Tractor Block Heaters: John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson & More
A tractor that lives in an open shed still has to start in January — for chores, feeding, or blowing snow — and unlike a truck it rarely gets a warm garage. The good news: nearly every diesel tractor sold in Canada has a factory port or freeze-plug location for a coolant heater, and most installs are simpler than on a car because everything is reachable.
This page covers the common families: John Deere's PowerTech engines and the classic two-cylinder and New Generation tractors, Kubota's compact diesels, Massey Ferguson's Perkins-powered lineup, the International/Case IH farm engines, Yanmar and Zetor compacts, Komatsu equipment, and vintage Ford tractors. Wattages are smaller than highway trucks — 400–1,000 W — because the engines are smaller and the heater usually has all night to work.
Heater part numbers by application
Part numbers from the Zerostart / Phillips & Temro heavy-duty application guide, with Kat's equivalents where both catalogs list the engine. Numbers are occasionally superseded — confirm against a current catalog or dealer before ordering.
John Deere PowerTech 4045 (4.5L) & 6068 (6.8L)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500020 | 1,000 W | 120 V | 1-5/8" thd | Immersion | 3600008 |
Replaces the 1-5/8" threaded plug on the right side of the engine.
John Deere PowerTech Plus iT4 4045 & 6068 (interim Tier 4)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500069 | 1,000 W | 120 V | 27 mm | Immersion | 3600008 |
Installs in the right rear of the engine.
John Deere — all tractors 1977+ with the large hex plug
Also covers Series 300/400 engines: 4039, 4239, 6059, 6414, 6466, 6076, 6081 and others.
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500029 | 1,000 W | 120 V | 1-5/8" thd | Immersion | 3600008 |
Installs in the large hex plug on the left side of the engine. Point element up.
John Deere Series 300 (3/4-cylinder: 3164, 4039, 4045, 4219, 4239, 4276…)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8603596 | 1,000 W | 120 V | 3/4" NPT | Immersion | 3600024 |
Replaces the 3/4" pipe plug on the rear face of the engine. 1987+ engines may need a 1" × 3/4" reducer bushing.
John Deere 6105, 6125
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500013 | 1,500 W | 120 V | 1" NPT | Immersion | 3600008 |
Installs in the oil cooler housing.
John Deere 4024/5030 (2.4L & 3.0L, Series 250 PowerTech)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500089 | 600 W | 120 V | 1.25" | Freeze plug | — |
Replaces the 1.25" core hole on the left side of the engine, near the starter.
Kubota M, B & L series (3 & 4 cylinder)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100093 | 400 W | 120 V | 3/4" NPT | Immersion | 3600003 |
M series: install in front. B and L series: right front, with a 1" × 3/4" pipe bushing.
Kubota Super Mini 2 & 3 cyl: Z400, Z482, D600, D640, D662, D722, DG750, DF750, WG600/750; V800 4 cyl.
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100099 | 400 W | 120 V | 30 mm | Freeze plug | 3600004 |
Installs in the back of the head. (Z600/ZH600 use the 3/4" NPT heater 3100093 at the right front instead.)
International / Case IH 966, 1066, 1086, 1466
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100013 | 600 W | 120 V | 1-1/4" | Freeze plug | 3600022 |
| 8608512 | 1,250 W | 120 V | 1-1/4" | Freeze plug | 3600008 |
600 W: installs in the 3rd and 4th freeze plugs on the left side — two heaters required. Alternate: one 1,250 W heater (8608512) on the left side.
Kat's frost-plug equivalent: 30501 (600 W).
International 806, 856, 1206, 1256 & C/D-series engines (gas or diesel)
Covers C152–C301, D166–D407, DT407.
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100061 | 600 W | 120 V | 1-5/8" | Freeze plug | 3600036 |
Installs in the 1st, 2nd or 5th freeze plug on the right side. Point element down.
Kat's equivalent: 11614 (600 W, 1-5/8").
Ford 3000–9000 series tractors (1971 and later)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100112 | 750 W | 120 V | 1-1/2" | Freeze plug | 3600023 |
Installs in the 4th and 5th freeze plugs on the right side — two heaters required, elements pointed down. (1968–70 engines use 600 W 3100065 in the same spots.)
Komatsu equipment: SA6D125; S6D140/SA6D140; S6D170
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8600880 | 1,500 W | 120 V | 1-3/4" thd | Immersion | 3600008 |
| 8600813 | 1,000 W | 120 V | 1-3/4" thd | Immersion | 3600008 |
| 8602301 | 1,500 W | 120 V | Plate | Immersion | 3600008 |
SA6D125 and 2001+ S6D140: threaded core plug on the right side (8600880/8600813). S6D170 (WA600 loaders): plate heater 8602301 in the 6-bolt water jacket access plate, right rear.
Massey Ferguson MF-35, 50, 150, 235, 2135 & others (Perkins AD3-152 3-cyl.)
Also covers the MF-40, 203, 205 and 2200 with the same engine.
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100013 | 600 W | 120 V | 1-1/4" | Freeze plug | 3600022 |
Installs in the freeze plug on the right side. Point element down. A circulation heater is an acceptable alternative.
Kat's equivalent: 30501 (750 W, 1-1/4") on the right side.
Massey Ferguson MF-65, 165, 255, 302, 304, 365 & 3165 (Perkins AD4-203)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100093 | 400 W | 120 V | 3/4" NPT | Immersion | 3600003 |
Installs in the 3/4" NPT port on the left side.
Kat's equivalent: 11409 (400 W, 3/4" NPT).
Massey Ferguson 88, 333, 444, 555 & 445P
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100054 | 600 W | 120 V | 1-5/8" | Freeze plug | 3600006 |
Installs in the right front freeze plug. A circulation heater is an acceptable alternative.
Kat's equivalent: 11603 (600 W, 1-5/8") at the right front.
Massey Ferguson MF-90, 285, 1080 & 1085 (A4-300)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100093 | 400 W | 120 V | 3/4" NPT | Immersion | 3600003 |
Replaces the existing heater port.
Kat's equivalent: 11409 (400 W, 3/4" NPT) on the right side.
Yanmar compact diesels: 3T72HLE; 4TN82E & 4TNE98
The classic grey-market and compact-tractor Yanmars.
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100003 | 400 W | 120 V | 1" NPT | Immersion | 3600001 |
3T72HLE: left front. 4TN82E/4TNE98: left center.
Kat's equivalent: 11407 (400 W, 1" NPT).
Yanmar 3TN66 & 3TN72 (3-cyl.)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500001 | 400 W | 120 V | Plate | Immersion | 3600003 |
Bolt-on plate heater at the right rear of the engine.
Kat's equivalent: 11452 (plate style) at the right rear.
Zetor — all models except 278 (4.5L) & 417 (6.8L)
| Part no. | Watts | Volts | Size | Type | Repl. cord |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100065 | 600 W | 120 V | 1-3/4" | Freeze plug | 3600006 |
Installs in the left rear freeze plug. Point element up.
Kat's equivalent: 11609 (600 W, 1-3/4") at the left rear, element at 12 o'clock.
Compare heater and cord buying options
Check the application table for your exact engine. Cords, heater elements and surface pads are separate products.
Part reference
Zerostart 3500020
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3600008
Industrial replacement cord, 15 A, 16/3 HPN, silicone connector K in PTI catalog. Cord only; not a heating element.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Zerostart 3500069
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Zerostart 3500029
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 8603596
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3600024
Legacy fitment associations are not independently verified vehicle-specific purchase recommendations.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3500013
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3500089
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3100093
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3600003
Legacy fitment associations are not independently verified vehicle-specific purchase recommendations.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3100099
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3600004
Legacy fitment associations are not independently verified vehicle-specific purchase recommendations.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3100013
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3600022
Legacy fitment associations are not independently verified vehicle-specific purchase recommendations.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 8608512
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3100061
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3600036
Legacy fitment associations are not independently verified vehicle-specific purchase recommendations.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3100112
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3600023
Legacy fitment associations are not independently verified vehicle-specific purchase recommendations.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 8600880
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 8600813
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 8602301
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3100054
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Zerostart 3600006 replacement cordset, 5 ft
Confirm the exact specification and application in the listing before ordering.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3100003
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Zerostart 3600001
Legacy fitment associations are not independently verified vehicle-specific purchase recommendations.
Cord / harness only — no heating element.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Part reference
Zerostart 3500001
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
No exact purchase listing verified yet. These links search Amazon; confirm the part before buying.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Zerostart 3100065
Catalog starting point: confirm exact engine code, year and installation with the manufacturer.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Installing a heater in an old tractor
Vintage tractors are the easiest block heater installs on anything with wheels: the freeze plugs are exposed, there's no plastic to remove, and the coolant drains from a petcock you can actually reach. Punch the old plug through its edge with a drift, lever it out, clean the bore with emery cloth, and seat the heater with its O-ring square to the bore. Most 600 W frost-plug heaters need the element oriented a specific way (the tables note up/down) so the element doesn't touch the cylinder wall.
For tractors that pre-date freeze-plug heaters or have inaccessible plugs, two universal fallbacks work on almost anything: a lower-radiator-hose heater spliced into the bottom hose, or a magnetic oil-pan heater stuck to the sump. Both are less efficient than an in-coolant element but need no port at all.
How long to plug in before chores
A 400–600 W element in a compact diesel reaches equilibrium in about three hours; a 1,000 W element in a PowerTech 6068 takes about four. Past that point the heat gained equals heat lost to the wind, so a timer set to switch on at 3 a.m. does everything an all-night plug-in does for a third of the electricity. If the tractor has glow plugs or an intake heater, still use them — the block heater warms the iron, the glow system lights the fire.
FAQ
What size block heater does a tractor need?
Compact diesels (Kubota B/L, sub-30 hp) do fine with 400 W. Utility tractors in the 40–100 hp range want 600–1,000 W. The big John Deere PowerTech engines take 1,000 W factory-style elements. More watts isn't better past these sizes — the extra heat just blows away.
Can I put a block heater in a Kubota?
Yes — nearly every Kubota diesel has a factory location. The B, L and M series take a 400 W 3/4" NPT immersion element (Zerostart 3100093), and the little Super Mini twins and triples take a 30 mm freeze-plug heater (3100099) in the back of the head.
What block heater fits a Massey Ferguson?
It depends on the Perkins engine inside. The AD3-152 three-cylinder tractors (MF-35 through 2135) take a 600 W 1-1/4" freeze-plug heater (Zerostart 3100013); the AD4-203 four-cylinders (MF-65/165/255 family) take the 400 W 3/4" NPT immersion element 3100093. Match the engine, not the badge.
What if my tractor model isn't listed?
Use the universal options: a lower-radiator-hose heater or a magnetic oil-pan heater fit nearly any engine without a dedicated port. A circulating tank heater plumbed into the coolant loop is the high-power option for large or stubborn engines.
Compare buying options
Amazon buying options
Zerostart 3400017 magnetic heater, 200 W
A magnetic surface heater from Zerostart. Grips any flat steel surface — oil pan, transmission pan, small-engine sump. CSA certified.
Match the surface material, size and manufacturer limits. This is not vehicle-specific fitment.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Kat's 13150 circulating tank heater, 1,500 W
Plumbs into a heater hose and thermosiphons hot coolant through the whole engine — the serious option for big diesels, tractors, and equipment with no frost-plug access.
Confirm the exact specification and application in the listing before ordering.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Howes Diesel Treat anti-gel, 64 oz
The trucker-standard winter conditioner — prevents gelling, adds lubricity, no alcohol. The 64 oz jug treats hundreds of litres; dose every fill from November on.
Confirm the exact specification and application in the listing before ordering.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Diesel pickups we catalogue fitment for
Part numbers, wattage and cord routing for the light-duty diesels that share a yard with this equipment.
Should you plug in tonight?
Enter your city — we check tonight's forecast and give you a straight answer based on the temperature thresholds that matter.
Keep reading