At what temperature do you need to plug in a tractor?

[KYErik]

My tractor sits in a shed that has power running from my house breaker panel.

If I know I'll use the tractor in the morning, I'll plug it in the night before (right before I lock up the shed) and then turn off the shed breaker when I get in the house (I leave an outside shed light on so I don't forget to cut off the shed power off).

Then early in the morning, I can turn on the shed power (and heater) from the comfort of my house.

 

[pat32rf]

If a bit of heat for a few hours is good, a lot of heat for 1/2hr is handier.
I have a rad hose heater, block heater, battery heater and a "pilot light" all tied together on the same cord. Draws about 12amps on my meter. The cord is plugged into an outlet that is switched from the kitchen and the tractor sits where I can see the pilot light. When its predicted to go down to -30C (about -30F) I will also throw an old blanket over the engine...
Once its running it idles for 3-4minutes before I slowly head for my destination, normally the woodshed as it seldom snows at -30 around here. Either way, it won't see full rpm or heavy loads until the HST oil is warm

 

[Wyld Bill]

A couple interseting things I noticed today.
1. In Walmart they have outdoor use remote control switches that have 150' range for $20. I think I may get one & try it out.
2. I plugged my tractor in for 1 to 2 hours today before I used it (30 deg. out) when I turned on the key my recently installed heater was blowing hot air already! Pretty neat! I didn't expect THAT to happen but I suppose if your heating up the anti-freeze then the heater should start throwing heat as soon as you turn the key on.

 

[Wyld Bill]

Something else I was thinking.
Can you overheat the engine with the electric heater?? No I don't mean damage to the engine but more like your running there heater when it doesn't need to be on wasting electricity & causing unessasary wear on the engine heater.

Why couldn't you wire a t-stat sensing coolant temp in series with one of the power leads to the engien heater?
Like a therm-o-disc type t-stat

 

[massy1635]

I ran an underground wire to an outlet in the barn that is controled be a switch in the house. When it starts getting cold, in the 20's or so, I start to plug it in everytime I park it. If I need it to blow snow or use it in the morning, I flip the switch, have breakfast, take a shower and have another cup of coffee. When I go out, in an hour or so, it starts easy and I have heat.

 

[Wyld Bill]

Never mind. I guess those GE remote switches are junk too.


Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: GE 51136 Outdoor Outlet Receiver with Keychain Remote

 

[me0418840987]

I plug in my Ford 850 (gas) for about an hour any time it is below 30deg. 6 volt doesn't like the cold. It'll start once or twice when it is really cold, but if you stall it, she wont start the 3rd time unless the engine was warmed up first. Below 20deg, If I don't plug it in, I can't even let the clutch out in neutral for the first 2 minutes of running, or operate the hydros. Not bad, my PLOW tractor is Warm Blooded. Neither of us like the cold too much.

 

[crazyal]

I had a block heater installed in case I ever had to leave the tractor outside in the dead of winter. Hitting -40 is not unheard of around here at night. I have yet to use it though. After owning both gas and diesels in Vermont I have never had any problems with engine wear. I can't even think of anyone I know who can say they spun a bearing or anything else oil related due to cold weather starting. If anything I'm usually more concerned with the hydro tranny.

 

[lhfarm]

...The other thing is to tangle the drop cord into the steering wheel.........
Don't ask.....................

Good luck

Funny, I just started doing that this weekend. I had jerked one heater cord off and was about to do it again when I saw it at the last second. From now on, the drop cord goes over the steering wheel.

I've posted here and on other forums about using X-10 home automation hardware/software to turn things on/off in my barn, which is 450' from the house. I could, but haven't even tie running the heater when the temperature drops below freezing.

 

[John_Mc]

Has anyone found a remote controlled outlet that works reliably outdoors in cold weather?

The one I was using only had a range of about 30 ft. I bought two, and only one worked at all (unfortunately, I can't find it now to check the brand).

John Mc