Open cab heat?

RedMF40 · Dec 12, 2016

Just thinking again about winter and clearing snow with my open station (no cab) tractor. Anyone put some kind of rudimentary heater in place? Tractor is Massey Ferguson f40, water-cooled, 12v system. Exhaust passes pretty close under right foot. Can always do what I've done--put on 3 layers and have at it.

Geo-TH,In · Dec 12, 2016

In the 50's my dad had a device I think he called a heat houser. It took the heat off the engine and sent it back to driver. It was still an open air cab, but engine heat and radiator was sent back. Not even sure if they are still available.

rustyfarmall · Dec 12, 2016

I think you can still buy a "Heat-Houser",sometimes called a weather front. "Heat-Houser" is actually a brand name I think. Do a Google search.

Deere Mark · Dec 12, 2016

Had a Heat Houser on our MF 35 a long time ago. Femco Inc still makes some, maybe some other companies do also. Make your own with canvass and some kind of clear flexible plastic for a windshield.

Butch(OH) · Dec 12, 2016

As the others said we had heat housers. If you worked the tractor hard they would keep you toasty warm in the field but just idling around about all they do is block the wind

Bob M · Dec 12, 2016

Heat Houser or equivalent.

A local contractor here has a fleet of 50 or so Farmall M/SM/400/450 tractors set up for municipal sidewalks plowing. All are equipped with Heat Housers to help keep the drivers warm. It's not like being in an enclosed cab when plowing snow. But it sure beats sitting out in the open!

Incidentally by blocking most of the radiator grille with a feed bag or similar, a Houser will keep you warm even under light load.

RedMF40 · Dec 12, 2016

Thanks, helpful suggestions. I hadn't thought about specially-made item that can be fitted to tractor. I like idea of blocking most of radiator to maximize engine heat. I'll check to see what if anything is avail for my F40. I appreciate the suggestions, happy holidays...and stay warm!

Super-H-Mike · Dec 12, 2016

I am sure it looked funny, but I used to wear my snowmobile helmet when I had to plow with an open tractor, it sure helped keep me warmer and blocked the wind.

ben70b · Dec 12, 2016

Like this?

GordoSD · Dec 12, 2016

femcomfg.com

old-9 · Dec 12, 2016

Not very many, but FORD made a heated cast aluminum seat. It had a pathway for radiator water to pass through it. A valve controled the flow thus controling the heat. I have seen only 2 at "Ford Fordson Collector'd Assotiation" national shows. They are rare! I sure would have loved to have had one on my loader tractor today. I thought about making one with a coiled copper tubing , a valve and hose. Sure would make the early spring plowing, Fall spreading, and all those cold chores so much better.
If you have one for sale let me have first bid. joe

rusty6 · Dec 12, 2016

Yes, Heat Houser is a brand name and they are well worth a look if you are going to spend much time on an open tractor in the cold. I have one for the Cockshutt 40 that I don't get around to installing the last few winters. We didn't have as much snow to move. On the Massey that I feed bales with I just have a piece of carpet covering the whole grille to get the temp up and a piece of cardboard covering the entire right side of the engine where the fuel filters are. Keeps a little engine heat on the fuel system and a bit might even get back to me sometimes.

dzc3 · Dec 12, 2016

I really need a heat Hauser for my 930, but just too tight to spend the money. I took two very large cardboard boxes and used light rope and bunge straps to hold them in place along both sides of the motor, ending at the dash. I left the front grill exposed as the fan needs to draw as much air as possible to keep air flow moving. It works but not the best. Doesn't keep wind off my face, but brings back enough heat to melt snow off my boots. That and silk long underwear (very warm you need to try them before you laugh) from Duluth Trading post, and I should make it thru another winter.

DoubleR · Dec 12, 2016

I always called them a Heat Houser but I guess that's a brand name. Anyway I brought a universal fit with a side entry for my Massey 231 from TSC a few years back. It was allot better than nothing. It would keep the wind off you and blow a little heat back on you if you were working the tractor hard enough like when fall plowing. I think TSC can still get you one although you may have to order it from the warehouse. The one I had would fit your tractor.

curtkeiser · Dec 12, 2016

You can still buy them new.

http://www.link_disallowed/Tractor-Heater-Cab-Universal-Rear-Entry-Vinyl-p/122974.htm?gclid=Cj0KEQiAsrnCBRCTs7nqwrm6pcYBEiQAcQSznA-nfU1OU0XF1OkjKXIOPxlxEUVc9_dxXIr1Nx-4-F0aAscV8P8HAQ

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171338699627?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

jm. · Dec 12, 2016

Any body that wants to come to Tennessee I have a almost new one that was removed from a 60 hp KUBOTA. Has the windshield and sides. Looks about like the one below on the JD 70 except newer and orange. Have no plans to ever use it . O free to anyone that needs it.

RedMF40 · Dec 12, 2016

Thanks, very generous offer. I'm sure someone will take it off your hands. I'll email for location, see if anyone I know is going that way. Thanks again and happy holidays!

OliverGuy · Dec 12, 2016

Could you rig up one of those cigarette lighter ran car heated seat to help your back side? Or stick it in your coat maybe. A heat houser does help a lot

David G · Dec 12, 2016

I have a heat houser on mine, makes world of difference.

fixerupper · Dec 12, 2016

You have to play around with how much air you block from the radiator when you have a Heat Houser. Block it off too much and there is not enough air flow to get heat back to you. I used to have a Heat Houser on a Deere A with radiator shutters. If I had the shutters all the way closed the engine got up to 200 degrees but it wasn't getting back to me as well as it should have. I could run it up to 200 with shutters closed and then partly open the shutters for a short period to get really good heat coming up. Like others said though a Heat houser type enclosure is better than nothing.

farmerwithmutt · Dec 12, 2016

Heat Houser is fine but blocks your vision. Be careful about blocking your radiator if you only block part of it that creates a part with pressure and part with no pressure causing the blade to flex and eventually break. Had a blade come of on an Allis best part was it was pulling away from the gas barrel when it came out and it just came off the blower .

David G · Dec 12, 2016

I have a working thermostat, it always gets up to temperature without blocking radiator.

ss55 · Dec 13, 2016

Without some sort of enclosure like a Heat Houser, a heater won't do you much good as the heat won't stay with you. A Heat Houser would be my first choice. Check www.burchmfg.com

Twelve volt heated clothing is available through motorcycle catalogs like www.denniskirk.com , but a cord to a cigar lighter will be a pain to use and easy to break. Snowmobile or ski clothing is usually light and warm with a durable nylon shell. Some have bright reflective strips, which can be handy when working at night. Gortex or similar materials that wick sweat away from your skin will keep you much warmer than a wet cotton undershirt. Insulated boots, a good hat and hood and sometimes ski googles can make a world of difference too.

Leroy · Dec 13, 2016

Where are you located? I have a complete unit that could be put on your tractor including the top. If you can use cheap.

RedMF40 · Dec 13, 2016

I'm mid-Atlantic area over on the right side of the country. I've included email if you want to get in touch, thanks.

RedMF40 · Dec 13, 2016

Thanks, good suggestions. Checked prices for heat-holders, can't really justify the expense at the moment. I've got plenty cold weather gear snd it's all paid for. Winters in the mid-Atlantic can be very mild or we can spend weeks digging out. Anyone's guess. Driveway is about a quarter mile long but goes into common drive and neighbors all have plows and tractors. Just keeping my part cleared should not be an issue, and that's all I'd be using the tractor for this winter. Agsin, thsnks for the reply...happy holidays to all!

Open cab heat?

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