade (after about Nov 1st) and it was much better. At minus 20-40, I would run winter fuel and I would treat it per bottle instructions. This year, I'm running the tank low until the local fuel starts being switched to the winter blend.

 

[ruffdog]

In "control panel setup", you can set the parameters on the 2-speed, high flow, HP management, and tire size. Again, it doesn't hurt to make your own notes.

 

[DEWFPO]

I would run #2 with additives and keep a couple of cans of treated #1 around. If you know you're going to leave it outside in -40F throw in the #1 run it until all the fuel is mixed, then plug in your block heater an hour or 2 before you're going to use it.

DEWFPO

 

[ruffdog]

I would run #2 with additives and keep a couple of cans of treated #1 around. If you know you're going to leave it outside in -40F throw in the #1 run it until all the fuel is mixed, then plug in your block heater an hour or 2 before you're going to use it.

DEWFPO

Good point about the block heater. The new toolcats have a Doosan engine that uses a "dry pocket" block heater. That means you don't have to mess with the coolant or freeze plugs and is a easy DIY job. It is well worth having in cold weather.

 

[hube2]

Fuel....if you put summer diesel in a jar and put it in a freezer, you will see how much it changes...

How long does it take to see changes?

I've been worried bout my treated summer fuel as I have more than 15 gallons of the stuff. I added Power Service winterizer. I put some in a mason jar an put it in my freezer, 0f (-18c) and didn't see anything that I would call clouding or a change is viscosity. But it was a limited test, 3 hours, if my wife came home and found diesel in her freezer she'd string me up. If it needs more time I'll do a more extended test next week.

 

[ruffdog]

Leave it in for a day.

 

[BisonTC]

Ruffdog,

Thanks, I will get the code from the dealer this week. It has been frustrating me but I see now I need a code that I don't have to do what I want.

 

[BisonTC]

DEWFPO,

Thanks for the info. I would just like to clarify. If I run winter diesel in the toolcat, do you recommend that I also put in fuel additives such as Power Service Winterizer, or only use the additives if I have summer diesel in it? If you do recommend an additive with the winter diesel, which one do you recommend?
Thanks again!

 

[ruffdog]

Here is Bobcat's fuel additive:

All-Tier Fuel Additive, Winter Formula | 729531 | Genuine Bobcat Parts

 

[ruffdog]

Ruffdog,

Thanks, I will get the code from the dealer this week. It has been frustrating me but I see now I need a code that I don't have to do what I want.

I was in the same spot as you when I bought my Toolcat. The dealer contacted the company to get the code and I was all set. I do like the code system and how you can change it for other people using the equipment. The long beep after you shut it down will not happen if you use the code to lock it. That was a reminder beep to secure the equipment.

 

[CobyRupert]

Run the additives. After a freeze up I’ll never trust the “winter blend” diesel sold by my local again even after I called and was assured it was blended/winterized (Rhymes with Cucumberland Farms).
Depending on where you store tractor, keep tank full-ish. There’s less air in tank above fuel that can go through heating/cooling cycles where it “rains” (condensing into water).
Check if your tractor has ways to drain water condensate from the bottom of tank and fuel filter if you ever need to. But do so when above 32F.
Block heaters are great. A blow dryer can be your friend.

 

[ruffdog]

It seems the suppliers treat/blend the fuel for current conditions, not the upcoming frigid temps of NEXT month.

 

[BisonTC]

Thanks everyone, got the code from the dealer and was able to program the TC, bought some additive from the dealer, and found the cord for the block heater. Ready for the snow!

 

[coldsteelva]

Thanks everyone, got the code from the dealer and was able to program the TC, bought some additive from the dealer, and found the cord for the block heater. Ready for the snow!

That's great - Any idea why the dealer didn't acquire/provide the number at sale? Is this a special type of request?

 

[BisonTC]

Good question. The service person told me they usually don’t give out this number and prefer I not put a lock code on it. I had to insist that I really wanted it and then he looked it up for me. Not sure why it would matter to them?

 

[ruffdog]

On these units, there are 3 different types of codes, Master, owner, and operator. As a new owner, you want to be able to set your own operator code. To do that, you need the master code and Bobcat and the responsible owner will keep that VERY secretive. Once you make your owner's code, never use the master code, maybe forget it. Then, as the owner, to can make up to 3 operator codes that other users can use. The owner can always go back in and change the operator codes if you need to. Doing it this way ensures the security for the machines owner.

 

[BisonTC]

How do I know if I was given the owner code or the master code? I was able to program operator codes but it wasn’t immediately clear to me which code I have. Thanks.

 

[ruffdog]

The owner code is code0 and the operator codes are code1, code2, code3 when you program. If you have the master code, you can program code0. You can always call the dealer too. Don't be using your master code for daily operation....only for programming the owner code.