How long did your original battery last??

[dragoneggs]

For infrequently used (less than a good alternator charge regularly) I can't recommend enough a batter tender on your batteries, especially in the winter time when they tend to sit. I don't have data but I think any battery benefits with a life at least 5 times longer if cared for.

 

[IslandTractor]

For infrequently used (less than a good alternator charge regularly) I can't recommend enough a batter tender on your batteries, especially in the winter time when they tend to sit. I don't have data but I think any battery benefits with a life at least 5 times longer if cared for.

Totally agree. I just use the cheapo HF battery tenders that cost about $10 or less on sale. Work just fine for maintenance. I usually use one on my DK40se but forgot to put it on last fall. No problem at all this spring even with an 11 year old + battery.

 

[mguitas]

I agree with battery tender also. Remember the heat does more harm on your battery then the cold does.

 

[DK35vince]

For infrequently used (less than a good alternator charge regularly) I can't recommend enough a batter tender on your batteries, especially in the winter time when they tend to sit. I don't have data but I think any battery benefits with a life at least 5 times longer if cared for.

Sorry, I don't buy it.
My last battery in my pickup truck lasted 10 years, current battery is 12 old years and still going strong.
My original tractor battery lasted 11 years.
Original battery in my 2007 electric start Toro Personal pace walk behind mower is still going.
My 2009 street bike is still running the original battery. ( both sit for months in the winter unused).
Non have ever had a battery tender on them.

 

[dragoneggs]

Sorry, I don't buy it.
My last battery in my pickup truck lasted 10 years, current battery is 12 old years and still going strong.
My original tractor battery lasted 11 years.
My 2009 street bike is still running the original battery. 9 years and still going on a little bike battery is great IMO (sits for months in the winter unused).
Non have ever had a battery tender on them.

Maybe you are a lucky guy and maybe most of your batteries get regular good charge. My results have been quite different on my various tractor, generator, garden tractor, boat, etc batteries. Since using a handful of battery tenders, I haven't been buying batteries. The one battery that seems not to need a tender is the one in my truck.

 

[jmc]

Kubota L4330, circa 2003- original battery* still, but clicks briefly sometimes, even when temperature is moderate. Rather than squeeze out its last electron, Ill replace it this summer on MY schedule rather than the battery's schedule. Funny, but with only 500 hrs in 15 years, it sat for long periods with no attention.

*nx110-5mf

 

[mguitas]

15 years and the end is here... My '02 MF1455 has the original Yuasa battery in it and though it has been getting a little weaker, it still started the tractor. Yesterday it failed to start though, and after jumping it and letting it run for some time, it failed again today. Electrolyte level is good. Pretty sure it has finally sulfated beyond the point of no return...

I've only owned it for a year and a half, but the owner before me only ran the tractor in the summer, and charged it occasionally in the winter. (With one of the old style transformer chargers...) It lived outside it's whole life in western Colorado.

Wonder if I can find another Yuasa battery for it??

That's the battery I had in my tractor , when it was time to change it, westernauto had one to fit . the battery was reverse polarity.