B3030 Block Heater - How to?

[AMR]

I have a block heater on my B3030, as we approach the single digit days and snow removal at 4 AM before work, how should I use my block heater? Can I simply plug it in at night before I go to be and get up in the AM and fire her up? Does it do any good to plug it in when it is in the 20's? The machine is garaged. Thanks for the input.

 

[stevevdw]

We use a heavy duty timer rated for the amp load of the heater & have it come on 2 hours or so before you need the tractor. Your manual should tell you how many amps the thing takes. Otherwise volts x amps= watts. You could leave it run all night as well but it's a waste of energy IMHO. Good luck with whatever you do. We used to throw a blanket over the hood to hold heat when it was really cold.

 

[ByronBob]

An hour before gives the tractor plenty of heat to start her up. I mean I can get 100 degrees or better in the fluid in that amount of time. Your 3030 is bigger than my tractor but it is garaged inside also.