Silicone Pad Heaters for Hydraulic Fluid and Engine Oil

[DEWFPO]

What is the preferred location for one or two, 250 watt silicone hot pad heater(s) to warm up the hydraulic fluid on a Toolcat? (I've got a 2009 "D" series). Can the plastic tank handle pad heaters?

Is the engine oil pan flat enough to handle a 5.25" x 3.5" silicone pad heater?

Thanks, DEWFPO

 

[SPYDERLK]

As long as its lo wattage per unit area and theres always plenty of fluid above it. I would go on the bottom if possible to get the best convective distribution of heat.

Engine pan: Pads are flexible. If the curve is simple "planar" no problem. If more complex it would be an issue as it would take much better adhesion to hold it in full surface contact.
larry

 

[1965tontruck]

I know this will not address your question, but have you considered the magnetic heater for the oil pan. This is what I use and it works well. The only issue I have is kneeling down to attach or remove the heater.

As for pan shape, on the A model the pan has a minor vee shape. That is it is almost flat but the center is lower that the sides. The pad heaters I looked at would fit with no problems.

I recall seeing a thread quite some time ago about gluing a pad heater to the hyd tank. If memory serves me correctly, I believe the only problem was getting the glue to adhere to the plastic.

 

[Spudgunner]

I also use the magnetic variety and it generally works well on my 2007-D. The only issues I've run into:
1) Correct placement on the pan in a dimly lit shop.
2) Letting the magnetic "face" of the heater fall on the ground and it picking-up a bunch of magnetic particles/crud.
3) My magnetic heaters frequently play havoc with circuits that are protected by GFI's. Ultimately I gave up on using a GFI'd circuit.

I have often wondering about the silicon pad on the hyd fluid reservoir; however, the high cost of the reservoir has prevented me from experimenting.

 

[1965tontruck]

I have often wondering about the silicon pad on the hyd fluid reservoir; however, the high cost of the reservoir has prevented me from experimenting.

I agree - I think one could probably find a glue thst will adhere the heating pad to the tank, but likely will disolve the tank.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I agree - I think one could probably find a glue thst will adhere the heating pad to the tank, but likely will disolve the tank.

They are available with a self adhesive backing. ... It doesnt dissolve tanks.
larry

 

[Industrial Toys]

Do yourself a favour first. Do some math and calculate how long it will take to heat a given amount of oil from a certain temperature to a desired temperature. You might be amazed at how long it takes.

 

[DEWFPO]

Re : Magnetic Heater for the engine : I am looking for a more permanent installation. The way I have to park the Toolcat in the barn (passenger side against a wall) I don't have access to the engine when it's parked.

Re : Hydro tank : I am concerned about melting the plastic .

Re : Time to heat hydro fluid : I know it will take a long time but I am just looking to warm the fluid up so that I can begin snowblowing after about a 10 minute warm-up after pulling out of the barn.

Thanks for all the replies.

DEWFPO