Jump Start

[Dougryan]

Hi,
I have an old MTD tractor that has been sitting for several years. I've almost trashed it a few times, but keep thinking that I could use it to pull my dethatcher or lawn trailer around... Anyway. I'm sure the battery is toast. It will crank a few times if I put my charger/starter on (55 amp boost). It's not enough power to really get it cranking.

So, without buying a new battery, what are my options? I can jump start it from my truck battery? With the truck running?

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Jay4200]

Hi,
I have an old MTD tractor that has been sitting for several years. I've almost trashed it a few times, but keep thinking that I could use it to pull my dethatcher or lawn trailer around... Anyway. I'm sure the battery is toast. It will crank a few times if I put my charger/starter on (55 amp boost). It's not enough power to really get it cranking.

So, without buying a new battery, what are my options? I can jump start it from my truck battery? With the truck running?

Thanks,
Doug

You need a new battery. Once a SLA goes dead, it destroys itself. Sulfation creates impedance, so there is no high-current capability. That's why you can charge it, you'll get voltage, but you still can't turn over the starter. Sometimes you can recover the battery by charging to 2.5V/cell (~15V) for a couple of hours. After sitting around for a couple of years though - I'm betting it's toast.

Just to get it going, however, sure you can jump it. You don't need to start the truck (unless your truck's battery is dead too), just connect the truck battery and start the tractor.

JayC

 

[Scooby074]

I have one of those ctek chargers. Ive used it to recover a couple batteries.Canadian Tire

It wont recover all, but its worth a try. Plus it makes an excellent battery tender to keep your batteries healthy.
'
The best way to jump is to leave the battery in the circuit and touch the positive lead directly to the starter. You dont want to make a habit of jumping or you will burnout your starter with the high current from an automotive battery.