winterizing the B7100

[grossgary]

I did read through the owners manual I have and found nothing.

I'm going to remove the MMM and attach a snow plow and tire chains to my B7100. This being my first tractor is there anything I need to know about using this thing in the snow/cold? -5 degrees is about as cold as it gets here.

i'm guessing this has already been asked but it seems like mounting a blade to the 3 point hitch is a good option since you already have hydraulics there?

 

[powergod]

I did read through the owners manual I have and found nothing.

I'm going to remove the MMM and attach a snow plow and tire chains to my B7100. This being my first tractor is there anything I need to know about using this thing in the snow/cold? -5 degrees is about as cold as it gets here.

i'm guessing this has already been asked but it seems like mounting a blade to the 3 point hitch is a good option since you already have hydraulics there?

What type of tire are you running? Where did you get the tire chains?

 

[Egon]

Well, maybe check the antifreeze for strength.

I just changed mine yesterday. Blew all the summer accumulated debris out of the radiator, pressure washed it and put a new duct tape cover over the ignition key area as it does sit outside at times. There was also a new headlight installed. One that provides much more light than the original lights do. This time there was even a guard for the light installed.

I'll put the chains on later. Usually this means it's delayed till it's just plain miserable out before they get put on.

 

[grossgary]

What type of tire are you running? Where did you get the tire chains?

the tires look like standard turf tires. the chains just came with the tractor when i bought it from the guy so i know nothing about them.

i took the radiator off this summer to clean it out and then drained the coolant again to replace the dynamo. so it's been drained and filled with 100% antifreeze both times.

 

[LHoyer]

If you pressure wash, be careful with high pressure around fins. I've seen a lot of damage done by getting too close. If anyone is looking for tire chains try Tire Chains by TireChains.com. I've dealt with them with good success.

 

[LHoyer]

Just re-read the post. Comment on 100% antifreeze. The following was taken from an antifreezee website. "Many engine failures are the result of improper antifreeze usage. To protect equipment from coolant-related damage, it is critical to know the different antifreeze types, required mix ratios and problems that could result from improper use. A 100 percent antifreeze solution will turn to a solid at 9°F (-13½°C). For best all-around protection, use a 50:50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Concentrated antifreeze needs water for chemical balance and optimum performance."

 

[LBrown59]

.

it's been drained and filled with 100% antifreeze both times.

This is a big NO NO .
Never use more than 50% A F

 

[grossgary]

okay, thanks guys. i thought i had read that somewhere else on the board, but couldn't recall where. i guess it's not 100% since it had old mix in it and i did add a quart of water or so, but i'll drain it and get it to %50 as i'm sure it's well over that.

i'm going to leave a bottle of antifreeze out this winter, i'm curious to see it turn solid or gel, never seen that before.

 

[number two]

A mix of 65% antifreeze/35% water gives maximum freeze protection,about -68F.After that,you're going backwards.Best ratio for most people is 50/50-using distilled water is a plus.Under a buck a gallon-no lime or other minerals to drop out of solution to contaminate your radiator/cooling system.

 

[robbieo11]

just remember A FEW THINGS
1. NO BIODIESEL, It gels around 40 u can mix it 50:50 with desiel nd be ok
2. PREHEAT about 15-30 seconds before cranking
3.let it idle to warm up
other than than have fun it the banks i do

 

[KubotainNH]

Add a non-gelling agent to the deisel and don't be afraid to run the glowplugs for awhile. My 6100 takes a minute of glow plugs to start in freezing temps. Sometimes I have to do it more than once.