Anyone use an Optima battery in a BX?

[drssg]

I'm not sure if any of their batteries fit my BX2350. Their D35 looks like a similar size to mine, but it's about an inch longer. It looks like it would fit, but it would be close. Is anyone here using an Optima battery in a BX? The battery size looks identical to a group 26R, but the manual lists it as a 526RA. I'm not seeing that battery type listed anywhere else.

I'm not dead set on Optima, but I've had one in my M5700 for 6.5 years, and it's still going strong - even with the recent single digit temps. The original battery in the BX was also good. It is a Deka, and it lasted for 7 years. I bought whatever was at TSC once, and that thing lasted 1 year, and it corroded like crazy. So I'm no expert, but I know they're not all the same. I'd like to get something that will work well for several years.

 

[Zick]

Yup, it's a 26R
Size on mine when I measured it was about;
8 x 6-3/4 x 7-3/4

I wanted a larger one but couldn't find anything that fit, so I ended back up a 26R model.

 

[PHILIP8N]

I had an Optima Red Top group 75/35 in my Ford 8N from Nov 2007 to Jan 2014, a little over 6 years. It worked well, but I ended up replacing it with a Diehard Silver due to availability and cost. The battery in my GR2120 is a group 51R, Diehard Silver is $110, Optima Yellow Top is $177. Guess I will have to make that decision then. Philip.

 

[Tollster]

I had an optima redtop last for over 12 years in my CJ-5. It only see's summer use here in Pennsylvania due to the excessive road salt, so the battery is removed and trickled charge once a month give or take in the winter months.
I replaced it with a yellow top, which is a dual purpose battery, which is intended for auto's with additional electrical accessories that are likely to put more demand on the battery that would exceed the alternators output at various times(Spot lights, stereo's, winching, or even that parasitic drain from a clock, etc,) I would also consider long periods of inactivity for this battery.
I have a blue top in my bass boat on the deep cycle side..


here is a quick video to ensure you get the right one for your usage..
Difference between Red Top, Yellow Top and Blue Top Optima Batteries - YouTube

 

[sixdogs]

I have an Optima in my B7800 as well as a very small hot rod I have. The hot rod has one of the smallest batteries I have ever seen and I believe had a Honda car use origin. If you need the group number I can get it. It doesn't look big enough to start a car but it does. I bought it mail order from Summit Racing and you can find any of the Optima batteries there.

The one in my B7800 is a number of years old and just keeps going. I do charge it in late fall so it goes into winter in good shape and zero problems.

 

[ovrszd]

Optima makes a great battery. I use them in my Jeeps and Buggies. Best part about them is no rust from leakage, even upside down. I used to have a dual battery system on one Jeep with Optimas, laying on their side. As mentioned above, you probably just need a red top. Yellow tops are what I use with winches. Blue Tops are designed for deep cycle use such as a boat trolling motor.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

I use to be a huge Optima fan in my boats, trucks and jeep, but noticed a drop in performance over the years especially in NH winters... I'm now a Sears Die Hard fan (particularly the platinum series) and have phased out all optimas and have had NO issues over the past 4 years..

Running pairs in my offroad jeep and full size chevy.

Odessy Batteries are great batteries too. They are essentially a die hard platinum. Made in the same factory...

BTW special note for those who use batteries with both side and top battery terminals. ONLY the Die Hards / Odessey are rated for full amperage on the side terminals. Optimas are not (its in their paperwork) and can meltdown with high amps. This is more for the jeeping / truck guys... Just an FYI...

 

[RFB]

+1 to FFK

Whenever I replace a battery on anything that I deem as mission critical, I use the Starved Electrolyte (AGM) type by Odyssey, and maintain it with a smart charger/maintainer.

And yes, the Sears Diehard Platinum series is a rebranded Odyssey.

 

[WaxMan]

Optima makes a great battery. I use them in my Jeeps and Buggies. Best part about them is no rust from leakage, even upside down. I used to have a dual battery system on one Jeep with Optimas, laying on their side. As mentioned above, you probably just need a red top. Yellow tops are what I use with winches. Blue Tops are designed for deep cycle use such as a boat trolling motor.

What is a Buggies? A VW Bug?

 

[Looking4new]

I use a single Optima in my Jeep. I'll be changing out the boat batteries this year and putting in 2 optimas. One for starting and a yellow top for the house battery.
I may be putting an Optima in the Kioti IF I can find one with higher CCA's than what I already got.

 

[drssg]

Thanks for all the feedback. I was all set to buy an Optima D35 yellow top, which seemed the closest in size to the current battery. I ended up getting a Duralast Platinum, which is also an AGM battery, and it was about $80 cheaper. According to the parts store dude, the main benefit offered by Optima vs. this battery is that Optima will still work if a cell goes bad.

The new battery is bigger than the original one, because it is group 35 instead of 26. It actually looks like the tractor was designed for the bigger battery size. There is a rubber strap that holds the battery in place. With the old battery, that strap was hanging a little loose. With the new one, it is more snug.

So I guess time will tell.

 

[Qrazy]

Drssg, do you have a model number for that battery? Are the terminals in the same position as the stock battery? I will need to replace the battery in my BX24 soon. Thanks

 

[drssg]

The part number is 35-agm. Battery Link

The terminals are in the same position. The battery is about an inch longer than the stock group 26 battery.

 

[mjym]

iv got a bx 1830 2005 and still have the same batteries but every 4 month i put a slow charger on it and crank like new 425hr just use it for blowing snow and in summer use it not very much

 

[Zick]

The part number is 35-agm. Battery Link

The terminals are in the same position. The battery is about an inch longer than the stock group 26 battery.

Nice, wish I would have found that one when I was looking.