Optima battery questions

[gilabill]

Any experience out there with an Optima D51R in a 3720 or similar?

My JD 3720 OE battery has about given out. Don't really want a Strongbox conventional replacement battery and have searched the forum for an answer to this question but could not find one (if it's there, my apologies). Am thinking D51R (slightly larger than the OE battery), but would that require modifications? It seems it would need a new hold-down setup at least. If so, can that be done slickly? OE battery hold-down is a bolt/bracket at each end engaging a ledge on the battery. No apparent ledge on the rotund Optima.

Slightly off topic, but if you already have a D51R where did you get it? Amazon has them at a fair price ($160) but a review there says that neither Optima nor Amazon will honor the warranty.

 

[BobRip]

I just got a D51 (which just reverses the polarity of the D51R battery) at Advance Auto Part. It was $170. I have only had it 3 or 4 days. It is rated at 450 CCA, but my tester shows over 700 CCA. It's probably over kill, but what the heck.

 

[kennyd]

I just got a D51 (which just reverses the polarity of the D51R battery) at Advance Auto Part. It was $170. I have only had it 3 or 4 days. It is rated at 450 CCA, but my tester shows over 700 CCA. It's probably over kill, but what the heck.

Bob, just so we don't confuse anyone, the "polarity" is not revered, but rather the terminals are. I know it's nitpicking-but I just wanted to clarify that.

 

[jenkinsph]

Optima has had a lot of problems the last few years, I would recomend you see if an Odyssey or Sears DieHard Platinum battery will fit. Much better battery than an Optima.

 

[sunnyside360]

Not long ago I went to Advance Auto Parts to buy an Optima for my standby generator. Sales manager steered me away from Optima --- said quality isn't what it used to be. He recommended their Gold line of batteries instead so that is what I got for a way less money and I believe the warranty was better.

 

[gilabill]

Thanks much for the advice. No confusion on D51R vs. D51. My 3720 positive pole is on the right so D51R is what I need, if I go Optima. Was pretty much sold on Optima because I hear mostly good about it, some here at the forum. Had not yet heard that Optima quality had gone down, so have to rethink. Local JD dealer is no friend of mine and was wanting to online order a mailable high-quality sealed battery. Will check out Odyssey. Seems I will have to modify battery hold-down setup to fit Odyssey, too. Don't like to jack-leg battery hold-downs and stuff like that.

Too bad JD plays games with its OE batteries, got 18 months out of it. How much could it have cost them (and me) for an OE high quality battery...

 

[jenkinsph]

gilabill,
Just to clarify, the Odyssey batteries are very good, the Sears Die Hard Platinum are Odyssey batteries rebadged. I don't think all DieHards are Odyssey's just the Platinum series. While I am no fan of Sears this is one product that is good.

I will be replacing my battery in the 4520 very soon (before it leaks) and would rather modify the hold down than replace with another Deere battery.

 

[sunnyside360]

Another source for battery info is the Ranger PRC Forum. Optima used to have a better reputation there, but the Odyssey is now very popular over there.
http://www.prcforum.com/

 

[anojones]

I replaced my OEM with an Optima yellow 51R. I ended up doing the same thing as in the thread below- but it didn't hold as well as I wanted. I just added a nylon strap (used for camping) around the battery and tray- works like a champ. I also saw that Optima hasn't been as favored lately- but I wanted a sealed battery and that was what was available- I've had no problems in the past couple of years.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...rating/85427-added-yellow-top-3320-today.html

 

[Pipestone Kid]

I guess I must be the lucky one. I have a 2004 JD 4110 and it still has the original battery going strong!

 

[caliber1]

I guess I must be the lucky one. I have a 2004 JD 4110 and it still has the original battery going strong!

I suggest you find some wood to knock on. 5 years and on my third battery.

 

[megotatractor]

I'm also lucky, 6 years on my 2210 oem battery. Although it makes a mess every spring when the machine sits a month or more, corrosion gone wild! Just for that reason I'm looking at a new sealed battery of ANY brand!

 

[Pipestone Kid]

I'm also lucky, 6 years on my 2210 oem battery. Although it makes a mess every spring when the machine sits a month or more, corrosion gone wild! Just for that reason I'm looking at a new sealed battery of ANY brand!

I just figured out the reason--we both live in God's country. He is watching out for us.

 

[wingerT]

How much room do you have for the battery, i dont have a 3720 but i do have a 2520 and i put in a AGM Battery, if you have room for a extra half inch on the width, it should fit. AGM batterys are simmular to the Optima, http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/default.aspx?pageid=468- this is a link to it, i had to modify my hold down but that wasnt too hard. 22NF would be the group size

 

[joes_427_vette]

Just bought my second red top Optima. First one is 7 years old and works perfectly. Had it in my tractor, now in the Jeep. New one goes in the 3/4 ton Chev. No complaints from me. Quality, quality as the guy from legendary motorcars says.

 

[jdmar]

I have had an Optima in my JD4300 for about 5-6 years. I has been left in the cold, shaken, gotten wet, lights left on (usually by my kids playing on the tractor when I am not there). It cranks it over on the coldest of mornings. Even if it has been completely discharged, it recharges well and needs no further care. I have been more than happy with it.
Peter