cost to add factory heat? even possible?

[xtreem3d]

hi guys,
thanks for the response's on my bucket issue..have another question now...i use my skids for snow primarily and always hope to buy a 2 speed and heat . i have found several 2 speeds ( but no heat) that fit my needs and budget and want to know if anyone who really knows these machines can tell me if it would be cost effective to get a 2 speed and add heat? could there be a special way they come off the assembly line that really doesn't allow for retrofit of factory duct work, fan, heater core ect?
thanks as always,
steve

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Definitely possible, Biggest thing with Nh is there is not alot of room to add a aftermarket heater in that cab. I bought the factory heater kit for about 650, then picked up some side windows and a demo door that was made for for a ls 140/150 and made some mods to it.
There are also soft top options for @ 350.00
The factory setup could be bolted on by any competant mechanic. Expext to lay out about 2500 for the complete factory setup though.
Ken

 

[xtreem3d]

Definitely possible, Biggest thing with Nh is there is not alot of room to add a aftermarket heater in that cab. I bought the factory heater kit for about 650, then picked up some side windows and a demo door that was made for for a ls 140/150 and made some mods to it.
There are also soft top options for @ 350.00
The factory setup could be bolted on by any competant mechanic. Expext to lay out about 2500 for the complete factory setup though.
Ken

ken,
i'm not rich by any means but i think if i found a good enogh deal on a machine i would invest 2500.00 for factory heat. did your setup include everything like the cab extension at the back of the cab to house the heater all ducts, headliner,switches, hoses ect. i understand the windows and door, which is probably the biggest expense, are not included,
steve

 

[Earthwerks Unlimited]

ken,
i'm not rich by any means but i think if i found a good enogh deal on a machine i would invest 2500.00 for factory heat. did your setup include everything like the cab extension at the back of the cab to house the heater all ducts, headliner,switches, hoses ect. i understand the windows and door, which is probably the biggest expense, are not included,
steve

I'd agree $2500 is about right. I found what turned out to be one-off cab enclosure and heater AND AC (minus the AC pump) system on eBay for a $800 from a dealer who supposedly went out of business. It worked but was not “factory” at all. Funny though at trade-in time the my local dealer didn't care.
For my '05 LS185.b I opted for the factory heater and cab and saved big time over buying even used parts.
OEM parts for my system are expensive---fan motor $400, temp control switch $650!
Truth be told you could easily cut 1/8” or 3/16” plexiglass for side windows--I haklfassed did this for my buddy. He was too cheap to buy material big enough to fit the areas. For the door we hung a piece ALMOST big enough to cover the front from the top of the cab with zip ties. It was too short by about 8” but he doesn't care. He rides around with a blanket on his legs. He has no heat, and he doesn't plug the openings in the floor either.
For heat you could use 2 - 4, $20, 12V plug-in heaters from the autoparts store--get ones with fans to help distribute the air.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

I'd agree $2500 is about right. I found what turned out to be one-off cab enclosure and heater AND AC (minus the AC pump) system on eBay for a $800 from a dealer who supposedly went out of business. It worked but was not “factory” at all. Funny though at trade-in time the my local dealer didn't care.
For my '05 LS185.b I opted for the factory heater and cab and saved big time over buying even used parts.
OEM parts for my system are expensive---fan motor $400, temp control switch $650!
Truth be told you could easily cut 1/8” or 3/16” plexiglass for side windows--I haklfassed did this for my buddy. He was too cheap to buy material big enough to fit the areas. For the door we hung a piece ALMOST big enough to cover the front from the top of the cab with zip ties. It was too short by about 8” but he doesn't care. He rides around with a blanket on his legs. He has no heat, and he doesn't plug the openings in the floor either.
For heat you could use 2 - 4, $20, 12V plug-in heaters from the autoparts store--get ones with fans to help distribute the air.

Yes everthing but the windows and doors and floor block off plates. Think even the heater hose but not 100% on that one. Big blower and heater core too, will cook you out.
Ken

 

[Earthwerks Unlimited]

Yes everthing but the windows and doors and floor block off plates. Think even the heater hose but not 100% on that one. Big blower and heater core too, will cook you out.
Ken

You could plumb one or two small heat exchangers/cores (from a small car or even use stacked trans coolers) and mount them on the step-on platform that is over the valves ahead and below the seat. It wouldn't have to be that tall and the fan could be on top, or build a box and use a squirrel-cage fan off the side or front. To control the heat when not needed, use a cable-operated mixing valve from a Ford pickup or older car (from the 70-early 80's).
The factory heater system hangs off the back of the cab and sucks air in from both outside and at the back of the cab. Air exits and enters the cab through two big holes at the back of the cab and forced/sucked through a space between the headliner and the cab roof. Air exits through 6 adjustable vents. Cab air sucked out goes through 2 vents at the back upper corners. I installed a mower heart-shaped air filter over each suction opening to help filter the renetering air. But there are so many holes and openings and cracks between the heater box, the headliner and cab that they didn't do much. I also installed an automotive air filter in the intake at the heater box. That really helps.