Hello. I own a 1990 Kubota 2850, 3000 hrs on it. Had trouble with batteries since this last cold wave. Been -25 for about four days. Battery wouldn't start the tractor. Replaced the starter as I noticed the armature was worn, then replaced the key switch. Today I tested the alternator and it was only putting out 12 volts. Took it off and went to town to a ALT/STARTER repair shop. Buddy tested it and it was fine. He told me to check the ALT while running to see if the voltage spiked when a wire was jumped to one of the prongs where the plug goes on it. I did this and one side did nothing but the other side made the ALT make a different noise ( I knew it was working then). Checked the wire from the ALT to the key switch, AOK. This guy also told me to clean the battery ground wire where it went onto the frame. Removed it and filed it clean, put some dielectric grease on it. After putting the switch back in, I checked the voltage from the ALT, it now read 13.7-14 volts. All is well now. I will try it WEDNESDAY night in the big snow storm and let you know how it worked. Hope this may help others if you have a similar problem. In this case, I believe the ground wire to the frame was bad, no contact.
Thanks.
David
Thanks.
David
