4110 battery

[glagen]

All,
Having just taken delivery of a new 4310, I have followed the threads on battery problems with great interest. This weekend I paid a visit to the dealer to discuss the problem. The head mechanic there was very helpful. He said, yes there was a problem with battery leakage but Deere corrected the problem in late 2002. He then did some research on the dealer-only (DTAC) service and showed me a copy of the result. The Situation in DTAC is described as "The oil cooler corrodes and leaks on hydrostatic CUTs due to battery electrolyte gas drawn through the aluminum oil cooler by the engine fan. The DTAC Solution (#57831) reported as follows. "Install a new oil cooler and battery. The redesigned battery (LVA11726) incorporates six threaded vent caps instead of the two manifold caps. The electrolyte condenses in the vent cap and drains into the battery." I checked my machine and it has the "new" LVA11726 battery. Hopefully I won't have the problem and the mechanic claims that even a sealed battery like the Optima or a gel still has a vent that can cause problems while the new battery from Deere has eliminated it. He claims he is no longer seeing the problem now that the new batteries are installed from the factory. However, it would be helpful to know if anyone is still having battery corrosion problems even with the new factory LVA11726s?
SteveZ

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Sorry, but my new style battery leaked... I had the individual threaded vent caps...

 

[glagen]

Mike
I suspected as such. Did you buy an Optima and if so what model #? How does it vent to prevent gas from being drawn into the radiator?
Steve Z

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I bought the Optima D51R from Remy. It really is too soon to see if i is fine, but they have an awesome reputation. Deere also has a sealed spiral cell battery, but I don't know if they have one in group 51...

 

[glagen]

Mike,
Thanks for the info. I am wondering what the difference is between the D51 and the D51R. The specs look exactly the same although I don't know what group 51 means.
SteveZ

 

[bigpete]

The posts are reversed on the D51R. Here are links to the diagrams:

D51 Schematic

D51R Schematic

 

[ducati996]

Thankfully at least with the 4100 & 4110 your battery terminals are long enough so you can rotate the battery
either way with the standard Goup 51 and (R)

Ducati

 

[glagen]

Bigpete,
Thanks for the info -- I have been enlightened!
Steve Z

 

[Twanger]

How are the 4310 owners holding down the optima? I just ordered a d51r after my dealer called at told me they would prorate my current battery $.50 and it was the same battery with the individual screw caps. I have neutralized the acid and scraped the rust, primed and painted. I don't think the oil cooler has been damaged. Do I now have to fabricate a hold down bracket. Any pictures? or just a strap?

 

[rockyridgefarm]

OK, hold on tight!

I looked around my shop and I had some of those plastic step in fence posts. They are like mini T-posts, and have reinforcing "X's molded into their length. I cut a section a little wider than the battery. I then drilled two holes and inserted "J" bolts, with washers. Working just fine!!! I had some angle steel, but something about spanning just behind the terminals kinda scared me... Crazy, I guess....

 

[Twanger]

Any pictures?

 

[glagen]

All,
I contacted the dealer again after hearing from Mike and others that they experienced the corrosion problem even with the "new" battery that Deere is now installing on hydro CUTs as a solution. Apparently, Deere is now standing firm that the new battery with the individual screw-in caps has resolved the gas problem. Therefore, until I can actually show damage on my new 4310, the dealer is not willing to take back the existing battery and offer me a credit based soley upon information I have received from folks on TBN. Either I wait and see or simply eat the entire cost of purchasing an Optima and use the existing JD battery as a door stop.
Steve Z

 

[Twanger]

That is what I ran into. They don't replace until it fails and eats a hole in your oil cooler. Then Deere replaces the cooler and the battery with the same battery you have. If your tractor fails after warranty period you are sol.

 

[bigpete]

I'm not wealthy, but took it upon myself to spend $100 for a proven battery. The door stop is just an added benefit (it's really in my old hobby garden tractor now).