Battery died in my 3720 Cab model after 1.25 years

[nmu98]

I have been thinking I had a weak battery for the last 3 to 4 months. It got cold and the battery would not turn over the tractor. I could charge it and it would start once and the next time i would have to charge it again.

I took it to autozone and had it tested and it failed pretty bad. Called the dealer and they gave me a 50% warranty on it. Cost me 50 bucks for a new battery.

They gave me a strong box. Is that a good brand? Its still the side vent so it wont leak on the tractor. Anyone elses battery go bad so early?

 

[radman1]

Sometimes a battery just dies. Internal short or whatever. However, I think the JD CUT batteries are marginal. Mine died at year 2. JD batteries, like most parts, are overpriced. Strongbox is just the name JD gives to their batteries. I don't know who makes JDs batteries.

 

[JD755]

I have replaced several JD Strong Box batteries while under warranty and received a partial return. 1.25 years is still pretty short, but not unheard of.

 

[kennyd]

There are lots of post's about JD batteries going bad...your $50 would have been better put toward a Optima SLA battery.

 

[nmu98]

I knew JD batteries were not the best. I was hoping strong box was a decent brand, or made by a decent brand.

There are lots of post's about JD batteries going bad...your $50 would have been better put toward a Optima SLA battery.

I thought about it. I could not find one that would fit locally and I needed the tractor asap. If I could have waited, I would have bought one.

I still might because my son's little electric hpx needs a battery and that one would work great. Either way, it will all work out.

 

[Nuru]

nmu98 - go for the Optima, there are multiple threads about switching to that brand and the results that most have had with it.

 

[mfreund]

I bought my 2004 x495 new. The battery lasted 12 monthes exactly I never bothered with the warranty because I figured the new one would last only another 12 months. That battery was the same as in my S10 pick-up. Sold that tractor and bought a 2004 4310 with a Strong Box battery (don't know the age) and have had it 14 months and have no problems. I also regularly look for corrosion on the hydro cooler. I had to replace a bolt on the hold down this fall but no other problems. I think the Strong box batteries are better than OE Deere batteries. It may not be a Optima but you only have $50 in it too. I think you will be pleased. If it fails you could always spend the $200 for a Optima.

 

[Cami]

Play it safe and test your alternator. If its performance is iffy, then you'll kill another battery in short order....sometimes having a bad battery will over work and damage an alternator...which kills your new battery....which kills your new alternator.

When one goes, always check the other.

 

[BobRip]

Do you keep a float charger on the tractor when not in use? This can greatly extend the life. Also check to see if the tractor is pulling some current from the battery when turned off. This should be very low (less than 10 mA would be good). This test is best left to a knowledgeable person if you don't know how to use current on a multimeter. It is very easy to blow the meter.

 

[nmu98]

Play it safe and test your alternator. If its performance is iffy, then you'll kill another battery in short order....sometimes having a bad battery will over work and damage an alternator...which kills your new battery....which kills your new alternator.

When one goes, always check the other.

I checked it and its working perfectly!

Do you keep a float charger on the tractor when not in use? This can greatly extend the life. Also check to see if the tractor is pulling some current from the battery when turned off. This should be very low (less than 10 mA would be good). This test is best left to a knowledgeable person if you don't know how to use current on a multimeter. It is very easy to blow the meter.

I use a float charger when the tractor will not be used for a few weeks, but my tractor runs every other day or so. Seems pointless to have it on for overnight.