1978 2040 battery question.

Amiddlebrooks · Feb 22, 2021

So I have a 1978 JD 2040 and I’m under the impression these tractors had 2 batteries. Well at some point someone swapped the 2 batteries for a single one. So my battery is bad and I need to replace it and I have no idea what to replace it with and there are no markings on the battery that’s in it now so I have nothing to go off of. So my question is, does anyone know how many CCA’s these need to start?

Zebrafive · Feb 22, 2021

John Deere specs two 590 CCA @ 0° F batteries. I have had better/longer service from JD Strongbox batteries than car batteries.

Tx Jim · Feb 22, 2021

IIRC the new 2040's sold at Texas JD dealership where I was employed had only 1 battery because number of batteries was a dealer ordering option. I think installing 1 battery on a 2040 in Georgia would be fine. If only 1 battery then I'd install a BCI group 31 or 950-1000 CCA. I'd advise if ground cable is attached to battery box to relocate it to engine block or starter mounting bolt.

RickB · Feb 22, 2021

The OEM 2 battery package included two BCI Group 24 batteries. A single Group 31 would be sufficient in the Southeast. Relocating the chassis ground would be well worth doing.

Tx Jim · Feb 23, 2021

I'd choose to have one larger battery with less cables/connections vs 2 smaller batteries that for optimum service should have both replaced at same time even if one battery has failed especially in NORMALLY warmer climate :laughing: where I live.

Zebrafive · Feb 23, 2021

I have always replaced my 2030's batteries in pairs. I did change the ground from the battery box to the the engine block. I also changed starters to a gear reduction starter. Starts easier after that change.
I might go the one higher amp battery, next time it needs batteries. That should save $$$! I also have, and use the coolant heater for cold starts.

Erik M · Feb 23, 2021

Where you are located in the south a single battery should be more than sufficient. Just find one that fits the space available. My 1840 had two batteries as well but a previous owner installed a single battery and I put a new one in it last year, ~ 1000 CCA IIRC. Pops off every time without any problem but I do not park it outside in the winter. I use the coolant heater as well to reduce wear on start and so I can open the door and start blowing snow without waiting 15 min to get to operating temp.

Amiddlebrooks · Feb 23, 2021

Well I threw a group 31 in it. Still acted like it didn’t want to start. Finally got it to start and went cutting. Got back and cut it off and tried to restart it and it wouldn’t start. I checked and it’s still grounded inside the battery box so I will move that. Kind of wondering if that’s my issue.

Erik M · Feb 24, 2021

I had an issue with my 1840 of the same vintage where sometimes it didn’t want to start, cables and everything were good, battery wasn’t old, was charged, etc. Puzzled the heck out of me.

Then the starter solenoid failed, something broke inside, and so I pulled the starter off and took it in to an auto electric shop and in addition to the new solenoid, they replaced the starter bushings and gave everything a good lube. Well now that tractor pops off every time without any issues and that battery has no problem, so since your tractor is of the same vintage you my find it worth servicing the starter. My machine has 6600 hrs on it but less than 100 since engine was overhauled and a new PTO clutch pack installed.

Tx Jim · Feb 24, 2021

Amiddlebrooks
If your 2040 has a 3 cyl engine & has serial # above 266750 it will have closed center hyds. Slow starter speed when attempting to start engine sounds typical for JD tractors that closed center hyd pump is attempting to build pressure during engine starting process. If you tractor doesn't have a hyd destroking screw on frt hyd pump I suggest to vigorously move steering wheel from side to side while engaging starter. There are also electrically controlled destroking screw available for some JD hyd pumps to accomplish the same thing.