Which block heater???

[bramel]

Hello all.

I went to my dealer because I wanted a block heater for my bx1500.....he showed me the kubota parts list, which showed there are two styles of block heater. The first one is the frost plug style and the second one is an in-line located in the lower radiator hose, which is $30 cheaper. Both are Kubota parts and both are warranty approved. He has said that the radiator hose model is their best seller and is easier for the do-it yourself-er.

Which one do you recommend??

 

[timalabim]

My dealer installed a magnetic heater which attaches to the lower pan.

It seems to work fine, but I did find it hanging down by it's wire the other day when I went to put my MMM on. Must have been a good sized bump to knock it off as it seems to stick pretty good.

 

[Egon]

Either the block heater or the inline heater will be a good choice. Performance wise there will be no difference unless they are of different wattage.

A tarp with an electric heater with fan will also work well!

 

[Jason537]

We always install the frost plug or block thread in style. The only time we install the inline is into an MX5000 or a L48TLB. The heater will be more efficient if its installed into the block

 

[bigdad]

My experience with magnetic heaters was those KATZ jobs and I always removed them when not plugged in. Used them on air cooled Case/Davis trenchers.

I had a frost plug heater installed by my dealer on my B7510 and it has been a good investment. Many of the guys say that they are not needed, but it sure helps the tractor turn over when it's bitter. 65 bucks out the door.

 

[Jason537]

The other problem with magnetic or the stick on with silicon type is they will burn the oil to the bottom of the oil pan if thats where it is used.

 

[Skyco]

The magnetic which I bought at TSC a couple of years ago for my truck has a thermostat so it won't burn the oil

 

[Botabill]

I live in central Ontario and it does get kinda cold here. I have both the frost plug (block) heater and a magnetic (removable) under the oil pan heater. Given the choice of frost plug or inline heater I've always felt the frost plug variety get the heat better into the engine. That's what is usually recommneded on cars here so why not the same on a tractor. The magnetic oil pan heater is just a nice add on . It is a good idea to have it plugged in along with the block heater for say 1/2 - 1 hour prior to starting on really cold days as it warms up the oil and lets it flow more easlily. I don't think it would be a good idea to leave on over night though.

 

[bramel]

Thanks! for all the replies.....I will be ordering the frost plug version. I'll give installing it myself a try and thanks to this forum.....I'm gonna go for the alternator upgrade (try installing myself as well) and the Bro-Tek skid plate is on it's way as well. All ready installed a grill guard and the rear work light.

I'm fairly new to the whole tractor ownership thing........Is this considered a "NEW" addiction????

 

[CRAFTBENDER]

Thanks! for all the replies.....I will be ordering the frost plug version. I'll give installing it myself a try and thanks to this forum.....I'm gonna go for the alternator upgrade (try installing myself as well) and the Bro-Tek skid plate is on it's way as well. All ready installed a grill guard and the rear work light.

I'm fairly new to the whole tractor ownership thing........Is this considered a "NEW" addiction????

I bought the heater that fits in the freeze plug hole when I bought my BX24. Didn't have any trouble installing it. Just follow the instructions and I used lok tite too. Really heats it up in a hurry.

 

[z0lt3c]

I'm fairly new to the whole tractor ownership thing........Is this considered a "NEW" addiction????

Considering your buying a block heater in the middle of the summer, I think this qualifies as an addiction.

 

[jimainiac]

Good luck installing your block heater. Just take your time and follow the instructions. When we bought our L3830 new a few years ago, our dealer had just decided to equip all their new tractors with block heaters, but they didn't have any in stock when we picked it up. When the heater came in, it was easier to put it in myself rather than take the tractor back. In our case it required removing the starter, but it was still pretty easy.

 

[Wombat125]

I'm fairly new to the whole tractor ownership thing........Is this considered a "NEW" addiction????

You have no idea.

Attachments are the opiate of the tractor world. Now when do I get my pallet forks and road grader??!!!???

For what it's worth, I opted for the block heater too.

 

[Egon]

What ever anyone says now is the time to look at Winter assistance!

Later on it's just Err - Err - Err!! silence.

 

[rbargeron]

There's a post here about installing a freeze-plug type block heater. Still works fine with no leaks 4+ years later.

 

[art]

My preference is the in block heaters if available. The radiator hose unit doesn't circulate fluid and you need the heat in the top of the block for good starts.

 

[Egon]

The hose heater will circulate the water and heat the entire block as well as the radiator as well as the oil in the crankcase.

Plug one in and feel all that gets warm!

 

[Jason537]

The hose heater will circulate the water and heat the entire block as well as the radiator as well as the oil in the crankcase.

Plug one in and feel all that gets warm!

Unless you are talking about a CIRCULATING block heater, that statement is misinforming.

Frost plug heaters, lower radiator hose heaters AND circulating block heaters move heat through what is called "Convection" through the coolant.

I don't recommend the radiator hose ones because they tend to shorten the lifespan of the rubber in drastic cold climates where the temps can vary alot from day to day. Constant tightening of the clamps and cracks developing.

Also you will have more efficiency with a frost plug type heater because its directly inserted where the heat needs to be, why for so many years have they used them in automotive,.. where are the lower rad hose heaters??

I can go on and on,.. but am sure you understand the concept.

 

[Egon]

Sure I can understand the concept. I've got both. I also have hands that can tell what is warm and what is cold at -40C!

As for efficiency we have to look at some properly conducted tests would we not?

Hose damage I ain't seen yet but have had a frost plug type fail about 30 years ago or so. The heaters do not take the temperature past the normal operating temperature.

 

[Jason537]

K,.. then I will take my 15yrs of Ag mechanics experience as a grain of salt I guess,.. being from AB,.. it gets just as cold if not colder,..

I had another big spiel, but declined to post it,.. as I am sure from the post above you only believe what you have experienced first hand in your lifetime.