NAA and Winter

[Ian074]

I have decided to use my NAA for plowing this coming winter and have some questions on cold weather use.
First, I have no garage, barn etc. I will however, use a tarp type cover. I can park close to a 110V household outlet.
I know going into winter my 12 volt system ignition and battery must be tip-top. And, I run 134D compatible hydro oil in all three compartments.
I want to figure this on 0 deg F. It sometimes is colder than that but almost always is above (Mid-State NY)
After starting, how long at idle should it take to get hydraulics warm enough to function?
Would an adjustable cover in front of radiator help? What type of engine heaters are best? Should hydraulics also have heater? If heaters are used, how long do they take to heat things up? I don't want to run them 24-7 if I don't have to. At what temps is a heater even needed?
These are just a few questions. Also, any and all tips will be appreciated.
Although now we hate to think about it now, winter is going to come again anyway.

 

[Den N Ms]

Ian074,A magnetic heater on the oilpan or intake will help it start ,also on the housing above the hydrolic pump would let it warm up faster.

 

[old-9]

Both of my NAA's set outside. If they have a good battery and are in good operating condition. They will start, either 6 or 12 volt. I have one of each. I never worry if they will start. Let it run a few minutes. The colder the longer.
Joe

 

[teddy52food]

If you keep it tuned up properly it should start at -20 without any heat. Good battery and large cables, lite oil, new plugs & points & you are good to go.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Ian.......cold weather starting is ALWAYS helped by a magnetic block heater on the INTAKE manifold. Carbs need heat, just the vary act of carburetoring is a cooling effect. Its the LAW, Bernoulli's Law.

Once started, a little bit of manual choke will be needed to enrich the mixture enuff so engine continues to run. Probably about 1-3mins. While the engine warms up, (water and oil) yer hydraulic oil will be pumped and warmed up at the same time. So there is really NO NEED to have seperate magnetic block heaters for oilpan or diffy oil or hydraulic oil. 5-mins top and yer ready to ride.

'nutter BIG HELP for cold weather starting is a WARM BATTERY. It helps the chemical reaction of making electricity. You can gitt battery warming electric heater pads. Really trick.

While you can install radiator water block heaters, don't bother. It won't warm yer carb intake manifold and that is where the heat is needed. Iff'n yer cold, wear Arctics or snowmobile suits. .......Dell, Colorado Mountain cold weather experience

 

[Ian074]

(quoted from post at 04:15:46 04/09/09) I
Iff'n yer cold, wear Arctics or snowmobile suits. .......Dell, Colorado Mountain cold weather experience

Whoa there with the arctic suits!
I am only starting it. I plan to have my wife do the actual plowing. I will, however, pass on the tip about the clothing. Maybe make a nice X-mas present for her

 

[NovaNewfie]

My N started most days this winter with no heat. On a couple of occasions I had to take a propane torch and warm the intake manifold then it started right up.

 

[Jimmyjack]

Well, I live in Northcentral Wisconsin and I firmly believe in tank or radiator hose heaters and they work and work well. I also have the magnetic heaters and they also work, but I wouldnt trade a hose heater for several of the magnetic ones. I plug it in for a couple of hours before I want to start the tractor and it makes a world of difference.

 

[Brian Jasper co. Ia]

I have a Cub Cadet 1450 that once you manage to get it started, the hydro would take a good 10 to 15 min to warm enough to raise the thrower. Those old K series Kohler singles just don't like cold weather.
I figured out that if I pointed a torpedo heater in the front to heat the engine, it would start immediately, then run the heater around to the back and heat the trans. It would be ready to go in 5 minutes. The heater took a 30+ min job of getting the tractor/snow thrower started down to about 10 mins total.