Engine heater options

[jd4310man]

I have a New Holland 455 Skid steer with a Kubota D1402 diesel engine. It has glow plugs, but with these frigid temps ( teens and single digits) its really hard to get going. The parts manual shows an external tank type heater that is plumbed into the water pump and the block. It is no longer available. I did see a similar type heater at tractor supply but am not sure where it would get hooked into the cooling system? Does anyone else have an external type heater on their engine and how well does it work? Here is a link to the original heater kit (L455) - SKID STEER LOADER (7/83-11/93) | Messick's (103A)

 

[GManBart]

If I read the parts list correctly you can't buy the complete kit, but you can buy all the individual parts to make your own kit.

If you aren't already using synthetic oil, it can make a big difference in how quickly the engine turns over in very cold temps. Other than somewhat higher cost, there really isn't a downside to it in that sort of application.

Have you considered something like one of the Wolverine heaters that mounts on the bottom of the oil pan? They're not terribly expensive, and have a really good reputation.

Wolverine Heaters - The Most Trusted Engine Oil Heater For Cold-Weather Starts

 

[Gunny]

What about one of the radiator hose heaters? Easy to install and relatively cheap

 

[RaydaKub]

External tank heaters are all my dad ever had on his tractors. I had one on my old 73 Plymouth. Once at -56F, it started like it was only -20.
I seem to recall those being about 1500 watts. Was pretty standard from Napa back then.

 

[square1]

Put a Kats heater in my lower radiator hose this past fall. I could kick myself for the wasted time incurred by not doing it years ago

 

[JJZ 109]

I'd have to go out in the barn to verify, but if I remember correctly the Kubota in my Bobcat S185 has a heater right at the front of the head, in a relatively easy spot to get to. Almost looks like a soft plug heater. Later on I'll take a look and see if I can get a pic.
We've had some near zero temps lately and after plugging this in for a time, the glow plugs don't even come on before starting.

 

[Quebecguy]

I have a New Holland 455 Skid steer with a Kubota D1402 diesel engine. It has glow plugs, but with these frigid temps ( teens and single digits) its really hard to get going. The parts manual shows an external tank type heater that is plumbed into the water pump and the block. It is no longer available. I did see a similar type heater at tractor supply but am not sure where it would get hooked into the cooling system? Does anyone else have an external type heater on their engine and how well does it work? Here is a link to the original heater kit (L455) - SKID STEER LOADER (7/83-11/93) | Messick's (103A)

Hi JD4310man,
I have been successfully using circulation type heaters on my old International for over forty years although they seldom last longer than twenty years before replacement is necessary. I have mine plumbed between the radiator drain hole and the block drain hole. A hose barb, some 5/8" ID heater hose and the parts that come in the kit and you're all set. There are several other plumbing options if this one doesn't suit you or your skid steer (including, I think, the one you mentioned). I'll attach a link to a kit available in Canada but I'm sure you will have no problem finding the same or similar down in the States. They are available in several different wattages - I use 850 or 1,000 watts which provide sufficient heat to start my tractor easily on the coldest mornings.
Circulation Engine Heater | Canadian Tire

 

[Shawn F]

It never occurred to me to place it on rubber. I have attached Kats heaters to two metal spots and they work great. Did you have any concerns with that much concentrated heat being applied to the rubber hose?

 

[Egon]

Block heater or inline hose heater.

 

[JJZ 109]

Here's the heater located in the front of the head on the Kubota V2003 in my Bobcat. (or maybe it's the rear, according to application charts. I didn't look at orientation too closely):



For your D1402: Kubota Engine Block Heater Kit New Kubota Freeze Plug Heater Kubota Heater | eBay

 

[Egon]

Should mention the heaters are usually generic. For the block diameter and depth of heating element to fit.

 

[KYKub]

I don't know about your particular tractor, but the install of a block heater on my Kubota was an easy job. Heater was only about $45 from dealer. I believe the efficiency is greater than magnetic or in-hose heaters.

 

[jd4310man]

Thanks JJZ 109 , Im not sure if it has a freeze plug thats convenient to get at, but this stile heater probably works the best seeing that its mounted in the block where the heat is needed most.

 

[JJZ 109]

Thanks JJZ 109 , Im not sure if it has a freeze plug thats convenient to get at, but this stile heater probably works the best seeing that its mounted in the block where the heat is needed most.

Mine appears to be relatively easy to get at, should it ever need to be replaced. But it was already on the machine when I bought it. Not sure how your machine is for access, but maybe if you installed in the head it might be easier.
As I said previously, it works beautifully. The glow plugs don't even cycle on when it's been plugged in.

 

[RaydaKub]

I think the heater they put in my BX frost plug was 400 watts. With my garage at 20 degrees and the heater plugged in for an hour, I opened the hood and it felt like I had finished mowing about 30 minutes ago. Air was all nice and warm.