Dealer Why do NE dealers not recommend block heaters?

[JerryG]

There are very very few problems with block heaters sealing. Whether it is the type that has the threads, the ones with the adapter and the threads or the more common ones that have a single bolt that seals with an o-ring. If you want a block heater as opposed to a tank heater and you do happen to have a choice between the one with the adapter and the o-ring sealed one, get the one with the o-ring. Personally, if there is room, I would take a tank heater over a block heater every time.

 

[art]

I always offer, depending on the type of storage will vary my responses. I often have people not wanting them because there friend doesn't have one.

 

[LarryG]

When I bought my BX2200 in June of 2000, my dealer said that if I kept the tractor out of the wind in a garage that I shouldn't need it. My brother in law had a B7300 at the time and in 5 degrees and colder he had a very hard time starting it. I got my block heater from the dealer about two weeks after I took delivery and installed myself as he had none in stock at the time. I have had no coolant leaks or any problems with it at all. After 3 days of below zero temps, my BX started right up with no problems. Brother in law said that the block heater was the best option that I could have got and he wished that he had thought of getting one when he bought his tractor. He has since sold his tractor and moved but told me that he misses it dearly. My dealer is about 20 minutes away from him now and he is thinking about getting another Kubota.

 

[hayden]

No Need for the block heater. My 2910 starts instantly every time at any temp I've ever encountered, both neighboring Derry , NH, and further north in VT where the tractor spends 90% of it's time now. Even this past Jan/Feb when it was pretty darn cold (-20F during the day) it started right up. Your dealers are giving you good advice.

When you move the the antarctic, you can rethink, but for now, enjoy your tractor.

 

[bebster]

My experience this winter (the coldest ever) was fine without a block heater. JD 4410 on Cape Cod, MA started everytime without a problem. But if I was in NH or VT or ME then it might be a different story. Bottom line is NE is really northern and southern NE states. If you look at plant hardiness zones you'll realize that pretty quickly.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

CT, RI, MA (zones 6 and 7) are probably ok without block heaters, whereas in NH, VT, ME (zones 4 and 5) it's probably a good idea.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue">No Need for the block heater. My 2910 starts instantly every time at any temp I've ever encountered...</font>
As has been expressed already in this thread, a block heater is not required and it's not a question of whether the tractor will start in cold climates without one. The issue is whether or not some type of pre-heating of the oil or coolant makes starting easier or is easier on the tractor. The consensus of opinion is that a block heater/oil pan heater does both and at $20 - $25 for a block heater, it's cheap insurance.

When a customer asks a dealer to install something, i.e., "I would like to exchange my money for a part and some service from you." and the dealer responds, in essence, "No thank you." You have to ask yourself why. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Old_Hickory]

Mike you ever seen any block heaters at Walmart ?

 

[Jibber]

I asked my dealer about a block heater. I planned to keep the tractor in an attached garage which, although not heated, maintains enough warmth to generally keep it above freezing.

anyway..

He said I really wouldn't need it, but I might want to use an anti-gelling additive in the Diesel. I haven't used it yet and haven't had any problems.

 

[art]

I never put it to plants and there hardiness but you might have something with that idea. We are in a 5 to 4 range for the bulk of our sales of equipment. Many that I sell go out without but it's not for offering!

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> Mike you ever seen any block heaters at Walmart ? </font>
Nope.