Farmallh51
Active member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2013
- Messages
- 26
So now that winter is almost over, (we can hope); I am thinking back on our nights of -10 to -20 (-11 predicted for tonight) and I am wondering how to keep my skid steer hydraulic oil warmer next year? I know the easy answer, keep it in a warm building. Well in years past when I had a farm I did keep my 440B in the barn with the cows and never had an issue. This winter I had snow about every other day and I used my 450 to plow or move snow many times a week. I keep it in an unheated garage with my 324 is under a shed roof attached to the garage. Starting the 450's engine was less of an issue, as I could remove the belt from the engine to the pump and start the gas engine. What i found was it took a long time to warm the hydraulic oil to make the machine run smooth when the temps did not even get into the 20's during the day. Never even tried to start the 324 with a diesel in the real cold. I only started it when it was warmer days and not so cold the night before. So I am asking for ideas, I thought about a dipstick type heater but the oil fill pipe has rubber tube in the line so not sure it is the best idea. Block heater? Anyway I am thinking ahead for next year, (probably should only think about spring) and thought I would see what this large collection of skid steer owners do with their machines.