Necessity of engine block heater?

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Wanted to get some quick opinions on this subject from any other "northerners" out there. I am purchasing a B7800 and was wondering if I should have this installed while it is in the shop being prepped for delivery. Am quoted a price of $38 with installation of $35 - seems very reasonable. The salesman seems to think I'd be able to get by OK without it. Says that the glow-plugs on these new tractors work really well. He said that on any given day last winter he could start anything out on the lot he needed.

I just have flashbacks from the days on the farm trying to get that stupid Oliver 770 started when I needed to plow the driveway. It was a tricky combination of the right amount of ether, and not draining the battery from the glow-plugs. You usually only got ONE chance to get it right.

MikePA · Jun 16, 2003

Welcome to TBN, Steven. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

<font color="blue"> I am purchasing a B7800... </font>
That's a Kubota B7800, right? This is a New Holland Forum. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

That said, opinions vary on block heaters. It is not a necessity.

I have one installed on my TC25D. I should have had it installed when I bought the tractor. Instead I purchased it on my own, from the dealer. Decided I didn't want the mess to install it on my own. So, I had it installed when the dealer came out to perform the 50 hr service.

My advice...since you live in Michigan...get the block heater unless the tractor is being stored in a heated location. My tractor sits in an unheated garage.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Brooster,

My dealer (Minnesota) adds block heaters as "standard" equipment given our climate. I agree with Mike that it probably is not a necessity, but it makes starting the tractor so easy that I personally would not have it any other way.

I talked to another TBN'r who even went with hyd. heater.

If you're going to have one installed, like Mike said--have it done at the dealer right away.

Bob

Robert_in_NY · Jun 16, 2003

You don't need one but if you can afford the extra little cost go for it, especially if your tractor has to sit outside overnight. My tractors are left outside and I had the block heater installed on the TN last winter. The first couple winters I didn't but the tractor still started every time I needed it to. However, it did start hard and with the block heater I just turn the outlet switch on from in the house and when I am ready to go outside the tractor is nice and toasty. Starts up on the first turn and just purrs. It is easier on the tractor by being warm already instead of it trying to warm itself all the time.

thcri · Jun 16, 2003

With the glow plugs on any of the CUT's I don't think you really need a block heater to get it started. But I firmly believe having the block heater will allow the tractor to start better and give you better oil circlulation much faster than without the block heater. The money spent in my opinion will save on your engine in the long run easily. And yes have the dealer do it.

In other words you can get by without it, but your just shortening the life of your engine.

murph

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

I'm so embarassed! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Somehow I managed to get out of the Kubota thread and into NH before punching out my note. Sorry. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Teach me to be in a hurry. But I got the opinions I needed just the same. Thanks!

Bluen · Jun 16, 2003

I'm located in Northern Pa. My dealer (NH) told me he typically installs a block heater on all the tractors he sells (mine was no extra charge...) . I can't see where you could go wrong considering the price...

Chief · Jun 16, 2003

Get the block heater, it makes life with starts in cold weather so much easier and pleasant. I would get a transmission oil heater as well if they offer one. Anytime you start the tractor with additional heat and warmth energy applied, makes life a lot easier and longer for the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jun 19, 2003

brooster:

The warmer the engine, the less time is spent rubbing metal on metal before the oil starts working. Look at how long the oil pressure takes to get up when cold & when warm (you do have an oil pressure guage don't you?). Enough said.

JEH