BobOB
Member
I've needed to replace my JD 165 battery every year. I've noticed on several forums, people have had issues with battery draining problems, also. I think I finally found a solution.
After replacing my motor, I needed another battery. I was told to check out Walmart's prices, since they are significantly less expensive than most retailers. I talked to the Automotive Department Manager about my problem and he immediately had an answer which really makes sense. He stated that because lawn tractors sit low to the ground and have small tires, unless the unit is used frequently, the battery will slowly trickle out through the tires (going to ground). This is a common problem for those who ride motor cycles here in the Pacific Northwest and don't ride them during the winter months (their batteries go dead). The solution they've come up with is making sure they have a strong battery to start with, and attach a battery maintainer (example: Schumacher SpeedCharge Battery Maintainer and Charger). One other thing the Manager told me was, never to place a battery on concrete, dirt or asphalt unless its sitting on heavy cardboard, or wood. It will drain quickly. The reason batteries sold in stores are kept on racks vs. on the floor is for this very reason...nugget!
I purchased a new battery and hooked up the maintainer, and it works. The concept is simple. It trickle charges the battery automatically and maintains its charge. For those that keep the tractor outdoors, there is a solar unit. I had one of those on a vehicle that I seldom used, and it too worked. What I like about the maintainer, is that there is a quick couple that you attach directly to the battery so that you don't have to put clips on the terminals. They also include battery clips if you'd rather use them. I like keeping the quick connect hooked up.
I invested $24 dollars in a new battery, received a $9 return core fee on the old battery, and spent $17 on the maintainer. Even if it fails in a year, it was cheaper than buying a high priced battery.
I wouldn't post this if I didn't believe in what the manager discussed with me. He has been in the automotive and battery business for years and really knows what he's talking about.
I hope this helps those having problems, and if someone thinks the info is bogus, please post it. I'd be curious to see if others have success with this type device.
After replacing my motor, I needed another battery. I was told to check out Walmart's prices, since they are significantly less expensive than most retailers. I talked to the Automotive Department Manager about my problem and he immediately had an answer which really makes sense. He stated that because lawn tractors sit low to the ground and have small tires, unless the unit is used frequently, the battery will slowly trickle out through the tires (going to ground). This is a common problem for those who ride motor cycles here in the Pacific Northwest and don't ride them during the winter months (their batteries go dead). The solution they've come up with is making sure they have a strong battery to start with, and attach a battery maintainer (example: Schumacher SpeedCharge Battery Maintainer and Charger). One other thing the Manager told me was, never to place a battery on concrete, dirt or asphalt unless its sitting on heavy cardboard, or wood. It will drain quickly. The reason batteries sold in stores are kept on racks vs. on the floor is for this very reason...nugget!
I purchased a new battery and hooked up the maintainer, and it works. The concept is simple. It trickle charges the battery automatically and maintains its charge. For those that keep the tractor outdoors, there is a solar unit. I had one of those on a vehicle that I seldom used, and it too worked. What I like about the maintainer, is that there is a quick couple that you attach directly to the battery so that you don't have to put clips on the terminals. They also include battery clips if you'd rather use them. I like keeping the quick connect hooked up.
I invested $24 dollars in a new battery, received a $9 return core fee on the old battery, and spent $17 on the maintainer. Even if it fails in a year, it was cheaper than buying a high priced battery.
I wouldn't post this if I didn't believe in what the manager discussed with me. He has been in the automotive and battery business for years and really knows what he's talking about.
I hope this helps those having problems, and if someone thinks the info is bogus, please post it. I'd be curious to see if others have success with this type device.
