RobertN
Super Member
I would still consider changing it. How old is you tractor now? If more than 4-5 years old, the original battery aint going to last too much longer.
CNH battery ROCKS!!
- Thread starter Danica
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SPYDERLK
Super Star Member
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- JD2010, Kubota3450,2550, Mahindra 7520 w FEL w Skid Steer QC w/Tilt Tatch, & BH, BX1500
Its acting like its fine. It just started the tractor with only about 40% of full charge. Just check the electrolyte. Usually a battery gives warning signs.
larry
jwstewar
Elite Member
I bought my New Holland TC-24D in June of 2003. I still have the original battery in it. It stays in the pole barn all of the time, but even this winter after sitting for several weeks, I went out at 10 degrees hit the glow plugs and it started the same as always. I figure I'll run it until it absolutely dies. When it does, I figure I can either go get a battery for it or jump it to get it started. It isn't like a car that when it fails I would be stranded somewhere.
RobertN
Super Member
I have had to change the battery in the field on my previous tractor. If I knew my battery was old, and I just had a new one sitting there, then I would probably change it. But, maybe I saw the signs, and pushed it as far as a I could. Actually, no. Second battery change, it just died...
Mickey_Fx
Veteran Member
As another poster mentioned, self discharge on LA batteries is very low. As long as there is no drain when not in service they can go a long time between charges. One thing, they do not like being left in a partial or full discharge state. They will dystroy them fairly quick. A desulfator may be able to restore a sulfated battery and add a fair amount of life to the battery.
My Cub is now 8 yrs old, original battery and is working great. Same for the battery in my Yanmar and it is 6 yrs old. treat LA batteries right and they can last a long time.
My Cub is now 8 yrs old, original battery and is working great. Same for the battery in my Yanmar and it is 6 yrs old. treat LA batteries right and they can last a long time.
OP
Danica
Silver Member
SPYDERLK
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Its important that you charge it a few hrs every month or so with a small charger [~ 3 Amp] to preserve its life while idle. Check electrolyte occasionally. Dont do a continuous trickle charge. That will destroy the battery within a year.
larry
larry
Hematite
Gold Member
Hmm, I thought that a continuous trickle charge was good for a battery. Isn't that what a battery maintainer does?
tawilson
Platinum Member
A maintainer will cut the juice when charged. I have heard that leaving a trickle charger on may rejuvenate a weak battery, but continuous is a killer.
Mickey_Fx
Veteran Member
I respectfully disagree with both points. The batteries I mentioned in my previous post, 6 & 8 yrs old, never see a charger during the winter months.
LA batteries love to be on a charger full time IF the charger is at the correct voltage for float charging. LA batteries are charged with a constant voltage source and as such the charger can only push current into the battery IF the charger source voltage is higher than the battery. When battery and charger are at equilibrium, i.e. same voltage NO current flows into the battery. The best chargers used in RV's are multi stage and final stage is for float charge and desired voltage is ~13.25V. LA batteries can rise to ~13.9V without damage. I get yrs of service in my motorhome and it's plugged in to shore power all the time it is not on the road.
Example on the constant voltage charging method but in a form more people can understand. Take 2 containers, one empty, the other full of water. Empty bucket is small compared to the one with the water. Both containers are same height. Place a siphon hose in the buckets and start water flowing. Water flows fastest when the difference in water level is the greatest. As water level starts getting closer to being level, the flow rate has decreased. When they reach same level the water ceases to flow. You will not see the smaller container overflow just because it holds less water than the larger container. No magic on controlling current flow and shutting off when battery is fully charged. Voltage is pressure and equal voltage but opposing one another will result in no current flow or water flow in this example.