Block heater needed for BX22?

[SUPERNUG]

Will I need a block heater for my BX22 this winter in Mid-Michigan? It will be inside an unheated pole barn. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[snowman]

Don't have a specific answer, but I've kept my B7500 in an unheated garage for the past three winters with no block heater and have never had a problem starting it (just let the glow plugs light up for about ten seconds then start 'er up)

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Don't own orange, but my answer would be the same if I did.

My truck and tractor both start so easy when they are plugged in that I can't imagine not spending the money to have a block heater. Would they start without it--most likely every time, but not as easy and they take longer to warm up.

Just purchased a used van--it goes in next week to get a block heater added.

My JD dealer installs them as part of new tractor purchase on every unit they sell.

Bob

 

[RiverV]

I have one in my BX22 and my other diesel. I like the idea of having the water/oil warm when starting in the cold weather. My opinion is it's less wear and tear on the engine/battery.

Dave..

 

[NIXON]

I spent several years in North dakota . My vehicles always started . But They warmed up quicker when plugged in . It's not really a question of whether or not the engine will start . It's more of a question of how the engine oil will behave at very low temps .
Personally I'd go with a block heater . In the long run I believe the engine will thank you /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif John

 

[JerryG]

I don't know if you have room or not, but if you do and want a really warm engine at start up. What you need to install is a box heater. You do have to have two small hose connections on your engine, to hook it up. I have one on my generator and the engine is always warm, even in the coldest weather. This type of heater circulates the water in the engine. I bought a new heater for my tractor, then I traded tractors and will have to find a spot to put it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[snowman]

The way I look at it, which may be wrong from a mechanical standpoint, is:

(a) if the engine starts, I'm happy.

(b) my car is parked right next to the tractor in the garage and experiences the same temperature conditions, yet I don't do (and have never seen any one do) anything special to it other than stick the key in and start it (it's not a diesel).

Basically, if the diesel hasn't gelled, everything's good to go in my book!

My neighbor keeps all of his stuff outside - skidsteers, tractors, wheel loaders, etc - uncovered - he's never done anything special with them and they always start right up and work fine (may need to jump or change the battery though).

There's nothing wrong with using something, but I don't think it really adds much unless you really would otherwise have a problem starting it (ie: if your fuel did actually gel).

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Snowman,

I don't think your thinking is wrong--just a different opinion /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

In MN there are times when a motor may not start. When we fish Mil Lacs, we stay on the lake for a weekend. There have been times the truck would not have started if we had not brought the generator to plug the block heater into.

If it were $800 to install a block heater, I'd may take my chances, but they are relatively cheap insurance against that one time when I need to plow snow or get to work or whatever and the thing(truck or tractor) won't start.

I think you are probably in the majority with not using block heaters.

Bob

 

[NIXON]

Snowman .
If the engine starts I'm happy too /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Fuel gelling is a seperate issue . A block heater won't address that issue .
I DO drive a diesel,and it likes to be plugged in on Cold nights .
My main concern was not whether or not it will start . Basically if it's got a decent battery and is in tune , it'll start .
But , how is the oil flowing to the bearings, etc . ??
If I couldn't , or didn't plug in I'd Go with a synthetic oil .
As to your heighbor .... does he keep his machines for a long time , or trade them in regularly ? I'd be willing to bet he doesn't keep them as long as those of us that use a machine for "home use "
JMHO . All the best , John

 

[gsxr1100]

I had a engine/collant heater on my old Powerstroke Diesel. I used it to heat the engine maybe 12 times in 6 years. I did not have to scrap the frost off the windows. Instant heat.

Other then that I never used it. If you have a good clean fuel, glow plug system working 100%, good synthetic oil (optional here-just drops the pumping temp about 30 degrees) & good battery it will start just fine. Battery is a HUGE deal. MORE CCA the better!

As you know or might know I like synthetic oil since I did the freezer test a long time ago and that is a major deal. Put regular in the freeze with synthetic and watch what happens when pouring out /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I have had a JD 455 for 3 years with no heater and it worked just fine. Started un-aided at about -5. My dads old JD425 is a pain to start in the winter; but the diesel start right up! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

This will be my first winter with the BX22 and I assume it will beform better then my old deere. It better for the price I paid!!

PS. in cold weather it is usually the gas engines that are a pain to start.

Just "glow and go"

 

[RonR]

Years ago, I had a ford pickup that in the winter, had to start, high idle, and warm up until the choke turned off before you could drive. If you tried early, the choke would stick and you were out under the hood, manually releasing the choke.

This was in the 70's energy crisis, with the unheard of high prices, so I figured the cost to install a block heater and run it on that truck more than was offset in saving with less gas spent.

It also had the side benefit that I could switch on the ACC switch, and the DEF fan to high. Five minutes later, the ice was off, the windows clean.

Just unplug and take off. I loved it.

Ron

 

[Henro]

Honestly,

My tractors are my babies... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

They certainly don't need a block heater to start.

The block heater may or may not add to their longivety.

The Block heater makes me feel good... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I have never heard anyone say a block heater is BAD for an engine.

I have concluded it can't hurt, and it might help.

Since it also makes me feel good...well, it's a win-win proposition! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I have block heaters in both of my tractors and use them...because it makes me feel good

Your milage may vary... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

edit: Well...I have not had the bx2200 thru a winter yet...but you can bet that block heater will used! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[snowman]

<font color="red"> As to your heighbor .... does he keep his machines for a long time , or trade them in regularly ? I'd be willing to bet he doesn't keep them as long as those of us that use a machine for "home use </font>

He keeps everything; has never sold or disposed of any equipment since I've lived here; keeps adding more tho!

 

[SUPERNUG]

THANKS FOR ALL INFORMATION /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[WVBill]

It may not be a factor for your BX22 but I have a B6100 gear drive and the hydraulic tank for the FEL is, of course separate from the engine. I don't have a block heater and my tractor starts fine in the coldest winter temps but the FEL is VERY slow because the hydraulic oil gets very thick.

For an HST tractor, will an engine block heater also heat the hydraulic oil?

 

[NIXON]

Snowman .
You make a good point ! If I had as much equipment as your neighbor I wouldn't plug in either . The electric bill would be staggering /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif All the best , JOHN