B7800 Block Heater

[CaptPat]

Am considering installing a block heater in my B7800, from what I can tell the install looks straightforward--any tricks to things to be aware of before I start?

Thanks in advance.

Pat

 

[art]

Just drain the anti freeze first! You should be able to do it in less then an hour even the first time.

 

[ronjhall]

I put the block heater in my B2910 (same engine a B7800) several years ago. Hope you have a wrench to fit socket type plug. Just removed plug in block and installed heater. Did not have to drain antifreeze. Engine must be cold. Be ready with the heater already prepared for the install so the amount of time required to install is short.
DO NOT remove or loosen radiator cap. A very small amount of antifreeze will be lost. Maybe a tablespoon. After a engine cools down, antifreeze is in vacuum until warmed up again.

 

[CaptPat]

Thanks, interestingly when I went to my local dealer they said that Kubota did not make block heaters and that the glow plugs were adequate. But, if I wanted a heater they had an aftermarket magnetic mount they'd order for me.

Perhaps I need to talk to another dealer

 

[rbargeron]

....... when I went to my local dealer they said that Kubota did not make block heaters.......

A Kubota part number that fits a lot of models is 70000-00297. It's the freeze-plug type, about 400 watts. Related posts about installing Kubota block heaters here.

 

[art]

Here in NY even with the twenty something below zero temps we get the Kubota's normally start fine unless there is a fuel issue.

Less then 1/3 go out with them, mainly to people who have had old diesels that didn't start well.

I can't discount the merits of them anymore then to have them in a heated garage!

Knowing what I do, I wouldn't really worry about one in Virgina, could just be something later on to leak.

 

[ronjhall]

Thanks, interestingly when I went to my local dealer they said that Kubota did not make block heaters and that the glow plugs were adequate. But, if I wanted a heater they had an aftermarket magnetic mount they'd order for me.

Perhaps I need to talk to another dealer

Maybe!
Here is a thread with part #'s and pictures. Block Heater Install.

 

[escavader]

Here in NY even with the twenty something below zero temps we get the Kubota's normally start fine unless there is a fuel issue.

Less then 1/3 go out with them, mainly to people who have had old diesels that didn't start well.

I can't discount the merits of them anymore then to have them in a heated garage!

Knowing what I do, I wouldn't really worry about one in Virgina, could just be something later on to leak.

ART,
Ihave a heated garage,or should i say heatable garage,but i think its gonna be cheaper to plug the tractor in for an hour ,rather then buy oil for the furnace

 

[simonmeridew]

Am considering installing a block heater in my B7800, from what I can tell the install looks straightforward--any tricks to things to be aware of before I start?

Thanks in advance.

Pat

Pat:
The only thing you need to be aware of is that you don't need a block heater. Your Kubota will start very quickly whatever the temp. My dealer puts them in every one he sells but just so he doesn't have to argue with anyone. I've had my L4400 for going on 4 years and have NEVER used the block frost plug heater. Northern Vermont. Glad I didn't pay for it.
simonmeridew

 

[CaptPat]

Thanks for all of the input. I'm not concerned about starting I just don't like waiting while the engine, and oil, warms up on its own before I start to load it down. Patience is not one of my virtues.

 

[ronjhall]

Thanks for all of the input. I'm not concerned about starting I just don't like waiting while the engine, and oil, warms up on its own before I start to load it down. Patience is not one of my virtues.

I would be worried about trans and hydraulics.

 

[sixdogs]

I lived in a cold climate for a lot of years and can say the block heater is nice but not really necessary. The magnetic block heaters are not quite as nice but are a close second.
The Kubota really doesnt need anything but the KAATS magnetic heataers have worked for me for a long time.

 

[CaptPat]

I put the block heater in my B2910 (same engine a B7800) several years ago. Hope you have a wrench to fit socket type plug. Just removed plug in block and installed heater. Did not have to drain antifreeze. Engine must be cold. Be ready with the heater already prepared for the install so the amount of time required to install is short.
DO NOT remove or loosen radiator cap. A very small amount of antifreeze will be lost. Maybe a tablespoon. After a engine cools down, antifreeze is in vacuum until warmed up again.

Purchased a block heater from Tractorsmart, the suggestion above did not work, I was lucky to have placed a larger container under the engine as the anti-freeze gushed out when I removed the plug. Otherwise the install is pretty painless.

 

[Ductape]

May I ask how much the block heater cost from TractorSmart?

 

[CaptPat]

$39.93, its a Kubota part, you need a 17mm allen wrench and 1 3/8" socket to do the install.

 

[CBW1999]

Although I agree that a kubota will start fairly well in cold weather, I think a little extra help never hurts. I think a wise idea for the dealer mentioned to just put them in all the tractors that roll off the lot.

When I bought mine, I asked for one after the deal was done (afterthought) and they put it in no-charge. (they do not install unless asked for) The salesman considered the expense part of good customer service- after all a "50" dollar part is a fairly small percentage of the overall cost and certainly does not impact their profit that much- if at all.

I can count on a 2 to 3 week run of arctic cold in mid February (sometimes -40f at 5am). This is the primary time I use the block heater. I still start and idle the tractor for a while to help warn the hydraulics as well........I too have a hard time with patience, but forcing cold molasses through the cylinders is just asking for trouble.

My biggest problem however- when I poured the new floor slab in the garage (old farmhouse construction) I did not account for the slab height, doorway height combined with a non folding ROPS- hence I park it outside Maybe if I had planned better- all of this wouldn't matter

In regards to the magnetic heaters mentioned- has anyone tried placing them on the hydraulic fluid reservoir? any similar ideas?