Which block heater???

[bramel]

Hello all.

I went to my dealer because I wanted a block heater for my bx1500.....he showed me the kubota parts list, which showed there are two styles of block heater. The first one is the frost plug style and the second one is an in-line located in the lower radiator hose, which is $30 cheaper. Both are Kubota parts and both are warranty approved. He has said that the radiator hose model is their best seller and is easier for the do-it yourself-er.

Which one do you recommend??

 

[timalabim]

My dealer installed a magnetic heater which attaches to the lower pan.

It seems to work fine, but I did find it hanging down by it's wire the other day when I went to put my MMM on. Must have been a good sized bump to knock it off as it seems to stick pretty good.

 

[Egon]

Either the block heater or the inline heater will be a good choice. Performance wise there will be no difference unless they are of different wattage.

A tarp with an electric heater with fan will also work well!

 

[Jason537]

We always install the frost plug or block thread in style. The only time we install the inline is into an MX5000 or a L48TLB. The heater will be more efficient if its installed into the block

 

[bigdad]

My experience with magnetic heaters was those KATZ jobs and I always removed them when not plugged in. Used them on air cooled Case/Davis trenchers.

I had a frost plug heater installed by my dealer on my B7510 and it has been a good investment. Many of the guys say that they are not needed, but it sure helps the tractor turn over when it's bitter. 65 bucks out the door.

 

[Jason537]

The other problem with magnetic or the stick on with silicon type is they will burn the oil to the bottom of the oil pan if thats where it is used.

 

[Skyco]

The magnetic which I bought at TSC a couple of years ago for my truck has a thermostat so it won't burn the oil

 

[Botabill]

I live in central Ontario and it does get kinda cold here. I have both the frost plug (block) heater and a magnetic (removable) under the oil pan heater. Given the choice of frost plug or inline heater I've always felt the frost plug variety get the heat better into the engine. That's what is usually recommneded on cars here so why not the same on a tractor. The magnetic oil pan heater is just a nice add on . It is a good idea to have it plugged in along with the block heater for say 1/2 - 1 hour prior to starting on really cold days as it warms up the oil and lets it flow more easlily. I don't think it would be a good idea to leave on over night though.

 

[bramel]

Thanks! for all the replies.....I will be ordering the frost plug version. I'll give installing it myself a try and thanks to this forum.....I'm gonna go for the alternator upgrade (try installing myself as well) and the Bro-Tek skid plate is on it's way as well. All ready installed a grill guard and the rear work light.

I'm fairly new to the whole tractor ownership thing........Is this considered a "NEW" addiction????

 

[CRAFTBENDER]

Thanks! for all the replies.....I will be ordering the frost plug version. I'll give installing it myself a try and thanks to this forum.....I'm gonna go for the alternator upgrade (try installing myself as well) and the Bro-Tek skid plate is on it's way as well. All ready installed a grill guard and the rear work light.

I'm fairly new to the whole tractor ownership thing........Is this considered a "NEW" addiction????

I bought the heater that fits in the freeze plug hole when I bought my BX24. Didn't have any trouble installing it. Just follow the instructions and I used lok tite too. Really heats it up in a hurry.