L245DT Replacing battery - how many CCA's

[djefferis]

So have a 1983 Kubota that is extremely hard starting...its been sitting a while and tested the battery. It is presently only holding 46% charge - so its time for a change. Hopefully the problem is as simple as the battery not being strong enough - as it seems to run fine once it gets going.

Looking at batteries - of course the price varies from $50 to well over $200...but CCA range from 500-850+

It's kept inside in winter - so do I really need to spend the $100+ on a higher CCA battery, or is the cheapest option @ 580 CCA sufficient? Obviously - if the upgrade in starting power is going to make a major difference year round...I'm probably better of paying now, but if its just a performance boost when the weather is sub freezing or when something has been sitting outdoors an extended period - its really no better for my needs. I've always lived by the motto of more power is better...but also dont feel like paying for power that will never be used.

Thoughts/TIA

 

[SDT]

CCAs are like money and HP. Some's good, and more's better.

Buy a battery with at least the CCA rating as the OEM battery, more if high hours or hard starting.

SDT

 

[Fallon]

CCAs are like money and HP. Some's good, and more's better.

Buy a battery with at least the CCA rating as the OEM battery, more if high hours or hard starting.

SDT

Yup. I always go for the biggest battery I can reasonably fit under the hood. If it's a sports car, ya, go for the lightest one you can (maybe even a $$$ lithium), but we add weight to tractors to make them perform better. Dont skimp on capacity, it just comes back to bite you in the worst weather conditions. Not worth a few bucks to me.

 

[KennyV]

When buying batteries for tractors always look for the heaviest, (most lead). there are various alloys that may give a reasonable current flow, and there are plates made with very porous design... But with lead acid batteries if you look for the heaviest battery in any particular size class you will not go wrong, and will have the most performance available plus likely save some $$ over the gimicky sales pitches... KennyV