Kubota B7200 Cold Weather Operation

[PAFarmboy1]

I own a vintage Kubota B7200 which I use during the winter to plow snow. Typically I keep this tractor in a heated garage. However due to space constraints, this winter I will need to move it to my barn without heat. Are there any issues with cold weather starting with the B7200? If so can someone tell me what to do or where I can purchase a block heater for this model!

 

[jbrumberg]

PAFarmboy1:

I do not know about the availability of a Kubota engine block heaters for your
B7200, but there are aftermarket electric radiator heaters available through most autoparts stores that connect between the radiator return hose and the engine block. They are relatively easy to install (They require that you cut the radiator hose esentially the length of the heater assemby and then you reconnect the hoses to the heater.). They do come in various size diameters so you have to careful to match the inside diameter of your hoses to the hose connector casings on the heater. I did have a tight fit installing one on my Ford 1100, but it worked very well. I would also advise you to look at adding cold weather anti-gelling additives to your diesel fuel especially if you are using ULSD fuel and/or biodiesel mixes. I use Power Service (White Bottle) year round with a double "load" as recommended on the label for cold weather use. There are other good brands of anti-gelling additives in the marketplace. Jay

 

[charlz]

I have some notes in this post:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ngine-water-heater-what-type.html#post1046695

about putting an inline heater on my b7100. Works like a champ, just need to remember to park it within extension cord reach


Charles

 

[KubotainNH]

My B6100 is out all winter. It may take 60 seconds with the glow plugs once or twice but it starts fine in the coldest weather. You can add an oil pan heater or one that heats the coolant if you want. Most car places like Pep boys would have them. Here's some examples:
HEATER - OIL PAN KITS - JCWhitney Truck Parts
Zerostart Engine Heater - (eBay item 270161492975 end time Sep-06-07 15:35:10 PDT)

BTW, I do find that the hydraulics are the real issue in cold weather (-20 degrees). The FEL is slow until it warms up. Makes me wonder how well a block heater would be for the hydraulic oil reservoir.

 

[Egon]

The in line hose heater works well on my B7100. It will not start at -15C without heat!

If you want the hydraulics warm just throw a tarp over the whole tractor and put a small electric heater with fan underneath the tractor. All will get warm.

 

[ByronBob]

I ran my tractor the first winter without a heater. The tractor started but sounded horrible in turning over. After the radiator heater was installed it never sounded that way again even at 10 below.

The answer is do you want to start it without a heater? You could but for the little money it takes to buy a heater why not. It's more piece of mind than anything else.

After starting i let mine idle a while until the hydro fluid warms up. Normally 10 mintues is enough.

 

[PAFarmboy1]

As always, you can depend on the guys of TractorByNet for answers. Incidently, I went to the JC Whitney Website! They have a block heater that fits on a vehicle by magnet for about $50. Seems like an easy solution! My only technical questions would be as follows: 1. On a Kubota B7200 would I attach it to the bottom of the oil pan? 2. How long would you leave a block heater plugged in prior to operation of the tractor?

Thanks
PAFarmboy1

 

[jbrumberg]

PAFarmboy1:

Most small block diesels are made of aluminum including the oil pan, the magnetic heater may not attach (Do not ask me why I know this .). I did find ferrous metal to connect my magnetic heater on the tractor, but it really did not meet my needs . The in-line radiator heaters is really the way to go IMHO (as well as fuel additives). I have also read that those pan heaters really bake the sludge that has collected in the oil pan . Just my $0.02. Jay

 

[PAFarmboy1]

JBrumberg. Thanks, that could be a costly mistake on my part. I appreciate the information.

 

[Egon]

Think you will find some good old cast iron and steel in your B7200.