Optima battery???

Typhoon · Dec 27, 2003

I want to replace my leaking battery in my TC29D with an optima battery like some have suggested. Three questions here. First, what is the model number that fits?? Second, will it fit without any modification?? Third, where is a good place to order one from? Just a heads up for those who havent replaced your battery, check this area often!!! Luckily I checked mine a few weeks ago (with 100 hours on the tractor) and caught it before it did serious damage. I washed the area with baking soda and water and made sure all of the acid was off. Now im going to put an optima battery in. It is definately worth the cost to not have to worry about corroding your radiator! Thanks!

MikePA · Dec 28, 2003

Model 51. Search the NH Owning forum for Optima and there's a ton of information on this topic.

SteveInMD · Dec 28, 2003

I picked one up from a local battery shop called Batteries Plus. I was glad I didn't order it online because it went bad a few weeks after I got it. I had to drive 20 minutes back to the shop, but they replaced it right away at no cost. If I had ordered it online replacing it would be a much slower process.

I still think Optima batteries are the best way to go, and that I just happened to get a bad one.

Optima only makes the model 51 in a deep cycle (yellow top) version right now. A starting battery (red top) would work and be less expensive, but they don't make them yet in a model 51.

Either a 51 or a 51R will fit just fine with no modification. I ended up with a 51R for my replacement, which means the "front" of the battery faces the radiator to get the battery posts polarity in the right place, but it fits with no problem.

Good luck...

Trev · Dec 28, 2003

Anyone happen to know if this would fit a JD4300? Mine current battery has little lips on the bottom sides so it can be clamped down to the base.. and the measurement of the length of the battery including those lips is about 9.5 inches.

It wasn't clear from the page whether the 51 has those lips. The 51R would be about right, if it did. Facing the front of the tractor, the positive terminal is on the right. (I wonder if it matters if the battery is put in backwards?)

Is there any disadvantage to a deep-cycle battery other than cost? Would my same little "Battery Tender" work okay? I notice Optima says it needs 8 amps to charge if more than half discharged.. hopefully I'd never reach that point.. but mine only puts out 1.25 amps.

Thanks much,
Bob

I have to get something soon.. so have started exploring.

MikePA · Dec 28, 2003

Mine current battery has little lips on the bottom sides so it can be clamped down to the base.. 
The 51 does not have the hold down lips on the bottom of the battery.

 I wonder if it matters if the battery is put in backwards? 
As long as the cables reach, no problem.

Trev · Dec 28, 2003

Thanks, Mike. Guess I keep looking.. or come up with some other way of holding the battery down. Oh well.

Thanks again,
Bob

PineRidge · Dec 28, 2003

We fabricated a bracket to install an Optima in our TC-40D. It was pretty easy. To see it click here /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mahlers · Dec 29, 2003

If you want to install an Optima that can't be clamped down with your OEM system, you can still use a nylon tie-down strap and it will work fine. They're similar to what travellers use on their zip-up suitcases. You cinch them down, and that battery isn't going anywhere. The nylon is pretty much indestructible, so you won't have to worry about it.

ronjhall · Dec 30, 2003

Brad
I have a John Deere front mower that is having corroison problems. I plan on using a Optima battery. Here are the links I found on TBN.

Here is one of the Threads on Optima battery replacement.
Click Here

Here is another.
Click Here