It has been quite cold in SE IN these past couple of days, and I have needed to use both of my smallest Kubota tractors, both of which are set up for snow removal in winter months, for such duties.
The B1750HSD, bought new in 1994, has never failed to start, now or previously, though it has sometimes protested. The 2018 B3350 has also never failed to start, though it protests more so than the 1993/4 1750. I have never needed hair dryers, etc., but do keep an old one nearby.
FWIW: I NEVER use ether but do keep good, well-charged batteries. I also add anti-gel additives to fuel tanks in the fall months such that the anti-gel is well into filters, pumps, etc., before cold weather sets in. On occasion, if conditions indicate, I plug maintainers onto batteries 12+ hours before anticipated starting times.
Both tractors are mechanically injected though there are about 25 years between build dates.
I have started the B1750 (without ether or hair dryer) well below 0 but doubt that the 25 year newer B3350 would do so. Both tractors will start on 1 or 2 cylinders after long periods of glow plug warming but the 3 cylinder 1750 is much more likely to pick up and run without giving up, than is the 3350. Yesterday, it took 3 efforts to get the 3350 running on all cylinders at 0 ambient, whereas the nearly 30 year old 1750 required only one such effort. Fortunately, the battery in the 3350 had sufficient capacity to recrank the 3350 twice. Rather annoying for nearly 30 years of progress.
Despite the "lifetime emissions" warranty on my 2018 B3350, and no emissions issues after the reformer, DPF, etc., was replaced upon last trip to the dealer, I may well replace it with the forthcoming LX4020 with electronic FI.
That said, I am not convinced that either my M9960 or L6060 (both not set up for snow removal and rarely if ever started outside of mowing season) would have started yesterday despite electronic FI because, both are showing signs of needing battery replacement due to pre-sale negligence.
Interested to hear similar such cold weather starting experiences.
