Best choice for engine heater CK 30 (block, heater hose, magnetic?)

[Egon]

Well, I've had a horizontal hose heater that seemed to do fine in getting the block warm.

 

[RickB]

Good. But the laws of physics still exist. And the instructions for most lower hose heaters will adhere to them.

There are always those who are exceptions to rules. The next guy didn't have your success. I have talked to him already.

 

[ritcheyvs]

... I would like to find a programmable temperature set timer. ...
My unit starts easily down to about 20 without the block heater, ...

There is no value in keeping the engine warm all the time. In fact, warming the block when you have no intent to run the engine only helps thin the existing oil film. Typically, you want to energize the block heater a couple hours before you are ready to use the tractor and a regular timer works fine for that.

The block heater will help cold starts but the main goal is to make the oil flow better/faster.

 

[Billrog]

My guess is it also saves wear and tear on the starter since the engine turns over much easier.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

The tank type that uses a heater hose uses convection, so positioning is important so that heat rises and can flow through the block. I have an application where i can't get a tank type heater hose in the proper location. Looking into use a bosch 12v pump to circulate the water. Run the block heater off 110, have a relay pull in that closes and runs 12v power to the pump. Then I am thinking of running a battery tender that will make up for the amp draw of the pump. This should help warm up the battery for starting. Either way you want block heater and battery blanket. If you are in real arctic temps, will also want blanket glued to the oil pan.

 

[Lockport]

I've got a Bobcat CT235 (CK35) and it gets really cold here in Canada on the wind blasted prairies 200 miles north of Fargo. The in block heater element taps into a receiver just in front of the starter. You can see it here in between the starter and the exhaust pipe in the foreground. That's it with the reddish cap. The block will get warm to the touch in the coldest of days. It'll start without it but I prefer to baby my baby. Synthetic oil is a must for these occasional -30 temperatures too. A pour point of 20 degrees colder than my coldest is simply assurance. Mine was dealer or factory installed. I used to have Kubota BX and had the dealer come by, drain the coolant, knocked out the thin form that revealed the tap and simply screwed in the 110V heating element. I would suspect it's much the same without any tapping.

 

[Lockport]

Here's a Pic

 

[cabin kioti]

I have a ck30hst with a block heater installed by the dealer. It has worked fine for 8or 9 years now. I am in north eastern pa and winter can get pretty cold here and never had a problem starting the tractor .There are times I do not start the tractor for a few weeks I just plug it in and in a couple of hours it is warm and ready to go. The tractor is garage kept no heat and it is at my cabin and I am not there every week. What ever way you choose will work fine.

 

[jabelding]

After doing extensive research on TBY and Orange talk I Just found parts that can be ordered on amazon for my CK35. I am ordering up a set and will report back if they are correct if not I can send them back easily.
32mm bushing
Amazon.com: TISCO - PART NO:GE11461B. HEATER BUSHING: Industrial & Scientific
400w heater to fit
Amazon.com: Zerostart 310-0003 Engine Block Heater: Automotive

 

[comancheflight]

In aviation some rebuilt engines cost more than new entire tractors. In aviation we use CHT heaters or individual cylinder band heaters along with oil sump heaters. This is because most aviation engines are air cooled so no block plugs or radiator hoses..anyway, the reason for heating is only slightly to make it start like it's June outside and put minimal strain on the battery which in aviation is pretty compact and costs twice as much but rather it is to heat the block, cylinders, rings, pistons and oil, crank and parts that upon startup over 70% wear occurs. The oil begins to flow immediately and helps protect your engine. Some aircraft even have pre-oilers to circulate the oil before startup to further minimize wear.
Preheat is, at least in aviation, for your engines protection.
I can see diesel tractors need help starting in sub zero temps and it only makes sense that the use of a block heater should provide more engine protection than any other method. At least quicker cyliners to temp...