SNOW REMOVAL FOR BEGINNERS (Kubota BX23S Tractor in Winter)

[@raymondgrant727]

Northern Michigan, gentleman farmer, retired. I really enjoy your vids.....

[@lonniechartrand]

I live 40 miles northwest of St. Louis, MO, and own a farm two hours away in northcentral Missouri. I am a retired electrical staking engineer. I worked in utilities for over forty years and was offered early retirement four years ago. The door did not hit me in the butt on the way out! LOVE working on my farm! Your tips are very useful. THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@ritterjon]

That is fantastic that you were offered early retirement. I wouldn't think twice about it either. Glad you're loving life. Keep on tractoring.

[@georgeschuster8718]

Thanks again

[@johncambra9332]

Retired computer science engineer from North Carolina via Massachusetts. Mike Morgan gave a shout out about your channel. I have been watching for about one year.

[@ritterjon]

I bet the evolution of computers from when you started and finally retired has been impressive. I must have missed the Morgan shoutout, was it recent? Keep on tractoring!

[@mikenl3d]

Hey Jon. I’m an Alaskan Air National Guardsman and we live in North Pole Alaska. We moved up here from Anchorage back in October 2020. We’ve got three acres (mostly wooded) with a house and shop. The property has a long driveway and a large parking area. I spent this winter clearing snow with an ATV and plow, and now I’m in the market for a tractor to use year round. I really like your setup and I’m glad I stumbled upon your channel.

[@ritterjon]

I hope you also watch AKdadstuff on KZbin. He’s probably your close neighbor. He also lives in North Pole. He has a Kubota B2601. Thanks for watching 👍 Keep on tractoring!

[@kentwilder2114]

From Iowa Power Service for your treatment

[@rickfranklin2526]

I'm from Independence, Mo. I,m a retired Mailman and I hate snow (LOL). Mike Morgan told me about your channel. Enjoy your videos.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for stopping over and commenting. Welcome to the channel. Keep on tractoring!

[@scslawncare2034]

I’m from southern MN, And i do lawn care and soft scaping.. Snow removal in the winter! :) Helpful tips i must say i never thought of waxing the snowblower i am going to try that along with the windows!

[@rickywilson6214]

IAM from cleveland tennessee I have a kubota 🚜 love your videos and tips

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for watching and subscribing! What Kubota do you have? Keep on tractoring!

[@kenricgonyaw5782]

Kenric, Holland, VT To get more weight can load your tires with liquid chloride. This is common practice for farm tractors. My dealer loaded all four of mine on my B2601. Have a 48 inch commercial front snow B2380. I also have the tires you mentioned in this video. They have outstanding winter tractionYou do have to be careful not to make real sharp turns on the lawn,they will scuff up the grass. Also the speed at which you make a turn helps, a little slower works best. I'm in a cold winter climate here, right next to the Canadian Border. Dealer could not stress enough about treating the fuel,Probably the most important tip of your video.

[@terrybatchelder1154]

I live in Carlsbad, NM. I am a Waste Handling Engineer at the Waste Isolation Polit Plant (WIPP).

[@ritterjon]

You might be my only subscriber from NM. Most of my subs are from the Northeast or in Canada. Thanks for the comment. Keep on tractoring.

[@grega-kendalheightsdecorwo9511]

I'm in Orono Ontario (just over an hours drive north east of Toronto) I'm a Construction Supervisor (Cladding division) Monday to Friday, also a weekend warrior Handyman. I design /build decks, small structures and now building furniture. Plus use my BX23S as much as possible!

[@ritterjon]

You're a busy guy Greg! I've built a few things in the past. I like swinging a hammer every once in awhile. Keep on tractoring.

[@Poppi49]

My wife and I live in North Central W.V. about 20 miles south of WV University. I'm a retired coal miner(43 years) and my wife is retired from Fairmont State University where she was a cook and cashier in the student center. I will try the wax on my snow blower. Thanks for the insight. I enjoy your channel immensely.

[@ritterjon]

That's for the comment, wow that's a long time as a coal miner! I bet you and your wife are happy to be retired. God bless. Keep on tractoring!

[@carolbrown7937]

Great tips Mr. Ritter.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for watching! Keep on tractoring.

[@donaldparkhurst3006]

Hi Jon, nice video! I’m from central New York, Oswego area, and I’m a maintenance super for a couple of senior citizen buildings. Stay safe and healthy, and may God bless...

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for comments, I bet you are a well appreciated person maintaining the buildings. You stay safe and healthy as well. God bless. Keep on tractoring!

[@glenmiller679]

Just a poorboy Jon have an old case 446 . but do enjoy enjoy your programming .thanks glen from southwest lower Michigan

[@bwillan]

Nokian makes dedicated snow tires for tractors. The commercial snow removal businesses that use tractors and pull type snow blowers use them with great results.

[@ritterjon]

I'll check them out, thanks! Keep on tractoring!

[@TheRadioactiveHeat]

Great tips John! I own a small lawn and landscape business in southern MN. Love watching your channel!

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for the comment. Do you do any snow cleaning in the winter? Keep on tractoring.

[@TheRadioactiveHeat]

@@ritterjon yes I do. I also work for another lawn business in town, as mine is the essence of small. Keeps me busy though. Unfortunately we've only had maybe a total of like 3 inches of snow this year unlike you guys!

[@vinc2394]

I am from Quebec, Canada

[@ritterjon]

Wow I get a lot of Canadian comments. I might have to learn French again. Keep on tractoring! (Maintenir Tracteur-ing)

[@michaelfinney2160]

Good works tractor can probably hook you up with some wheel weights ! I would also recommend if you haven’t got it already rim guard fluid or whatever is available to you other than calcium, to put in rear tires for weight. Have a Blessed Day

[@Lackieestatesfarm]

Hey John, I’m from New Brunswick Canada and I’m a tanker truck driver who runs Atlantic and central Canada and the occasional trip to the eastern seaboard and just traded in my old 2003 bx2200 with no cab in for a new 2680 with the identical cab set up you have. Rear mount blower and use the bucket on the front to help clear around our barn in the winter. (Recently ordered an HLA1500 snow pusher too)For wheel weights get yourself a set of cast wheel weights off of an old bolens garden tractor. They will bolt right on with a couple of 1/2x7in carriage bolts. Same bolt pattern in then wheel which is convenient.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for the tip. I hope you're enjoying that cab and I think that HLA snow pusher is top notch quality. Keep on tractoring!

[@scottmallow6210]

Traverse city Michigan new tractor owner here and between you and outdoors with the morgans i have learned how to maintain and so much more. I'm a meat cutter for costco

[@ritterjon]

I bet you're very skilled with a knife! That's a demanding job. Thanks for watching and supporting both out channels. Keep on tractoring!

[@scottmallow6210]

@@ritterjon definitely not job for every body it took my the better part of 2 years to learn and yes i'm really good with a knife thank's.

[@_ChuckRoast]

Hi Jon. Thanks for the tips. I'll be replacing my tired, 26 year old Honda 5518 (discontinued in 1998 and cannot get parts anymore) for a new BX23S soon. From NE PA. Retired Air Traffic Controller.

[@ritterjon]

Too bad Honda gave up on that Sub compact line, They would have made a good competitor for the tractor market. You're going to love the BX23S. You'll find many uses for it. Keep on tractoring!

[@seansysig]

John I'm in Upstate NY at 1325' above sea-level between the Catskill & Adirondack mountain ranges. I clear snow from 2k feet if paved & gravel driveways.. These are good tips. I would install a water fuel oil separator to remove water from the fuel system. Also filter all fuel when topping up the tank The fuel filter change frequency is more based on how old is the fuel, outdoor temps, & hours operated on the current filters. Don't buy diesel in bulk as unused diesel can grow bacteria that will plug filters and promote geling.

[@ritterjon]

Good point, diesel sitting for too long can go bad. I buy mine in 5 gallon jugs since I don't use it fast enough. Keep on tractoring!

[@orestwitiw213]

Hello Jon. I have my BX2380 hooked up to a block heater timer that is set so that the tractor is ready to start at 6am even when it’s -20. It also gives me the option to keep the block heater on for whatever length of time I want to preset after 6am in case I sleep in. The timer I have is called a Power Badger and it works awesome. I leave my tractor running at idle after I start it and I let it warm up as I shovel snow away from the fence and house to make it easier to blow snow. I coated all surfaces on the Kubota commercial blower with a spray silicone including the chute and impeller and it keeps the snow from sticking and makes for a quicker clean up. My Textite Cab came equipped with front and rear LED lights and you are right they are vital when blowing snow at 6am. As far as the fuel goes I treat my diesel with Howes Diesel Treat. I add 30-40ml per top up. One thing I didn’t hear you mention but it’s something I do I keep my battery hooked up to a Battery Minder with a quick detach two pole connector. It sure makes cranking a diesel over at -20 a lot easier on a full battery! I run Turf tires on my tractor and they work fantastic in deep snow. I even sprayed my wheels with the WD40 Silicone spray and the snow hardly builds up in the wheels. This year I’m running a UHMW back blade and so far so good it’s a lot quieter and seems to scrape about as good as a steel blade. The only thing I haven’t done is keep spare shear bolts in the cab along with a couple of box end wrench’s. It’s on my list of things to do. Good advice! Happy New Year from SS Marie, Ontario.

[@ritterjon]

You're right, I forgot to mention a battery tender. I mentioned it in the video I did with Hank and then forgot about it in the this one. shoot! Anyway I've used silicone spray and it works great buy I think the turtle wax lasts a bit longer. Sounds like you've got a nice set up for clearing snow. Keep on tractoring.

[@jeremiahs45]

I’m in northeastern Indiana. I do design and engineering. I like the wax in the snow blower trick. I use rain x on glass though.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for watching. RainX works great as well. Keep on tractoring!

[@Surferjo]

love the tips ty needing to get to #Colorado bad

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for watching and the comment. I think I'd love living in Colorado. Keep on tractoring!

[@BRAMMOTO]

I live in northern NY. Im a pharmacist. I run turf tires on my BX (we mostly mow with the tractor). In the winter I put chains on the turf tires, and I get great traction. Keep on tractoring.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for your comment. Do you use your bucket for snow or do you have something else? Happy New Year Keep on Tractoring!

[@BRAMMOTO]

@@ritterjon I use my bucket for now just for a little clean up. I already had a walk behind snowblower, so i couldn't justify buying anything else specifically for snow removel.

[@peterkoster5053]

Southern manitoba. Grain elevator mill right. Also if your garage is heated let the tractor warm up outside the garage so the steel can cool down, so you don't have the warm metal melt snow and ice it up. But wax works great too.

[@ritterjon]

That's a great tip as well. Keep on tractoring!

[@raybloom5727]

Nice Informatioin.. Thanks. Ray Bloom, Erie Pa. Taught high school math for a couple of years, wasn"t for me. Been a Locomotive Engineer for the last 26 years. Just picked up a Kubota LX 3310 with front mount snow blower. Will be using your tips. Thank You.

[@ritterjon]

Teaching isn't for everybody, not sure I would choose that profession again. I do enjoy it 90% of the time. It's the other 10% that can be overwhelming. Especially this year! That LX3310 seems to be a great machine so far.I hope you're liking it! 👍 Keep on tractoring!

[@coreysellers4529]

I bought a set of Bolens brand cast iron wheel weights and painted them Kubota orange. I found them on eBay after I saw another guy on youtube use a set on his Kubota. I think they are the best looking set. I would like to try turf tires on my tractor. Carslie tires look nice also. I put my block heater on a WiFi double outlet and also have a millhouse heater in the cab. I just run the cord through the brake pedal hole. I run the block heater for two hours and the millhouse heater for one hour. Then I unplug the block, start the tractor and let it warm up while the millhouse heater is still running. I've been working on a video to show how warm the cab stays at different temps. I also treat with howes year round and relocated my fuel filter. My snow blower is on the three point. I prefer this because IL snows are usually slush. The blower will throw very wet snow even sometimes just throws a jet of water . We have allot of freezing and thawing then re freezing that require the loader and bucket to scrape off the ice. I have also noticed that the front blowers break allot of shear bolts. I put close to 100 hours on my tractor every winter doing snow removal and the only time I have ever broken a shear bolt is when I got into my rock garden. It will chew through thick ice and no problem. I also have a push box and hydraulic controls for the chute and deflector. If I lived up north I might have a set up more like you.

[@ritterjon]

That's a great idea to get a milk house heater to preheat your cab. Sounds like you have a nice set up for your needs. I would like to do the relocation of fuel filters sometime myself. Great idea about the wheel weights. I would love a set of those. I'll keep looking. Keep on tractoring!

[@dieseltruck5074]

From Kentucky. Retired auto technician . Thanks for the informative vids.

[@ritterjon]

Hope you're enjoying retirement! Keep on tractoring!

[@youngscott62]

Southern IL and retired. I change both filters every year. It is cheap insurance.

[@ritterjon]

It sure is! Keep on tractoring!

[@sunjaybedi4389]

Good tips, thanks.

[@ritterjon]

You bet! Keep on tractoring!

[@RagsdaleCreek]

Retired Tool and Die Maker. North Central Alabama right on the Tennessee line.

[@ritterjon]

That sounds like a cool job. I bet you've got a nice shop at home and make all sorts of neat stuff. Enjoy retirement. Keep on tractoring!

[@RagsdaleCreek]

Yes I have a mini mill,mini lathe This past year (2019) I got a big ATrump mill and a Grizzly G6004G lathe and a Reid surface grinder. And started a KZbin Channel ... Ragsdale Creek Workshop.. kzbin.info/door/k984Ea9fDVrI9IgdXMUZTQ .

[@dodgetrucksrule0620]

From Kenosha wi, Fiber optic cable splicer.

[@ritterjon]

Splicing fiber optic has to be a super precise job. Thanks for the comment. Keep on tractoring!

[@AkDadStuff]

Heyhey Jon NAILED IT. I use #1 heating fuel for my tractor and use Power Service diesel treatment with every tank , even in the summer just in case I have fuel left from summer . Weight makes a huge difference but you missed one important tip, ASK OTHERS THAT LIVE IN NORTHERN CLIMATES WHAT THEY DO. Here in North Pole we also have oil heaters for both the hydro oil and engine oil. Good video Jon. Take care

[@ritterjon]

I'm sure you've got battery heaters as well. You need to do a video similar to this one as you have ridiculous cold up there. Happy New year Keep on tractoring!

[@halsnyder296]

I’m in Hawaii, retired engineer, starting a cacao orchard (chocolate). Kubota L4701 tractor and Kubota RTV-X1120D. Losing the battle with rocks....

[@ritterjon]

Wow, I bet you don't get much snow where you're at. Sorry to hear about the rocks. I seen Neil Messick do a video answering a question a farmer had from Hawaii, was it you maybe? Keep on tractoring.

[@halsnyder296]

@@ritterjon yes, that was me

[@HuserHelpers]

Jason Huser, originally from a farm in SE Kansas, working for a large equipment manufacturer in Peoria, IL.

[@ritterjon]

Large equipment like Caterpillar? Keep on tractoring!

[@HuserHelpers]

You haven't seen that reference in any of my videos right?

[@davidbornick531]

Hello, I’m from a little town called Montello just to your east in Wisconsin. I’m a machinist at Mercury Marine.

[@GDyer-cl8fl]

From N.E. Wi. I have used a Kubota blower w/ that wire thing in the chute. Do yourself a favor & take it out. Guaranteed to plug your chute when so is wet like redimix concrete

[@ritterjon]

I took your advise and removed it. Had some concrete snow to plow recently and plugged up the chute twice. With the wire guard gone it makes it easier to unplug. Keep on tractoring!

[@Mouse2677]

I'm from Central Indiana and build houses for Habitat for Humanity, but otherwise a retired Engineer!!

[@ritterjon]

What a great thing to dedicate your time towards. Thank you! Happy New Year. Keep on tractoring.

[@imbthree]

Electrician from Northwest Illinois, 20 minutes from the Wisconsin border.

[@ritterjon]

I've got a square D GFI breaker going bad, can I replace it with a regular breaker. I those GFI's are a pain the hind end. Go Bears! Unless you're a cheesehead. Keep on tractoring.

[@imbthree]

@@ritterjon Yes, you can replace the GFCI breaker with a regular one. If that breaker leads to a receptacle near water, a kitchen counter top, or a bathroom, put a GFCI receptacle in place of the regular one. Code only applies during the time of installation. Homeowners can change it to whatever they want 😉... And WAS a cheese head before they all started kneeling. 🙄

[@ritterjon]

@@imbthree Thanks for the advise!

[@208Cars-Stuff]

Hay Jon. I use sea foam in my diesel truck & all my vehicles. So of course in the bx2380. Also from Twin Falls Idaho. Making the small bucks as a Fire Fighter.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for serving your community! Keep on tractoring.

[@wildbill23c]

Don't have my Kubota yet, but its coming with R4 tires. For what I'll be doing R4 tires make much more sense. However, my lawn tractor with the snow blower on it does pretty decent with turf tires on it and 3 of the 42 pound suitcase weights on the back. After about 5-6 inches of snow I have to put the chains on though, but the turf tires seem to do pretty well on it considering its just a 2 wheel drive lawn tractor.

[@engelmanoutdoors2025]

Awesome video learned a lot for my kubota l2350. west Michigan here . Happy new year !!

[@ritterjon]

Happy new year to you as well. Keep on tractoring!

[@Vaessen13]

Commercial chicken farmer (broilers), but 9-5 I'm a work from home IT analyst. One hour north of London, Ontario, Canada. Bought the BX2680 last week to clean barn and general all purpose stuff.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for your comment. You're a busy man running a farm and full time job. Hope the BX treats you right. Keep on tractoring.

[@Vaessen13]

@@ritterjon quite busy lol, wife, two kids and third on the way! Love your videos big guy, they are fantastic, entertaining, and informative thanks again :)

[@ritterjon]

@@Vaessen13 Congrats on the new baby. God bless.

[@Vaessen13]

@@ritterjon Thank you! We are excited, God bless you and your family as well :)

[@francismackinnon4736]

Great tips!! 52 yrs old from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Disabled police officer. Got my bx23s to help out with her work. Absolutely love it.

[@ritterjon]

You live in a beautiful area I bet. Thanks for you service as a police officer. Glad you're enjoying your machine. Any chance you watch Grampie's Workshop? Great channel. Keep on tractoring!

[@karl-egertdaskov6217]

im from estonia so hi from across the ocean and im actually just 17 i study to become a forestryharvester operator i love tractors im a new subscriber but have seen you a few times and i have had so far pretty good luck with the jd770d harveter i run like 150 or so hp it is like a wild horse woun t keep its four wheels down on the ground its like 17 years old machine and it has some wear on it but so far i like it only the battery is weak on it but its schools machine so not my problem as long as it starts but i like your videos and would love to oneday visit some of you farmers and tractor operators and loggers and specially buckin billy ray smith the best logger i have ever seen happy new year to you and your family

[@ritterjon]

Hello Karl from Estonia, that's awesome you're studying to become a forestry harvester. Buckin Billy Ray is one of my favorite KZbin channels. I try to watch him as often as possible. He is an expert in building youtube community. Keep on tractoring!

[@richardhutchings921]

John, in 1969, I got assigned to Duluth IAP, with the U.S.Air Force. I learned really quickly what the Temps were. I got out of there exactly 365 days.During the year, I was there, I worked out of doors. I never went back. In 1989, I retired from the Air Force in FLORIDA. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@ritterjon]

Duluth can be a cold place but such a beautiful place to visit and much to do. One of my favorite Minnesota cities. Thanks for your service and hope you're enjoying Flordia retirement. Keep on tractoring!

[@afreeland99]

I use K100 year round.

[@marcelaudette8290]

Hey bud my name is Sam in Charlton Massachusetts love you're chanel you give great tips for the beginners I have most of you're tips on my BX plus a winch keep posting I love it.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate you watching! Keep on tractoring!

[@thompsoncrusher7840]

Thompson, Manitoba Canada way up in Northern Canada...Great videos Cheers

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for watching! Hope you're staying warm way up there. Keep on tractoring.

[@matthewsnydershorts8837]

I live in New York

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

Hi Jon, great tips 👍🏻, I’m Luc from L’Ange-Gardien Quebec 🇨🇦

[@ritterjon]

Love my Canadian subscribers! Happy New Year and thanks for the comment. Keep on tractoring!

[@BlownL67]

Retired Air Force F-15 / A-10 crew chief. Long time B8200 HST owner.

[@ritterjon]

Two of my all time favorite planes, how cool! Thanks for your service. Keep on tractoring.

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. Great minds think alike. I have a similar video coming out this week. Some great tips - thanks Jon!

[@ritterjon]

Thanks Gord, looking forward to seeing your video! 👍 Keep on tractoring!

[@brianr1812]

Those are some cold temps. It can get cold in Utah - but whenever I'm outside at those times, I think, "This is nowhere as cold as Illinois in the winter." Minnesota has to be even worse. Thanks for the tips, I'm going to try spraying my slowblower chute. (And I'm a database programmer.)

[@ritterjon]

A database programmer, that sounds very cool! I really appreciate the data you organized for me. Yes it definitely gets cold around here. However this winter so far has been mild. Keep on tractoring!

[@billweaver3114]

Macon MO and I drive truck otr found your channel by watching tractor videos I'm wanting to get one myself just got to get approval from the finance committee lol one day until then I'll just have to drive her crazy watching videos lol happy new year to you and your family god bless

[@ritterjon]

Those finance committees can be challenging to convince sometimes. Thanks for checking out the channel and good luck to you. Keep on tractoring!

[@mikeandrews6351]

Hi John. I'm from Newfoundland, Canada. I 'm a Captain on a Passenger Vessel so I don't know much about snow clearing lol. I just recently bought a BX23s with the deluxe cab. I haven't had a chance to use yet as I'm currently working. I'm watching alot of videos and I must say you give very good pointers. I'm taking notes everytime I watch one. Anything else you can advise a beginner would be great. Thanks and you're doing an excellent job. Thanks Mike.

[@ritterjon]

Ahoy matey 👍 Glad to hear from a real live ship captain. I know you're going to love that cab living up where you do. You guys can get lots of snow and plenty of wind. I've seen all Paul Shorts videos. Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions. Check out our Facebook page if you haven't already and there you can message me anytime. Thanks for tuning in. Keep on tractoring!

[@mikeandrews6351]

@@ritterjon Perfect thanks again!

[@haganrichmond]

Hey Jon, my name is Hagan Richmond and I work for American Electric Power in Kingsport Tennessee. Been employed for 32 years in Engineering. I share your passion for the Kubota 23S ( bought mine last summer). Really enjoy your videos. Keep’em coming!

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for the comment. You must be getting close to retirement, are you counting the days yet? Keep on tractoring.

[@jessepinette7634]

I'm from northern Maine first year with a tractor I got the r14 tires. I think they work well pushing snow or blowing snow. Although not alot of snow here yet

[@ritterjon]

I'm interested in seeing some video of those R14's working in the snow. They look similar to the versa turfs I'm interested in. Keep on tractoring!

[@jessepinette7634]

@@ritterjon me too sir me too perhaps next time we get dumped on I will try my hand on making a video. 😁

[@dannywilsher4165]

I had a high dollar auto detailer ask me how I got my windows so clean. He used windex and other window cleaner. I told him to wax the windows and they will be cleaner and stay clean longer than any thing you can use to clean them. He was amazed. I thought everyone knew this... I guess not. I'm from Houston in the greatest state of all, Texsa!!!!!!!!!!

[@ritterjon]

Yep, wax works great on glass. Greatest state of all should at least be spelled right. 😂 Just giving ya crap. Keep on tractoring!

[@dannywilsher4165]

@@ritterjon LOL!!! Darn spell check didn't even catch that one or I may have been in too big a hurry and didn't see it!!! TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!

[@rich-mp6dm]

Love the videos.From the burbs of Buffalo N.Y and I'm a Locomotive Engineer.

[@ritterjon]

I would think a locomotive engineer would be an interesting job. Check out North Shore Scenic Railroad KZbin channel. They do a great job teaching about all the ways trains have changed America. kzbin.info/door/KebyOvPlhrMiCXHr7HcEdQ Keep on Tractoring

[@brianhillis3701]

Avoid biodiesel if possible it freezes about 20 to 40 degrees earlier, it is very corrosive (bacteria/alge produce acid) often you will see what looks like coffee grounds in the filter which means you have a problem. Even sticking with regular diesel can introduce the microorganisms since trucks are rarely dedicated to one fuel. Most new large emergency generators and boilers constantly pump fuel through filters to keep the problem under control. Change your filters often, use both time and hours run to set a schedule, and check the filter's contaminants. Almost as bad as DEF. I had over 100 tanks that I inspected monthly. Summer diesel is usually cheaper but add in the cost of anti-gell it isn't. Ritter made some good points.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for the comment and also great advise about the biodiesel. Keep on Tractoring!

[@KAWARJIT]

I learn a lot from your videos and thanks for spreading the knowledge .I almost bought Mahindra emax ,but now I am on my way to buy Kubota BX for my next winter ,I only need a snow blower and a heated cab .I have almost 10000 square feet of pavers in the front of my house and garage and I prefer to clean myself because I hired snow company to clean but they always end up scratching and breaking the pavers ,Any other suggestion for me to know ,so I be prepared for next winter for a smooth and headache free cleaning ,I am located in orange county ,New York. THANKS

[@bccdavid1]

From Nebraska. I own a bank consulting company. Primarily teach banking laws around the US and run the company. I recently purchased 30 acres and will be building a house this year + Morton building (64’x36’). Just bought a Kubota LX3310 HSDC. Loving your tips and advise!

[@ritterjon]

Sounds like a demanding job to have. I sure would love to find 30 acres around here and a build a Morton building about that size. You're living the dream! Thanks for the comment. Keep on tractoring!

[@bccdavid1]

@@ritterjon Thanks Jon. It’s all open farm land for corn/beans right now. A farmer will cash rent 20 acres of it and we’re building on the highest point & we’ll plant about 8 acres with a Pheasants Forever mix this spring. There are trees (pretty scraggly) around 3 sides that need to be cleaned up, but a few might serve as a tree house for the grandchildren (coming soon)! ½ mile long driveway to the house (another reason for the tractor - maintain and snow removal). Dreams do come true! Keep after them and the great video content you produce! Much appreciated!

[@johngaudreau7506]

Engineer from Rhode Island. Good tips. Especially treating fuel. I treat year round, every tank, to make it habit.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for watching! It's a good habit to get into. Keep on tractoring!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Thanks for sharing these tips. I have a brand new snow blade for my tractor that I’m itching to use but we can’t get enough accumulation to make it worth it

[@ritterjon]

Hey Brock, it won't snow if you keep buying snow removal equipment. Next year buys a three point snowblower. Keep on tractoring!

[@michaelparker9886]

My koiti didn't come with a block heater but I keep the fuel in winter treated with winter formula and use summer formula I've never had a starting or gelling issue but I store mine in a unheated barn

[@ritterjon]

Smart to keep your fuel treated. Keep on tractoring!

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

I need all the snow blowing tips I can get. I'm pretty much an expert at Snow removal after watching this😁👍

[@ritterjon]

Howboutcha Hank.. You should come up here sometime in the winter. We could go visit King Welding, play in the snow, blow up beaver dams and cut down some trees. Keep on tractoring!

[@KubotaL4060]

Nice video, as usual. Untreated gelled fuel is a mistake most people only make once. I treat my fuel even though the climate in Maryland is no where near as cold as Minnesota - rarely in the single digits.

[@ritterjon]

Better to be safe than sorry. Yes, it's a one time only mistake, learning the hard way is sometimes to only way to learn. Keep on tractoring!

[@randymorrison6804]

Thanks so much for the turtle wax tip. Sounds a lot cheaper than buying cans of silicone spray. I am from Lancaster county Pa. And we get wet and heavy snow. Keep up with the great channel. I came over with the shout out from Mike Morgan's channel. Happy new year.

[@ritterjon]

Turtle wax isn't cheap either but it works better and lasts longer. Thanks for coming over to support the channel. Keep on tractoring!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing your lessons learned! Great reminder that I need to get some fuel treatment out in the tractor! Northwest PA.

[@ritterjon]

Don't delay! It's not fun dealing with gelled fuel lines once it's too late. Keep on tractoring!

[@joelongrid7625]

Great tips. Especially treating fuel. The first diesel truck I had was a 7.3 Powerstroke and had no clue. -20 degrees and I am sitting on the side of the road wondering what happened to my truck to make it stop running. Gelled fuel. We learn the hard way sometimes but that way we don't forget. Also like the spray wax tip.

[@ritterjon]

Oh man, that's doesn't sound like a fun experience but you're right. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way to remember. Keep on tractoring.

[@lscanothern2493]

Hey John enjoyed the information, best tip fuel additive. Live in North Carolina from Ontario, Canada , truck driver and novice LSMT125 operator.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for the comment. Those LS tractors are nice. Do you watch Davey from Ohio Hill Tops on KZbin? He was an LS also. He has a great channel. Keep on Tractoring!

[@lscanothern2493]

@@ritterjon yes I subscribe to his and many others I bought my LS after watching Tony's tractor adventures. I watched so many tractor videos my wife got me a T shirt that says I may not be an Expert but I've watched the videos.😆

[@khtractors]

Great advice! One thing that has helped me a lot with fuel is using water block fuel filters on my transfer fuel tanks. I’ll have to try the spray wax on my blade next time it snows! I think you know but Welding Instructor, bus driver and Forage Producer. From Caney Ridge, Virginia.

[@ritterjon]

You are a man of many talents. I sure enjoy watching your channel. Keep on tractoring!

[@chriskent577]

Tip#10 if it's that cold out. I'm staying in. Another great video. Rio, Illinois

[@ritterjon]

Sometimes I wish I could! Makes the cab all worth it! Keep on tractoring!

[@justinvannatta5359]

Hi Jon, Great video today. Learned some great tips. I’m a 15 year old kid in southwest Wisconsin. I live on a small farm with some animals and our equipment. In the winter I use my Kubota Bx2670 tractor with just the loader to clear snow with. I plow seven driveways total and it has been great for me. Luckily, even though I thought the tips were helpful. I really don’t need them because of the awesome grandpa that I have to teach me about my tractor what to do when something goes wrong. I always treat my fuel when it first starts getting cold here and every time I put another tank in, I just add a little treatment just to be extra safe. One tip I have for you is add some more caution lights. I put a beacon light bar on the top of my ROPS and it has worked great for me. It plugs into the 12v outlet on your tractor or since your better with electrical stuff than me, you could hard wire it in with a switch, so it’s not plugged into the 12v outlet. Hope you find my story interesting. Once again great video! Have a good day.

[@ritterjon]

Hey Justin, that is so wonderful that you are out on your tractor making some extra money clearing driveways. Sounds like you sure appreciate the advice you grandpa passes down to you. You're a lucky guy to have you grandpa around. On my old BX I had some strobes caution lights and I may add something similar in the future. Keep working hard and thanks for watching! Keep on tractoring!

[@Redneck_Ed]

Maryland here. Great video. For the shear bolts, the two on my auger have a collar on the head end and a break point that is more narrow than the rest of the bolt. I just did a video on this topic recently. For any guys thinking of replacing that style with a regular grade 2, I would rethink that approach. For your equipment though, it looks like a great fit.

[@ritterjon]

Maybe a 1/4 inch bolt is more appropriate for the auger. Keep on tractoring!

[@rickpacheco8864]

Hi Jon, this video should have been called ( The Cold Facts ) no pun intended. lol Great job.

[@ritterjon]

oooo, that's a good title! Love it Keep on tractoring!

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Really nice job. It never gets to -20 here in southern NJ but it's still a good idea to treat the fuel. Great tip about the shear bolts. Important for folks to know not to use anything greater than grade 2. Thanks for sharing. I'm a videographer (go figure) and also a facilities manager. Happy new year. -Ed

[@ritterjon]

Hey there Ed, I've seen a few of your videos on KZbin and you do a great job editing. I'll be watching more of your channel. Happy New Year! Keep on tractoring!

[@steveashworth6707]

You hit the nail on the head!, always have extra fuel filters, one thing I've found about treating the fuel is we use diesel service plus and diesel service 911 in the winter with a fresh filter change and we are good all winter. We also run it in our diesel vehicles. You are so right people never think about the filters being a problem until it happends!. Good job on your teaching of this problem!, class dismissed! Lololo!.

[@ritterjon]

Untreated fuel is a problem waiting to happen. Sounds like you've got it figured out. I regret not saying "class dismissed" that would have been a nice touch. 😂😂😂 Keep on tractoring!

[@davidkisner8332]

have you thought about a flashing yellow LED mini light bar on your roll bar. let everyone see you.

[@ritterjon]

I have and I've got some plans in the works for that idea. Keep on tractoring.

[@davidkisner8332]

@@ritterjon, JUst watched a KZbin on a guy using a hand held leaf blower to blow the snow and ice off his steps, sidewalk and cars. this could work for cleaning off the tractor and snow blower before putting it up at end of shift. last thing, does your tractor company have a fuel/water separator with a drain between your fuel tank and engine? If not see what it would take to install one. I drove big trucks for 14 years in the PNW and draining those each day helped keep ice out of the fuel filters(had 3 of them in the truck) .

[@davidkisner8332]

I forgot, I'm living in Enterprise, AL about an hour north of Panama City Beach, Fla. We are the home to a statue to an Insect.

[@deanstrickland6993]

Happy New Year, Jon! Wonderful video. I’m a synthetic organic chemist and taught for nearly 20 years at a university before moving to administration where I now negotiate research contracts for my university with a little over 4 years to retirement. I’m on the west coast of the Island of Newfoundland, Canada. Instead of Turtle Wax for my windows, I use RainX. Glass treatment of any sort is an absolute must and blessing for tractor cabs! Stay safe everyone!!

[@ritterjon]

I've used RainX before also. It's works great too! You sound like you have a very interesting profession. Any big retirement plans? Keep on tractoring!

[@deanstrickland6993]

@@ritterjon 😂 I’m impressed that you didn’t fall asleep!!😂. Retirement, hmm, cleaning snow and baking during the winter months and woodworking in the summer months. All in all, looking forward to a quiet retirement...

[@jh9855]

Good morning, Jon. You hit the nail on the head squarely with the tip about treating diesel fuel, especially in the winter. At every fill up, we use a diesel fuel conditioner, even in the summer. The diesel fuel conditioner also prevents algae from growing in your tank. In some airplanes, we use a conditioner to prevent that in fuel tanks. Preheating an engine will add life to your engine. With modern technology, you can add a smart plug connector and turn the block heater on from inside your house for a couple of hours before you plow. Again, with airplanes, we used a propane heater, or a block heater, and sometime a light bulb inside of the engine. If it is -20 and outside in a garage that is not heated, wrap up the engine in a blanket, and use a block heater. We've also used a hair dryer to preheat an engine; it works. Also, when in that nice warm cab, bring your coat, have a hat that covers your ears, have gloves, and warm boots. Wear what you would wear if your tractor quits and you have to walk back to the house. Make certain you have a flashlight, and a cell phone. We all wear an Apple Watch in case we somehow get stuck and cannot move out of our tractors. My neighbor flipped his tractor while plowing and was pinned inside of the tractor (no cab!). Thankfully, he could reach his cell phone and called for help. I've been stuck in a case skid steer in the snow and the door was blocked and I could not get out!

[@ritterjon]

All great advise to prepare engines and keeping yourself safe from many possibilities. I remember my dad telling me that back in the 20's and 30's my grandfather would build a small fire under his car engine to help keep it warm through the night. Keep on tractoring!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good Morning Monsieur le Professeur 🌞👍 Great informative tips video about preventive maintenance video Sir 👍😊 Yes in deed, -40F it is cold ( I like my Mahindra to have both filters beside the engine ! ) yes at these low temperature you need a diesel treated for sure 😊👍 Time to go open my driveway 👍😊 All the best Sir Cheers !!!

[@ritterjon]

Thank you, hope you have some fun moving snow! Get us a snow clearing video. Keep on tractoring!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@ritterjonLOL I will for sure Cheers !!!

[@dmorgan28]

That was some good advice. It will a lot of trouble later. Great video. 👍👍👍❤️

[@crbourret]

I’m a retired law enforcement officer from RI, but I now live in New Hampshire.

[@ritterjon]

Thank you for serving your community. I hope you're loving retirement. Keep on tractoring.

[@williamhatley3443]

From Nh and have really enjoyed our BX2380. We have had it for two Seasons and it works well. I appreciate your insights on the backup fuel filter and adding isolated heet. Believe it or not does get cold in NH, not like MN. But we got down to 10 below this year for a couple of days. We will buy an extra fuel filter and use the heet. Our usual temp when we are plow is around 20 degrees,do you think we should add a block heater or not. Thank you for your insight. Bill Hatley

[@gregritter5883]

Hi John this is Greg Ritter I live in SeaTac Washington and I run star Tron in my diesel I also run it my gas I run it in my two cycle stuff I run it in almost everything excellent stuff Amazon has both brands for diesel and gas not very expensive if you consider what it does the one for gas helps the ethanol issue

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for the tip! Keep on tractoring!

[@gregritter5883]

Also you might be interested they make it in a diesel formula and a gas formula the caps are different colors so if you order some for sure to look at what you’re purchasing

[@AlexBoudreau14]

Hello Jon, I'm a software developer from New-Brunswick, Canada! Happy New Year!

[@ritterjon]

Happy New Year to you also! Thanks for the comment. Keep on Tractoring!

[@matthewsnydershorts8837]

Nice video I’ve stalled my new tractor while plowing but that’s because of the seat safety sensor lol. great tips I learned some stuff I didn’t know .

[@ritterjon]

You need to eat more cookies! Keep on tractoring!

[@matthewsnydershorts8837]

Yes I do lol

[@jjdoutdoors]

Im going to try that with the turtle wax, thanks for the tip!

[@stephengmeiner3264]

My dealer put a block heater on without even mentioning it. I was pleasantly surprised.

[@ritterjon]

You’ve got a good dealer! 👍 Keep on tractoring!

[@allenbickell300]

I’m 50 miles south of Buffalo NY in Great Valley. I was the superintendent of buildings and grounds now retired.

[@ritterjon]

I bet that's a nice area to live in. I bet you had an interesting busy job. Nice to be outside a lot though. Keep on tractoring!

[@dananderson8254]

Great tips Jon I’m a heavy equipment mechanic from Duluth MN so I’m with you on the cold 🥶!

[@ritterjon]

You understand what I'm talking about then, Minnesota cold is like no other, very dry air and bitter cold. I love Duluth, great area! Keep on tractoring!

[@maineoutdoors8227]

Another good video Jon! I have both R4 and turf tires. I use the R4s in the summer and the turf in the winter. I did try the R4s in the winter once and the turf tires had better traction. Little work to change them twice a year but it gives me a chance to check the tire pressure and the lug nut torque. I would recommend getting a turf tire for the winter.

[@ritterjon]

Thanks for sharing! I also seen Messicks did a video comparing the two and that seemed to be the outcome. Keep on tractoring!

[@JeepinMaxx]

Great tips! The previous owner of my BX stressed using fuel additive all year long. Water in fuel can be an issue in the summer too. Humid air in your tank and cans condense into water when it cools. BTW - I ran the block heater the other day when it was 20 degrees in my shed. Checked the valve cover with the IR thermometer after an hour - 117 degrees! They work...

[@ritterjon]

Yes, those block heaters work great! Also good advise to use an additive all year long. Keep on Tractoring!

[@dsherm364]

Lots of great tips!