Skid Steer Cab Heater Kits | What To Know Before You Buy
Posted by AllSkidsteers Tech Support Team on 28th Sep 2018
A skid steer cab heater kit greatly improves comfort and raises the value of your machine. Due to the many sizes and shapes of universal cab heaters, finding one to fit where you need it to go can be challenging. They can be installed relatively quickly using ordinary tools and by making a quick run to the hardware or auto parts store if your skid steer heater didn't come with a plumbing kit. ( Build your own plumbing kit here ) If your not sure which heater is right for your application, contact our tech support for more information and recommendations. Any supporting parts or accessories for cab heaters can be found online at www.allskidsteers.com.
What size of heater do I need?
Cab heaters are rated in BTUs, ( British Thermal Unit ) the higher the BTU's, the more powerful the heater is. One BTU is the amount of energy it takes to heat one pound of water at 39.2 degrees fahrenheit by 1 degree fahrenheit ( making it now 40.2 degrees faharenheit). In more practical terms, one BTU is equal to the amount of heat generated by one match stick. Determining which size you need depends on many factors such as: what climate your in, how sealed up and insulated your cabin area is, how large your cabin area is, price range, etc. Any of the top 7 cab heaters listed below are all able to heat a cab to a comfortable temperature no matter how cold the weather.
There are 2 major types of cab heaters, Electric Heated and Coolant Heated.
Electric Heated: Turns an electric current from the machines battery into heat by running the currant through a heating element to create heat energy and using a small fan to blow the warm air created by the element to be dispersed through out the cabin area. These heaters can either be direct wired or connected to power via a cigarette lighter plug in. Electric heaters have a more instant heat output from a cold start.
Coolant Heated: Redirects the engine coolant flow ( warmed by the engine and flow powered by coolant pump ) through a heater core and back to the engine using a coolant inlet and coolant return hose. A 12V to 24V multiple speed electric fan is designed into the heater assembly to blow air around the heater core in turn heating the cab. This style of heater is at its hottest temperature when the engine is at maximum operating temperature.
Which one is best?
Though a little more expensive, coolant style heaters are the most recommended choice due to them making use of wasted heat energy coming off of the engine, making them the most efficient and dependable type of heating. Most coolant style heaters have a built-in 12V 2 to 10 amp variable speed fan. This style of heating does require some plumbing to redirect the engine coolant flow through the ports on the heater core using 1/2" or 5/8" heater hose, T-fittings, hose clamps, etc. depending on machine application. ( with oil cooled engines use specific hoses designed for oil use as it will deteriorate normal heater hose. Hydraulic hose can be used as well in this instance. )
Electric heating is a little more complicated due to the amount of amps they can pull from the alternator. For example: a good quality electric heater pulls an average of 40-50 amps and stock skid steer alternator amp output ranges from 50 to 65 amps on average, leaving very few amps left for running the skid steers circuitry such as light-up displays, glow plugs, block heater, headlights, tail lights, and any other electrical add ons. Even though your skid steer's battery may be a massive 900 to 1200 cold cranking amps, you are ultimately limited to the amount of amps your alternator has left after running all the necessary components on your machine. Failure to do the math before installing such a heater will lead to battery drainage causing slow start ups, dim or half-lite light-up displays, or even causing the machine to die when the battery is drained from exceeding the alternators amperage output rating. A few ways to fix this issue is to upgrade to a higher amp output alternator, or replacing high amperage lighting with LEDs ( Light Emitting Diode ). Tests run on a Bobcat® S205 by replacing OEM headlights with upgraded LEDs resulted in a 6.6 amp savings when lit.
Top 7 skid steer cab heaters & kits:
1. Floor Mounted Universal Skid Steer Cab Heater
Outside dimensions: 10.5 in. H x 7.75 in. L x 4.3125 in. D
Heating BTU/HR: 14,000
Rheostat fan control
Fan only option
In-line coolant shut-off valve for temperature control
Power Requirements: 2.7 Amps @ 12V
Power Requirements: 1.4 Amps @ 24V
Air Flow Heating: 210 CFM
Case Material: 22 Gauge Steel
Core Material: Tube & Fin
Fan Material: Plastic
Fittings: .625 in.
2. Universal Compact Skid Steer Cab Heater
Outside dimensions:4.1/2"H x 10.1/4"W x 7.7/8"D
Heating BTU/HR: 20,000
Air Flow : 177 CFM's
Compact Design
2 Speed Fan Control
Can be installed in various locations and positions
Heavy-duty, long life motor
2-speed fan control
Under dash mounting bracket included
One convenient compact assembly
3. Universal Skid Steer Cab Heater Kit with Ducts
Outside dimensions: 6.5"H x 9.5"L x 8.75"D.
26,000 BTU's. 200 CFM's.
12V 3-speed blower fan
Low : 4.9 amp
Medium : 6.6 amp
High : 9.6 amp
2 - 3" Outlets
2 - 3" Louvers
2 -6'- 3" Hoses
Mounting Brackets Included
Takes 5/8 heater hose
Can be installed in various locations and positions
Heavy-duty,long life motor
mounting hardware included
4. Universal Skid Steer Cab Heater
Outside dimensions: 6.75"H x 9.5"L x 9.5D".
26,000 BTU's. 200 CFM's.
12V 3-speed blower fan
Low : 4.9 amp
Medium : 6.6 amp
High : 9.6 amp
Mounting brackets included
Takes 5/8 heater hose
Can be installed in various locations and positions
Hose kits also available
Heavy-duty,long life motor
mounting hardware included
5. Plastic Skid Steer Floor Mount Cab Heater
Outside dimensions : 9.78"H X 7.3/8"L X 7.1/4" D
Heating BTU/HR: 13,200
Floor Mount
Adjustable air flow louvers
Built-In Two-Speed Fan Control Switch
Power Requirements: 6.0 Amps @ 12V
Power Requirements: 3.0 Amps @ 24V
Air Flow Heating: 200 CFM
Case Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
Core Material: Tube & Fin
Fan Material: Aluminum
Fittings: .625 in.
Heavy duty, long motor life
Mounting hardware included
6. Floor Mount Skid Steer Box Heater
Outside dimensions: 6.75 in. H x 16.5 in. L x 8.625 in. D
Heating BTU/HR: 33,000
Built-in three position toggle switch
Power Requirements: 8.5 Amps @ 12V
Power Requirements: 4.25 Amps @ 24V
Power Requirements: 2.75 Amps @ 36V
Air Flow Heating: 205 CFM
Case Material: 14 Gauge Steel
Core Material: Tube & Fin
Fan Material: Aluminum
Twin fan blades
Stainless steel case
Mounting hardware included
Fittings: .5 in. Pipe Thread
7. Stand Up Back Mount Cab Heater
Outside dimensions: 4.1/2"W x 18"T x 5"D
10,000 BTU/HR 100 CFM
2 speed fan with knob
3 heat level settings
4-1/2' wire harness
Adjustable air flow louvers
Installs in approximately 1 hr
Comes with stainless steel hardware