Get An Engine Heater!!

[KennK]

Okay guys, the one hundred dollar question: What if the tractor shed does not have electricity and it is a fair piece from the electricity? Running a power cord 150+ feet doesn't thrill me. We get some cold weather and snow where I am. The power cord would quickly get buried by snow and then run over by the tractor or a snowmobile. Does anyone have any ideas? Taking the wife's car out of the garage is NOT a viable idea.

Thanks,
Matt

Find the smallest portable generator you can buy. Warm it up in the house. Carry it to the shed. Start it up. Plug it in to the engine heater. Let it run for 60-90 minutes. Start the tractor.

The small generator could also be useful for using power tools remotely.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Not sure how much the block heaters draw, but I'm thinking of taking my generator with me when I visit my tractor, which is on property with no electricity.

Mine draws 600 watts on the tractor. I am guessing the one on both my Powerstrokes is less than 1000 watts.

Chris

 

[JMER817]

(Okay guys, the one hundred dollar question: What if the tractor shed does not have electricity and it is a fair piece from the electricity? Running a power cord 150+ feet doesn't thrill me. We get some cold weather and snow where I am. The power cord would quickly get buried by snow and then run over by the tractor or a snowmobile. Does anyone have any ideas? Taking the wife's car out of the garage is NOT a viable idea.)

Have you looked at one of those solar powered panels Sold at TSC? Not sure what kind of power they produce, but might be worth a look at?

 

[irvingj]

The M-F block heater on my 2310 is rated at 400 watts; the one on my Jetta diesel is 1000 watts (!).

 

[Botabill]

I'm going to tell you something you may find hard to believe in these easy days. I remember my dad perhaps in 1953-55 lighting a small fire under the engine oil pan of his car before sun up to warm it to start in extreme cold winter weather. I live in a fairly cold climate in Ontario. Point being... we do what we need to do with what we have at hand to get the thang going. Sometimes takes real creativity or whatever.

 

[bullsram]

I just put a block heater in my 5103 Deere, I paid $70 bucks for the heater from the dealer, it took an hour to install myself, the dealer wanted $75 to install it . I normally keep it in an unheated garage but after moving snow I didnt want it all melting inside so its been outside and I keep it plugged in. The block heater for my 5103 is rated at 1000 watts..... Bull

 

[JJT]

Okay guys, the one hundred dollar question: What if the tractor shed does not have electricity and it is a fair piece from the electricity? Running a power cord 150+ feet doesn't thrill me. We get some cold weather and snow where I am. The power cord would quickly get buried by snow and then run over by the tractor or a snowmobile. Does anyone have any ideas? Taking the wife's car out of the garage is NOT a viable idea.

Thanks,
Matt

Run Synthetic 5w40. I don't have a block heater and have never had a cold start problem. I finally upgraded the 9 year old OEM battery last year as added insurance.

 

[megotatractor]

A block heater is a very good idea below zero. I once got lazy and fired up my JD2210 at 20 below, the motor oil was too thick to pump and she shut down. Had to stick a magnetic oil pan heater on and plug in the block heater to get her going. My short cut cost extra time and nearly damaged the engine.

 

[gerard]

A small salamander or propane heater would be an option if you didn't have power. If you DO have power, a block heater is a must. Just because I CAN start my tractor cold, doesn't mean it's not easier, AND better for the engine, to have it pre heated. Can't make an argument against that if you have a little mechanical knowledge. I've also used a 75 watt floodlight in one of those clip on arrangments and clipped it to a jack stand. Point it straight up and adjust it with the reflector pointing straight up and right under the oil pan. Cheap to run 24/7 and keeps it all nice and toasty.

 

[Plow Jockey]

Run Synthetic 5w40. I don't have a block heater and have never had a cold start problem. I finally upgraded the 9 year old OEM battery last year as added insurance.

+1 JJT, I just switch to 5w40 Syn. in my tractor and already had a block heater. Anything below 0 and she's plugged in for a hour or so and have had no problem starting. Money well spent on both products.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

This is what I do since my shed has no power and I use a block heater. I lay the extension cord on the lawn in the late fall. I then mark the location with 2' rebar (or anything you have) so I know the location under the snow. This way I do not drive over it. Do not know if this will work for you but is easy and fast.

I also use 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger from Harbor Freight to keep the battery from going dead. I am on the original OEM battery since 2002. I keep the solar charger on year round.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[johnamon]

I will also vote for a heater. When we bought our JD 2320 three years ago it was on the list for the dealer to install. They didn't really think it was needed but also didn't put up too much of a fight when I wanted it added to the sale.

One morning it was real cold, down around 0F. The tractor started OK and I started blowing snow after letting it warm up for a couple minutes. After about 5-10 minutes I lost power and could just keep the tractor running. Luckily I could get back to the house. I plugged in the heater for half an hour and then it ran great.

For the first year we had one of those tent-garage-things. After the poor running experience I ran an extension cord from the front porch outlet to the tent. There I had a light and plugged in the tractor heater. Anytime it got down to 10F or so I would plug it in for 30 minutes or so while I ate breakfast. Always worked great.

Now we have a proper pole barn with lots of electricity. I installed one outlet in the barn that is switched from inside. Now on cold days I can start the heater without even sticking my head outside.

I don't know if the heater heats the engine or oil or coolant or fuel. But for me it really makes a difference.

Now I just keep thinking about a cab ...

 

[CBW1999]

I would never have a tractor without a block heater. We usually have a run in Mid February where the temp in the early morning can be 40 below zero (not including wind chill.

I have found the same, that about an hour- is all it takes to arm up the engine (B7510). I haven't had much trouble when it is above zero, seldom used the heater, but several days this last week had a tough time getting it going.

I like the idea of the trickle charge on the battery to keep it warm. I also picked up a "magnet heater". not sure if i will put it on the oil pan, or the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The oil pan usually gets warm with the block heater, but not sure if it is enough to have warmed the oil too.

Unfortunately, my tractor has no indoor accommodations available..

 

[BX22inMO]

I heeded what good I thought was some pretty good (and cheap) advice.

Tractor Supply was out, but O'Reilly's had a magnetic 200W heater. An hour and a half later ... first crank. Ten seconds on the glow plugs and turn the key. First time that's happened in ... well, since it got God Awful cold here in NEMO. There is only a small place to put it on the oil pan on my BX, but it's as snug as a bug in rug.

Does anybody leave them on all the time ?? Seems dangerous to me, but the destructions say it's thermostatically controlled, so..... (maybe the night before a storm comes in ??? )

I also put a trickle charger on it last night for the battery's sake, but it was the heater that got it to start.... GARRANTEEED !!!

Thanks, guys !!

 

[jeffgreef]

Okay, so, explain to us ignoramuses what the different types of heaters are, and how they work.

From what I read, there is an electric blanket heater that you can put on your battery, starter, and block, right?

Is there an oil pan heater that is essentially an electric element that sits in the oil? this must be impossible to retrofit, unless you are willing to cut holes in the oil pan.

Is there a blanket that you wrap around the oil pan?

I've heard of truckers lighting hibachi charcoal fires under their engines to warm up the oil and block. Doesn't sound like such a good idea.....

My main question is- if you buy a used tractor with no heater, what are your options for installing one?

JG

 

[Trails2004]

..........My main question is- if you buy a used tractor with no heater, what are your options for installing one?
JG

Look at the link below perhaps this will help

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/159771-jd-790-battery-maintainer-block.html

 

[brandoro]

Okay, so, explain to us ignoramuses what the different types of heaters are, and how they work.

From what I read, there is an electric blanket heater that you can put on your battery, starter, and block, right?

Is there an oil pan heater that is essentially an electric element that sits in the oil? this must be impossible to retrofit, unless you are willing to cut holes in the oil pan.

Is there a blanket that you wrap around the oil pan?

I've heard of truckers lighting hibachi charcoal fires under their engines to warm up the oil and block. Doesn't sound like such a good idea.....

My main question is- if you buy a used tractor with no heater, what are your options for installing one?

JG

The oil pan heater could be a magnetic one or a flexible one that mounts with adhesive, both on the outside of the oil pan so no holes required. A blanket for the battery is okay but not really needed if your tractor is run regularly and the battery is in good condition. A block heater is the best bang for the buck if you can get one that is meant for your tractor. Block heaters are not a new idea so should be available even on a used tractor 20 or more years old.

 

[wolc123]

I do love the block heater. I would never use a diesel in the winter without one. My JD 4120 actually starts smoother on a 10 deg below zero day, after being plugged in for about an hour, than it does on a 80 deg summer day. I dont even bother to use the ignition pre-heat. I also love the power reverser (gear)trans. in the winter, as it is ready for work at all temps, not sluggish in the cold like the hydros can be.

 

[bp fick]

I have two 250 watt magnetic heaters on either side of the oil pan on my BX. I find it take 3-4 hours to do the job at -5.

The engine itself is an easy starter, but I take some comfort in knowing the oil is warm and flowing quickly. Frankly, the HST isn't going to do much for at least 10-15 minutes anyhow. I gently move the blade up and down, side to side. I repeat that joystick movement a few times during warm up. I also creep out of the shop very, very slowly. I find the HST to be slower than the engine to warm up. Considering a trans pad heater I've heard about. Couldn't hurt. Anyone have one of those?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I bought one of those magnetic heaters and the only thing it did for me was make my wallet $30 lighter. They are worthless compared to a lower radiator hose heater or any sort of block heater.

Chris