51R Battery for JD4100

[John_Mc]

I'm two years in to an Optima D51 YellowTop battery on my NH TC33D tractor, and it's still going strong. I do put it on a BatteryMinder maintainer/desulphater when the Tractor is not used for extended periods. (I switched to this when 3 OEM batteries ended up only giving me 3 years of life each, despite regular use of the battery maintainer. In addition to failing after 3 years, each also had serious corrosion issues. The charging voltage checked out. I think it was the vibration that got to them.)

I'm glad I got it when I did. I purchased it for $160 on Amazon in April 2016. The same battery now lists for $240. Does anyone know what is driving this huge jump in price? Are other brands of AGM batteries seeing the same jump?

 

[IH3444]

I had a regular Delco automotive lead acid battery last 15 years in the International industrial TLB 3444. I had it on a trickle charger also.

 

[coloradotrout]

Walmart Everstart lasted 4y. $80 with prorate to get another.

 

[RjCorazza]

I like the Optima Yellow top batteries. I have 2 diesel mowers with 51r’s in them, and my Kubota L4060 will get a yellow top when I replace the oem battery.
Are they more cost effective? Likely not at twice the price, but the low self discharge rate and deep cycle ability (somewhat) make them zero maintenance, and perfect for seasonal equipment.

I came across this old post and have to follow up...
Both of the Optima Yellow Top batteries catastrophically failed on my mowers after 3 years. Right in the middle of turning the engine over, they just failed.

 

[rScotty]

I came across this old post and have to follow up...
Both of the Optima Yellow Top batteries catastrophically failed on my mowers after 3 years. Right in the middle of turning the engine over, they just failed.

Our Old round Optima Batteries that were so good for so long seemto no longer be reliable quality. The Optima company also would not stand behind their warranty. That fact surprised me.

Anyway, in the last year we replaced the Optima Yellow Top battery pair - 2 of group 31 type - in our backhoe. And the other one in our camper.... and the Blue Top in the boat. Plus red tops in our cars.

Most of the big heavy duty ones got replaced with similar group size Odyssey batteries bought online from the Odyssey factory.
The automotive ones are replaced with Interstate brand batteries - a local commercial type sold in most auto parts houses.
rScotty