Battery Definitions

bigpete · Mar 19, 2004

I hate to post another batter thread with a "Battery Recommendations" thread just below. That one has to do with golf carts, so I figure you folks wouldn't mind.

After reading about other battery acid vs. radiator nightmares in another thread, I have decided to go ahead and upgrade as soon as it is practical. Several people have been talking about "Optima" batteries, which seems like a great design. Most likely that will be my upgrade, but I'm a little in the dark about some of the terminology, i.e. Deep Cycle, etc. Any battery experts out there? I'm operating a 2003 4110.

PineRidge · Mar 19, 2004

Pete I agree the Optima battery is the way to go. I installed one in my New Holland when the original battery started spewing acid..

Typically a deep cycle battery is used for an application such as an electric trolling motor on a fishing boat. They are meant to be almost completely discharged before recharging without adverse problem to the battery itself.

I might suggest visiting the FAQ page at the Optima site. There is a lot of interesting info there click here

ducati996 · Mar 19, 2004

BigPete,

Your machine uses the group 51R series which is a yellow top
version from Optima. I did the change over a few months ago
on my 4100 for a major piece of mind. Costco might have the Optima 51 R for less...funny thing its the same size as a Honda civic (newer models)

Duc

bigpete · Mar 19, 2004

Thanks, guys. I will study up. this is a piece-of-mind upgrade, too.

bigpete · Mar 19, 2004

Duc, I read that the battery you recommend is a yellow top/deep cycle. I don't think the stock batteries are deep cycle. Any reason the yellow top is recommended? Is it just because the battery will sit for a few weeks at a time during the down season? I don't typically run much of a load or run lights off the battery with the engine off.

Lazy · Mar 19, 2004

Hi
check out this site for batteries

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/auto.htm

Charlie

ducati996 · Mar 19, 2004

Hi BigPete,
I was looking for a solution for 6 months when someone sent me this link below, it mentioned Optima offering a group 51 battery. I literally ran to the nearest supply outlet near me ( Pep boys) who had it in stock...it cost me $125 but I will never regret that at all. Your new machine my not be a problem because maybe they addressed it with a better battery?
As far as I know yellow is the only offering thus far in a Group 51 R size...its got a little more punch (CCA) and starts it right up in the cold, but best of all no worries.

Duc

http://www.jci.com/CorpPR/Releases/battery/release626.asp

normde2001 · Mar 20, 2004

I would go with the "redtop", 800cca, as opposed to 500cca for the group 51 "yellow top". You can't go wrong getting the biggest/strongest battery that will fit in your space. Roger-Scotty always recommended the "redtop".

ducati996 · Mar 20, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would go with the "redtop", 800cca, as opposed to 500cca for the group 51 "yellow top". You can't go wrong getting the biggest/strongest battery that will fit in your space. Roger-Scotty always recommended the "redtop". )</font>

Problem is it will only fit a Group 51 - you are limited to space
and I already tried that with no luck...Yellow is fine and more than adequate...the stock battery is 435cca, the yellow battery is at 500cca...I know originally they didn't offer a group 51 in a red top, but it could have been ( very) recently introduced...its more than enough battery for this machine thats for sure, it comes down to price after that and if its available...

Duc

PineRidge · Mar 20, 2004

Just a thought but you guys still needing Optima batteries may want to check your local AutoZone stores. They started stocking some of the Optima batteries shortly after I installed one in my New Holland. The prices looked good also.