block heaters

[flatlander dave]

waiting to take my delivery on dk50se hst. does kioti have a block heater? if not any recommendations. inline hose heater? thanks

 

[back2earth]

I don't know about the DKs but the CKs do not--though maybe as an aftermarket item . My dealer tells me that here in Maine they are not needed. He has had no problem starting the engines in sub-zero weather. The glow plugs are plenty adequate. But do make sure that you have "winterized" diesel in the tank. I suspect that this helps with the injection.

 

[flatlander dave]

thanks back2earth. i'm moving to northern idaho and tractor will be in cold barn and want it to start when i need it

 

[Duffster]

If you live north of Missouri you need a block heater IMO

 

[rd_macgregor]

My DK45S came with a block heater, but I don't know if it was standard equip from Kioti or if they routinely put them into tractors sold in Canada. I used the block heater a couple of times the first winter, but not since then. I don't do anything special with my fuel and, so far, the tractor has started up just fine in the winter. Winters here (in PEI) aren't quite as severe as elsewhere in Canada, but there are always a few days below zero F and a fair number in the single digits F (say -10 to -15 C).
I've been pleasantly surprised at how willingly the tractor starts in the winter.
BOB

 

[IXLR8]

I bought my CK30 used, it had a radiator hose heater already installed. I have never used it in the 2 years I have had the tractor. If it is below 0F, I cycle the glow plugs twice... then start.. no issues. If it is below -20F, I am staying inside so I don't know how well it will start below that.

 

[bncsauve]

I installed a radiator hose block heater in my LK2554. It works very well. It will warm up the block and radiator in about an hour. Seems to make starting in cold weather much less traumatic for the engine. I use it when I have time. The tractor starts fine without it, but, not as smoothly. Our low temps are around -15F. Using the bh seems to make me and the Kioti feel better.

 

[JoelD]

I installed a radiator hose block heater in my LK2554. It works very well. It will warm up the block and radiator in about an hour. Seems to make starting in cold weather much less traumatic for the engine. I use it when I have time. The tractor starts fine without it, but, not as smoothly. Our low temps are around -15F. Using the bh seems to make me and the Kioti feel better.

I am installing an inline heater myself for the same rationalle above. Have never had a problem but I'm thinking warm start is better than cold.

I'd rather deal with a hose problem then a block heater popping out (which would think rare, particularly if professionally installed).

Joel

 

[LBrown59]

I bought my CK30 used, it had a radiator hose heater already installed. I have never used it in the 2 years I have had the tractor. If it is below 0F, I cycle the glow plugs twice... then start.. no issues. If it is below -20F,
* I am staying inside so I don't know how well it will start below that.

If it's time for a block heater it's time to stay inside.

 

[Dodgeram]

The CK30 stays in the heated garage.
The Expedition, Explorer and the MH Stay outside in the cold.
I think my DW is the only one who sees this setup as odd.

Tom

 

[wallace]

Kioti does not offer them but I have installed several of them over the years.
We sell them for around 35-40 bucks over the counter ( I think)

 

[williekioti]

While a block heater is not "required" for starting the motor.........it sure is easier for on it (the motor) to not have oil and engine internals at ambient air temperature. I for one am glad my dealer installs them automatically on every new tractor he sells. Cheap insurance in my book. I only plug mine in when temps stay below 15 or 20* and I am anticipating needing the tractor ready for service. I don't leave it plugged in when not needed. I also treat my fuel with proper winter additive and make sure my coolant is current to -30* or so. More cheap insurance. When the white stuff hits I have used my tractor at -20* plenty of times and am glad she has been ready to roll. I have started it w/o the heater a few times sub20*, it did start OK but definitely labored more than when "warmed". YMMV.