2 of 2 Items
2 of 2 Items
Cub Cadet heater kits built for the Cub Cadet Challenger
Ice Crusher builds two heater kits for the Cub Cadet Challenger. Each kit is designed around the machine, runs on engine coolant so there is no battery drain beyond the fan, and ships complete with hardware, hose, fittings and picture-rich instructions — backed by unlimited phone support from Minnesota.
Every kit at a glance
| Machine | Years | Kit | Heat | Vents | Defrost | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet Challenger 550 / 750 | 2017–2021 | Challenger 550 / 750 Heater Kit | 14,600 BTU | 5 | Yes | $399.99 |
| Cub Cadet Challenger 500 / 700 | 2016–2017 | Challenger 500 / 700 Heater Kit | 14,600 BTU | 2 | No | $379.99 |
What you get
Every kit ships the same business day from Minnesota with the heater, vents, hose, fittings, hardware, specialty tools and picture-rich instructions.
Challenger 550 / 750 (2017–2021): mounts under the center dash, 5 vents, windshield defrost, 14,600 BTU.
Challenger 500 / 700 (2016–2017): mounts under the center dash, 2 vents, no dedicated defrost vents (a compact heater that warms the cab), 14,600 BTU.
Installation
Plan on four to eight hours with hand tools, depending on experience. All the hardware, fittings, hose and specialty tools are in the box, and the instructions walk the install step by step with photos. Call 888-964-0135 if you have a question mid-install — unlimited tech support comes with every kit.
Frequently asked questions
What does the MaxStat do, and should I add it?
The MaxStat is our inline coolant bypass thermostat. It adds 10 to 15 degrees of cab heat by keeping hot coolant moving through the heater core, and it stops the engine thermostat from cycling open and closed so quickly, so the heat in the cab stays steady instead of rising and falling. It is a checkout option on every Cub Cadet kit.
Does it defrost the windshield?
The Challenger 550 / 750 kit includes defrost vents. The Challenger 500 / 700 kit is a compact heater without dedicated defrost vents.
Will it drain the battery?
No. The heat comes from engine coolant; the fan draws about what a factory blower does.
Is everything I need in the box?
Yes. Heater, vents, hose, fittings, hardware, specialty tools and picture-rich instructions, plus unlimited phone support at 888-964-0135.
Do I need the hose clamp-off tools?
No — you can install the kit without them. But they make the job significantly cleaner and quicker, because you don't have to drain the coolant before cutting into the radiator hoses: clamp the hose off on each side, make the cut, and very little coolant is lost and very little air gets in. They are a $24.99 option at checkout on the kit page.