CurlyDave
Elite Member
A tarp and a heater will actually work. I will tell you that through the years, folks have actually built fires under engines to get them started.
I would say that if you cannot afford a heater that cost under 40 bucks and the power to use it then perhaps you have more issues than getting the tractor fired up.
If my tractor won't start today, a "field expedient" measure that gets it going is just the ticket.
The block heater may only be $40, but installation is more. If someone wants to self-install, this is a job best done in the summer, instead of outside in weather too cold for the tractor to start.
As far as building a fire, I once had a beater Dodge van which was hard to start in winter. If I lit two charcoal briquettes in an old sauce pan I could put them under the oil pan and go back in for a cup of coffee. 20 minutes later it started every time. That was when I was young and foolish. Today, I would use an electric heater.