Question Is the corrosion you are experiencing from cracked battery cases leaking battery acid or from the battery vent not doing a good job separating the acid from the venting gas during the normal charge cycle. Some of the batteries I have used in cars/trucks were not very good at separating the battery acid from the battery vents and left a "wetted" surface on the battery and the nearyby components including battery tray. Overtime this led to corrosion on metal surfaces. The batteries that were maintenance free (no removable caps to add water) were the best at not allowing a wetted vent products. I suspect the vents had to be designed well or the battery would not last long due to loss of electrolyte.
Has anyone replaced there wet acid battery with a true maintance free battery (no way to add water). One other thought is to use an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) or Gel battery that are sealed and do not vent battery acids. These type of batteries are used in motorcycles and Personal Water Crafts which can experience much vibration and impacts. Many can even be placed on their side during operation.
I am wondering if I should replace my conventional wet acid battery in my new tractor to keep the battery tray, lower hood and oil cooler from battery acid corrosion?
Any thought or experience with true maintenance free batteries or ASM/Gel beatteries not leading to corrosion?
Wayne