Battery Tender

[Petrol and Powder]

I'm contemplating using a battery tender (self regulating trickle charger) on a 26XL during the winter.

I'll likely install a fused pigtail with covered plug located outside the grill so I will not have to open the hood every time I want to attach/detach the charger.

Does anyone have experience with this? I've had problems in other applications where the battery needed to be isolated from the system during charging. Is there anything powered by the battery on that tractor when the key is off ?

 

[Gunny]

On my tractor at least, there is nothing pulling from the battery when the key is in the off position, yours may not be the same, but I would bet it is.

I've got one Battery Tender and two of the Black and Decker models, all three work very well, though I prefer the Battery Tender simply because it came with the clamps and the eyelets for permanent mounting. Just bolt it on your battery, take a zip tie and secure it so that it's accessible and not in any danger of being damaged while using the tractor and drive on.

 

[Ford850]

I have the pigtails on my tractor, both diesel Grasshoppers, and my BCS batteries. I use a BatteryMinder which is a smart charger/maintainer, and plug it in to each battery about once a month or so. I leave it on each one for 1 - 3 days just to keep things topped off when not in use, or after starting an engine to move something and not running it long enough for a good charge.

 

[txndncowboy]

If I hadn't had one on my tractor I would have killed the battery by now. My Kubota was new to me and the key switch different than my Massy so I left the thing on once with the radio still on. These battery tenders have got to be one of the best things they have developed recently. Well worth the money and will save you even more by extending your present battery.

I first learned of them with my motorcycle. The most I ever got out of a battery was about 2 1/2 years. With them I had one battery go 7 years when I traded it and it was still strong.

 

[BigBoyToys]

I have a Battery Tender on my Kubota. The "capped pigtail" sticks out of the front corner by the grill. Easy to plug and unplug. I also use one on a built-up Jeep that only see 5-6K per year. I've also used them on other vehicles in the past...I swear by them!

 

[dickfoster]

I'm contemplating using a battery tender (self regulating trickle charger) on a 26XL during the winter.

I'll likely install a fused pigtail with covered plug located outside the grill so I will not have to open the hood every time I want to attach/detach the charger.

Does anyone have experience with this? I've had problems in other applications where the battery needed to be isolated from the system during charging. Is there anything powered by the battery on that tractor when the key is off ?

I installed a maintenance charger in the tractor next to the battery and ran the AC cord down and out the front of the grill. Now if I'm not going to use the tractor for a while, I plug an extension cord into the charger cord. Kinda like the way everyone did the tank heaters on their cars back when I lived in WY and CO.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I have a Battery Tender on my MAHINDRA. The "capped pigtail" sticks out of the front corner by the grill. Easy to plug and unplug. I also use one on a built-up Jeep that only see 5-6K per year. I've also used them on other vehicles in the past ...I swear by them!

this ^^^^^^^

 

[Petrol and Powder]

Thanks to ALL. :thumbsup:

I've had very good experiences with most prior applications of battery tenders and just wanted a little feedback.

I Completely agree that a battery tender will extend the life of a battery. I've used both battery tenders and solar trickle chargers in the past and had generally good results.

 

[RNeumann]

P and P-

What was the application where the battery need to be isolated that cause you issues in the past? That's the most intriguing part of this post.....

 

[dragoneggs]

Here is what I did. Wired direct to battery terminals. Connector on dash right side. Use the Deltran Battery Tender on my BX tractor, Z-turn, and generator. Expensive ($50) but worth it IMO.