Engine Block heater BX-23

Anders · Apr 16, 2005

I'm about to become a BX-23 owner /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

However, as I am working out the details with the dealer, I have stumbled upon what might be a problem for me.

Dealer only have the 120v version block-heater (natural enough), but I need 230v.

So, I can buy a converter or have one installed over here.

However, I don't have any big plans on parking the tractor other places than where it's normally parked, so I'm leaning to buying a converter and let dealer install 120v version. It feels kind of secure to let someone who knows their way around the tractor handle it.

Big question is: How many watts does it use? Is 300 enough?

Or am I doing wrong in my thinking?

A few more questions. What other of the BX's use the same engine?

Is the BX-23 sold outside of the USA? I haven't heard of any other countries and find it a little bit strange given that it seems to sell very well over there.

And just for the fun of it: I checked up on what was available for me here in Norway if I should buy at a official dealer. I could only get the BX-2200 with 2 or 4 wheel drive. The price was way up where it shouldn't be.

BX-2200 with 4-wd and turfs (No fel, mmm or anything) was $15772 before taxes. Not for those faint at heart I would say.

See why I'm importing? Taxes are the same no matter if it's a private or dealer import so basically I'm getting a really really cheap bx-23. Still, it's a lot of money. Been saving for it a long time and reading alle the posts about it here.

So, thanks for all the willingness to share info with others and help out. I am sure I will be back asking questions when it is here. I have plenty of work lined up for it already. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Anders

rbarker · Apr 16, 2005

( Big question is: How many watts does it use? Is 300 enough?)

I checked the installation sheet and packaging for mine but it does not list the wattage. If I had to guess, though, I would say that it will draw more than 300 watts.

( A few more questions. What other of the BX's use the same engine?)

The BX2200 and the BX22 both use the same engine. The BX22 is the previous model to the BX23 and the BX2200 is the previous version to the current BX2230. The BX2230 uses a different engine and it is possible that the BX23 will change to the newer engine in the future. The newer engine is the same horsepower but smaller and lighter and WILL NOT accept a block heater. These engines use a radiator hose heater instead.

Good luck with your tractor hunt! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GaryE · Apr 16, 2005

Anders,

Let me say up front, I know next to nothing about the BX series Kubota. But if what Bob is saying is correct, and these are just 300 watt heaters, just use two of them and connect them in series. The radiator will dissipate any extra heat and you will never have to worry about it being to cold.

Just a suggestion,

Gary

Anders · Apr 16, 2005

Hmmm, 300 watts are the biggest size converters I have found doing a quick search on Norwegian net-pages.

And now I understand that it's probably next to nothing when it comes down to block-heaters.

So, this is an indicator that it's best to install the 230 v version when it arrives here. Maybe that's just what I want to hear. Makes it easier to plug it in no matter where I'll need it.

No need to spend a lot of money on a converter instead of doing things right in the first place. It can't be that hard to install one, can it?

GaryE · Apr 16, 2005

It can't be that hard to install one, can it? 

If you install an inline heater in the hose, it should take all of 15 min at best. I am sure you can find an after market 230V heater that will fit. If not just buy two of the 120V heaters and wire them in series...... no big deal...... Go enjoy the tractor!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Gary

Henro · Apr 16, 2005

So, this is an indicator that it's best to install the 230 v version when it arrives here 

Somewhere in the archives there is a photo essey thread that shows the installation of a block heater in a BX I am pretty sure.

Maybe someone has it bookmarked as a favorite thread and could post a link...

I will check and see if I book marked it...but I don't think I did as I had the block heater installed when I bought my tractor.

It is actually a pretty easy install, once you break the plug in the engine side free (from what I remember of past threads).

Stef · Apr 16, 2005

I've measured the ampere consumption of a 120v block-heater on my BX23: 3.25 amp. This means that the power consumption is 390 watts. I'm sorry but your 300W converter won't be enough. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Henro · Apr 16, 2005

Well, looks like what I was thinking of was an install into a B series tractor, RayBee's B2710. I am pretty sure the B and BX use the same block heater though, so install should be about the same...

Here's a link to the thread I had in mind...

surfran · Apr 16, 2005

I will confirm what SteffBX23 says. I just went out and plugged my Kilowatt meter ahead of my block heater in the BX to see what it was registering. It showed ~3.5 A and 430 Watts.

Just thinking about it, These are just resistance heaters aren't they? So why not just cut the end off and install a 230V plug? It would just draw half the amps.

Or order an adaptor plug from over here as we have to purchase them to use appliances over there when we travel /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Okay replacing the plug is easier, but I couldn't resist offering the other option.

Good luck on your purchase and keep us posted on how it all goes.

GaryE · Apr 16, 2005

So why not just cut the end off and install a 230V plug? It would just draw half the amps. 

Randy,

If you double the voltage across a given resistance, you will double the current draw.... Ohms Law.

Gary