Equipment Batteries Just Don't Last

[HillStreet]

I keep a Kubota zero turn mower and a Polaris mid sized Ranger in a barn out back. Unheated but still closed in pretty good. I go out there quite a bit during the winter, and when I do I start each machine and run it for a while. Neither would start today, and it is mid 30s. Last run ups were about 3 weeks ago. Polaris battery was new 6 months ago, purchased from the dealer. ZTR is 2 years old. I suppose I could just pickle them and just use them during the warmer months but hey, I do like to spin the UTV around just for the exercise. Should I look into chargers that stay on?

 

[D2Cat]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

I'd suggest a battery maintainer. You could probably get by with one and just switch it from one battery to the other every other week.

 

[AllDodge]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

I gave up on lead acid bats for anything wire tires or props, and only use AGM.
Have always used maintainers and this does help, but AGM's just last longer and need no maintenance.

Edit: removed tracks, my dozer and loader use CAT batteries which are lead acid. They also are 4D size so real large

 

[Thomas]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

Trickle charger can save lot of headaches...good brand name $$$'s.

 

[bigtiller]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

I have 4 maintainers in my shed running full time on my stuff for the winter. Put them on and let them run.

 

[oosik]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

I have a battery maintainer on the two vehicles that are seldom used during the winter. Sure helps. On a smaller scale - I have three cordless hand tools. Two with NiCad - one with Lithium Ion. The LiOn holds its charge forever compared to the NiCads.

 

[RjCorazza]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

I like AGM batteries also. Optima yellow tops in my diesel zero turns.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

I keep a Kubota zero turn mower and a Polaris mid sized Ranger in a barn out back. Unheated but still closed in pretty good. I go out there quite a bit during the winter, and when I do I start each machine and run it for a while. Neither would start today, and it is mid 30s. Last run ups were about 3 weeks ago. Polaris battery was new 6 months ago, purchased from the dealer. ZTR is 2 years old. I suppose I could just pickle them and just use them during the warmer months but hey, I do like to spin the UTV around just for the exercise. Should I look into chargers that stay on?

I cannot speak to your Kubota other than ask if it has glow plugs? But your Ranger, I may be able to address. Try cycling your key several times before attewmpting to start your Ranger. Newer Polaris UTVs have relays that don't like top click below 35 degrees. I have this on video along with Polaris' new part number--which you mayt be able to get for free from your Polaris dealer.

 

[CMV]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-864-Automatic-Battery-Charger/dp/B006G14FK8

These are pretty awesome. Have a recondition mode too and if used about once per year does a great job extending a battery's life. These are the same chargers BMW sells but w/o the BMW branding (or insane price tag).

Anecdotal but my 2011 F150 has its factory battery. Just traded in wife's 2012 Sonata with 140k miles and it had its factory battery in it still. I think using that charger + its recondition mode annually is what made them last that long. Two 7-8 y/o factory batteries still in great shape, cars parked outside, & truck is often parked for a week or so unused & only has 70k miles. Even little stuff like ATV and riding mower (and growing weary of continually buying those little batteries went with the cheapest WalMart ones) are now lasting year after year. I'm convinced that little charger has paid for itself several times over.

 

[HillStreet]

Re: Equipment Batteries Just Don稚 Last

I have a battery maintainer on the two vehicles that are seldom used during the winter. Sure helps. On a smaller scale - I have three cordless hand tools. Two with NiCad - one with Lithium Ion. The LiOn holds its charge forever compared to the NiCads.

Man I am glad to hear that about LiOn batteries. I just one hour ago bought (Amazon) a DeWalt 20V cordless sawzall and it has a LiOn battery. It’s been a while since I bought cordless tools but the prices have seemed to spike. I hope it means the quality is as good.