Is it too cold to start my tractor?

[vtsnowedin]

Somebody suggested to run the pto while the engine is warming. I've been doing that and the hydraulics warm up much faster.

My owners manual says to turn the wheel all the way to the stop so the fluid goes through the relief valve for a minute or two. Works pretty well.

 

[jonnmero]

If you use the intake pre heater on every cold startup you'll notice a lot less blue smoke on startup. It doesn't do anything for the coolant in the water jacket or the bearings however and a block heater that warms up all these parts lets the starter whirl her over with a lot less effort and reduces the time it takes for the oil pump to bring pressurized oil to all the bearings. Saves a lot of wear and tear compared to a bunch of frozen shrunken parts clattering around dry trying to warm up.

Yeah, that was it. Had also a block heater, but tried for the heck of it to start without using it when I got that silver-calcium battery. Wasn't all that warm when I tried, about minus 25 C ( -13 F). On the Foton I always pre-heat in winter, both motor and cabin, mostly because I'm getting old and frail.

 

[mmurphydds]

Somebody suggested to run the pto while the engine is warming. I've been doing that and the hydraulics warm up much faster.

That's a Fabulous idea! I woulda never thought of that, but I know it will work for sure...Thank You!

 

[kevinwak]

We use a Honda EU2000i all the time to power the block heater on tractors out in the field in the fall. Often in November it can be -15'C in the mornings. Run out to the field ten miles away, start the genny to power the tractor, back to the farm for the bale truck and by the time we are back to the field the tractor is ready to start.

 

[Will_C]

My tractor is in an unheated shed- i also use my 2000 watt Honda generator to power the block heater. I try to run the heater for a couple of hours before I start, but I have found that even 30 minutes helps the tractor start easier.

Will

 

[jenkinsph]

I have a Mahindra Max 26hst. It is stored in my unheated shed. There is no power there so I can't run any kind of heater. I have some snow that needs to be moved at some of my apartments. Will I damage the tractor by starting it in the 0F weather tomorrow AM?

Since I did not see this mentioned, I have one extension cord that is 150' long made out of 10/3 SO neoprene wire that I have used for such jobs. If the shed is close enough that seems to be a reasonable option. Some voltage drop is not a problem for resistive loads such as a block heater, I don't use long cords for motors though.

 

[Mike Tipton]

My diesel tractor is stored under an awning. Hard to start when cold so I got an engine block heater and run an extention cord to supply power. Not expensive and helps tractor start.

 

[vtsnowedin]

One thing that hasn't been brought up on this thread is the system used by some loggers to start skidders . They have a set of hoses from the cooling system of their pickup that match a set of quick disconnects on the skidders cooling system. Just drive up close and make the connections and a warm coolant transfusion takes place while you drink a cup of coffee from your thermos. You have to have all your equipment on the same coolant but you ought to have good stuff in all of it anyway.

 

[jonnmero]

One thing that hasn't been brought up on this thread is the system used by some loggers to start skidders . They have a set of hoses from the cooling system of their pickup that match a set of quick disconnects on the skidders cooling system. Just drive up close and make the connections and a warm coolant transfusion takes place while you drink a cup of coffee from your thermos. You have to have all your equipment on the same coolant but you ought to have good stuff in all of it anyway.

Maybe easier with an Eberspächer heater, first introduced on the VeeDub Beetle to supplement the skipping rope in the glove-box to keep you warm in winter. Have one in my boat, though never used it.

 

[legrandice]

Since I did not see this mentioned, I have one extension cord that is 150' long made out of 10/3 SO neoprene wire that I have used for such jobs. If the shed is close enough that seems to be a reasonable option. Some voltage drop is not a problem for resistive loads such as a block heater, I don't use long cords for motors though.

Interesting..I think 150' would just reach to the shed from my garage. I will look into this, I did not think about the restive heater having no issue with voltage drop. I always figured it was too far.