For those with block heaters

[elsievo]

I use my "husky" timer. I run an extension cord into the garage and plug it in when I go walk the dog in the morning. 45 minutes later we get back, I go start the tractor. Haven't had any issues for two seasons. I live in Michigan's Copper Country and as long as Lake Superior is still open we generally stay above 10F.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Thanks for the link. Like the fact that it has 2 plugs. Can it be set to on go on at certain temps like Topzide can do?




The turning on based on temp seems like a good idea. What brand is it that you are using?

Not that I have found, I can turn on each individual based upon time however. So if you know it's gonna be a cold one, set it X amount of hour before you get up and turn it off at said time you start plowing etc. I've used mine for years.

 

[Williy]

This is an outdoor timer:

Outdoor Timer Outlet Waterproof, 24 Hour Mechanical Light Timer Outdoor, 2 Grounded Outlets for Home and Garden, 15A 1/2HP, Heavy Duty, ETL Listed

https://www.amazon.com/TiFFCOFiO-Outdoor-Waterproof-Mechanical-Grounded/dp/B0D8VWTHLP/ref=sr_1_102?crid=13CN9QZ866MZL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T4bPH4cXgOVwHcRh04NlnNEh2kJESZJ4oMZKM4xBEArKV5P9E8Zk-X_QDB7tYIkbtSDOEYJS3PeHMXSD5lGcLbgiGbPh9TEih17cR9TuuQw.7Jur11vovm20-ht15buQyXBpKE9spHI3QTzXUNNCd3k&dib_tag=se&keywords=timer+electrical&qid=1729867343&sprefix=timer+electrical+%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-102

willy

 

[ruffdog]

Performance of a "block" heater varies with the type it is too. It it a oil pan heater, lower hose heater, one that goes in a heater hose and circulates the coolant, one that is into the block's coolant passage, or a dry pocket type in the head? I had a coolant passage block heater in my NH TC33D and needed two+ hours when really cold. My Toolcat has a dry pocket heater that I feel needs a bit more time than that.

 

[ruffdog]

Lots of HD outdoor pool pump timers on the market too.

 

[D'oh]

Seattle, Minneapolis and Toledo are all a couple of hours South of Canada, all have very different weather conditions.

As for Block Heaters. 0F is a good place to start on a Diesel, Size Wattage, Temp, and Wind will affect How Long, but 1 hour will suffice, add 1/2 hour for every 5 degrees below 0 with a normal 800-1000 Watt Coolant Immersion Heater.

Windchill does not affect your Tractor, but it will affect your Tractor's Block Heater. By dissipating the heat generated by the Heater.

As far as plugging a Gasoline Vehicle in? Your choice. I don't plug either of my Trucks in even the coldest nights. Good Battery, 5W-20 5W-30 Oil, and they Start. That's at -30/-40F

 

[Farmer495]

I am in eastern Canada.

I've used timers on two different diesels, one tractor and one truck.

Had a mechanical timer set to run one hour before feeding time on loader tractor. Tractor has a recirculating heater. Never failed to start. I've also plugged same tractor in 30 minutes and it was enough.

I used to have a digital timer block heater cord was integrated temp sensor when I had my 7.3 diesel truck. I only had it set to run one hour as well, it also had the feature to not turn off if it was "warm enough" outside.

 

[zoedog2012]

When I was in grade school I spent the weekend with a classmate on their ranch. We got early in the cold morning to feed livestock and when we got to the hay barn the team was hooked to the wagon and next to it was a new IH tractor. I asked why they didn't use the tractor and was told that the horses always start.

 

[Paystar]

For me I have an outside outlet that is by itself on a breaker. I leave tractor plugged in, then 2 to 3 hours before use I just click breaker on in house.

 

[whitenorth]

For me I have an outside outlet that is by itself on a breaker. I leave tractor plugged in, then 2 to 3 hours before use I just click breaker on in house.

Wish it were that easy. Garage is a separate building. Plus that would mean I'd have to get up 2 to 3 hours before I needed to start in the morning.

I ended up buying a weather proof timer. I plan on running the extension cord from the outside outlet to the timer under the hood of the tractor. It and the extension cord will get removed before starting.