block heater

[wolc123]

That is significant disadvantage of a hydro transmission for cold-weather use. With gear, I cant feel any temperature effect. The tractor just goes at the same speed, if it is -30 or 95 degrees when I let out the clutch, dependent only on gear selected and engine rpm. The only trouble is the lift hydraulics which takes a little while to warm up when it is real cold out. On my old 8n Ford, with straight 90 weight oil, I would have half my plowing done before the rear blade lifted at a summer-like speed. Thankfully, my newer JD with multi-visc oil, starts out cold at a half-way decent lift speed. If only there was a way to take the temperature-dependency out of the lift mechinism. I guess a manual lift would do that and also eliminate the need for a gym-membership and cab heater.

 

[bp fick]

That is significant disadvantage of a hydro transmission for cold-weather use. With gear, I cant feel any temperature effect. The tractor just goes at the same speed, if it is -30 or 95 degrees when I let out the clutch, dependent only on gear selected and engine rpm. The only trouble is the lift hydraulics which takes a little while to warm up when it is real cold out. On my old 8n Ford, with straight 90 weight oil, I would have half my plowing done before the rear blade lifted at a summer-like speed. Thankfully, my newer JD with multi-visc oil, starts out cold at a half-way decent lift speed. If only there was a way to take the temperature-dependency out of the lift mechinism. I guess a manual lift would do that and also eliminate the need for a gym-membership and cab heater.

You point out a very important aspect of cold weather operation. The cold hydraulics and cold HSTs. Those who live in the more southern climes don't always fully appreciate just how cold -20 really is. It's numbing, dry, hurt your nose cold. Bare skin sticking to metal cold.

Which is why when you have months of below freezing weather, the choice of fluid is so important. A low vis, multi-vis fluid is essential.
With the right fluids, the operation gets up to speed much quicker.

 

[pat32rf]

Don't forget that a battery heater can also make a big difference on cold mornings. I have a lower rad hose, block and battery heater for those -30 deg mornings. I give it about an hour (indoor switch) when I know I'm going out. After a couple minute running I'll SLOWLY drive accross the yard to the garage (200')and then let it sit for another five minutes or so to warm the hydro.

 

[RalphVa]

On our 2 Benzes, we only needed to plug the heaters in about 30 minutes before starting.

Otherwise, your radiator will take away lots of heat, resulting in just waste of electricity and ultimate burnout of the heating element.

Ralph

 

[MF1652]

I took the $10.00 remote switch my wife used to use to turn the christmas lights on and off and put it on the extension cord to my tractor. Now I just plug the block heater in after I finish using the tractor and turn it on from inside my house with the remote about 30 minutes to an hour before I plan to use it again. Of course my wife now makes fun of me because it's just another one of my toys with a remote.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

The sizzling sound is normal. Lots of us wait and listen for it as it lets us know the heater is working.

Length of time will depend on the wattage of the heater, the mass of the radiator fluid and block as well as ambient temperature and the effect the wind may have on it if parked outside.

Egon....You may or may not know this but, the wind has no effect on temperature. In other words, the iron on your tractor does not "feel" the cold wind chill. Only us humans do.

If the temp is zero and the wind is blowing 40mph, the temperature is still zero.

 

[PILOON]

When I plug my MF1532, in 2 hours it is also warm enough to start very easier, cost for 2 hours @ 400watts is almost $0.11. ( 11 cents per 1000 watts consumed at our electricial rates) cheaper than allowing the diesel to run longer while warming up.

But at $0.11 you don't want that plugged in 24/24 as that would run like $40.00 per month!

Guess in Alaska they don't have a choice.

 

[Sweden-Art]

I am not entirely on topic, but I have a tank type coolant heater on my Mahindra 2525 with a built in circulation pump, circulating the coolant with in the engine at a rate of 10 l/min (2,65 GPM). This type was entirely new to me before I found it.

I made some test this week on with it. We have had between -21°C (-5,8°F) and -16°C (3,2°F) for a couple of days. The tractor has been stored outside. I plugged the heater on with the tractor outside and the temp was -17C (1,4°F). It took 44 min until the coolant was heated and heater thermostat kicked in @ 60°C (140°F).
The tractor temp gauge showed 60°C (140°F). It started just like in the summertime

Usually I use it just 15-20 min or so @ -10°C (14°F)

 

[D7E]

Egon....You may or may not know this but, the wind has no effect on temperature. In other words, the iron on your tractor does not "feel" the cold wind chill. Only us humans do.

If the temp is zero and the wind is blowing 40mph, the temperature is still zero.

Everyone i know would dissagree with that . Keeping a tractor behind a bale stack or in a barn makes a huge difference to starting and always factor in wind chill .

 

[Diamondpilot]

About 30 minutes to a hour depending on how cold it is for my Jinma 284. Above about 25 or so I do not use it.

Chris