Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Block heater to warm diesel

[ovrszd]

I always cringe about wind chill on a machine. If so how about driving 50 or 70 MPH on a 0 degree day!

Better yet, how does a Jet Airplane operate in -50F degree temps with 500mph wind crossing it's fuselage???

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Most block heater systems reach their maximum effectiveness after a couple hours, then are just maintaining that temp. Maybe plug it in a couple hours before you need it.
.

Timers are a marvelous thing.

 

[Ehanson]

Better yet, how does a Jet Airplane operate in -50F degree temps with 500mph wind crossing it's fuselage???

The effect of wind chill is to increase the rate of heat loss and reduce any warmer objects to the ambient temperature more quickly. Dry air cannot, however, reduce the temperature of these objects below the ambient temperature, no matter how great the wind velocity. For most biological organisms, the physiological response is to generate more heat in order to maintain a surface temperature in an acceptable range. The attempt to maintain a given surface temperature in an environment of faster heat loss results in both the perception of lower temperatures and an actual greater heat loss. In other words, the air 'feels' colder than it is because of the chilling effect of the wind on the skin. In extreme conditions this will increase the risk of adverse effects such as frostbite.
This straight from Wikipedia.
How I figure, is, a tractor in dead calm minus 20 will be the same temperature as a tractor in a 100 mile an hour wind at minus 20.

 

[ovrszd]

How I figure, is, a tractor in dead calm minus 20 will be the same temperature as a tractor in a 100 mile an hour wind at minus 20.

Yep.....

 

[tcreeley]

I plug mine in when it is 25 F here in central Maine and tend to leave it plugged in all winter. Makes it easy starting. I have had no problems of any type. The stray cat appreciates it on the cold nights and sleeps on the hood. I use my tractor every few days- getting grain and shavings from my pickup to the barn, clearing snow, and cleaning stalls. Yesterday bringing in wood the driveway had turned to sheer wet ice - and out came the chains for the rear tires. - a cold tractor is the last thing I want to think about. (nice when it is 5 above or 5 below.)
Plug it in.

 

[Fallon]

The effect of wind chill is to increase the rate of heat loss and reduce any warmer objects to the ambient temperature more quickly. Dry air cannot, however, reduce the temperature of these objects below the ambient temperature, no matter how great the wind velocity. For most biological organisms, the physiological response is to generate more heat in order to maintain a surface temperature in an acceptable range. The attempt to maintain a given surface temperature in an environment of faster heat loss results in both the perception of lower temperatures and an actual greater heat loss. In other words, the air 'feels' colder than it is because of the chilling effect of the wind on the skin. In extreme conditions this will increase the risk of adverse effects such as frostbite.
This straight from Wikipedia.
How I figure, is, a tractor in dead calm minus 20 will be the same temperature as a tractor in a 100 mile an hour wind at minus 20.

However if you add a block heater to the equation, the dead calm will warm up a lot faster that in high wind. You need heat in the appropriate locations to thaw things out though. Just insulating them won't do anything.

 

[Deadman]

Hate windchill too, people fall for that crap. it only affects us, not metal.

 

[Fosters69]

Thanks for the info all! The service tech was the guy who mentioned insulating/wind block. He must have been thinking what heat radiating from the block heater might help warm up the fuel tank/lines some if I insulated the engine compartment some.

I did/do treat the fuel. I also lucked out I think. A near by gas station just added a new diesel pump. I do not yet know exactly what grade he is carrying. All he said was that it was "the more expensive stuff and good to 16 below." The batch I had trouble with was from a chain convenience store.

Happy and prosperous new year to All!
Dan

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Although my own preheating-junk-sitting-out-in-the-cold-so-it-will-start-and-run knowledge is still increasing, I'm thinking I should make a video about what I am using—if for no other reason than to share some lessons I've learned.

Even so, if anybody knows of a 120V inline adjustable thermostat that doesn't need to be programmed every time it is plugged in, let me know. A simple dial for high and low temps with a remote temp sensor would be the best way to go. I have a digital one made for warming plants, but it forgets everything every time it is unplugged.

FWIW, I like the wolverines brand of plug in mats.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Hate windchill too, people fall for that crap. it only affects us, not metal.

Windchill effects the ability to dissipate heat on things, including skin.