What type of battery

wayne1083 · Oct 10, 2005

I bought my TC33 new about a year and a half ago. The only gripe I have had so far is the consistent corrosion build up on and around the battery. I have tried the regular cleanings and the preventative spray. No luck. The dealer said that its been a issue before and maybe something NH needs to take a look at. Guys what type of battery do I need? What is the CCA that someone would suggest that I have, My dealer said something about a sealed battery. Any help would be much appreciated......Thanks

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Oct 10, 2005

Here' a link to my post on how I dealt with the problem : Tom & boomers optima adventure

MikePA · Oct 11, 2005

The only gripe I have had so far is the consistent corrosion build up on and around the battery. 
This is a common problem with Boomers. If you want to see how I permanently solved the battery acid gassing and the problems it causes, read this thread. If I remember correctly, even sealed batteries are not really sealed.

have_blue · Oct 11, 2005

Wayne,

A SLA (Sealed lead-acid) will work just fine. It will all but eliminate the corrosion problem.

As long as the new battery is held down securely, it will last 3-4 years.

You can spend $40 or $140 on the new battery, and it will still last 3-4 years.

If you live in colder climes, go with the largest battery that will fit your box. If you live in the deep south, the little TC33 will thrive on a much smaller battery than stock. (All bets are off if you use headlights or large electrical accessories a lot)

SteveInMD · Oct 11, 2005

My experience has been a little different. I put an Optima in my boat. It has lasted 5 years now. The most I ever got out of a standard battery was 2 years.

I've had one in my TC33D for 2 1/2 years. No more acid problems. It did take a bit of work to clean up the mess the OEM battery made. SLA and maintenance free batteries just mean your not supposed to have to add water, but they still have a vent and can leak. I don't know why Boomers have so much trouble with this, maybe the front-end bouncing around while the battery is off gassing forces acid through the vent. However, this doesn't seem to be a problems on all my tractors, just the one with the battery in the front.

My only regret about the Optima battery is that I didn't install one when I first got the tractor.

MikePA · Oct 11, 2005

The second battery I installed was an SLA and despite all the measures I took, I still had the positive terminal 'cheese up". /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I imagine, I hope, a dry cell battery will not have the same problems.

have_blue · Oct 11, 2005

( The second battery I installed was an SLA and despite all the measures I took, I still had the positive terminal 'cheese up". /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I imagine, I hope, a dry cell battery will not have the same problems. )

Mike,

This is almost impossible to avoid. Minute amounts of acid can seep between the battery posts and the plastic.

If the damage is isolated to the expendables... battery posts and clamps, I consider it a success. It's the radiator, battery box, and the hydraulic lines I am concenned with.

have_blue · Oct 11, 2005

( but they still have a vent and can leak. I don't know why )

Steve,

I suppose SLA/LC batteries can vent a bit, but the calcium in the plates is supposed to absorb the gasses and prevent bubbling.

Vibration tolerance is where AGM batteries (such as Optima) really shine.

Soundguy · Oct 11, 2005

Any time I replace a battery or cable end.. I put a very generous coating od stiff axle grease on every surface. So far.. that has prevented the terminals and cables from growing exotic colored powdery formations.

Soundguy

djradz · Oct 11, 2005

"axle grease", is that the same as bearing grease? That's what I typically use, and have never had any buildup since starting to use it ove 20 years ago. Now it even comes in red, blue, etc, so it looks a lot like the colored stuff the manufacturers use.