4310 Engine Heater

Anonymous Poster · Apr 24, 2003

I have just ordered a 4310 and was wondering about the heater option on this type of tractor?

My dealer said I could get it installed when it comes in. He said it costs about $50.00. I was wondering what this heater consists of, where it's mounted, and is it worth getting. I live in the Great White North and may have to use it in the winter.

Any input would be great!

sleepyhollow · Apr 24, 2003

AMX,

Without looking I can't tell you where it is specifically, but I know there is a 6" plug cord hanging out from under the engine area. I have it on my 4310 but never used it this winter. We got down to -6 degrees F. where the tractor was all winter and I never had to use it. The Deere just starts right up.

I'm sure it would be happier and idle less roughly if the block were warm but not plugging it in certainly didn't get in the way of my tractor use. If you get down to -30 F. or something crazy like that then you should definately get one, but I've been fine not using it. Hope this helps,
Sleepyhollow

beenthere · Apr 24, 2003

In 5 winters in the "North" with temps below zero and down to -20 F, I have never had even an inkling that my JD 4300 wouldn't start (without a heater installed). I find that if I don't wait for the glow plug to warm up, it will start but does smoke a while until it gets warm.

I am not trying to talk you out of getting a heater, but just saying that these engines seem to start easily without. I can't argue that it probably is a bit easier on the engine, but I don't start it more often than about once a week on the average.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 24, 2003

Sleepyhollow,

Thanks for the information. We do get way below zero quite often and I'm thinking it is a good idea.

Can't wait for it to come in!!!!

prosperity · Apr 25, 2003

Sorry to contradict, but I ordered a block heater for mine. I work with diesels everyday and all our equipment has heaters. Yeah, the newer stuff will usually start without one, but we plug them all in anyway. I feel its a lot easier on the engine when plugged in when its real cold.
As a matter of fact, I'm now waiting 2 weeks for the heater to arrive and get installed before I take delivery of my 2210.

JohnMiller3 · Apr 25, 2003

<font color="blue">...I live in the Great White North and may have to use it in the winter.... </font>

Yes... very inexpensive option... be kind to your machine in the frigid cold... she'll love ya for it... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

WCarlson · Apr 25, 2003

I installed one of the JD block heaters on my 4200 two years ago. As others have noted, the tractor probably would have started anyway, however, mine sure started easily when I plugged it in on a couple 20 below mornings last winter. I feel the block heater is inexpensive insurance and will more than return the minor investment with easier starting and less wear when starting.
Bill

timb · Apr 25, 2003

How long do you have to have it plugged in to make a difference? All night? Just a little in the morning?

rmonio · Apr 25, 2003

For my 4600 I purchased both the Block and Hydraulic/HST heaters. Here in MN we do get fairly cold temperatures and I didn't want to find myself not being able to get things started and running when I needed them. That being said, I did make use of both heaters (plugged in an hour or so before I would use the tractor) and things went very well. Both heaters are easily accessible, with the hydraulic heater being positioned into the Hydraulic screen unit (so you'll need to drain and refill your fluid when you have it done).

I had the local JD Deere do the work for me - took less than an hour for both together and the total bill was about $120 (including the price of the heaters). Prior to purchasing them, I talked to alot of the people I know who do construction, etc., around here (farmers too) and they all said that if I could afford it - go for it. It's cheap insurance and generates less strain on the engine and Hydraulics when it's cold.

Good luck - I'd go for it if you can.

-Bob

WCarlson · Apr 26, 2003

timb,
I would plug it in a couple hours before I thought I would be blowing snow. The block felt warm to the touch after that much time. If I thought I might be blowing first thing in the morning, I would use a timer to energize it a couple hours before I would be using the tractor.
Bill