Cold weather starting......

PowerTrom425 · Dec 20, 2004

I had no problem starting the 425 until it got below 20 Clint. Compared to me, I think you might be in the tropics! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PowerTrom425 · Dec 20, 2004

Are these any better?

Homestead Tractor offers several types of engine block heaters. In cold
climates, these heaters work great to heat your tractor's engine.

Magnetic Block Heaters

These block heaters are equipped with two powerful magnets ensure solid contact
between the heater and your tractor's engine. The heating range is pre-set and is
thermostatically controlled. The unit turns on and off as heat is needed.

KATS "Handi-Heat"
This magnetic block heater has a
6' electrical cable, instructions, and
a display box. Standard 115-120V AC,
180 Watts, 2 Amp maximum draw.
Surface area is 2-3/4" x 3-3/4", and
the surface heating range is from
300º to 400º F.

$38.84 + s&h
KATS "Handi-Heat Magnum"
This magnetic block heater has a
5-1/2' electrical cable and a removable
handle. Standard 115-120V AC,
300 Watts, 3 Amp maximum draw.
Surface area is 3" x 5", and the
surface heating range is from 300º
to 400º F. Instructions and
attractive display box included.

$64.25 + s&h

Both of these models can be removed in warm weather.

MossRoad · Dec 20, 2004

I've got the Kohler engine. Mine started fine at 8 degrees yesterday morning. This will be the 4th winter on the original battery. I'm kind of leary of that, so I am keeping a 1AMP charger on it at all times this winter. The only modification I made was to switch to Mobil1 at the first oil change. There has been some discussion about this before and it could be the reason the engine turns over so easily for me in cold wether. We aren't expecting much snow soon, but it is supposed to get to -10 next weekend. I'll let you all know how it does.

PowerTrom425 · Dec 20, 2004

I use Mobil1 in mine as well MR, but it still doesn't like the cold! ,,,,,, ggrrrrrrrrrrrr ....... I mean brrrrrrrrrr /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

FOURTEEN · Dec 21, 2004

"" I've got the Kohler engine. Mine started fine at 8 degrees yesterday morning. ""

I have the Kohler engine in my PT-425 with Amsoil synthetic, but no trickle charger. Although it nearly broke the record here last night at 9 degrees, the PT started instantly!

Yep, I went out to the Morton Building which I maintain at 60 degrees, hopped into the seat, a little choke, hit the key, and up it started, just like last Summer!! Guess that Amsoil in the engine and hydraulics really makes a big difference on cold mornings!!!!

PS: The forecast is for 64 degrees on Thursday, the first full day of Winter!! Glad I have that ROPS canopy to ward off the hot NC sun!!

/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

pequeajim · Dec 21, 2004

( The forecast is for 64 degrees on Thursday, the first full day of Winter!! Glad I have that ROPS canopy to ward off the hot NC sun!! )

You're disgusting... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

ClintBlake · Dec 21, 2004

I bought the KAT'S 1160 (two of them) for $43 each from Advanced Autoparts. They seem ok, but BobRip's heated PolySteal garage that he keeps his 422 in seems better. Of course he makes his wife keep her car outside in the cold so he can keep his truck and power-trac in the heated garage.

tracdoc · Dec 21, 2004

( PS: The forecast is for 64 degrees on Thursday, the first full day of Winter!! Glad I have that ROPS canopy to ward off the hot NC sun!! )
FOURTEEN,

What weather forecast are you viewing???!!! Or, please let me have a pair of those rose tinted glasses you're wearing. I live ~25 miles from your place, and we saw 10 degrees the last 2 nights, high yesterday of 28, and predicted high today (Tuesday) of 45 in the Triad. I think we'll be lucky to get to 50 on Thursday (with RAIN). Beats snow, though...

MossRoad · Dec 21, 2004

The forecast is for 64 degrees on Thursday 

Is it really ... or are you just going to bump up the thermostat? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MuncyBob · Dec 21, 2004

Lucky to hit 50!!!(we won't see that again until March at least).......my heart bleeds for you!! LOL!! It was 2 degrees yesterday morning in our barn at 6:45......was half tempted to go up to the garage and see if the PT would start but didn't have the time(don't knoiw if I would have anyways, probably not doing the engine any favors starting at that cold temp without somehow warming the engine/oil first)....so far no problems starting it up in the 20's though. I'm glad the winter solstice is upon us...now the daylight will slowly getting longer.