Thermo Switch for Block heater

[SuperDutyDave]

Hello

I have a new 3720 Cab tractor (very nice)...being in the great white north I plan on using it for snow removal....being in the great white north it gets very cold (as low as -30F and consistently in the 0 -10 range often in Jan-Feb) as such I had a engine and trans heater installed. Wanting the tractor to start at any time and particuarly when its cold and snowing it would be good to have the heaters working when it is cold...but not when its warmer. Does anyone know where one might a get a thermostatic Switch unit that one could install between a electrical outlet and plug the two heater plugs into...it would allow the power to flow when the unit reach a temperture that you assigned it to (say 5 degrees or less) and it would shut off when that temperture was exceeded. Sort of similar to a timer unit but the control would be temperature rather than time. A think this would work quite well to ensure when it is cold the tractor is being heated and when it is warm the it is not being over warmed.

Anyone know of where one might get such a unit?

Comments too!

SD-Dave

 

[ShookFarm]

Try this outlet adapter with built in thermostat!

Thermocube.COM

Good luck!

 

[Willl]

If you knew the wattage or amp draw, you might be able to use a power attic vent controller.

Or rig up something that would handle the watts via a contactor.

 

[SuperDutyDave]

Shook

thanks that looks like a good simple product that will work for my need...wish you could adjust the range manually but one of the two should work just fine.

Suprised that this isn't a more common item for those who plug in equipment.

Thanks again

SD-Dave

 

[NoMo]

Found this on the web...
Programmable thermostat outlet.

Nice idea, but it doesn't seem fit for the usage you desire.

 

[ShookFarm]

Much better product than what I found. I'm sure there are more out there, just what each of us happens to find. This thread will be useful for future reference! I'm sure I'll be referring to it in the future.

 

[Rob-D]

You can't "over" heat the oil. You can, however, waste electricity which the device you want should prevent.

 

[LRH]

The t/stats used on torpedo heater will do just that and are adjustable. Have no link at the moment; do a search on kero torpedo heaters.

 

[thatguy]

I saw a similar item to the 'thermocube' at lowes just the other day. It was plug designed to work with heat strips to keep pipes from freezing. I didnt look at it very closely to see if you can plug in a standard plug though.. it was about $10 (if i remember correctly) and came on around 35 degrees or so..

 

[SuperDutyDave]

thanks guys...I ordered one of the cubes for my outdoor applications...looks simple and rugged...will try to locate the other programable unit for inside the barn as it looks like being outside in the elements might not be its strenght.

Really suprised that this is not more of a common issue for block heaters...whenever its cold heat it...when warmer don't waste electricity and shorten block heater life.

surprised that Deere doesn't have a system like this just built in...plug the tractor in and it will heat itself to the necessary level based upon outside temp.

Cheers

SD-Dave