First winter ownig tractor

[Mike from MI]

His will be my first winter in Michigan with new L3200. Will be using to remove snow. We be stored inside just wondering if there's anything I need to doing for winter mouths compared to summer.
Might be dumb question but rather ask than be sorry.

 

[MH8675309]

If its a diesel get some anti gel for the fuel. See if it has a block heater and use it when it gets cold

 

[MH8675309]

Tire chains are nice when there's ice. 4 wheel drive aint much help on ice but my 2 wheel drive gets around good with the chains on.

 

[AStanton]

I would treat the fuel with Power Service; invest in a good set of rear chains; and if your garage isn't heated, get a magnetic block heater for those real cold days.

 

[Kanook]

If it doesn't have an engine block heater....get one
Watch out for frozen fuel line. The usual cause is condensation in the fuel tank and particularly if the tractor moves from heated enclosure to sub zero temps. I have found that the fuel filter ices up and the frozen water in the filter bowl blocks the flow of fuel. As previously stated a diesel fuel conditioner with anti geling properties is useful....and keeping the tank full diminishes the condensation potential.

 

[nybirdman]

I think most new owners get in trouble with the fuel.These new tractors don't use a lot and they end up with "summer" fuel with the cold hits.You can cut with kerosene and or add Powerservice or Howes.Most Northern states change the formula on diesel about November so try to use up your summer fuel and purchase new in late fall.

 

[oosik]

The only problem, & only once, was when my summer fuel gelled in my previous tractor. However, there is an answer to that - portable generator & wife's hair dryer. It took about 40 minuets with the hair dryer and all was OK. I put Power Service in my fuel now. Its kind of a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you pop the cap on the fuel tank and see jello staring back at you - ha,ha.

 

[Navasot]

Make sure your radiator has Antifreeze/Coolant in it and not water/or more water than AF.

I would clean it up best as possible to get off all the summer grind. Easier to spot potential troubles with a clean tractor. Make good and sure the plugs are working and your battery is good and charged.

 

[BXman98]

Is it heated where you are keeping it? If not then plug in the block heater if it has one.

 

[sandyc]

Good luck and enjoy

 

[bellweather]

Same as a car, mechanical issues are more difficult to deal with in the winter....make sure everything is in good working order, well lubed and serviced. I like using my tractor in the winter...it stays so clean.

 

[sandyc]

Good luck and enjoy

also, use fuel conditioner like power service ALL the time.

 

[HEC]

I have never had a fuel problem in 25 years as I use power service all year long , great stuff . Like others have suggested keep the tank full at all times as that sure helps . I keep mine full both summer and winter after each use . I always use the block heater when the temps get below freezing , probably would start fine without it but it sure is easier on the engine in my opinion . Both my tractors are in a garage so I only use the heater for an hour or so before I use it .I have never needed chains with 4wd and I have a long but mostly flat driveway . I burn coal so I use the ashes when the drive is all covered with ice .This will be the first winter with the 2650 so time will tell with this one . The 5700 has a 7 ft. blower on the back , a fel and loaded tires so that is one reason chains are not needed with that one . Lots of warm clothes and you should be fine .

 

[Navasot]

Yall are probably to far north to do it but any of you put water/anti freeze in the rear tire to help with traction?

 

[RaydaKub]

Yall are probably to far north to do it but any of you put water/anti freeze in the rear tire to help with traction?

Certainly there are those that do not, but it is also very common to do that here in Minnesota. Mine are full of -35 degree washer fluid. Lots use Rim Guard (beet juice), and others calcium chloride solution (hopefully with tubes).

 

[Wolfy]

Tire chains really make a tractor perform in the winter, but if you don't want to use them for whatever reason, letting out as much air from the rear tires as you dare will get you better ice traction.

 

[Baby Grand]

A warm hat & good gloves will be your best friends.

 

[Garandman]

I also have a "first winter" L3200. Our Chevrolet Cruze Diesels start no problem so I did not get the block heater. I am going to put the battery on a battery tender as we aren't there all the time. Hooking up an auxiliary LED light on the ROPS. Still haven't decided on chains or siping.

I started using Power Service in the last two tanks of fuel. I am delaying purchase of another five gallons of fuel until this weekend to make sure I am getting the winter blend anyway.

Still haven't figured out where/how but I'd like to install a 12V accessory plug so I can use my Gerbing heated jacket.

A warm hat //.

My current favorite: Carhartt insulated ball cap with ear flaps.

 

[Mike from MI]

Thanks for all the great info glade I asked.
1) I have full tank of summer fuel so I will put anti gel to treat it. Will keep full with winter fuel now that it's available here now.
2) have Rim guard in rear tires and 4x4 so I'll see how it go's before seeing about chains. R4's
3) stored in pole barn so I really don't know what to do about block heater, if it's the best thing for the tractor for long life I will get one. Anybody have any ideas on a good block heater for the kubota L3200 that can be installed without removing freeze plug.
Just did 50hr service so should be good to go and I keep up with greasing.
I think that's it if I have mist something please let me know also input on what you all think about a block heater.

Thanks All Mike

 

[Fallon]

My L3200 started fine in the single digit negative temps. Not sure I tried without a good shot of glow plugs, but it turned over in about twice the normal cranking time at the worst.

I have bio ballast (not beet juice, but similar weight, freeze point & non-rusting properties) in my R4s. No frame of comparison for snow traction, but a lot better all around. Not to mention better for loader lifting (still need an implement on the 3pt though).