What does your tractor start like in cold weather?

[Piston]

You, my friend, need a block heater! That's cold enough to freeze the bits off a brass monkey.. There's another saying about a witch but I'll leave that one for now.. Sean

Chilly,
It's "freeze the BALLS off a brass monkey, not bits

 

[2Buckslake]

My 2 year old L3800 started ok at +5 F but it wouldn't start today at -5 F. I put the charger on it for a couple of hrs and it tried with more glow plug time of 30 secs but no start. The dealer said the fuel was probably gelled. This is my first ever diesel so I'm on a learning curve. I'm thinking block heater. Is this something I should get from the dealer? Is it equipped with a plug of some type to put a block heater in or should I just look for a generic block heater? I guess I should check with the dealer as I didn't think of that when talking to him about using starting fluid which he said Don't use it.

Although they work, I'm not a big fan of the freeze plug type block heaters. Generally, they are only around 400watts, which I had on a previous NH TC33D tractor. Now, I'm not saying the freeze plug type don't work, but a canister type tied into the lower radiator hose going over to the engine block, does a better job. I work for a JD/Kubota etc., engine dealer, and I installed a 1500watt heater on my TC45DA. I also have an oil pan heater, which also works quite well. I can plug them both in, one hour later I can start the engine like it was summer outside. I also agree you need some fuel conditioner in your fuel to keep it from jelling. I wouldn't even think about removing an injection pump to gain access to a freeze plug, if that was the case We just had a couple days of sub zero weather, and with it plugged in, it started right up. Your Kubota may be set up to automatically to preheat the engine for a period of time before starting the engine according to outside temps, that's how my NH is from the factory. A block heater will make all the difference, along with fuel additive, in severe cold weather.

 

[2Buckslake]

NEVER use starting fluid on a Kubota, I have seen first hand what that does to an engine, as most Kubota's have glow plugs, this is a big No-no. Bent rods, cracked pistons, etc...

 

[Piston]

Last month we had some single digit temps. I tried starting the backhoe up and it just did not want to start, I figured I'd kill the battery trying, it was turning over very slow and giving all it had to just chug along. I plugged in the block heater and left it. The next day I came out, still single digit temps, and climbed up into the cab, turned the key, pressed the starter button, and instantly it fired right up. I don't even think it made a full revolution it started so fast!

My tractor doesn't like starting in the cold either, and I have no block heater on it. So there is only two choices, struggle with starting it in the cold, or install a block heater. I emailed Messick's Parts Department and within hours had a reply of exactly what I needed.

I just placed my order for my block heater.

 

[merlynr]

Did you pull the fuel filter and pour some in the filter? Or put on a new filter with some 911 in it?

I put 911 in the tank only with the temp at 20F by the time I tried it and it started like it was summertime.
We don't usually have below zero temps in my area but once or twice a year but I'm going to look into a block heater anyway.

 

[TomSeller]

I put 911 in the tank only with the temp at 20F by the time I tried it and it started like it was summertime.
We don't usually have below zero temps in my area but once or twice a year but I'm going to look into a block heater anyway.

Good idea, they often are less than $50. Not much money for the easy starts you get.

 

[k0ua]

I started the Kioti yesterday, the NWS said the air temp was 28F. We had been below Zero the night before, and it is parked in an un-insulated unheated metal building. I noticed the fluid fill line on the outside of the tires was in the form of frost. So I am not sure what the temperature was inside the building but certainly no higher than the 28F.

I went through the one automatic glow plug cycle, and bumped the key and she fired right up. One large puff of smoke and that was all. Throttle was at idle.

 

[cartod]

What does your tractor start like in cold weather?

It goes Waa Waa...Puff ....Puff ....Puff...Chug Chug ..Pop..Puff Puff...........Prrrrrrrrrrr.

 

[aginn]

It was -10F here a couple weeks ago and the car stuck at the bottom of the driveway demanded I start my L3200 to rescue it. I was pleasantly surprised to only use the glow plugs for 15 seconds and have it fire right up. Granted, it sounded a lot like the grandkids dumped some old nuts and bolts into the intake. But after 20 seconds or so it smoothed right out. Then a cup of coffee with a dash of cabin fever and tractor time. I love my little orange money pit. Ahhh implements.

 

[sandyc]

My B2620 starts right up. Maybe coughs a bit for a few seconds(like me) but then purrs like a kitten. If it is real cold, below zero, I sit in the seat and throw the clutch in to reduce the drag of the hst until it smooths out.