engine block heater

[Hunt4fun]

I know that its 100 degrees out with heat indexes in the 110 range, but I was wondering how important is an engine block heater for a Mahindra 6500. Im in the midwest and we do get cold in the winter. Don't know how much work I will be doing when its that cold, but would not want to have trouble starting when its 20 degrees out. Although after being outside most of today, 20 degrees in a duck blind or on a deer stand sounds a whole lot better!!!!

[Fredex]

Hi John. Don't know what part of MO you are in but this heat has been pretty much a state wide thing. Been a brutal 2 weeks +. Strong south winds with 102-3 temp. Leaves on south side of my vineyard rows look like they've been gone through with a blow torch. Most corn here is finito - made all it's going to.

Don't know about winter starting that 6500. I've been TOLD (for what that's worth) by another 6000 user that he has started his at zero without using the block heater. I acquired mine last Dec, but had no occasion to make the test. I do have the block heater if I need it.

Mostly just wanted to say hi to a fellow Missourian.

Fred

[hudr]

I have always liked a block heater, on anything that is water cooled. It is bound to be easier on the equipment in the long run. Plus, on my diesel p/u's it sure is nice to crank up and immediately have heat!
I don't have one on my 5005 and I haven't had any cold start issues. But then again, we don't usually have much winter here in East Texas.

[George2615]

I have found that any heater is a big help starting the tractor in cold weather. I live in the snow belt area of upstate NY. I don't have a block heater but I did add an in line heater in the lower radiator hose. I just plug it in an hour or so before starting and she fires right up. Prior to my install I thought I had a bad battery since I had to use a charger on the battery to crank it over in cold temps. At first I left it plugged in whenever it was parked. Electric bill went up about $40 a month this way so I went to the 1-2 hr warm up. I also use a magnetic heater stuck to my metal fuel tank to prevent fuel gelling.