PT425 Battery

[tlb]

Hi ALl,
Been a while since I've posted, don't get much seat time these days.
Any recommendations on replacement battery for PT425, circa 2002 model?
The original battery lasted about 12 years, although the last 3-4 years required trickle charging when parked.
Replaced it with a battery from O'Reilly's auto. Replacement battery didn't quite make it 3 years.
Maybe I am missing something, but for my model PT425, I have to remove the exhaust manifold to remove the battery, and it is painfully slow due to no room to work.
The replacement battery from O'Reilly's was not an exact fit from the original, so there is even less room to work.
I would prefer either a smaller battery that does not require removing the exhaust manifold, or if someone has figured out how to move it. please share.
Thanks,
-Tim

 

[MossRoad]

That's very similar to my Kohler powered PT425 with a stock, Kohler muffler. I have to remove the 4 exhaust stud nuts, then remove the muffler, to get to the battery. Mine last 6-7 years. The last time I did it, one of the exhaust studs broke off, and I had to weld a nut to the stub of the stud (thank goodness there was a stub sticking up), and used a socket on the nut to back it out.

I have been using batteries from Auto Zone. Don't know the number or model. I'll poke around and see if I can find it.

 

[MossRoad]

In 2007 my 2001 battery died, so I apparently replaced it with the largest cold cranking amps battery that Auto Zone had in the same case size, as per this post from back then... 500CCA for $54.00. Great price back then. :laughing:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/93758-kohler-winter-starting-5-year.html#post1070303

 

[MossRoad]

Here's some fun reading from 2017.... new battery was $149. Yikes!

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-battery-broken-exhaust-stud.html#post4867055

 

[MossRoad]

Yep, going back and looking through posts my batteries lasted about:
1. 2001-1007
2. 2007-2011
3. 2011-2017
4. 2017-present.

I found a number from an old post...

Duralast 51-DLG

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-...tery/duralast-gold-battery/330110_27319_25698

 

[MossRoad]

You could probably find better rated batteries for the same price, but that's the one I've been using. Hope that helps.

 

[radios1]

try Deka or Interstate batteries, they have a very good track record. and possibly Odyssey batteries.. btw, I don't see how you could get a battery in/out of that space without removing the muffler, unless you find a better place for the battery.. there probably is a place you'd just have to modify with a battery holder and longer wires..

 

[fried1765]

try Deka or Interstate batteries, they have a very good track record. and possibly Odyssey batteries.. btw, I don't see how you could get a battery in/out of that space without removing the muffler, unless you find a better place for the battery.. there probably is a place you'd just have to modify with a battery holder and longer wires..

The Deka and Interstate are ridiculously priced, as is the Odyssey.
March 2019 Consumer Reports shows Wally Mart EverStart Max is WAY cheaper, ...and the best bang for the buck.

 

[MossRoad]

...there probably is a place you'd just have to modify with a battery holder and longer wires..

We'd be very happy if you could find it... :laughing:

 

[jfh28]

yup I just had to replace mine this winter too.....the tall boys are easier to do as the battery has a little compartment built in to the side of the front frame so just remove two screws and I'm at it........the battery is very case size specific though so not a lot of options.....I brought the dead one to auto zone and said I need one of these....they gave me a durolast........Jack

 

[jfh28]

We'd be very happy if you could find it... :laughing:

what about that nice cushy place you sit on?.....:laughing: ........Jack

 

[MossRoad]

what about that nice cushy place you sit on?.....:laughing: ........Jack

My head would hit the canopy! :laughing:

 

[coobie]

The Deka and Interstate are ridiculously priced, as is the Odyssey.
March 2019 Consumer Reports shows Wally Mart EverStart Max is WAY cheaper, ...and the best bang for the buck.

Every battery these days are ridiculously priced as are windshield wiper blades.

 

[radios1]

The Deka and Interstate are ridiculously priced, as is the Odyssey.
March 2019 Consumer Reports shows Wally Mart EverStart Max is WAY cheaper, ...and the best bang for the buck.

I found this. "Who Makes EverStart Batteries? EverStart batteries are made by Johnson Controls and sold at Walmart. There are automotive, marine, powersports, and lawn and garden batteries available in the EverStart product line. Johnson Controls is an American battery manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis." so, I'll agree..

 

[MossRoad]

I found this. "Who Makes EverStart Batteries? EverStart batteries are made by Johnson Controls and sold at Walmart. There are automotive, marine, powersports, and lawn and garden batteries available in the EverStart product line. Johnson Controls is an American battery manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis." so, I'll agree..

Well, I found this...

"Johnson Control does not make batteries for Wal-Mart nor do they any longer make Interstate (now made by Exide.)"

 

[coobie]

Well, I found this...

"Johnson Control does not make batteries for Wal-Mart nor do they any longer make Interstate (now made by Exide.)"

THIS^^^^^You are correct..

 

[MossRoad]

THIS^^^^^You are correct..

I don't know that for sure... I've found things saying they make all of walmart's batteries, some of walmart's batteries, and none of walmart's batteries. :confused2:

 

[fried1765]

We'd be very happy if you could find it... :laughing:

View attachment 593345 View attachment 593346

I hope the engineer who designed that install location got fired!

 

[MossRoad]

I hope the engineer who designed that install location got fired!

Nah. The design got changed a few years later, the pumps in the back got moved to the front, the engine got slid to the back, and the battery got moved upfront.

Even with the battery under the muffler, I like the design of my model year better because it uses a stock Kohler muffler VS what they came up with on their own later.

 

[tlb]

Settled on a replacement battery from Autozone (Autocraft Gold). It is slightly lower cranking amps than the previous battery but is about 20% smaller. So next time I don't have to remove the oil filter to remove the battery [], but still have to remove the exhaust manifold [].
-Tim