BATTERY TIPS

[paulharvey]

Here is a quick tip that may help someone. I went to Wal-Mart last week to get a battery for one of our Kubotas and was floored when I saw the price. Nearly $100. Since it is so late in the year I thought I would boost it till spring but we are still mowing nearly 10 acres weekly and digging a pond. Too much trouble. So I took the battery out of the tractor (only because it was full and I had to drain1/2 of the acid out otherwise not necessary to remove it plus I could have used a turkey baster). I mixed a 1/4 cup of Epsom Salt in a pint of water and let it dissolve then poured it in the battery to refill to proper level. With the battery out of the tractor I shook it to mix the solution but this may not be necessary either. I put the battery back in boosted it off and mowed for a 1 hour to charge it. Now when I turn the key it cranks just like a new battery. DISCLAIMER THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS: If you do have to drain the acid out of your battery be careful acid will burn your skin and eat holes in your clothes. You may want to wear a pair of gloves, eye protection and have a bowl of baking soda mixed with water in case you get it on you or on your clothes. It has been over 40 years since I did this before yesterday and don't remember how long it lasted but I think it was over a year.

I've tried it before with mixed results. I did 4 batteries; got one back to pretty OK (6 months or so), 1 that when about 2 or 3 weeks and 2 that didn't help.

Yes acid can be dangerous but for about $5 to try to save $400 dollars worth of batteries is worth that 1% chance. Really unless you do something stupid it's pretty safe.

 

[buickanddeere]

OK Fred and Coyote we all know there are risks in ever thing. I posted this cause it may help some one who does not have time to get a new battery or maybe a little short till payday. But keep in mind you could get acid on you from changing a battery, cause a spark hooking in up wrong who knows maybe even start a fire it could happen. Or you could drop it on your foot, maybe you could have a wreck going to get a battery. We know the risks I even posted be careful. This site is full of members showing projects, building and designing stuff at home then giving the idea to other members that may or may not have the knowledge of design, a safe place or correct tools to do the same. Every thing has a risk we all must be careful when messing with batteries or anything you do with a tractor or any other project we decide to do on our on.

Bob there are normal daily risks then there are foolish and unnecessary risks. Messing around with a failing battery containing potential energy and acid rates as foolish and unnecessary .