OPTIMA Batteries

[Ramstack]

I am in need of a new battery for my TC33DA. Some people I have talked to mentioned purchasing an OPTIMA battery. I was wondering if anybody has run an OPTIMA battery on a TC33DA and can comment if they are worth the money or not? If you do feel that they are worth it, do you happen to have a part or model number for the battery?

Some people have mentioned that the OPTIMA batteries have helped with starting issues which I do sometimes see with my tractor.

Thanks for the help.

 

[mahlers]

I've used Optima batteries, and have had mixed results with them. If you get a good one, it will last a long time. If you get a bad one, the first time it goes dead will be the end of it.

About a year ago I replaced the battery on my TN70S with a Sears DieHard Platinum Marine battery (size 31M if memory serves me correctly) and that battery is fantastic. It's got the highest capacity of any battery I could find, and it's non-spillable and maintenance free. It has several terminals on it, and I wired a 2500 watt inverter to it and use that to power electric tools when I'm away from other power. I've managed to run skill saws, sawzalls, and impact drills on it for 20 or 30 minutes and the tractor started up just fine (don't run an inverter with the engine running - you'll drive your alternator and voltage regulator crazy...). They're expensive (usually about $300) but I think it's worth every penny.

 

[Beltzington]

I have been using Blue Top (Marine) Optima batteries for over 20-years, I can't speak directly to your application but I have never had an issue with these batteries. They are very small and fit in most trays. I have completely discharged them in my vehicles, boats and RV's and they have always recharged without any problems. None of them have failed after 6+ years of use, sold the vehicle I had it in so not sure if it is still working or not.

 

[creekbend]

I have always used the Die Hard brand and the Interstate brand. Both brands have served me well in various applications. I have never used the Optima brand.

 

[pedalstomper78]

It's a long thread....but check the ignition information on this thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/new-holland-owning-operating/124642-tc33d-wont-start-5.html
I melted 2 ignition switches and had all sorts of "slow" starting troubles. Wiring in the relay cured the problem.

 

[pedalstomper78]

Any vehicle I've ever had, I've swapped out to Optima batteries when the ones in it go kaput. I've personally always had good luck with them.

 

[LarryD]

I've had this Odyssey battery in my 33D for 6 years now and never had an issue, it's AGM so bouncing around has little effect and I have had none of the corrosion issues that the factory battery provided. The "L" model puts the terminals on the proper side but I did have to modify the connections.

 

[Bob77064]

I have had an Optima D31M in my truck for almost 5 years now. It still works just fine.

 

[DieselMonk]

I had battery issues last year and learned a lot. One thing I will not buy anymore are batteries from Wal-Mart. The Energizer brand are junk around here. They are nothing but trouble. I also have a US sold and made Die Hard that is holding up very well thus far.

To sum it all up:
If I'd go for a AGM battery, my bet is on the Odyssey battery. For the size and power you get out of it, this thing is better than Optima. Another plus on the Odyssey batteries are that you can buy a metal jacket that protects the battery from the engine heat. Extreme heat is also a battery killer. (Don't ask, I had to find that out the hard way).

For any battery you buy, I'd go by the size you need and by weight of the battery. Heavier batteries last longer (at least around here in my neck of the woods). That is where Energizer batteries suck, because they are usually the lightest ones (same size batteries).

I wouldn't put a deep cycle in my machines, but either a real heavy by weight starting battery or a starting / deep cycle.

Pure deep cycle batteries do not like to have the high alternator charging voltage for any longer amount of time as they gas off way earlier than a starting battery and boil the electrolyte out. I have a bunch of deep cycles floating on a power supply as an emergency backup and found out that if I go any higher than 13.2V it boils the electrolyte out like nothing.

Happy hunting batteries!

 

[Beltzington]

To sum it all up: If I'd go for a AGM battery, my bet is on the Odyssey battery. For the size and power you get out of it, this thing is better than Optima.

Not sure how you arrived at this conclusion but here is my real world experiance with Optima Blue Tops. My 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4x is on it's second Optima Blue Top and it just rolled over 252,000 miles. This is my daily driver with a big 360 V8 and a high output alternator, not to mention I have used the same battery for trolling motors and RV power. The first Optima BT was used when I put it into the Jeep and was still working when I gave it to my dad to put into a truck he was selling. Not clear on how you can get much "better" battery performance then that. Good Luck!

 

[jinman]

I have an 8-yr old Optima Red Top (Yes...the cheapest one) in my tractor for 8 years (9/2004) and it has performed flawlessly. I installed a battery box in my tractor and put in the Optima with padding under and around it (carpet pad). I checked it yesterday and it looks like the day I put it in except for a little dust. The terminals are dry, clean, and completely corrosion free.

 

[CurlyDave]

... Not clear on how you can get much "better" battery performance then that. Good Luck!

It depends how you measure "good" or "better" battery performance.

If you measure by battery lifetime, the Optimas are good. I use a different criteria. $/year of battery life.

Essentially, I know I will have to replace batteries sooner or latter. To me, the best battery is the one that delivers the longest life per dollar that I spend. When measured this way, it is hard to beat the house brand at O'Reily Auto Parts. The batteries are less costly than most, and my experience has been that they are very good at honoring the warranty. Don't have to save the receipt either, they keep track of everything I buy by my cell phone number.

I have had a few lemons, but they have always exchanged them for me...

 

[Beltzington]

It depends how you measure "good" or "better" battery performance.

If you measure by battery lifetime, the Optimas are good. I use a different criteria. $/year of battery life.

Essentially, I know I will have to replace batteries sooner or latter. To me, the best battery is the one that delivers the longest life per dollar that I spend. When measured this way, it is hard to beat the house brand at O'Reily Auto Parts. The batteries are less costly than most, and my experience has been that they are very good at honoring the warranty. Don't have to save the receipt either, they keep track of everything I buy by my cell phone number.

I have had a few lemons, but they have always exchanged them for me...

$280 for two batteries lasting at least 12 years = <$2/month. No leaks, recharge from completly dead 100's of times. No worries, no issues. Your criteria seems a bit penny wise dollars foolish. To each their own.

 

[WilliamBos]

Which Optima batterywould you recommend for our 1635? The battery is on its third year, usually 5 is a blessing up here. The cold always gets them.

 

[DK35vince]

$280 for two batteries lasting at least 12 years = <$2/month. No leaks, recharge from completly dead 100's of times. No worries, no issues. Your criteria seems a bit penny wise dollars foolish. To each their own.

I think CurlyDave's criteria makes perfect sence.
I got 10 years out of my last $90 Diehard battery in my pickup. I got 10+ years out original battery in my tractor.
On Optima battery costing twice as much better last me twice as long or whats the point in changing.

 

[WilliamBos]

I think CurlyDave's criteria makes perfect sence.
I got 10 years out of my last $90 Diehard battery in my pickup. I got 10+ years out original battery in my tractor.
On Optima battery costing twice as much better last me twice as long or whats the point in changing.

You guys never see -40, do you? Getting more than 5 years out of a battery is a blessing. The first cold snap reveals its true strengths. My original lasted 6 years, and I replaced ot with another just like it, don't care thst it cost $170. Cheaper means lower quality, and that does not make it better.

 

[whistlepig]

It is not near as cold here as Ontario. I loose trust in a battery after 5 years. No matter who makes it.

 

[WilliamBos]

It is not near as cold here as Ontario. I loose trust in a battery after 5 years. No matter who makes it.

I am the same way.

 

[whistlepig]

I have been burned too many times by five year old batteries. Years ago the batteries used to slow down and give a bit of warning. Batteries these days work fine one day and are dead as a door nail the next. Work is an hour away from home. I don't want to deal with that before an hour drive home.

 

[DieselMonk]

Not sure how you arrived at this conclusion but here is my real world experiance with Optima Blue Tops. My 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4x is on it's second Optima Blue Top and it just rolled over 252,000 miles. This is my daily driver with a big 360 V8 and a high output alternator, not to mention I have used the same battery for trolling motors and RV power. The first Optima BT was used when I put it into the Jeep and was still working when I gave it to my dad to put into a truck he was selling. Not clear on how you can get much "better" battery performance then that. Good Luck!

The Optimas cells are round. The Odysseys cells are square, using all empty space that the optima can't use (due to the round cell's design 3 in a row and another 3 in parallel to it, leaves empty spaces in between the cells). So a Odyssey can be smaller than the Optima with the same rating. Just look at 6 bottles or cans of beer from the top, then 6 equal square boxes.


Because a battery is 5 years old, I don't replace it, I test it. If it tests bad, then i'll desulphate it and use it again until she is really done, or a cell is open or shorted. We have a lawnmower battery that is 12 years old and will kick the el cheapo batteries in the butt any day. My original tractor battery is still working, which is 8 years old. I had to desulphate it a couple of times, but she starts my tractor every time.