How Long

[WFM]

How long is too long to leave your tractor block heater plugged in ??? I honestly don't know. I have a freight delivery today. Not exactly sure when the truck will arrive. In the past the steel truck arrives about 10am to 1pm. It's-1* below this morning. I plan on plugging my tractor in about 8am. Unplug it about 9am and let it run a full 30 minutes to warm up. Shut it down. Then if no truck by 1 1 am start it again let run for 15 minutes to warm again.
But the question is can you damage the tractor by leaving the block heater plugged in to long iike 4 or 5 hrs.

 

[Dave_eng]

The only consideration is wasting electricity. The block heater is going to reach a balance point in engine temp where the outside air is sucking down the temp that the block heater is inputting. After 30 minutes to an hour the engine temp will stabilize. the 300 watt block heater is pumping in energy and the cold air outside is using up that energy. Once you have started your tractor and let it run, it will take hours to cool down to the point of needing the block heater again.
I have attached a file that may or may not apply to a L3800. Ask your dealer.
Dave

 

[85Hokie]

You will not damage the tractor but likely damage the heating element of the block heater if left on for long periods.

AS Dave said - there is a point of no return. Depending on cold and other factors - 30 to an hour would be about right

 

[The Evil Twin]

If the extra pennies on your electric bill don't bother you, plug it in and let it eat till the delivery arrives. It's not going to hurt anything.