First winter ownig tractor

[peterc38]

I also have a "first winter" L3200. Our Chevrolet Cruze Diesels start no problem so I did not get the block heater.

Yes, it will start without the block heater, it just won't be as happy about it. I like the block heater, particularly when it starts getting consistently below 10-15 F.

 

[sandyc]

Even though I keep mine in u heated barn I use a block heater as it is easier starting and probably better in long run for the machine

 

[Thomas]

Lots got advice given,if area not heated remove any snow so it doesn't turn to ice.

 

[BXman98]

Amen to that!!

 

[HEC]

I think it was mentioned that you can also buy one of those magnet heaters just not sure how good they work , maybe someone who uses one can chime in . All the block heaters I have used were in place of a freeze plug and mine were dealer installed .

 

[nybirdman]

The block heater will help with quicker "warm-up" for the motor also.In the northern climates I think a block heater is a necessity.Mine sits out-doors and has never failed to start.I only use the block heat if it is below 20 degrees F.
You will need to let things warm-up a bit before using......HST tractors even more so.

 

[AStanton]

I run a magnetic block heater and have had no problem with it. Just be sure to remove it before heading out for the day. Also the beauty of such a heater is that you can swap it before machines. I used a dollar in the pic to show the strength of the magnet.

 

[Dead Horse]

The block heater will help with quicker "warm-up" for the motor also.In the northern climates I think a block heater is a necessity.Mine sits out-doors and has never failed to start.I only use the block heat if it is below 20 degrees F.
You will need to let things warm-up a bit before using......HST tractors even more so.

The hyd oil will be cold and tend to flow less quickly when cold. Let er warm up a bit before you start pushing her....... I learned this the hard way when I popped a line off my oil cooler going after the snow immediately after starting my 3710 HST up in below zero temps. Now I start her and let her run for a few minutes just a tad above idle before going to work. She likes that a LOT better.

Question, those using magnet heaters, where do you attach them? Oil pan? Anyone use dipstick heaters?

 

[3930dave]

Simplest place to use a magnet heater on mine is the engine oil pan. Helps a bit, but not as much as a good coolant block heater. I don't like the dipstick heaters, as the one my Dad tried years ago ended up with baked on oil - you really don't have much contact area to transfer heat with.

As long as it meets the engine ratings a good 5W40 synthetic (Rotella T6, Mobil TDT etc.....) is nice in the Winter.

Up here Rotella T6 can now be found in 0W40 now too.

Rgds, D.

 

[deerseeker001]

enjoy your tractor.

 

[Mike from MI]

enjoy your tractor.

I really enjoy my tractor. I had to wait three years before I could pull the trigger well worth the wait.
I've bought new ssqa pallet forks and used rear blade and brush cutter. Life is much easier than I ever thought with tractor.
Would like to find out more about block heaters, are they easy to install. What would be the best way to go- one that you remove freeze plug or is there something else out there. Not real interested in a magnetic pad for oil pan I think my pans aluminum.

 

[MHarryE]

Not sure what part of MI you are from but last winter Power Service 9-1-1, the more expensive stuff in the red bottle, was really needed to keep things moving. I'm in Northern MN where it is quite a bit colder (other side of the lakes) but my dealer in WI said everyone there had problems like mine. They install block heaters on all tractors they sell. Installation isn't difficult but you need to get the right one because of things like the heater element hitting a cylinder if you don't get the right one. For us in really cold weather operation engine oil grade is very important. An engine oil like 15W-40 can cause crankshaft seal failures on really cold starts. John Deere and New Holland both say nothing heavier than 10w, but preferably 5W, for our climate so we run 5W-40 synthetic. A neighbor neglected to do that, blew his rear crank seal on his NH. NH said warranty this time but if they find heavier oil next time the repair is on him even if it is under warranty - he's been warned.

 

[Garandman]

So what is the factory fill oil for an L3200?

 

[peterc38]

So what is the factory fill oil for an L3200?

From the Work Shop Manual:

Engine oil : API service Classification CD, CE or CF

Below 0 C (32 F) : SAE10W, 10W-30 or 10W-40

0 to 25 C (32 to 77 F): SAE20, 10W-30 or 10W-40

Above 25 C (77 F): SAE30, 10W-30 or 10W-40

I use 10W-30

 

[Chilly807]

I run 10w30 year-round, I feel there's no need for synthetic in my climate. We get from -25C to +30C from winter to summer. These aren't highly stressed engines to begin with.
The Kubota block heater is a good one, goes in the lower freeze plug on the left side. Mine was dealer installed, but it's not hard to do if you're mechanically inclined.
Tire chains are a big plus, chances are you'll need them. With R4 tires you'll need wheel spacers to allow clearance for chains on the rear. There's a lot of debate as to whether front chains are detrimental to the drive train or not.

 

[Garandman]

From the Work Shop Manual:

Engine oil : API service Classification CD, CE or CF

Below 0 C (32 F) : SAE10W, 10W-30 or 10W-40

0 to 25 C (32 to 77 F): SAE20, 10W-30 or 10W-40

Above 25 C (77 F): SAE30, 10W-30 or 10W-40

I use 10W-30

That's the spec, not the factory fill - what does Kubota put in when it leaves the factory?

 

[peterc38]

That's the spec, not the factory fill - what does Kubota put in when it leaves the factory?

You think they put in something that is not to spec?

 

[number two]

Kubota's factory fill is 10W30.
Like Chilly,I use 10W30.
Kubota brand and Shell Rotella are readily available in 10W30.
Good Luck!

 

[94BULLITT]

Let it warm up good before you go to working it.

 

[David Devuono]

Problem with us small users is Kubota uses like a 200 hour oil change which can take many of us through all seasons. I change the oil anually even if I only put 20 hours on the tractor. I am in the coldest climate and I have no electricity unless I want to start a generator. I use a propane heater with a tarp over the tractor. B3200 is a good starter, so I can imagine you wont have any issues in balmy MI.