AGM Battery Life Expectancy

[pmsmechanic]

I replace twice as many BMW AGM batteries as I do flooded lead acid, they just don't last and when I do replace them it is usually with flooded lead acid and retrofit software for the proper charge rate.

I won't buy one for my own use, Fred

Ok and here is the other side. I have a 2008 Yamaha 700 ATV with power steering. I have about 5000 miles on it with a factory AGM battery. I've never had any problems with it. Sometimes the quad sits for two month's between uses and it always fires right up.

I'm not disagreeing with you . I'm just saying this is my experience.

 

[Trillium Farm]

Ok and here is the other side. I have a 2008 Yamaha 700 ATV with power steering. I have about 5000 miles on it with a factory AGM battery. I've never had any problems with it. Sometimes the quad sits for two month's between uses and it always fires right up.

I'm not disagreeing with you . I'm just saying this is my experience.

My AGM lasted 6 years and the current one is still going strong. There is equipment like C-Tek that will charge an AGM quite well, but these are designed to handle them and they aren't expensive about $40 when on sale.

 

[pmsmechanic]

My AGM lasted 6 years and the current one is still going strong. There is equipment like C-Tek that will charge an AGM quite well, but these are designed to handle them and they aren't expensive about $40 when on sale.

The above battery charger information is good to know. Thanks

One thing that I noticed about our two posts on these battery's is that neither one of us live in the heat belt of the US. It would be interesting to know if these battery's do better in a cooler climate as I believe one person commented that they can't handle the heat as well as a lead acid battery.

 

[Trillium Farm]

The above battery charger information is good to know. Thanks

One thing that I noticed about our two posts on these battery's is that neither one of us live in the heat belt of the US. It would be interesting to know if these battery's do better in a cooler climate as I believe one person commented that they can't handle the heat as well as a lead acid battery.

Good Point! Perhaps someone else will chime in.

 

[not2old]

The first Optima I bought was replaced at 6 months. The replacement lasted over 10 years and the second one I bought is still going strong at 11 years. The truck they are used in sometimes sits for nearly a month between uses in the summer, a week in the winter.

 

[Trillium Farm]

The first Optima I bought was replaced at 6 months. The replacement lasted over 10 years and the second one I bought is still going strong at 11 years. The truck they are used in sometimes sits for nearly a month between uses in the summer, a week in the winter.

Those were the good ones! These days they are made in Mex, they've changed them somehow and are not nearly as good as they used to be.

 

[dickfoster]

Has anyone else noticed these new batteries seem to fail much more frequently than the old lead acid? Allot of information on the web but based on my personal experience it seems like I am replacing at least one every year in one of my toys. It seems they do not like being fully discharged and recharged as often, or maybe time just passes faster as I have gotten older.

I notice the opposite but maybe it's the brand. Optima is now junk but I buy Odyssey batteries and they do the trick for me. It could also be how it's used or abused. No battery will last long if it's abused through disuse or misuse. Also having the right charger is important, AGMs require a different charge profile than what standard wet cell batteries need.

 

[Trillium Farm]

I too have heard that Odyssey are very good. Yes the right charger makes all the difference!

 

[dickfoster]

I too have heard that Odyssey are very good. Yes the right charger makes all the difference!

It's also important to keep a tender or maintenance charger on seldom used batteries no matter what kind of battery it is. One of the first things I did to my new tractor was install a maintenance charger that I plug in if the tractor is goning to sit unused for any appreciable amount of time. If and when the wet cell gives up the ghost, I'll install an AGM.

 

[DK35vince]

Thanks, good point, my problem has only been with the PWC and motorcycle sized batteries, they never seem to last more than 2-years, I too have Blue marine optima's that have lasted well over 6-years.

My 2007 Honda XR 650 (9 year) and 2009 Kawasaki versys ( 7 years old) both still running their original batteries. ( Yuasa)
Never had a maintainer on them.

My original tractor battery lasted 11 years. Never had a maintainer on it.