Battery experts needed - substitute 24F for 24 to get positive terminal forward.

[fatboycowen]

I replaced the battery on my ct235 last year. I'll have to dig up the size I used. Personally, I wouldn't spend the money on a nice battery. Will it last twice as long as a normal Walmart one? I doubt it. But it does cost twice as much.... And odyssey is nice. I have one in my fun car.

 

[RickB]

Put a 24F in it and move on.

 

[powerscol]

Thanks. I plan to pick one up tomorrow, or a group 34R AGM one which is a tad longer but will still fit - but need to actually see and measure one.

 

[TractorGuy]

For standard batteries check at Tractor Supply if you have one local. Their battery prices are better than Walmart here.

 

[John_Mc]

Besides the Odyssey design allows for more charge to be stored in the same or less volume over the wasteful Optima spiral cell design. To illustrate, imagine a box sized to hold a six pack of beer then imagine how much beer you could fit into all that wasted space between the cylindrical cans. For some reason Optima touts this design but there is also a saying that goes "if you can't hide it, highlight it". It's simply a way to make their batteries cheaper and that's it.

I've heard the energy density bit several times now. I have to say: for a typical tractor application, who cares? If you have the space to fit a battery with the appropriate capacity ratings, put it in and don't look back. If it makes the batteries less expensive, but they still fit in my tractor (though a bit bigger than an equivalent rated Odyssey), I'm happy.

Now the stories of Optima quality problems are something that would concern me. I'd be interested in hearing more, but so far it's just the nebulous "some people are having issues..."

 

[dickfoster]

I've heard the energy density bit several times now. I have to say: for a typical tractor application, who cares? If you have the space to fit a battery with the appropriate capacity ratings, put it in and don't look back. If it makes the batteries less expensive, but they still fit in my tractor (though a bit bigger than an equivalent rated Odyssey), I'm happy.

Now the stories of Optima quality problems are something that would concern me. I'd be interested in hearing more, but so far it's just the nebulous "some people are having issues..."

Energy density equates to cranking time, especially with glow plugs in cold weather etc. As with anything you get what you pay for. You can always save money but sometimes you end up paying for that too.

As far as Optima goes they moved production to Mexico a few years ago and started a heavy marketing campaign. Then the complaints started popping up. I'm an offroader. As such as a group we are really hard on batteries with winching, bouncing, compressors, extra lights and such so word gets around that bunch pretty quickly when the quality slips.
Now I'm getting a little concerned because I'm seeing more Odyssey marketing lately so the MBA types may be at work bringing them down now too. However, I haven't seen it yet. If like Optima they start to trash the brand I'll be among the first to speak up. So far I think all of their stuff is still made in the US. If the prices starts to go down look for a drop in quality because no one can deliver something for nothing no matter who they are. As long as I get what I pay for, I'm happy enough.

 

[powerscol]

Update
I went and got a Walmart battery on sale $87 plus core. It is the 24F and fits perfectly. Thanks everyone for you help and advice.

 

[John_Mc]

Energy density equates to cranking time, especially with glow plugs in cold weather etc. As with anything you get what you pay for. You can always save money but sometimes you end up paying for that too.

My point was that energy density is a non-issue if space is not your major concern.

As far as Optima goes they moved production to Mexico a few years ago and started a heavy marketing campaign. Then the complaints started popping up. I'm an offroader. As such as a group we are really hard on batteries with winching, bouncing, compressors, extra lights and such so word gets around that bunch pretty quickly when the quality slips.

So what problems are that group seeing? I'm not trying to argue that they are not happening. I believe you. I'd just like to know what to watch out for.

 

[dickfoster]

My point was that energy density is a non-issue if space is not your major concern.



So what problems are that group seeing? I'm not trying to argue that they are not happening. I believe you. I'd just like to know what to watch out for.

You watch for dead batteries that won't hold a charge and were replaced not long ago. After paying a premium price and just getting a label instead of a decent battery, it's not a good deal. Also they play this color game with battery tops, one color of this, another color for that while Odyssey manages to do everything, starting, deep cycle, marine etc. with just one color, orange.

 

[powerscol]

I guess folks are wondering why I went with the Walmart unit. 5 year warranty and I can buy a lot of them for the price of the others. Turns out my bad battery is not totally bad due to a very corroded connection. Corrosion was inside where I could not see it. I'll use it to run my 12V fueling station - should be good for a long time.

Again thanks for the help.

Now having said that I have been studying solar power with battery backup. That's where you need a very high density deep cycle and pays to go premium from what I am reading.