3720 Battery

[NYBOB]

I have an almost 3 year old JD 3720. I went to start it today and just clicked. I tried to jump it and it would only turn over slowly. I am charging the battery now. I cleaned the terminals just in case.

Does it make sense that a 3 year old battery can go bad? I only have 210 hours on the machine.

Also, if it is bad, what type of battery should I replace it with and where do you get them?

Thanks
Bob

 

[JD755]

Very typical for a JD battery. Do a search of the forums for battery. Lots of opinions, especially regarding replacing with Optima and similar batteries.

 

[kennyd]

Don't waste your time charging it...Just go get a new one. Like 755 wrote-JD batteries are less than stellar.

 

[NYBOB]

The JD guy gave me a price of $89 for a maintenance free battery. Does anyone know what an Optima would cost including shipping to NY?

Thanks
Bob

Don't waste your time charging it...Just go get a new one. Like 755 wrote-JD batteries are less than stellar.

 

[kennyd]

Here is a good thread about batteries: Optima battery questions - TractorByNet.com

A search of the term "optima" will turn up lots of reading. Your battery is not "unique", many places that sell batteries will have one to fit.

 

[Rob-D]

JD updated the compact batteries with a new design that vents out the bottom of the tractor, used to be a problem with acid and the oil cooler but its corrected.

Nothing wrong with Deere batteries, it's how you use your tractor. Battery life is contingent on several factors. Have you checked your terminals? When is the last time you used it? Left something powered on like your lights?

I'd put in a Deere battery IF it's bad. The batteries are set up for their charging system. It's ok to use a sealed lead acid, GMA (glass mat) or other design IF it's ok by Deere. Different batteries exhibit different charging schemes and float voltages. Get the wrong set up and your battery won't last or worse you'll over tax your charging system.

Optima batteries haven't won my heart over.

Rob

 

[JD755]

JD updated the compact batteries with a new design that vents out the bottom of the tractor, used to be a problem with acid and the oil cooler but its corrected.

Nothing wrong with Deere batteries, it's how you use your tractor. Battery life is contingent on several factors. Have you checked your terminals? When is the last time you used it? Left something powered on like your lights?

I'd put in a Deere battery IF it's bad. The batteries are set up for their charging system. It's ok to use a sealed lead acid, GMA (glass mat) or other design IF it's ok by Deere. Different batteries exhibit different charging schemes and float voltages. Get the wrong set up and your battery won't last or worse you'll over tax your charging system.

Optima batteries haven't won my heart over.

Rob

I saw other comments recently about JD using a new battery design. From what you are saying seems like they are doing what I have done for many years. Use a vent tube. Previous thread with information here:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/154730-3320-300-hour-review.html

 

[Rob-D]

That's exactly what they did. One thing I like about Deere is that they fix their problems. I noticed the problems with my 2006, 2320 were all fixed in the 2009 models.

Saturnal old company, can't get their tractor data right from one brochure to the next but build a great machine, constantly improve it and back it up.

Rob

 

[pilot-werx]

Do not waste your money on anything but an Optima. I have now replaced everything I own with them and have nothing but good things to say. I wish I could get them for my airplanes!

 

[wsp617]

Not sure if you ever read the reviews at http://www.********************.com but batteries in the JD tractors is a common complaint. I bought a brand new LA 140 lawn tractor in Aug 2007. I had to put a battery in it this Spring. Not happy about but it was only a $30 item at Farm/Fleet. Just agrivating that JD is supposed to be so good and then they skimp on stuff like the batteries.