Advice on Installing a Cab Heater in a 317 Skid Steer

[MikePhua]

The Challenge of Cold Weather Operation
Operating a skid steer in freezing conditions can quickly turn from productive to punishing if the cab is not properly heated. Many skid steer operators, especially those using older machines like the John Deere 317, have faced the dilemma of whether to retrofit a cab heater. The 317, first introduced in the mid-2000s, was part of Deere’s mid-sized skid steer lineup. It gained popularity for its balance of maneuverability and strength, with more than 10,000 units sold during its production run. However, unlike modern models that often come with factory-installed heating and air conditioning, many 317 units were delivered as open-cab or with only minimal heating provisions.
Factory Options Versus Aftermarket Solutions
John Deere offered optional cab enclosures and HVAC packages, but many machines on the used market lack these. Retrofitting an OEM-style heating system can be expensive, requiring ductwork, blower fans, and a coolant-fed heater core. For budget-conscious owners, aftermarket heaters designed for compact equipment or agricultural tractors have become popular alternatives. These units generally consist of a compact heater core with a 12V fan, connected to the engine’s coolant system. Warm coolant circulates through the heater, and the fan pushes heated air into the cab.
Technical Considerations Before Installation

1. Coolant Access Points – The 317’s Yanmar diesel engine allows for tapping into the heater circuit using the lines feeding the engine block. One hose can be connected at a point near the thermostat housing, while the return can be routed to the water pump inlet. Ensuring correct flow direction is essential, as reversing the hoses can drastically reduce heat output.
   
2. Cab Sealing – Without proper sealing, even the best heater cannot keep the operator warm. Installing weatherstripping around the doors and windows, sealing floor plates, and covering unused openings can reduce cold air infiltration by up to 40%.
   
3. Electrical Load – Aftermarket heaters typically use a 12V blower that consumes between 5 and 12 amps. The John Deere 317 is equipped with a 55-amp alternator, which generally provides enough overhead capacity, but machines running multiple accessories (lights, radios, auxiliary electronics) should verify total draw to prevent battery drain.
   
4. Mounting Location – The most common location is under the seat or in a corner of the cab, where ducting can be directed toward both the operator and the windshield. Some operators fabricate brackets to mount the unit overhead, though this requires more extensive modification.
   

Practical Installation Steps

• Drain a portion of the coolant to prevent spillage when cutting into the system.
  
• Use reinforced heater hose rated for high temperature, usually 5/8-inch inner diameter.
  
• Secure hoses with clamps and route them away from moving parts or sharp edges.
  
• Install shutoff valves on the heater lines, allowing the operator to disable coolant flow in summer months.
  
• Mount the heater securely, ensuring that vibration does not loosen the unit during operation.
  

Performance Expectations
Once properly installed, a heater in a 317 skid steer can raise cab temperatures by 20–30°F above ambient, enough to keep operators comfortable in subzero conditions. Windshield defrosting is another major benefit, improving visibility and safety. Some operators even report that with a well-sealed cab, they can work in below-freezing temperatures without needing heavy winter clothing.
Alternative Heating Methods
Not every owner chooses to plumb into the coolant system. Electric heaters powered by the machine’s battery have been tried, but their output is typically too low for meaningful cabin heating. Portable propane heaters provide high heat but carry risks of carbon monoxide and fire hazards, making them unsafe in enclosed spaces. Diesel-fired auxiliary heaters, similar to those used in trucks, are another solution, though more expensive to install.
A Lesson from Agricultural Equipment
Farm tractors faced similar challenges in the mid-20th century. Early models lacked enclosed cabs, forcing farmers to work in harsh conditions. The adoption of aftermarket cab heaters and enclosures in the 1960s greatly improved operator comfort, contributing to higher productivity during winter months. The skid steer market is now following a similar path, with increasing demand for retrofitted comfort features on older machines.
Operator Stories and Industry Trends
Some operators recall making do with heavy coats, heated seat cushions, or even cardboard taped to the cab frame to reduce drafts before heaters were installed. Others describe the dramatic difference once a heater was fitted, saying it allowed them to extend their work season, take on snow removal jobs, and reduce downtime caused by freezing conditions. With the compact equipment market growing steadily—global skid steer sales reached more than 50,000 units annually by the 2010s—the push for comfort and efficiency is only accelerating.
Final Recommendations

• For owners in cold climates, a properly installed cab heater in a John Deere 317 is a worthwhile upgrade.
  
• Ensure the cooling system is in good health before installation, as heater performance depends on coolant flow and engine temperature.
  
• Invest time in sealing the cab to maximize heating efficiency.
  
• Consider auxiliary electrical upgrades if additional accessories are in use.
  

By treating heating not as a luxury but as a productivity tool, operators can transform an older 317 skid steer into a machine that works just as effectively in January as it does in July.