A Snow Shovel for Aroostook County

Post by **Rob R.** » Mon. Dec. 28, 2015 10:42 am

I have found block & oil pan heaters to work very well for equipment with a known usage cycle. e.g. Manure spreader tractor, which is typically used on a known schedule. Parked in the shop with a coal stove trumps everything, but the Perkins setup is indeed very simple and effective.

Have you ever seen a "Hot box" type heater like they use in Canada? It is a small heater that burns diesel and circulates the coolant through the block. Very useful for offroad equipment that is not parked near electrical service.

Excess fuel for cold starting...have you ever started a 30/40/50 series John Deere on a cold morning? In the injection pump basically allows extra fuel to be delivered until there is sufficient oil pressure. I used to spread manure with a 4430 just like this one...sounded exactly the same.

https://youtu.be/3wRcjAPKMGA

northernmainecoal · Post by **northernmainecoal** » Mon. Dec. 28, 2015 12:20 pm

I looked into putting in a manifold preheater however there is no kit available through the dealer. It's possible I could rig something up that would work the same but I don't want to do that unless absolutely needed.

I replaced the block heater and as of last night that has made a huge difference in starting, apparently the old block heater wasn't worth a damn. I do still intend to add an oil pan heater, just a matter of getting off my ass and ordering one

Post by **Rob R.** » Mon. Dec. 28, 2015 12:26 pm

All other things being equal, cranking speed is important for cold starting. Good batteries, good connections, and good cables are important.

coalnewbie · Post by **coalnewbie** » Mon. Dec. 28, 2015 12:28 pm

I am really happy something worked out for you.

Simon

northernmainecoal · Post by **northernmainecoal** » Mon. Dec. 28, 2015 12:44 pm

coalnewbie wrote:I am really happy something worked out for you.

Simon

Thank you! Another storm coming tomorrow, still barely enough to fire up the tractor but it does seem winter has arrived. Currently 7* and gusting 30mph

Now all the current junk is running it's time for more... we're buying the 30 acres across the street, will be getting an education in old potato house rehabilitation soon

coalnewbie · Post by **coalnewbie** » Mon. Dec. 28, 2015 2:55 pm

10,000 heating degree days, 4 kids, tractors that won't start and now you want more pain??? Do it while your young my friend.