Battery

SteveBenson · Jan 21, 2005

Well, the old girl wouldn't start up this morning. I guess it didn't like the 4 degree thermometer reading either. I took the battery out and it was frozen solid. It's only 4 years old (from a 2001 TC40D).

How long are your batteries lasting?

thcri · Jan 22, 2005

My TC29D only lasted less than two years. They gave me a new one under warranty.

murph

DUMBDOG · Jan 22, 2005

Mine lasted four years before I had to replace it, just would not crank all of the time.

jinman · Jan 22, 2005

Steve, my battery is also over 4 years old, but if it gets down to 4° in Texas, my tractor isn't the only thing that won't start. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I've always heard that a fully charged battery is less likely to freeze. Maybe an old battery also is more susceptible because it doesn't take as much charge as a new one. Anyway, if you get three years on a normal lead-acid battery, I think you've had good value from it.

Time for an Optima SLA. . . I hope your battery tray isn't as rusty as mine was when I took the battery out to install a battery box.

JimR · Jan 22, 2005

A frozen battery is a dead battery for sure. Battery life can never be determined. Some batteries last longer than their normal life and others last a shorter period of time. This year was battery year for me too. I just swapped out my wife's 99 Acura battery (original), my 2000 S-10 battery (original), and the battery in my Cub Cadet. My daughter still has her original battery in her 1998 Honda Accord. It started right up this morning at -10 degrees below zero.

PineRidge · Jan 22, 2005

We followed Jim's advice and installed an Optima battery at about 50 hours. Unfortunately acid damage had already been done even in that short period of time. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

TC-40D SS web pictures click here

have_blue · Jan 22, 2005

Just a general note to all about battery failure. One of the main causes of short battery life is vibration and the rough ride it gets on most tractors. Loose mounting brackets compound the problem, and can cause very early failure. An Optima AGM should tolerate the rough service way better than the factory battery, even though it's probably rated for rough service. Even though it will tolerate rougher use, make sure the brackets fit right and strap that baby down good!

erosol · Jan 22, 2005

My Panasonic battery that came in my 1994 Toyota truck is still working. It's hard to believe! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

djradz · Jan 24, 2005

The original battery in my 40D is still going strong. I expect I should get at least 6 years from it. I did have to lower the electrolyte level because of the leaking out the top problem, but it's been great ever since. Maybe you're using yours a lot more or having to do extensive cranking???