Auto battery or deep cycle?

[CalG]

I have to replace a replacement battery. My tractor, bought used, doesn't have the OEM battery, so I don't know what original was. Not the group size, nor the type. TractorData says it needs 582 CCA minimum. I've measured it and the group 35 seems the closest.

I am a casual user. I'll be on the tractor three days in a row, then not again for three weeks. If figure that kind of use begs a deep cycle. Or a car battery with a good maintainer. But I'd like to hear your opinion, or experience. Batteries ain't cheap these days. $230 for an Optima is a pretty good bit to swallow. At the same time, I'm not about to waste 43 bucks for a Walmart cheapie.

What do you think?

There are good and bad batteries from Wally Whyrled.
Do your research.

For the Money, the warantee is hard to beat.

 

[Coyote machine]

Former foreign auto shop and used foreign vehicle dealer. Sold Interstate batteries for years. Have them in four Toyotas, 2 in my Mako boat, 1 in ATV, UTV, tractor, Dr. brush mower, Dr Trimmer/mower, 2 propane generators, etc.
You do not need or want a deep cycle; in fact I have 2 starting batteries now in my boat, instead of 2 deep cycle (for trolling motor, and 'house' battery for all electronics, etc.), and 2 starting, per consulting with Interstate recently. I also don't have a trolling motor anymore.

Loss of charge below 80% has a diminishing effect on batteries over time. Ideally one uses up to 20% of charge, for instance, boat use in a day's use, then plugs into charger and brings charge as close to 100% as can be accomplished. For batteries that sit a lot, using a 'maintainer' type like a 'battery tender' brand or similar is best. I would NOT have or leave a trickle charger on a battery for reasons already stated in this thread.

Interstate dealers do sell blems and reconditioned batteries with various warranties for significantly reduced prices in their stores; not necessarily in their independent dealer stores. See if there is a distributor store near you. That's where I get all mine, AGM, lead acid etc.

 

[California]

A clerk at Autozone told me he was farm-bred and they use Autozone's combo starting/deep cycle battery (I think intended for marine use) in combines etc that are used only seasonally, because this type of battery has different chemistry and less self-discharge. I bought one. It lasted only a couple of years of occasional use in my tractor. I suspect vibration, or driving over rough terrain, destroyed it internally. Went back to an automotive battery and no more problems.

Incidentally I just bought a car battery and O'Reilly was $20 less than Autozone for what I think is the same battery. Same specs, weight, warranty.

 

[goeduck]

I use hybrid deep cycle / starting batteries for seasonal equipment. My preference is the Optima yellow tops.
For Optima, Red top is starting, Yellow deep cycle / starting, and Blue is deep cycle.

That is what I use as well. Yellow tops, no issues.

 

[Egon]

[video]https://www.brp.ca/off-road/shop/accessories-ssv/electrical_electroni/electrical_accessories/battery-charger_maintainer-for-all.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4sCfzMbO3QIVE4GzCh0GDQj 8EAQYASABEgLhqvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COiEnvrGzt0CFRqoyAodkeYCjQ[/video]

A charger of this type would be preferred for long term maintenance.

Batteries are built to different standards. Rough service types are available for high vibration circumstances.

 

[check]

So How long should the OEM battery last? I have not changed my BX 25 battery since I bought it in 2008. 10 years now, and no problems. I use the tractor maybe 2 to 3 times a month year-round.

 

[vvanders]

Former foreign auto shop and used foreign vehicle dealer. Sold Interstate batteries for years. Have them in four Toyotas, 2 in my Mako boat, 1 in ATV, UTV, tractor, Dr. brush mower, Dr Trimmer/mower, 2 propane generators, etc.
You do not need or want a deep cycle; in fact I have 2 starting batteries now in my boat, instead of 2 deep cycle (for trolling motor, and 'house' battery for all electronics, etc.), and 2 starting, per consulting with Interstate recently. I also don't have a trolling motor anymore.

Loss of charge below 80% has a diminishing effect on batteries over time. Ideally one uses up to 20% of charge, for instance, boat use in a day's use, then plugs into charger and brings charge as close to 100% as can be accomplished. For batteries that sit a lot, using a 'maintainer' type like a 'battery tender' brand or similar is best. I would NOT have or leave a trickle charger on a battery for reasons already stated in this thread.

Interstate dealers do sell blems and reconditioned batteries with various warranties for significantly reduced prices in their stores; not necessarily in their independent dealer stores. See if there is a distributor store near you. That's where I get all mine, AGM, lead acid etc.

Keep in mind 20% thing only applies it lead acid. Li-ion/lifepo likes to stay between 10% to 90% and hates high/low temp. NiCad resets it's memory with full discharge cycle so it's important to understand this stuff if you're using one of the non standard chemistries.

 

[RjCorazza]

10 years is good service from any battery. The Kubota oem batteries seem to have a long service life in my experience.
Unfortunately older batteries go south quick when they go bad... usually the first cold weather start of the season.

 

[goeduck]

Battery life depends on many things, the charge level, the climate it is stored in, etc. I have a riding lawnmower that made it to 13 years and one in my pickup that made it to 16 years. Neither was in heated storage but our climate is mild. I always thought on average 10 years is acceptable.

 

[WranglerX]

I use my tractor several days per week in retirement, every week, so I do not share your issue.

Some post here that batteries last longest frequently partially discharged, then recharged, which is my situation.

Some postulate that a constant full battery charge is detrimental to long battery life.

Our temperate winters (LA/FL) place less demand on tractor batteries than cold winters in the north.

I buy Interstate brand batteries for my passenger vehicles, tractor and RTV500. They last me a l-o-n-g time.

I grease battery terminals with specialized dielectric grease. I have dipped grease out of one 6-ounce tub for ten years.

LINK: NO OX ID battery grease | eBay



I will be interested in reading other's opinions.

I am a battery consumer. I claim no special battery expertise.

NO-OX-ID.... Best stuff ever have had batteries go 7-8 years and no corrosion at all if battery terminals and cable properly cleaned before application.... If you warm it a bit, it apples easier...

Dale