How cold is to cold???

[mark2610d]

Just wondering how cold is to cold to use your tractor? Anybody ever use there tractor below 0 deg? How good do the new kubota diesels start when it's sub zero? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Just courious,

Mark >>>>3430HSTC

 

[ronjhall]

In Tennessee you are worried about below zero temperatures?
Before I installed a block heater, I had no problems starting my B2910 in temperatures below 20 degrees. It just did not sound very good until it warmed up.
If you are going to be using your tractor in temps below freezing get a block heater. If you are going to operating below 10 degrees a transmission fluid heater. Make sure you are using Super UDT in trans. Sure wish I had a Cab on some of those below freezing days. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[thatguy]

If you dont have a dealer installed block heater - has anyone used the magnetic ones they sell at TSC or Northern Tool? How well do they heat the engine?

thanks for any input

Brian

 

[gsxr1100]

used my bx at -10 below last year. Started just fine without a heater.

 

[frank_f15]

Do you get below 0 down there? even if you do, the tractor should do fine.

 

[Shy_guy0324]

Last winter was the first for my BX1500, it was never too happy to start and it was in the attached car garage. It was mighty cozy in the garage last year. This year the electrician is suppose to get power to the shed before the snow flies, so i'm going to put a heater on it with a timer on it.

We usually see lows about 0F and highs about 15-20.. if I remember that old temperature scale right. I think the problem for me was i was still using diesel I bought in the fall, rather than fuel that was formulated for winter use.

 

[GaryE]

My old B6000 did not like it when it got near 0 F, but much to my surprise my L3710 will start with no problem at -15F . I bought a block heater last year but have yet to install it. I would think you will be ok down in Tennessee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Gary

 

[Volfandt]

Back in the mid 1990's on one cold cold Jan day East TN set the record for having the lowest temp for the entire US at -24 F.
Yepper, colder then Alaska or New England etc.
I remember it well, I had just finished up a 1/2 bath/laundry room addition and it split my brand new copper water lines in 4 places /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
It can get mighty cold when those icey Nor'eastern winds blow down through the valley....

Thankfully, for the most part y'all manage to keep all that cold and white stuff up there where it belongs /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I keep my tractors inside and haven't had the need for a block heater.

Volfandt

 

[bczoom]

A couple of us have used the stick on kind. For our application (Kubota RTV which shares the same size engine as the BX), we put one on the engine, another on the tranny. Details are in this thread. Although it does start in cold temps, it really likes the heaters.

Brian

 

[ByronBob]

How good do the new kubota diesels start when it's sub zero?

Well they will, but the difference in how. You ever feel that the piston rings were grinding on the cylinder walls of an engine? When it's below zero you get that feeling even if it actually isn't.

A block heater is only an assist piece of equipment to make the engine more comfortable in starting. I did it both ways and I'm a believer in the heater now.

 

[boustany]

Well, up here, 0F is a relatively cold day. I've started mine at -20C, which is about -5F (no block heater). No problemo, but its a bit of a rough idle at start, and you have to pay attention to the glow plugs.

The way I see it, if the tractor will start, its warm enough for the tractor provided you let it warm up.

 

[mark2610d]

Thanks for all the replys. It can get very cold here in Tennessee. I will get a heater just to be safe.

Also, if I use summer time #2 diesel in the winter (leftover from the farm diesel storage tank) will a good fuel additive keep it from gelling up? Diesel Kleen? I know it would be best to use winter diesel when it's cold but just wondering if the summer stuff will still work with a good additive.

Mark >>>>>3430HSTC

 

[Junkman]

I use #2 home heating oil year round and put in a dash of Power Service (white bottle) to eliminate gelling. I haven't had a problem in the two years that I have had my Kubota and never had any problems with any of my other diesel vehicles when using Power Service. It is cheap insurance and will allow you to use up the stock of "summer" fuel... Junk

 

[GaryE]

I have used the NAPA diesel fuel additive in my tractor and truck without a problem in < -20F. I am sure there are others.

Gary