Battery Disconnects

[crowbar032]

I have a Caterpillar 953 track loader. It requires 2 of the large 12 volt batteries. I don't use the thing very often and the batteries drain. So much drain that I recently had to replace both of them as I couldn't charge them back up. Since I just spent $400 in batteries, I'm taking preventative measures to extend their life this time around. I've selected two battery tenders with float to prevent overcharging. I'm also looking at battery disconnects in case I have a parasitic draw somewhere (it is an old machine). I'm finding various styles and questionable reviews. I initially thought I'd get a blade one, but it looks like just plastic holding the terminals together. The alloy doesn't seem to be very good either. The other is a screw knob which appears a little more sturdy. However it also appears the alloy is of the same questionable content. Has anyone installed one of these on their machine (links below)? Any recommendations? I'd prefer to not go splicing into wires for an actual line switch.

Amazon.com: NOCO ID22S 6V-24V 125 Amp Battery Disconnect Switch: Automotive

Amazon.com: WirthCo 2138 Battery Doctor Battery Disconnect for Top Terminal: Automotive

 

[eddie48]

I haven't used the knife switch, but have the disconnect-type on my backhoe. It, basically, just unscrews and disconnects the cable from the battery terminal. Like taking the terminal off of the battery, but easier. Works for me. I also have a rotary switch (that I bought for cheap from Harbor Freight) on my skid steer. That solved my battery drainage problem on that and is much easier to use because it is mounted outside of the engine compartment, although more difficult to install.

 

[coolreinfarm]

I would make sure any type disconnect is heavy enough to handle the amp draw for starting that diesel. I would imagine it would need to be minimum 1000 amps. Those batteries cca is probably 900-1000a each. The switch on Amazon is 125a rated.

 

[crowbar032]

I would make sure any type disconnect is heavy enough to handle the amp draw for starting that diesel. I would imagine it would need to be minimum 1000 amps. Those batteries cca is probably 900-1000a each. The switch on Amazon is 125a rated.

Yes, agreed. The batteries are rated 1100 cold cranking amps. Those links were just the clearest picture design of the two styles.

 

[crowbar032]

I would make sure any type disconnect is heavy enough to handle the amp draw for starting that diesel. I would imagine it would need to be minimum 1000 amps. Those batteries cca is probably 900-1000a each. The switch on Amazon is 125a rated.

Yes, agreed. The batteries are rated 1100 cold cranking amps. Those links were just the clearest picture design of the two styles.

 

[Peter 315]

You can get one at the dealer it goes on the negative battery terminal

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Have you considered tracing out any current flows?
If there's a problem, you might as well fix it;right?

 

[crowbar032]

Have you considered tracing out any current flows?
If there's a problem, you might as well fix it;right?

I'm not convinced that a parasitic draw exists. The batteries were over 10 years old, the machine is very rarely used, and I didn't have a tender on them. Back in the summer I was able to jump it off, but I knew I had a weak battery. I think running it with 1 weak and 1 good battery, killed the weak one and cooked the good one. I was just going to add one more level piece of mind.

 

[mikester]

I have a Caterpillar 953 track loader. It requires 2 of the large 12 volt batteries. I don't use the thing very often and the batteries drain. So much drain that I recently had to replace both of them as I couldn't charge them back up. Since I just spent $400 in batteries, I'm taking preventative measures to extend their life this time around. I've selected two battery tenders with float to prevent overcharging. I'm also looking at battery disconnects in case I have a parasitic draw somewhere (it is an old machine). I'm finding various styles and questionable reviews. I initially thought I'd get a blade one, but it looks like just plastic holding the terminals together. The alloy doesn't seem to be very good either. The other is a screw knob which appears a little more sturdy. However it also appears the alloy is of the same questionable content. Has anyone installed one of these on their machine (links below)? Any recommendations? I'd prefer to not go splicing into wires for an actual line switch.

Amazon.com: NOCO ID22S 6V-24V 125 Amp Battery Disconnect Switch: Automotive

Amazon.com: WirthCo 2138 Battery Doctor Battery Disconnect for Top Terminal: Automotive

I'd go with the first one style as I've had good luck with it and its compact. This is what I used CDN$8.99

Top Post Battery Master Cut-Off Switch | Princess Auto

 

[bigtiller]

How about an Anderson quick connect plug?

Amazon.com: Battery Quick Connect/Disconnect Wire Harness Plug Connector Recovery Winch Trailer 2-4 GAUGE: Automotive

 

[jaydee325]

I'm not convinced that a parasitic draw exists. The batteries were over 10 years old, the machine is very rarely used, and I didn't have a tender on them. Back in the summer I was able to jump it off, but I knew I had a weak battery. I think running it with 1 weak and 1 good battery, killed the weak one and cooked the good one. I was just going to add one more level piece of mind.

It's easy to determine if a parasitic load exists. Disconnect the negative lead at the battery, connect a voltmeter in series. If any voltage is indicated, you have a parasitic load.

 

[JRobyn]

The Anderson SB series are the gold standard for battery disconnects. They are what's usually used on golf carts. Looks like they are only available up to 450 amps, but I bet they'd withstand all but severe extended cranking.

Anderson SB 35 Connector, SB35 connector, Anderson Power Products

 

[WM75Guy]

A 1000-1100 amp rated disconnect would be very pricey and not needed. CCA is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. The rating refers to the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. It is not how much is delivered at any single moment.

Here is what we used on fire trucks. We normally used 2 large six volt batteries on each side wired to give twelve volts on each side. We had 250 amp alternators so it had a pretty large continuous load through it.

M-75 Series - Battery Disconnect Switches from Switches - Littelfuse

 

[countrybumpkin]

One like this would be plenty for a tractor, we have these on just about every truck we have and never any issues with them. Easy to mount and don’t take up a bunch of room.

M-284 Series - Battery Disconnect Switches from Switches - Littelfuse

 

[JimP]

Try searching marine battery disconnect or marine battery switch. Some places are West Marine, Overtons, Perko, Defender. Boats typically disconnect the starting batteries when not in use so you don't get stranded. A 1000 amp switch will not be common though. Jim

 

[showcattle]

What about one like this?
Amazon.com: Fastronix High Current Double Pole Master Battery Disconnect Switch (4-Post) Kit: Automotive