catvet,
Lots of good advice in the responses.
Last year was my 1st with the J.D.. I did add a little additive to each 5 gallons of diesel during the really cold weather. Not sure if it needed it but, "Twin City Equip." recommended it, saying this is what all our customers use. I've still got the quart bottle. It's probably still 3/4 full.
A few suggestions:
Use of the block heater is a definite a must. I let it heat for at least 1/2 hour (an hour if I can....but then I'd have to get up at 4:30 instead of 5:00 a.m. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ).
Get a good heavy cold weather extension cord, only as long as you need to get from power to the block heater. No matter how supple the cord, at -30 F it's going to get stiff (as we all do /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif).
The snowmobile helmet is a good idea, especially if you're using a blower. The only problem I have with wearing a helmet is when I'm backing up to use the rear blade...it restricts my peripheral vision.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="blue">What are you going to wear for protection in temperatures that low? </font> )</font>
Get a good set of "Coveralls". I bought "Carhartt" Extreme (the Black 100% Cordura shell...) locally for $50 less than the best on-line price I could find. Agway was having a sale. You know those folks up on the mountains, making snow? That's what they wear all night at sub-zero temp.s /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. I don't use the hood when I'm clearing snow for the same peripheral vision issue but it's great to have. I'm not trying to promote a specific brand but, I was out at -25 F several times last year and my body never got the slightest chill. Driving the CUT, you don't work the way you would with a walk-behind blower or (dare I say it) shoveling /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Also, good warm boots, ofcourse.
The only thing I can't seem to keep warm is my hands. Still can't find a pair of gloves that will do it and everyone was out of the Mil style arctic mits. I need to start looking earlier this year.
Sorry for the longwinded reply but, I think you're getting an idea of how cold it can get up here and frostbite is not nice...been there, don't want to repeat it.
Now, if I just had a heated cab /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif.
Tom