The battery on my 2210 is about at the end of its life (4.5 years) and will be replaced. I have been considering the Optima D51. Are the Optima D51 batteries worth the approx. $50 difference from a JD replacement battery? I heard great things about Optima batteries and don't mind paying the extra if it's worth it. Thanks!
2210 battery
- Thread starter jim2210
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The Optima batteries are very good, also the Sears DieHard Platinum's (they have the same technology, just not in the 6-pack design) but like you say the cost is more.
The cheapest place to buy Optima batteries I have found is at Sam's Club.
The cheapest place to buy Optima batteries I have found is at Sam's Club.
The Die Hards certainly look good as well (along with the price 
). Amazon currently has the D51 Optima for about $140 w/free shipping. My dealer has a replacement JD battery for about $89 ($8 off with trade-in, total $81). I'll check out Sam's to see what they want for the Optima. My battery's not dead yet, but I had some pretty bad corrosion problems. Now I have to replace the + terminal & the tie down bolts. But the battery being almost 5 years old I don't want to have over a foot of snow to plow & no tractor. Because of course, the stores will be closed or not have a battery in stock!
). Amazon currently has the D51 Optima for about $140 w/free shipping. My dealer has a replacement JD battery for about $89 ($8 off with trade-in, total $81). I'll check out Sam's to see what they want for the Optima. My battery's not dead yet, but I had some pretty bad corrosion problems. Now I have to replace the + terminal & the tie down bolts. But the battery being almost 5 years old I don't want to have over a foot of snow to plow & no tractor. Because of course, the stores will be closed or not have a battery in stock!OK, I checked Sam's Club and they could order the Optima D51 for $149 (vs. 140 + free shipping from Amazon). As far as purchasing it from Amazon, I read a review from an individual who had a problem with an Optima 51R and needed to obtain warranty service. Optima told him to take it back to where he bought it. When he told them Amazon, they wouldn't honor the warranty, so he called Amazon. They couldn't take it back because it was beyond their 30 day return policy and it was a hazardous material, so he was stuck with it. I read Optima's return policy and it seems that in a case like this, they would issue you a number and advise where to return it (nearest authorized dealer). For a $10 difference, I'll go w/Sam's Club.
Anywho, after reading reviews it seems that the D51 Optima has a high failure rate. I don't want to deal with the leaking acid issues anymore. Is there another group 51 sealed battery that is recommended, or should I just go with the Deere replacement? Or am I over-evaluating this? (I've been known to do that!)
Anywho, after reading reviews it seems that the D51 Optima has a high failure rate. I don't want to deal with the leaking acid issues anymore. Is there another group 51 sealed battery that is recommended, or should I just go with the Deere replacement? Or am I over-evaluating this? (I've been known to do that!)
mfreund
Veteran Member
I have a 4310, and have a Strong Box battery by Deere and have had no problems. That said I also check for problems a couple of times a year.
After even more reading on Optima, I think I'm going to go with a Deere battery. To be quite honest, in the past battery care usually gets neglected and I don't think much about it until the tractor won't start. To its credit, the original battery is going on 5 years and still going strong. But I do have to change out the positive terminal, give it another good cleaning from the acid, and re-paint damaged areas. The only thing I'd hate more than having to clean up more often is paying for an Optima and having the thing die early.
I think the sensible thing to do might be to get the Deere replacement, a Battery Tender, and keep an eye on it. However, if anyone has a better idea, I'm all ears!
I think the sensible thing to do might be to get the Deere replacement, a Battery Tender, and keep an eye on it. However, if anyone has a better idea, I'm all ears!
mfreund
Veteran Member
I second the battery tender! I have one on the HD and still have the original battery @ 7 yrs old. That is unheard of with the junk batteries HD uses. Many of my friends are lucky to get 2 yrs out of theirs w/o tenders.
