At what temperature do you plug in your block heater?

[Blue2Orange]

Do not think there is a thermostat on the BX block heater that prevents on at warmer temperatures. Tested the newly purchased BX's block heater a few days ago. It works. It was above freezing.

Similar to the old '01 NH. I use to plug that one in for 30-90 minutes before starting on days once the temp dropped below freezing. Even after switch from NH dino to Rotella T6. Plan to do the same with the BX. Any reason not to? Do have a timer on the circuit just in case something happens and tractor time is postponed.

 

[chim]

I'm not suggesting my method is good. Since 1990 with one gas tractor and four diesels I believe I may have plugged one of them in once. It seldom gets below 0°F here.

 

[Jsjac]

I only plug my tractor in when it is below zero

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

When it gets about 32f / 0c my diesel tractors will get plugged in.
30 min. At those temps and as much as 3 or 4 hours when closer to -30's.
All stored in an unheated and enclosed shed out of the wind.
If it was wind and expossed it would get way more.
Costs next to nothing so my thought why not. Never burnt out a block heater yet

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I only plug mine if I plan to use it that day. (I don’t leave it plugged in). 30 or below. Not sure it’s because I need to, but it sure starts a lot easier - she seems happier.

as example if I am getting up and need to mess with the drive way, I start a pot of coffee, then go out plug in the tractor then come back in and drink some coffee. Eventually I’ll head out and play in the snow. I doubt I leave it plugged in more than a few hours. (I’d say it’s plugged in for at least 45 minutes minimum though). The colder it is the more time I spend drinking coffee.