Mahindra 4530 is killing batteries

[k0ua]

You measure current draw with a Multimeter. Sometimes called a VOM Volt, Ohm Milliamp meter. But you cannot just pick one up and understand all that you need to know. This is why I think basic usage of this simple but vital instrument should be taught in our schools. I realize schools are not interested in teaching anything useful in a persons life, but I could hope.

If there is a parasitic current draw a trickle charger would likely solve this problem.
Keep in mind when any lead acid battery is run down its longevity has been compromised. In other words when you run a battery down, it is never has the capacity it once had even if it is fully recharged.

 

[k0ua]

When you get the battery recharged, and the tractor running again, you need to measure the charging voltage with that VOM you don't own. (you are going to buy one right?)

 

[Navasot]

If you havnt cranked it since then that's not uncommon. The ground must be cleaned were it leaves the battery and bolts onto the frame.. iv seen some with bad glow timers do the same.. and also the power cable loosing its continuity

 

[Navasot]

multi meters are handy... I use mine everyday

 

[k0ua]

multi meters are handy... I use mine everyday

You only have one? I have several. Five I think.

 

[daydk1]

I think I have one from Harbor Freight. I've just never used it. I'll get it out and see if I can figure out how to use it. I'm also going to get me another trickle charger and put on it. I have them on my two motorcycles and they work great. I may go ahead and put the kill switch on it too. I just thought it was odd that it would run the battery down that fast. I had a John Deere of similar size and it would sometimes sit for six months and start right up. I owned it for seven years and I think I replaced the battery once.

When you get the battery recharged, and the tractor running again, you need to measure the charging voltage with that VOM you don't own. (you are going to buy one right?)

 

[k0ua]

I think I have one from Harbor Freight. I've just never used it. I'll get it out and see if I can figure out how to use it. I'm also going to get me another trickle charger and put on it. I have them on my two motorcycles and they work great. I may go ahead and put the kill switch on it too. I just thought it was odd that it would run the battery down that fast. I had a John Deere of similar size and it would sometimes sit for six months and start right up. I owned it for seven years and I think I replaced the battery once.

The reason for measuring the charging voltage is to determine if the alternator/regulator is working correctly. It should be about 14.2 volts at first, and may drop down to about 13.8 or so after the battery is fully charged. I installed a digital one as a permanant mount on my tractor for continuous monitoring of battery health.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...d-voltmeter-my-kioti.html?highlight=voltmeter

 

[daydk1]

Thanks James. I ordered one of the round ones from Amazon. This looks like a necessity. Now if I can just figure out how to wire it up and where to mount it. I won't be able to get back to the tractor until Friday, but you all have given me some things to check. I hope to be able to get it started and then put it in my barn that has electricity and at least put a trickle charger on it. As soon as the voltmeter comes in, I'll get it mounted so I can see what's happening. Thanks for everyone's input.

The reason for measuring the charging voltage is to determine if the alternator/regulator is working correctly. It should be about 14.2 volts at first, and may drop down to about 13.8 or so after the battery is fully charged. I installed a digital one as a permanant mount on my tractor for continuous monitoring of battery health.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...d-voltmeter-my-kioti.html?highlight=voltmeter

 

[k0ua]

Keep in mind this voltmeter will not tell you anything about parasitic current draws from the battery when the key is turned off. Of course the voltmeter itself must be "on the key" or it would draw down the battery after a while itself. But the permanent mount voltmeter is handy to make sure the battery is charging from the alternator and that the regulator is working correctly. It can also show a trend when the key is just turned on and if the voltage is low, that a cell may be defective or the entire battery is "weak" if you understand how to interpret it.

 

[daydk1]

Yes, I understand.