Tank Heater review

jswisc · Dec 2, 2004

I've read plenty of posts dealing with cold weather starting issues here on the forum. I've never used a tank heater and just installed one on my 204 Jinma. Very easy install. I tried it yesterday morning. 22 degrees in Wisconsin. I plugged it in for the first time and waited 45 minutes. I was surprised how warm the radiator and cylinder block became. Turned on the glow plugs for 25 seconds and it started like it was 90 degrees out! Prior to this, once it dropped below 55 the tractor had to be cranked several times and would sputter to life. This start, it fired right up. I'm pretty impressed with the tank heater so far and would highly recommend installing one after seeing how it worked for me.

Scozz · Dec 2, 2004

Out of curiosity ... What make and model did you use?
Where did you purchase it and what was the price tag?
Thanks ...Scozz

jonrjen · Dec 2, 2004

Kind of off subject, yet still on. After owning one of my Belarus tractors for 6 years, I opened the owners manual to an area I never ventured into and just to read through some stuff. I found out that the tractor has a small pot on top of the engine that can be filled with kerosene. You then spark it off from a switch which starts a controlled fire on top of the motor to warm the block to assist in cold weather starts. I think I'll pass on trying it and just keep the batteries charged and warm the glow plugs. After all I am sure it gets colder in what used to be the country of Belarus, than it does in Texas.

billbill1 · Dec 2, 2004

I installed a lower radiator hose heater last week and the same thing, it works great. It was low 20's this morning and my 284 popped right up. It was $35 at NAPA. The radiator and the block were both very warm after 1-1/2 hours, I plug it into one of those cheap 24 hour timers so it comes on at 5 in the morning and shuts off a 6:30 am. I just leave it unplugged during the week when I know I won't be using the tractor.

Bill

bmartin · Dec 2, 2004

Here"s an outfit that sells all kinds of heaters
http://www.tractorpartsinc.com/radiator_hose_heaters_271_ctg.htm

bmartin · Dec 2, 2004

Whats the ID of the lower hose on a 385 engine on a farm pro 2425?
Billy

billbill1 · Dec 3, 2004

The heater I bought was 1-1/2" for the 385 engine and it fit very snug.

Bill

jswisc · Dec 3, 2004

The tank heater I used on my 204 is called a "Kats". It's the 850 watt model #12080. I bought it from Farm and Fleet for $31.99. My dealer recommended the model and told me it would install correctly with the fittings supplied. He had installed several already. Just to restate what many have said in the past, having a good dealer makes a happy tractor owner! Thanks Al, Woodland Repair, Palmyra, WI.

bmartin · Dec 12, 2004

I have had trouble starting my Farm Pro 2425 on cool days ever since I got it in Aug. I tried all the suggestions and nothing seemed to work. Then I read about the water heaters and how well they worked so I decided to try one. I bought a Kats lower hose heater and boy does it work. Now it fires right off after about an hour of heating, I wouldn't have believed that that little 29 buck heater including shipping would work so well. So if any body is experiencing cold morning starting problems I would highly recommend one of these little heaters.
Billy
http://www.tractorpartsinc.com/radiator_hose_heaters_271_ctg.htm