Battery Questions

tc35dforme · May 28, 2002

Okay folks...time for a few battery questions.

Mt NH35D is showing slight signs of corrosion in the battery area. The liquid levels are good in the battery, but I did note that the foam under the radiator is a bit chewed up and some bolt heads are discolored. Nothing too far gone .... yet !!

I'm looking at replacing the OEM battery with an Optima sealed unit. They run about $ 130, fully sealed, and LEAKPROOF.

Questions:

Can I store the OEM battery on the shelf and expect it to be re-born after a charge if I need it ???

Anybody tried the Optima battery ??

Any info is appreciated.

knucklehead · May 28, 2002

Good question -I've never been able to do so without keeping the battery maintained (trickle charger), and although I am sure there is some simple reason, like deterioration of the acid or plates, I don't know what it is. I'd also like to know how to put a battery into storage mode, if anyone out there can help. You could always use it to run a 12V radio or some other accessory in your shop, and keep it maintained thataway - only half kidding /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

jinman · May 28, 2002

Your battery will last the longest in storage if you have it fully charged before putting it on the shelf. You could test it periodically with a specific gravity type checker or voltmeter and recharge as necessary to keep it charged. Since it is not a "deep cycle" battery, you can expect problems if you let it get too low. It will also stay charged longer if you make sure it is spotlessly cleaned before storage. Even a small amount of current (trickle) through surface contamination or dirt will eventially discharge a battery. Hope this helps...

I think your idea of going with a sealed battery is a good one. Having the open grill screen right above the battery is asking for trouble if it rains through the grill right down onto the battery. A sealed unit should take care of this problem. NH could solve this problem by putting a cover over the battery, but I won't hold my breath for that to happen.

tc35dforme · May 28, 2002

Well ... the Optima sealed battery is on the way!!!

The dimensions are effectively the same as the OEM but the mounts are a bit different. I'll probably need to use longer side rods and a top clamp bar to secure it. No big deal.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Hey Jinman...you got me thinking with your rain comment. I wonder if the guys who have had battery overflow and corrosion problems store their machines in the weather. My garage is being planned now and the tractor sleeps outside. I can see how the rain would collect on top of the battery and if the caps aren't super tight ( think vibration and bumpy fields ) some rain water may get into the cells filling them and then the overspill occurs when it charges and get warm ??

I'm just wondering if there is a common issue with the battery leakers ??!!??

mjh · May 29, 2002

the problem you are having with seeing corrosion under your battery is most likely from the altenator overcharging i work at a dealership and have done several warranty replacements on these units nh has been allowing us to replace the battery, altenator, and any damaged parts including one radiator and trans. cooler, they are aware there is a problem.

mswanson · May 29, 2002

Can you give more details on this. I have a TC33D with 90 hours and I have corosion starting. Is this fix left up to the dealer?

djradz · May 30, 2002

mjh, is NH saying the problem is overcharging or is that your opinion. My dealer replaced a bunch of parts, but to my knowledge, not anything on the charging system. They also rotated the battery 180 degrees so the caps are now more to the front. I had already lowered the battery electrolyte level so the dealer figured that was enough. If NH is now saying it's likely the charging system, I'd like to know.

PLanger · May 30, 2002

Check with your dealer about warranty - you should be completely covered - my dealer replaced the battery (w/ an Optima), replaced radiator, replaced several lines, etc. - all under warranty no questions asked. As mentioned above, NH is aware of the problem and they are standing behind it with the warranty. I had no problems getting mine fixed immediately. Remember, corrosion doesn't fix itself and it WILL continue to get worse over time if not addressed. Let us know what your dealer tells you. Good luck.

tc35dforme · May 30, 2002

mjh & Planger & All;

I'm sure New Holland would stand behind this if I let it develop. What I have done is initiated a preemptive strike to save me the trouble of having to go through the warranty service and repair.

It may sound weird, but I figure $ 130 is a lot cheaper than loosing the tractor for a few days, transporting it to and from the dealer, and all the other little headaches that are related to the fix.

Its kind of a catch-22...the dealer can do much until something rots off, and I can't stand allowing something to rot off !! I know its a physcological defect of mine, but I'm living with it.

I am going to put a meter on the charging circuit and see how it runs....just in case.

Thanks all !!!!

PLanger · May 30, 2002

Well, I guess to each his own. None of the components that were replace on my 40 had failed - they all had very minor surfaced corrosion - I had nuetralized the acid with baking soda/water as soon as I saw the problem - I doubt that I would have ever experienced a mechanical problem if I had wanted to stay on top of it and/or correct the symptoms as they presented themselves. But why? NH is willing to fix it on their clock. The dealer ordered all parts and waited to pick the tractor up (yes, your dealer should be willing to pick up and deliver on a warranty issue IF the problem can't be fixed on your site) until he had all parts in inventory. he picked it up on a Monday a.m. and had it back the next morning. A good dealer - and I'll bet yours is too. Give them a try. Again, good luck.