Stomper
Member
Equipment
2017 L2501. Landpride Mower. Farm King Snow Blower. DIY Root Bucket grapple.
Plugging in your tractor
- Thread starter Stomper
- Start date
I keep mine in a temporary shelter for winter, so its out of the wind. Usually plug it in for an hour if its -10 or below. Just remember to let everything warm up before you start working it.
I plug mine in when it get below 40°F. It starts easier and warms up faster saving wear and tear on the engine and the battery. Two hours is enough.
Last edited:
On the advice of fellow forum members I got a remote receptacle set up. In winter I plug it in all the time and when I get up I hit the remote control and then have my coffee without having to gear up. Less than $50.
Recepticle:
https://www.amazon.com/SkylinkHome-...pID=21gRQ5VYpxL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Controller:
https://www.amazon.com/SkylinkHome-..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=80D93ABA7JM9TXSAY5GH
North Idaho Wolfman
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
It depends on the vintage of the tractor, Older needs to be earlier. 
I don't bother plugging in until it in the 20's F , otherwise they start fine every day.
I don't bother plugging in until it in the 20's F , otherwise they start fine every day.
torch
Well-known member
Equipment
B7100HSD, B2789, B2550, B4672, 48" cultivator, homemade FEL and Cab
I plug in around -10°C (~15°F). With the convection cooling system on the B7100, it doesn't take long to warm it up sufficiently, maybe an hour or two.
That said, the block heater doesn't warm the hydraulic fluid. It's a good idea to let the tractor idle for a while to circulate the fluid and warm it up a bit before working things. A couple of really cold (-30 or -40) days I slapped a magnetic oil pan heater on the transmission for a while before starting. I think it helped.
I also have a battery blanket to warm the battery on those days. Not only does a fairly small battery have to crank over a diesel engine, it also has to pre-heat the glow plugs for a minute first. That's a lot to ask of a cold battery.
Finally, I have a 'water worm' in the fuel tank to absorb any moisture from condensation before it can freeze up the fuel line or filter.
That said, the block heater doesn't warm the hydraulic fluid. It's a good idea to let the tractor idle for a while to circulate the fluid and warm it up a bit before working things. A couple of really cold (-30 or -40) days I slapped a magnetic oil pan heater on the transmission for a while before starting. I think it helped.
I also have a battery blanket to warm the battery on those days. Not only does a fairly small battery have to crank over a diesel engine, it also has to pre-heat the glow plugs for a minute first. That's a lot to ask of a cold battery.
Finally, I have a 'water worm' in the fuel tank to absorb any moisture from condensation before it can freeze up the fuel line or filter.
What the Wolfman said. My 50+ year old John Deere 2020 diesel needs to be plugged in if the thermometer falls below 50 degrees. My 2016 Kubota M7060HDC12 fires up just fine at 20 degrees. If the tractor is gasoline powered starting should be no problem as long as the battery has the power to turn it over.It depends on the vintage of the tractor, Older needs to be earlier.
I don't bother plugging in until it in the 20's F , otherwise they start fine every day.
The newer machines seem to start significantly easier in cold temps compared to just 10-15 years ago. I’m still a fan of block heaters and dutifully installed one in my L4060. I generally set a timer to turn it on 2-3 hours before starting when the temps are in the 20’s or so.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
NoJacketRequired
Active member
Equipment
B7510 & LA302 FEL & B2782 blower, B7510 & B2781 blower, B2410 & B2550 blower
I'll second Torch's comments. If I have the luxury of time I'll plug the tractors in before starting at temps below freezing. Below -10C no attempt to start is made without preheating. I've discovered that a kerosene or propane salamander-style heater aimed from the front of the tractor rearwards helps warming the engine and transmission, if that's all that's available.
Once running the machine gets to run for a bit to warm up. The hydraulic fluid really does take a bit of time to take on some heat and flow nicely.
Once running the machine gets to run for a bit to warm up. The hydraulic fluid really does take a bit of time to take on some heat and flow nicely.
To amplify what NIW, rjcorazza and others have said, it depends on how new, and maybe other engine features. I have 2 fairly new tractors and two different dealers recommended against installing block heaters in them. B2650 and L3560 (common rail). The L tractor has a display that shows when the glow plugs are being activated and to wait before cranking. The glow plug symbol doesn't even come on until about 16F. Other threads have discussed complications when a sensor thinks the whole system is warm but only the radiator is, for example. So ordinary Michigan temps don't seem to require any special heating, not that they might not appreciate it.. But an L2501 in northern Canada is another breed of cat. The best answer would come from another 2501 owner in your neighborhood.
An often overlooked aspect of winter use.
Hydraulic warm up is likely more important than preheating engines that are capable of starting in cold weather. I like to get plowing early, so I have also used a radiant heater on the transmission case.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
" I have 2 fairly new tractors and two different dealers recommended against installing block heaters "
I would be interested in their thinking on not installing heaters. I did not even ask for mine, the dealer installed it as a normal setup and I am sure our winters are similar to your's. Just curious. I did not plug mine in one day when it was cold and when I started it I could really tell the difference, did not like the way it sounded at all.
I would be interested in their thinking on not installing heaters. I did not even ask for mine, the dealer installed it as a normal setup and I am sure our winters are similar to your's. Just curious. I did not plug mine in one day when it was cold and when I started it I could really tell the difference, did not like the way it sounded at all.
It always amazes me how much quicker and easier my BX starts on a cold day, no turning for 10 seconds and big black puff of smoke. I have it stored in an un-heated shed and have the block heater connected to a wifi controlled AC switch. These things are crazy cheap on ebay ($10). You just turn on/off the block heater using your smart phone anytime you like. You can even program on/off times for that early morning cleanup.
Cheers
Cheers
Can you give more details on what block heater you use so I can google it. Never had a diesel before so I am clueless.
Jeff
Personally, I would just get the Kubota block heater... they are somewhat competitively priced. Your BX may take a 3/4” threaded heater, but I loose track of which ones use that or a 25mm freeze plug type. Both of my L’s took the freeze plug type.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
KeithG
Member
Equipment
2000 Kubota B2710, Woods BH75 backhoe, LandPride York Rake, B2783 Snow Blower
I guess it comes down to how much are you willing to spend?
I have always kept my B2710 sheltered in either a canvas type car port or now a steel framed structure with a heavy weight vinyl roll up front door.
I have had two problems in the cold up here in NH, one was the diesel fuel jelled and the second was the battery would turn over the engine but not with enough juice to start it.
I solved the frozen fuel with the additives suggested in this forum (cannot thank these member enough for their knowledge), and the weak battery issue I solved with a smart trickle charger for about $30. This charger will charge with a low amperage if the batter is low and monitor the battery if it is charged. I know the battery is ready to go when the light is green...
When I have to put a jacket on to go outside, I plug in the trickle charger for my Kubota. Have never had a starting problem since.
I have always kept my B2710 sheltered in either a canvas type car port or now a steel framed structure with a heavy weight vinyl roll up front door.
I have had two problems in the cold up here in NH, one was the diesel fuel jelled and the second was the battery would turn over the engine but not with enough juice to start it.
I solved the frozen fuel with the additives suggested in this forum (cannot thank these member enough for their knowledge), and the weak battery issue I solved with a smart trickle charger for about $30. This charger will charge with a low amperage if the batter is low and monitor the battery if it is charged. I know the battery is ready to go when the light is green...
When I have to put a jacket on to go outside, I plug in the trickle charger for my Kubota. Have never had a starting problem since.
First dealer said I wouldn't need it, and I think the second mentioned leaks. Seemed odd that they'd miss a chance to make more money, but maybe they are an agravation to install. I have not had occasion to start mine below about 10 F, and no problems. I think you are likely colder. We get subzero weather, but I avoid lengthy times out side. I do put trickle chargers on the batteries.