battery terminal corrosion

jinman · Nov 8, 2003

Mike, the battery leak problem definitely effects Class III Boomers. I think I was one of the first to report the problem here on TBN and since that time I've seen the problem repeated over and over. If your dealer said the problem was only with overfilled batteries, he just doesn't know the full scope of the problem. My battery and many others have not been overfilled. I took my tractor into my dealer and made a warranty claim for the repairs. I got a new radiator, hydrostatic coolant lines and battery hardware. I've attached a picture of what my battery area looked like. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif In this picture, the battery is removed, so you need to look behind your battery to locate any problems. I keep expecting New Holland to come out with a battery box or even an apron to cover the battery, but as yet, nothing.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Just keep an eye on your battery area and wash the area down with lots of fresh water. You may never see a problem. I sure hope not.

MikePA · Nov 9, 2003

Has anyone tried using a battery box to contain the splashing liquid? 
There are too many 'Mikes' in this thread! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

At least on the Class II Boomers, there's barely enough room for the battery, so I am not sure a battery box would fit, plus it doesn't solve the underlying problem. I think the problem is worse on the Class III Boomers because it's harder to see the damage. As jinman's post indicates, you have to pull the battery to see how bad things are. At least with the Class IIs, it's all out in front. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Even on my Class II, I didn't see how bad the battery tray was until I pulled the original battery out.

As jinman recommends, for those still running the original battery, you have to keep an eye on it. The solution to the problem is to replace the original battery with a sealed battery like an Optima. It's an expensive battery, but it solves the problem.

I could have reported the problem to the dealer and had him replace the battery under warranty, but then I'm without the tractor for a few days and I have to pay for pickup and delivery. It was easier for me to just clean up the mess and replace the battery. I didn't have damaged hydraulic pipes or a damaged radiator to deal with. I just had to clean the area, repaint and replace the hold down J screws.

I honestly don't think it's if Boomer owners will have a problem, it's when. And the when will probably happen when it's least convenient to deal with. My advice to Boomer owners is to do some preemptive maintenance and replace their battery. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

MikePA · Nov 9, 2003

Don't know why I didn't think of this before. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

The correct Optima battery for Class II Boomers is right on top of the battery. It's SC51DA.

PineRidge · Nov 9, 2003

Jim that is an ugly way to destroy a tractor for certain. Splash battery acid on it and let it destroy itself, man what a mess.

Is there a standard Optima battery that will fit my TC-40D so that I can start looking before the damage hits me in the face?

Where do you recommend purchase of an Optima battery? And lastly are there any special charging techniques for the Optima, should it ever need recharged with a conventional battery charger?

Thanks!

MikePA · Nov 9, 2003

Is there a standard Optima battery that will fit my TC-40D so that I can start looking before the damage hits me in the face? 
What class battery does the 40D use? 1st Optima Batteries lists all the models as well as dimensions plus post orientation for all Optima batteries.

 Where do you recommend purchase of an Optima battery? 
1st Optima Batteries is one place. tna-sports.com is another site.

And lastly are there any special charging techniques for the Optima, should it ever need recharged with a conventional battery charger?
Here's a link that describes charging an Optima battery.

have_blue · Nov 9, 2003

Mike,

My TC35 battery has "ears" on the ends for hold down. Does the Optima battery have the hold down ears?

I tried a battery with no ears, and there is no way to reliably hold the battery down without welding up a new mounting system. "J" bolts simply do not work without a snug frame for the battery to sit in.

MikePA · Nov 9, 2003

My TC35 battery has "ears" on the ends for hold down. Does the Optima battery have the hold down ears? 
The SC51DA does not have the hold down ears. Perhaps some of the other Optima batteries do.

PineRidge · Nov 9, 2003

34R? 51R? Where are you guys picking up these numbers? My battery has the following information: model no. 86401986
M01K2A3
24F600X27 MN2
It is 10 X 6-1/4 X 8 inches high
The positive post is on the left side as you sit on the tractor and the posts are standard on the top of the battery.
How do I cross this turkey out?
When I pulled the original battery at 42 hours I have acid damage to my TC-40D.

I fully expect to work on old tractors but not new ones. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

MikePA · Nov 9, 2003

34R? 51R? Where are you guys picking up these numbers? 
These are Optima model numbers.

24F600X27 MN2
You have a group 24 battery.

 It is 10 X 6-1/4 X 8 inches high
The Optima Model 34 is 10 x 6.8 x 7.8.

PineRidge · Nov 9, 2003

Thanks Mike we will give Optima a call tomorrow and get one headed this way. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I spent most of the day cleaning up the acid/rust mess that the original battery made and after I paint it I don't want to be going through this scenerio again in the near future. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif