je1279
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
LX2610 w/ 60" MMM, LP 72" Snow Plow, EA Wicked 55" Grapple, and Woods 60" BB
Block Heater
- Thread starter Stmar
- Start date
D2Cat
The Thermo cube for 35 F operation is designed for stock tanks and other water situations where you do not want freezing to occur.
There are two other temp ranges suggested for automotive applications. O F and 20 F T-1 and TC-2
Dave
Orange1forme
Active member
Equipment
B2650 HSDC, filled tires, wheel spacers, B2728B , LA534A FEL, 3rd valve kit
You could use a couple devices in series, too.
For example the mechanical timer could be left plugged in at all times with a thermal cube type device plugged into the timer. This would keep one from needing to remember to plug things in and run only when needed below a set temperature.
I like the remote option, too.
If you have WiFi in the tractor area, you could use an internet based receptacle/plug in.
For example the mechanical timer could be left plugged in at all times with a thermal cube type device plugged into the timer. This would keep one from needing to remember to plug things in and run only when needed below a set temperature.
I like the remote option, too.
If you have WiFi in the tractor area, you could use an internet based receptacle/plug in.
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I have my heater connected to a timer. Flicks on at 9am, and disconnects at noon. Chances are if I have to do anything, it’ll be around then. Only plug it in when the temps gets below -10 or -15C (5-10F)
Yep you are right about the cold snap and very little snow. Wind did create a few drifts that I took care of yesterday and glad I did since that was probably the warm day of the week, glad I bought the cab version of the B2650, that heater is nice.
On that thermocube doesn't it come on a 20 deg and off at 30? For me, in the weather we're having now it would not shut off for several days. The shut off temp is ambient air temp, not temp of engine block, correct?
I don't really know why I'm even reading this thread other than just general tractor curiosity. I'm blessed to live in TN where I don't have or need a block heater. You guys stay safe in the ice and snow up there.
je1279
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
LX2610 w/ 60" MMM, LP 72" Snow Plow, EA Wicked 55" Grapple, and Woods 60" BB
That's my philosophy. If I don't need to push snow, it stays parked this time of year. As to the initial question, I use a plug in timer and aim for 1.5 to 2 hours but don't sweat it if it goes longer. I didn't know about the issues w/ Kubota heaters. On my other tractors I've left them plugged in overnight before.
Does anybody toss a blanket or tarp over the hood to keep some of that heat in? I'm hesitant to use a "cold front" with the turbo, but have thought about covering it when pre-heating. The barn where it's stored stayed just barely above 0 this week with -20 F lows overnight.
The heat-tape on my Ritchie waterers comes from the barn. Since I didn't install it, that might be something I would have overlooked if using this approach.
Make sure the timer is plugged into the wall, and the thermal cube into the timer. The other way around would cause it to turn on at unpredictable times.
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If you're far from your tractor, there are controllers that use cellular service and an app on your cell phone.
I just ordered this American made remote control product for a friend who wanted to turn on propane shop heater from the comfort of his home. It could easily be used for lots of other applications and knowing it was made in the USA gave me some confidence in the performance claims.
Gama
With the optional antennae it is good for 500 feet +
Watch the video.
Dave
Gama
With the optional antennae it is good for 500 feet +
Watch the video.
Dave
North Idaho Wolfman
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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
He already has a car hoist designed for 50 hz which works fine on 60 hz so in Canada we are very flexible.Watch now you'll get it and it won't work on 50hz.
Dave
artfull dodger
Member
Equipment
Cub Cadet 782D Kubota D600 powered, Cub Cadet 1512D Kubota D600 powered
Back when I used a Kubota powered Cub Cadet GT for winter work, if the tractor wasnt being used, it was plugged in, 24/7, same for my 6.5L diesel Suburban I had at the time. Neither heater failed or had issues in the years I owned both. Barely noticed a difference in my electric bill with them both plugged in. With my tractor, and my work schedule at that time, I might want to use the tractor at any time of day or night, was simplier to just leave it plugged in, then she was ready any time I had the time to deal with the snow. Without the block heater, that little D600 would give me the bird if I asked it to start. Mike
-22c today and BX spent the night outside. Kids jeep is in the garage so I can work on it. I am going to test the 30sec on the glow plugs and fire it up. Normally it lives in the garage and I can easily plug it in for a bit, being new I don’t expect it to be slow to start but it never hurts to give it a hand using bit of heat. back on topic though it’s not uncommon for it to hit -35c for the next week or so, my truck will be plugged in unless I’m driving it. its not uncommon for us to leave vehicle plugged in 24/7. I’ve never had to replace a block heater, I have however installed a few. IMO they should be installed on every vehicle that sees cold weather.
This is what I'm using
Remote Control Switch Transmitter With Receiver DC 12V 10A Relay 1CH Wireless | eBay
It's good for 10 amps, my bx heater runs at 3 amps.
I have an ammeter so I can tell if the heater is working and an indicator light on the outside of the garage that let's me know when it's on or off.
My garage is 60 feet from the house.
I've been using this for three or four winters now.
Remote Control Switch Transmitter With Receiver DC 12V 10A Relay 1CH Wireless | eBay
It's good for 10 amps, my bx heater runs at 3 amps.
I have an ammeter so I can tell if the heater is working and an indicator light on the outside of the garage that let's me know when it's on or off.
My garage is 60 feet from the house.
I've been using this for three or four winters now.
I have a Case 730 at the farm which I use for putting out big round bales. It's been under 6-8 deg F every night for the last few nights and I have not needed to use that tractor until yesterday. So I decide to determine how long it would take a 1500 watt heater to heat the engine enough to fire off. The heater is a factory heater attached to the side of the block of the 4 cyl 267 CI diesel and I only heat the block when I need the tractor. Has a good battery. Was 12 deg in the afternoon. I plugged the heater in and did chores for 1/2 hour, came to start, but didn't stay at it very long. Waited another 10 minutes. Same result. At 50 minutes she popped, and belched, and coughed but kept running. Let her warm up for 5-6 minutes idling and off to work we went.
Not bad for a 1966 tractor with everything original!
Your Kubota does not need heat all night!
Not bad for a 1966 tractor with everything original!
Your Kubota does not need heat all night!
I use an old sleeping bag unzipped and laid over the hood. Started using it on my JD3005 and it helped so I use it on the 3901 now. I plug in first thing in the morning.
I use an old sleeping bag unzipped and laid over the hood. Started using it on my JD3005 and it helped so I use it on the 3901 now. I plug in first thing in the morning. By the time it's light out and I'm ready to do a project the block heater has warmed things. I let it run for at least 15 minutes then slowly exercise the hydraulic system. I worry more about cold hydraulics than anything. I RTVed a engine heating pad to the bottom of the transmission to help heat that oil. I spliced it into the block heater wires. When I plug in I'm warming both.