Winter Ready With the Best Block Heaters for Tractor (Top 7 Picks)

Agricultural work waits for no one! That includes harsh weather conditions as well.

If you live in a cold-weather location, I bet you often encounter the problem of starting your tractor on a freezing morning.

Luckily, there is one sure way you can always keep your engine warm and not risk missing your farming duties for the day.

Have you heard of block heaters?

They are a fantastic option for heating the engine block heater, oil pan heater, and many more.

It makes sure your tractor starts quicker and does not wear off the battery.

If you were curious about where you can find the best block heaters for tractors, I have listed my top 7 picks I bet you will like!

Our Favorite Block Heaters for Tractors – Overview

$ – Zerostart 3400017 Portable Electric Heat Magnet Heater

Easy to install and includes a quick-grip handle for safe use, suitable for non-aluminum engine blocks. Sometimes does not transfer enough heat.

$ – Kat’s 1160 Magnetic Heater

Includes two powerful magnets, so it sticks easily on the metal surface, is reliable, and can be used for many vehicles, including heavy-duty ones that do not work on aluminum pans.

$ – OEM Agco Parts Engine Block Heater Kit

The most reliable block heater you can get, it’s made from a trustworthy manufacturer and prevents your engine from damage due to colder climates. pricy.

$ – BMI Engine Block Heater

One of the top engine heaters for Kubota tractors and those with 3,4,5-cylinder engines, reliable and durable construction.

$ – Ford 2011-2016 Super Duty 6.7L Diesel Engine Block Heater

Made from trustworthy OEM parts, includes a power cord for easy installation. Only suitable for Ford tractors.

$ – JEENDA Engine Block Heater

Includes a thermostat so you can leave it on for the night, easy to install and reliable. Vague instruction manual.

$ – Zerostart 3100093 Engine Block Immersion Heater

Includes an NPT that offers durability and long-lasting use, is easy to install, and is compatible with lots of vehicles and tractors.

Best Block Heaters for Tractor Owners – My Top 7 Picks

1. Zerostart 3400017 Portable Electric Heat Magnet Heater – Best Magnetic Heater

• Brand: Zerostart
• Wattage: 200 watts
• Suitable For: heaters non-aluminum engine blocks with a large or small heater
• Product Dimensions: ‎4.41 x 2.5 x 2.95 inches

We are kicking off strong with one of the best engine block heaters there is on the market! This is the Zerostart.

The first feature you should note is that this block heater is suitable only for non-aluminum engine blocks. However, you can use it on a variety of vehicles.

So let’s see what your options are.

For starters, you can use the Zerostart engine block heater on tractors, snowmobiles, motorbikes, generators, snowblowers, farm equipment, and many more!

You can also use it on oil pan heaters, transmissions, stock tanks, and steel gutters.

All you need to do with this block heater is connect it to either the 120 Volts or 200 Watts AC outlets and let the thermostat do the rest of the job for you.

First, it makes sure the heater does not surpass the maximum temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Zerostart engine block heater is one of the best ways you can get winter ready!

It has a metal surface and a quick-grip handle, so it protects your hands from getting burned.

One of the features that surely did impress us was its build and quality.

As you can see, this is a magnetic block heater that is also portable. The magnet is also high-quality as it does not slide off the surface.

2. Kat’s 1160 Magnetic Heater – Runner Up

• Brand: Kat’s
• Wattage: 300 watts
• Suitable For: Universal fit
• Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches

Your next pick could be Kat’s magnetic heater.

It’s small, compact, and acquires a universal fit suitable for most vehicles.

However, most users say that this is one of the best heating element models for tractor owners and those with agricultural equipment!

One thing is definitely for certain, and that’s that Kat’s magnetic heater will serve you for seasonal use.

It’s good on snowmobiles, tractors, chainsaws, snowblowers, and other farming machinery!

Not only that, but you also can use this block heater to heat heavy-duty vehicles such as SUVs and other vehicles.

Many customers choose not to trust magnetic block heaters because they doubt their reliability.

But, let me tell you, Kat’s magnetic block heater is quite durable and reliable when heating the engine.

It features two powerful magnets that stick right onto the metal surface, for starters.

The engine heater offers constant heat to your vehicle and is super supportive for those cold weather mornings.

However, if you want to get the best performance possible, you should put the heater on the flat surface of the oil pan.

However, you should be aware that if your vehicle has an aluminum oil pan heater, it will not stick to it.

3. OEM Agco Parts Engine Block Heater Kit – The Most Reliable Block Heater Kit

• Brand: AGCO
• Wattage: not specified
• Suitable For: Massey Ferguson tractors, compact tractors,
• Product Dimensions: Does not specify

The Agco engine heater kit may just be the thing you are searching for!

Plus, if you already own a Massey Ferguson tractor, consider yourself lucky because this kit happens to fit perfectly in that brand of a tractor!

What’s special about this block heater is that not only does it heat the engine, but it also protects it from daily wear and tears.

This is especially important for the cold regions when the temperature drops below 10 degrees. In that case, it protects the engine from cracking under a low temperature.

If you are going for a high-quality design, there is no better pick than this heater kit!

It’s made by professional engineers and consists of the finest OEM parts known for their quality.

In addition, installing the heater is so easy!

All you should do is drain the machine’s coolant from all the fluids and remove the frost plug. After doing so, simply mount the freeze plug heater on the vehicle.

You should plug the heater in and start the entire heating element process following this process.

You are going to see how easy the whole process is, and you won’t even need professional help!

Although we have to admit that the price for this block heater is a bit high, could you find a cheaper alternative on the market?

Of course, but they would not be as reliable as this one.

4. BMI Engine Block Heater – Best For Kubota Tractors

• Brand: BMI
• Wattage: 400 watts
• Suitable For: Most Kubota tractors
• Product Dimensions: ‎7 x 1 x 12 inches

Listen up; if you are a proud owner of Kubota tractors, this should be your best pick!

The BMI engine block heater has a wide array of compatibility and works on B, M, & L Series of Kubota tractors and those that have 3, 4, or 5 cylinder diesel engines.

This engine block heater also works on smaller vehicles, trucks, tractors.

With that being said, it’s pretty versatile if you ask me.

Plus, all parts and products are made in the USA, which is a big bonus if you ever need replacement parts.

It has also been designed with care by trustworthy engineers who understand the needs of every American agricultural worker!

Furthermore, the freeze plug heater has a port that measures 3/4 inches in diameter, so if your engine heater plug is 1 inch, you will need to insert a bushing to secure it fully.

Lastly, I advise you to be careful when ordering your BMI engine block heater.

There are many options in the offer, and some BMI heaters come with a cord only-not the heater.

The cord may only work for you if your tractor already has a block heater so keep that in mind.

5. Ford 2011-2016 Super Duty 6.7L Diesel Engine Block Heater – Best For Ford Tractors

• Brand: Ford
• Wattage: Does not specify
• Suitable For: Ford tractors
• Product Dimensions: does not specify

So far, we have listed block heaters that work with Kubota tractors, garden tractors, big and heavy-duty vehicles, but there is still one brand left to cover.

This engine block heater is a perfect pick for Ford tractors, so it will fit in perfectly if you are an owner!

The heater is easily installed into all Ford tractors from 2011 to 2016 with a 6.7 L diesel engine.

Although the exact wattage is not specified, multiple positive customer reviews tell us that this is one of the most reliable heaters for Ford.

This engine block heater is so easy to install because it includes a cable cord wire harness.

The installation gets even easier if you already own a swivel socket with a power cord extension.

Gathered from customer reviews, you can expect to lose at least 6-7 ounces of coolants when installing this heater. But, this is only if you are extra careful!

The Ford engine heater is an excellent addition to your tractor, especially during cold winters.

Not only does it heat the engine faster, but it also protects it from further damage. The maximum temperature is 50 degrees Celsius.

Lastly, the heater includes reliable OEM parts known for their quality, so you know you are shopping safely!

6. JEENDA Engine Block Heater – Best For Overnight Running

• Brand: Jeenda
• Wattage: 1500W
• Suitable For: 120V outlets
• Product Dimensions: ‎9.49 x 5.59 x 5.04 inches

Cold mornings can sometimes mean the end for your new tractor engine. For this reason, people mostly purchase engine heaters to prevent cold starting.

But, as you know, engine heaters usually need to be turned on for a few hours before you plan on using the tractor.

Well, if you want a heater that can run overnight shift, our best recommendation is the Jeenda engine block heater.

We trust this heater with the overnight running because it comes with a thermostat, so it will carefully track the temperature.

In addition, the engine block heater is compatible with lots of vehicles in the market!

For instance, you can match it with diesel, tractors, agricultural equipment, marine and industrial vehicles, and many more!

However, you should know that the heater wire does not come with a freeze plug, so if you already don’t own one, consider purchasing it before ordering this heater.

Overall, this is a great engine heater for almost all diesel vehicles! It gives you stability and is reliable enough to leave for the night.

Your vehicle is ready to start in the morning, so you don’t have to wake up easier to turn the block heater on.

7. Zerostart 3100093 Engine Block Immersion Heater – Best Engine Block Heater With An NPT

• Brand: Zerostart
• Wattage: 400 watts
• Suitable For: Ferguson, Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, John Deere, Kubota, Perkins, & Pontiac
• Product Dimensions: ‎5.1 x 4.8 x 2.2 inches

You could say that we saved the best for last!

This is another Zerostart block heater, so we are finishing the review in the same way we started!

Let’s take a look at this fantastic helper for cold weather!

As soon as we took a look at this engine block heater, we knew it was a win-win! Why?

Well, for starters, the block heater is CSA-approved, so it has passed the standard requirements for the use of electronic equipment in North America.

With that being said, it’s safe to use it without worrying whether it will damage the engine.

In addition, the engine block heater comes with an NPT thread that measures out 3/4 inches.

The threaded brass adapter makes sure your new block heater is as durable as possible.

It protects it from frost, corrosion, rust, minerals, water, salt, or chemicals that may damage it.

Another thing we love about it is how versatile it is!

It’s compatible with a Chevrolet, Massey Ferguson, John Deere, Kubota, Buick, or Perkins. However, it has one flaw.

Because it features an NPT, you shouldn’t share it with other equipment.

However, since the price is affordable, you can always order more block heaters for other farming vehicles.

Read more —

Optimal Visibility With The Best Tractor Wiper Motor Kit (Top 5 Picks)

Types of engine block heaters

An engine heater is one of the best things you can get if you want to save your engine from tears!

However, starting your tractor on cold can be a hazard for the engine life during the winter seasons.

For this reason, let’s check out your options and browse through the different types of engine heaters.

1. In-line coolant heater

The in-line coolant heater is very popular nowadays.

The coolant system works by maintaining a constant temperature; this allows all the fluid, such as engine oil, to stay intact.

Plus, thanks to the coolant heater pump, fluid circulates continuously, which results in constant temperature.

2. Freeze plug heater

The freeze plug heater is a small yet efficient device that helps deliver heat to the engine.

It prevents colder starting in the wintertime and protects your engine from further damage.

However, even though they are effective, frost plug heaters can sometimes be challenging to install.

Freeze plugs are probably not the best choice if you plan on transferring them from a tractor to a tractor.

3. Bolt-on heaters

Bolt-on heaters are probably the best ones if you want to warm the whole engine!

They do not focus solely on heating an engine coolant but instead warming up the entire system.

4. Dipstick heater

A dipstick heater replaces the oil dipstick with the electric heating element. With that, the end of the heater is brought back to the engine oil.

However, dipstick engine heaters are not the safest option to use.

Although they are quite cheap and easy to install, many fire incidents trace back to using dipstick heaters.

5. Magnetic block heaters

A magnetic block heater is probably the most common type of tractor heater.

Most of them will come with a strong magnet taped on the surface, which you, later on, attach to the engine.

They are used to heat and warm oil as they are stuck to the bottom of the oil pan.

However, you need to be careful with them. It’s recommended that you always remove the magnet block heaters before starting the engine.

After all, you don’t want it to fall off during the ride, do you?

6. Silicone pad heaters

Pad heaters work similarly as the magnet block heaters do. They stick to the engine and heat the engine oil.

However, unlike magnet heaters, these glue right on the engine, allowing you to plug them in whenever there is a need for them.

How to pick the right size of the heater?

As you can see, heaters come in different sizes and voltages!

So, how exactly can you pick the right size for your engine? Well, it depends on a few factors.

One of them is the size of your engine, and how often do you use a heater for it? Are temperatures usually low in your area, or is it only for a season?

Another factor you want to consider is whether you use synthetic oil or conventional.

These factors can determine the convenient size of your heater.

Also, take a look at the HP of your tractor. Many tractors around 40HP will require a bigger heater for their engine.

In this case, you can use the 600W coolant heater as it will work the best!

Diesel vs. Gasoline

Lastly, consider the type of fuel you are using for the tractor.

A fuel type can often indicate what kind of heater will work the best for the engine. For instance, if you own a diesel, block heaters work wonders!

However, as you know, diesel has a high temperature, so it can get challenging to start it in colder weather.

Also, it’s good to know that a block heater saves fuel and can help the environment. 

FAQ’s

Do you need a block heater for a tractor?

If you want to kick off the winter season right, you will need a block heater for your tractor.

It allows the tractor engine to warm up quickly, and it does not wear off the battery that much.

A block heater also warms up the oil, circulating better and preventing wear and tear.

Plus, it can help you minimize or eliminate carbon dioxide, which protects the engine!

When should you use a block heater on a diesel tractor?

A block heater will usually be required when the temperature drops to 15 degrees Celsius.

However, if you own a diesel engine, it’s best to start the block heater before the temperature drops that low.

How long does it take for a block heater to warm up a tractor?

In most cases, it’s preferable if you turn the block heater for at least two to three hours before starting the tractor.

However, if the temperature drops highly, you can even turn it on for longer.

Can you leave block heater plugged in while running?

Yes, you can leave the block heater plugged in while the engine is running.

However, most experts agree that the maximum time for leaving the block heater on is around 4 hours, so try not to go over that limit.

Other than that, it won’t hurt if your tractor is running with the block heater on.

What can I use if I don’t have a block heater?

If you don’t have a block heater, you can always try using the alternative, which is the oil pans heaters.

An oil pan heater can be attached to the engine’s oil pan using magnets.

However, since they are attached via magnet, they can easily fall right off when you hit a bump in the road.

Another option is getting the lower radiator hose heater units.

Radiator hose heaters work by beginning the warming-up process in the coolant of the heater hose.

Most of them will have a higher wattage, making them easier to use and quickly warm up the engine.

Can you plug two block heaters into outlet?

Yes, you can plug two-block heaters into an outlet. However, it all depends on the block heater’s wattage ratings.

Final words

Tractors are necessary for farming, especially for farmers with bigger properties.

For this reason, you cannot afford to miss a day in the field just because the weather is bad and your tractor won’t start.

So here is where tractor block heaters come in and save the day!

They are convenient, affordable but not always reliable, so we took the time to review the top 7 models that work the best!

You can expect they will give their 101% in warming up your engine before your busy day.

As there were seven terrific models, I do have to admit it was not an easy job picking the best one.

Finally, however, the results are in, and it seems as though the Zerostart 3400017 Portable Electric Heat Magnetic Heater is the final winner!

It’s affordable, small, portable, and magnetic, so it easily sticks on the engine coolant!

Take a look yourself and see why this is one of the best block heaters for tractors!