The Gate That Balked (wouldn't open)

It was bitterly Cold – after all it was early winter ... the first really cold day. The farmer was surprised when the gate to the pasture did not open. He pressed the switch button again. It made noise but no action.

Several farm hands had been talking about the new electric gate opener for the pasture. “Just hit the switch and the gate opens”. They appreciated it all summer and fall when time after time they had to enter the pasture ... opening and closing the gate ... just hit the switch.

How well it worked all summer and fall. All of this is driven by the electric motor ... until on this very cold day it refused to open!

At the local coffee shop, in conversation with his neighbors after this very cold day, he learned about our Universal Preheaters. When the farmer called, we advised that he should determine the physical size of the housing and the metal type and thickness on the gate opener housing. Based on these specs and the voltage service available, we would recommend the Preheater needed.

Not long after that, he called to place his order. Shipping followed. After the Preheater was installed and operational for a few weeks he called us back and expressed his appreciation for the solution we provided. Further he described how each of his men warmly congratulated and thanked him about the summer-like operation of the pasture gate even in the cold weather with the new Preheater. Push the switch and it opens. He too was very thankful.

The 'Peel n Stick' Universal Preheater permanently mounts on the bottom of the gear box housing or on the self-acting hydraulic cylinder and converts the metal of the housing into a heat transfer element. Heat spreads throughout the metal of the gear box or cylinder heating the lube and keeping everything operating like summertime to open the gate when the button is pushed. We suggest when mounting that the Preheater be installed in such a way so as to leave room to mount another Preheater if more heat may be desired to further improve cold weather operations.

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Visit our heater product catalog and shopping cart

What is a Universal Preheater™?

The Universal Preheater™ is a new kind of pre heater.  It is a thin, flexible heating pad that provides even, gentle heating to engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission oil, water, etc.

• Heat from preheater conducts quickly through the metal body of a fluid vessel to provide a wide heating area and rapidly heat the fluid supply without burning it.
• The preheater mounts to the outside of an oil pan (or storage tank, or reservoir, etc) and it has no coils to clog or fail.
• The preheater warms and holds engine oil at summer-like (LWD) or near engine operating temperatures (HWD) for easier starting and instant oil pressure even in sub-zero weather.
• The preheater uses less power when compared to conventional block heaters.  Often, from one to two-thirds less!
• Simple installation - does not invade any systems, nor does it require cutting any holes, welding, etc. Most installations are completed in less than an hour. Permanently mounts to the outside of a engine oil pan (or storage tank, hydraulic reservoir, transmission housing, gearbox, water tank, etc). Ideally, the preheater is installed at the bottom of the fluid vessel to be heated because heat rises, however, the preheater can also be installed on the side of the fluid vessel (below the level of the fluid).
• Every LWD Universal Preheater™ carries a three year warranty. Every HWD Universal preheater™ carries a six month warranty.

How do I order?

Visit our heater product catalog and shopping cart or call us at +1 630-966-8992

Which Universal Preheater™ should I use?

Just use the convenient chart to find the Universal heater specified for your application.  

Be sure to check that there is enough open space on your fluid vessel for the heater to fit easily.

Learn about high-watt density (HWD) and low-watt density (LWD) heaters.

Can more than one Universal be used on a vessel?

Yes.  If only one Universal does not provide enough heat, and as long as there is enough open area on the vessels surface.  Also keep in mind that the Universal operates best on the bottom of a vessel.

What do I get when I order a Universal Preheater™?

Universal LWD & HWD Preheater kits include a 7 foot, three conductor electrical cord with grounded plug, flexible ceramic insulation pad and RTV Adhesive. The 100LWD & LWD 12vdc Preheaters come with pigtail electrical leads, only. Ceramic Insulation Pads and RTV Adhesive are available as options for the 100LWD & LWD 12vdc models.

Universal Fuel Filter Preheater

The Universal Fuel Filter Pre heater is a thin, flexible, silicone/fiberglass heating pad, that easily wraps around the filter housing to maintain full contact and to evenly transmit heat to the filter housing helping to avoid the risk of diesel fuel gelling.

Why choose Universal Preheater™s?

The Universal is the preheater of choice.

• UL approved (#E95403)
• The HWD Preheaters allow rapid heating (to 76 degrees F from 0 degrees F or to 24 degrees C from -17 degrees C) in the first hour without burning the oil and near operating temperatures (150 degrees F to 200 degrees F or 65 degrees C to 94 degrees C) after 6 to 8 hours when sized as recommended. Please note: HWD Preheaters will burnout if an airpocket is trapped between the preheater and the fluid vessel housing (The LWD preheaters do not experience the same condition).
• The LWD Preheaters offer easier installation and slightly lower temperatures in the same time period as the HWD Preheaters. The LWD Preheaters allow heating from 0 degrees F (ambient temperature), to 50 degrees F in the first 60 minutes, and a maximum temperature of 100 degrees F - 120 degrees F after 6 - 8 hours of heating, when sized as recommended.
• Does not invade or breach any systems, therefore: no leaks
• An energy-saver ceramic insulation pad enables the Universal to transfer 20% more heat while using 10% less electrical energy, and it helps protect the heater in rough environments.
• Peel and Stick adhesive backing permits faster installation and instant use.
• Specifications are available for all applications.

More Resources

• Improve cold weather starting by starting with warm hydraulic oil
• Stop Diesel Fuel Gelling
• Preheater FAQ
• Does Your Preheater Do This?
• Maintenance and Operations
• Resources for Freezing Temperatures and Vehicle Operations
• Cold conditions often affect fuel flow during start-up and in daily operations
• What can be done about the problem of diesel fuel gelling in cold, winter weather?
• Diesel Engine Winter Woes And What You Can Do About It
• What are the benefits of warmer engine oil in cold weather?
• How can I prevent diesel fuel from gelling-up in cold temps?

Shop Universal Pre-Heaters by type:

• 120 Volt Heaters
• 240 Volt Heaters
• 12 Volt Heaters
• 24 Volt Heaters
• Low Watt Density Heaters
• High Watt Density Heaters
• Fuel Filter PreHeaters
• Heaters With Thermostats
• Above Ground Bulk Tank Heaters
• Battery Heater

Request more information

The Universal Preheater™ is the cold weather Preheater of choice. The Universal Preheater™ converts the metal of a housing into a heat transfer element that exposes a large square inch surface of fluid to low watt heat. This design eliminates any chance of burning the fluid supply and still allows rapid heating of the fluid supply.

As seen in Construction Equipment Guide.

Universal Preheaters |  P100 Pump Cold Weather Starting Solution NSN 4320 01-LG8-3815 |  Cold Weather Starting Solution for Bauer High Pressure Breathing Air Compressor with Yanmar Diesel Engine |  Battery Heaters |  Physical Mobile Radio Security |  Radio Cage |  King Pin Lock |  Pintle Hitch Lock |  EZ Reacher® 

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