Added a Yellow Top to the 3320 today - Mounting Instructions and Pics Enclosed

[BloomingtonMike]

Hi, Mike,


Been searching for an Optima yellow 51/51R; apparently, they
are not being made due to the large number of warranty issues - this
I've heard from at least two of the dealers I talked to.

Am thinking about the slightly larger D35 or D75/25, but this requires
modifying or replacing the battery tray because the battery is
1.7 inches deeper than the 51.

I looked in the Deere manual for my 3520 and could not find
the battery group number or size. I'm not at home and can't
look at it for the next week or two.

Any idea what group it is?


Thanks,

Lon

P.S. Like the lighting mod and 12V outlet - nice touch.

I will get you the full dimensions for you tomorrow - 8/27 (actually latter today I guess). Check back tomorrow night.

 

[neverenough]

This weekend I checked the battery out again and the corrosion was back again. I had just cleaned up the battery, cables, and cooler earlier this spring when the topic came up on this board. I looked Sunday and it was back. I have had enough.

I took everything apart and cleaned everything up with the battery acid neutralizer spray, rinsed and dried everything and then got out the can of black high heat tractor spray paint and touched up the cooler to protect it against rust in the future (heck it might be aluminum but at least it looks good now) and touched up the battery tray as well. Went and bought a Yellow Top Model YEL51. They did not have the YEL51R so I just turned the YEL51 180 degrees and it worked perfectly.

I took my dremel and very carefully carved a slit into the plastic between the cells (NOT INTO the Battery Itself but in the extra plastic that makes up the handle slots on the Yellow Top YEL51) about 3/4" on each side at the height that the 3X20 battery brackets hit the battery. When I mounted the battery I took the brackets and turned them and inserted a corner into the slot I had carved into the battery handle. I then tightened it down and it is very very secure.

Then I also took a wader belt (elastic belt used for fishing waders) and double wrapped the battery and the battery tray width wise just for added stability and security. I then installed the battery post felt terminal protector pads soaked in the battery terminal protection (corrosion protectent) spray and installed the newly cleaned battery cables. Works beautifully.

I bought an optima, sealed, spiral cell, whatever it was, battery back in '98 for my Bronco. I found I could no longer afford all the trips to the dealer to keep getting it replaced. After a couple years of wandering around looking for a quality battery, I found a local industial supplier that sold Deka batteries. Have the same battery in my truck, turning over a 10.5:1 cr, 450 hp BB, 429, at 100 degrees down to 15+ below zero for 5 years now, with not even a hint of issue. I sprayed the terminals with Deka protection when I installed the battery, it looks like I installed it last week.

 

[mjncad]

I just replaced the battery in my JD 4200...I wish I knew about the Optima batteries. Oh well.

Another reason to be concerned about battery corrosion issues is that I had my oil cooler spring a nasty leak while mowing a neighbor's weeds. A real crappy feeling seeing oil pouring out the front end and smoking on the exhaust pipe. This was caused by battery acid getting on the cooler. Fortunately my rig was under warranty and the dealer picked it up and brought it back after repairs.

JD knew of the problem; but issued a fix as found recall instead of a general recall. The dealer charged a $100 pickup and delivery fee back then; but they waived $50 and I got Deere to pay the other $50 since they knew about the problem.

Keep an eye on your batteries and coolers/radiators!

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I am another Mike, but it is Group 51. Yes the 51R is gone, but if you look closely, that other Mike is using a regular Yellow Top 51 battery. It works just fine from the looks of things. the battery is just installed 'backwards'.

Good job, Mike!!

 

[YASH2520]

I also have been told the Optima 51/51r are not available. What would be the next best battery to use??

 

[rockyridgefarm]

WOW, looksa like ALL Optima 51's are gone...

The EXIDE Orbital 35/75 (ORB75DT-84) might work. It is very similar to the Optima, but is almost 2" wider Which would be front to back...). I think there is enough room.

Exide Technologies Orbital Marine Starting

 

[GreenMtns]

Hi Mike
I recently purchased a 3520 and I would like to prevent any acid damage to the tractor. It is easier to prevent than repair. I have found an Optima battery listed as SC51RDA. It measures 9 5/16 X 5 1/16 X 8 15/16. These are a little over in height and length. From your experience do you think it would fit the 3X20 machines?

Thanks
Al

 

[Rob-D]

You must be careful about the battery you replace the original with. Several factors have to be addressed.

A larger battery will not mean you can run more lights and electrical attachments. The load after starting is more of a product of the alternator that will ultimately have to carry the increase. This is why Deere sells a higher output alternator option on their tractors.

You might want to send an email to JD and ask about a specific battery you want to use to replace the original one.

If you are having corrosion or other problems with a battery you should find out why the same way you would with your car battery. Batteries are designed for a specific alternator/charging system. You may be able to get away with more but it depends on what the overhead of the system is. That is, how much more will the system provide over the designed peak.

 

[ducati996]

You must be careful about the battery you replace the original with. Several factors have to be addressed.

A larger battery will not mean you can run more lights and electrical attachments. The load after starting is more of a product of the alternator that will ultimately have to carry the increase. This is why Deere sells a higher output alternator option on their tractors.

You might want to send an email to JD and ask about a specific battery you want to use to replace the original one.

If you are having corrosion or other problems with a battery you should find out why the same way you would with your car battery. Batteries are designed for a specific alternator/charging system. You may be able to get away with more but it depends on what the overhead of the system is. That is, how much more will the system provide over the designed peak.

Deere batteries stink and tend to contribute to corrosion in the battery compartment. This has been documented on this board for years....the 22NF is the series Deere uses for almost all (if not all) the new compacts. It has the same specifications as the Optima Group 51 (power wise). The only problem now is finding something that fits - we all know its compatible...
You will have a problem with the battery on your new 2320, just like my I will on 2520....and just like I did with my 4100 (but it could fit a group 51) but for some stupid reason they went with 22NF, which isnt easily to find a better replacement these days. The heat from the engine makes the batteries more prone to venting acid vapors, along with the vibration and shocks from everyday use. You think by now Deere would do the right thing and pick a better size (common) battery. Im pissed about it actually that I now have to create something to make something fit....

 

[Rob-D]

Thanks Ducati.
I will keep an eye on my battery. I just checked the manual and it shows 500 CCA at 0 F. Tomorrow I will measure its size and see what I can find if I have to replace it.

A couple of things:
First, my statement about being able to use more electrical devices with a bigger battery still holds true. You can't.

Secondly, is it the battery itself, its location to a heated part or the caps venting from vibration or whatever that is causing the corrosion problem?

If it's the caps venting acid that is the problem then an SLA (sealed lead acid) battery will surely help IF it is designed to run in such a hot environment. Again JD must know something about this and we have to ask why it still persists. Has anyone inquired directly with Deere?