Cab heater?

[mrtraktr]

Thinking about a cab heater for my L3430. Wondering if I should go with electric or cooling system. Any Opinions?

 

[Greenhead]

Where we live heat is good. I don't have cabs however, as I get older I've come to realize why people go south for the winters... Get the hot water hooked up now and don't look back.

 

[85Hokie]

Thinking about a cab heater for my L3430. Wondering if I should go with electric or cooling system. Any Opinions?

several members have done it both ways - the cooling is a bit longer to pull off - and the electric is easier. Be careful with the amp draw if electrical - create your own electrical path, create a simple fused relay and you'll be fine.

Electrical is instant - water will take a while to get there!

 

[Grouse Feathers]

You can't put a large enough electric heater in a tractor cab to accomplish anything. I have a BX with a 12000 BTU heater hooked to the cooling system. It's the right size for a tractor cab in Northern Michigan. To get the same heat from a 12v electric heater would need 294 amps. You will not even get close to what you need with electric heat.

 

[mrtraktr]

Thanks guys! Any particular brand that you would recommend? I've gotten along without one for a couple winters by using a fan but really seems to be fogging and icing up this year.

 

[chim]

I used this one when I built my cab 3 years ago and just ordered another for a cab we have nearly completed at work. Both are mounted below the windshields with the grille facing up. The round part of the grill rotates and does a pretty good job keeping the windshield clear. Not difficult to plumb in, does up to 20,000 BTU at $150 - what's not to like?

Note: I'm re-plumbing mine to have all copper tube inside the cab after reading a thread about a concern over hose failure with 200* water in the cab. We're connecting the one at work with copper inside the cab as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131499823999?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

 

[tcrote5516]

I opted for this one as it was physically the smallest unit I could find and cab space is critical on a BX.

Simple unit that does the job very well.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-991101-1/overview/

 

[Grouse Feathers]

With your location and having a fogging freezing problem the Maradyne recommended by tcrote has openings to connect a hose or hoses. I have the same heater and have a hose connected to a plastic pipe running across the bottom of the windshield. The pipe has slots cut in it directed up the windshield. You can open and close the vents on the heater vents to force more and less warm air to the windshield. I have had no fogging of the windshield and most of the snow and ice melts off.
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23153