Battery Disconnects

[jaydee325]

I'm not convinced that a parasitic draw exists. The batteries were over 10 years old, the machine is very rarely used, and I didn't have a tender on them. Back in the summer I was able to jump it off, but I knew I had a weak battery. I think running it with 1 weak and 1 good battery, killed the weak one and cooked the good one. I was just going to add one more level piece of mind.

It's easy to determine if a parasitic load exists. Disconnect the negative lead at the battery, connect a voltmeter in series. If any voltage is indicated, you have a parasitic load.

 

[JRobyn]

The Anderson SB series are the gold standard for battery disconnects. They are what's usually used on golf carts. Looks like they are only available up to 450 amps, but I bet they'd withstand all but severe extended cranking.

Anderson SB 35 Connector, SB35 connector, Anderson Power Products

 

[WM75Guy]

A 1000-1100 amp rated disconnect would be very pricey and not needed. CCA is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. The rating refers to the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. It is not how much is delivered at any single moment.

Here is what we used on fire trucks. We normally used 2 large six volt batteries on each side wired to give twelve volts on each side. We had 250 amp alternators so it had a pretty large continuous load through it.

M-75 Series - Battery Disconnect Switches from Switches - Littelfuse

 

[countrybumpkin]

One like this would be plenty for a tractor, we have these on just about every truck we have and never any issues with them. Easy to mount and don’t take up a bunch of room.

M-284 Series - Battery Disconnect Switches from Switches - Littelfuse

 

[JimP]

Try searching marine battery disconnect or marine battery switch. Some places are West Marine, Overtons, Perko, Defender. Boats typically disconnect the starting batteries when not in use so you don't get stranded. A 1000 amp switch will not be common though. Jim

 

[showcattle]

What about one like this?
Amazon.com: Fastronix High Current Double Pole Master Battery Disconnect Switch (4-Post) Kit: Automotive