New Battery

[Ford850]

Red Zebra beat me to it. You can see my review of the BattryMINDER 1500 here http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...teryminder-1500-review.html?highlight=battery if interested. I love that thing, and it's seems to have extended the life of my batteries. The cheaper tender styles work too, but they aren't as smart and don't have the same desulfator system. But they do keep the batteries topped off and ready to start.

 

[ponytug]

+1 on Autozone.
Costco is great if they have your size.

Have a look at Consumer Reports on auto batteries- the quality is all over the map. You have to laugh at the Sears Die Hards- you have to factor them by what part of the country you are in because the same model has different characteristics. My bottom line: there probably isn't a universal answer.

I'm with MR and ecbaatz. If you aren't noticing starting problems, if it were me, I wouldn't be rushing to replace it. Keeping the water topped up goes a long way to keeping it healthy, as does regular use. If it were mission critical that it starts at -20F on January 15th after the big snow, that's a different story.

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

...... If it were mission critical that it starts at -20F on January 15th after the big snow, that's a different story.....

And that's exactly when I need the tractor to start! :laughing: So I can dig out and go to work or get to my elderly in-laws house. I can let the grass grow. I can let the leaves lay. But I have to remove the snow in a timely manner.

 

[AaronS]

I've always used Interstate when I could get them, then started reading reviews when it came time to replace 3 batteries in my boat a few weeks ago. I called my local Napa to see if they carried them but they only carried Napa brand. I asked who made them and they said Deka. Interstate deep cycle had consistently poor reviews, Deka was reviewed very favorably. The boat now has 3 Napa batteries in it.

 

[TomSeller]

There are only a couple of companies that make almost all the US automobile batteries, they build them to the different brand requirements. With all the lead manufacturung involved, it is a high entry cost business.

 

[MossRoad]

The key here for this particular tractor is to find one that fits in the battery area. Many well rated and high quality batteries just won't fit. Does anyone have a link to a battery size chart or something of that nature so the OP doesn't have to hunt for battery sizes?

 

[dragoneggs]

really not so much brand but care... keep it charged. If not used regularly, then put it on a trickle charger. I have several where I hook up because of intermittent use (tractor, generator, etc.). Installed a simple quick connect plug so it become habit to plug into to trickle when not in use. I think the best thing you can do for lead batteries is keep them charged. They last a lot longer than if they get depleted severely between charging.

 

[prs]

One important battery factor to consider is vibration tolerance. Lots of passenger car batteries just can't take it. Batteries marketed for off road use will fare better. Optima dual purpose (starting and deep cycle compromise) has done well for me, but they come in limited sizes and may not fit.

prs

 

[Barryh]

+1 on that advice. Then add: BatteryMINDer Charger/Maintainer/Desulfator System Model# 1500 | Battery Maintainers| Northern Tool + Equipment or a like kind/quality. You can usually find them on sale for much less.

My battery is old but still seems to be holding a good charge I may wait until spring to replace it. Took your advice and ordered a simple maintainer.

Battery Maintainer, Trickle Charger - BM3B | BLACK+DECKER

 

[jfh28]

yup....physical battery size was the deciding factor for me........got mine thru local TS.......battery replacement is easy on my machine though as it's in the front and I just have to remove the two bolts holding the access cover plate......Jack