"AGM Car" batteries for less used tractors?

[not2old]

The trick that I have heard is to parallel a good battery with the dead battery with a set of jumper cables, then connect the smart charger. The good battery will keep the voltage high enough that the smart charger activates. I would take the good battery off as soon as the dead battery has a charge to it so the charger can focus on that battery.

This has worked for me.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Just don't leave the two hooked up longer than necessary, about 30 minutes at the most I've been told.

And do check that the discharged battery doesn't get hot.

 

[not2old]

Just don't leave the two hooked up longer than necessary, about 30 minutes at the most I've been told.

And do check that the discharged battery doesn't get hot.

I only had them hooked together for a minute, possibly less.

 

[DieselMonk]

I converted all my machines over to AGM. Had enough of bad flooded batteries spilling acid everywhere because they leaked (battery post) or shorted out cell (boiled acid spilling) and other stunts. Followed by me cleaning stripping and repainting. Grr. Done with that.

 

[RayIN]

Good reading the various points about AGM and FLA. I need to replace my Kioti battery, I had stuck a newer trolling motor battery in it for a quick start a couple of months ago. I am thinking I will go with an AGM as I hate the extra work of corrosion. Gonna top the terminals off with some white lithium grease for good measure.

I use AGM in my boat for the trolling motors (different trolling motor battery than above), wasn't too pleased with the BPro brand they lasted about 4 years I think it was. Interstate's seem to have lasted the longest for me.

Yes, grease prevents corrosion, but also makes a mess while collecting dirt.
Instead use a battery terminal spray, no greasy mess, and it changes color when exposed to battery acid to let you know there''s a problem.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Yes, grease prevents corrosion, but also makes a mess while collecting dirt.
Instead use a battery terminal spray, no greasy mess, and it changes color when exposed to battery acid to let you know there''s a problem.

Thanks for that tip. Hadn't heard of it. Planning to get the new batteries soon for the tractor, jeep and truck.

 

[John_Mc]

Yes, grease prevents corrosion, but also makes a mess while collecting dirt.
Instead use a battery terminal spray, no greasy mess, and it changes color when exposed to battery acid to let you know there''s a problem.

grease can also form a conductive path between the terminal posts if a film ends up collected on top of the battery. It's not like a dead short - more like a small phantom load, but it can drain the battery over time. Keep the tops of your batteries clean, especially on vehicles that don't get run frequently, so don't have the opportunity to get charged back up on a regular basis.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Thanks for that tip. Hadn't heard of it. Planning to get the new batteries soon for the tractor, jeep and truck.

There are versions that are a little different, but most form a 'waxy' type coating that protects the terminals. Great to use on things like grounds and at the starter terminals as well.

https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Battery-Terminal-Protector-Aerosol/dp/B0013J7RAI?th=1

 

[sixdogs]

I converted all my machines over to AGM. Had enough of bad flooded batteries spilling acid everywhere because they leaked (battery post) or shorted out cell (boiled acid spilling) and other stunts. Followed by me cleaning stripping and repainting. Grr. Done with that.

Me too and I wish more people would figure this out. I use AGM or fully sealed batteries only and no problem ever with leakage. Before that I had always had problems with rusty and very expensive front metal parts around the battery. Screw that.

Plus, AGM's and sealed batteries last much longer if you keep fully charged over the winter. Lots of threads and posts on that.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Aside from the other advantages of AGM batteries, I really like not having to check if regular wet batteries need water. Not even on the ones that are easy to get to.

On the other hand, corrosion has never been a problem for me with the wet ones. Well, except when I was belted in in my Jeep, upside down and with the rear mounted battery dripping acid on my back.