Batteries

[roger_scotty]

Does anyone still use those little lawn and garden batteries, or has everyone switched to an automotive type? There are a few dealers who post here. What do you guys use for batteries? I'm guessing that the grey market tractors need new bateries when they arrive.

 

[pennwalk]

My 186D has a full sized Champion car battery. Seems to work well.

Chris

 

[Tractors4u]

Mine have full size automotive batteries. A lot of the greys that come over have bad batteries that must be replaced. Most of the batteries are not the maintenance free type. My 2620D even had a sensor that would let you know when the fluid level in the battery was low. You will see some of the tractors with their "battery fluid" light burning because the battery has been replaced and the sensor is still connected. Other just shunt the wires or pull the bulb so there is no idiot light burning all the time.

 

[clifst2310]

I have a 2310, that has a full size battery, that has the battery fluid level sensor in it. I was told by the dealer if I replaced the battery I'd have to disconnect the light.

 

[Mark_VA]

I am considering replacing the battery that came with my YM2210 with a red top gel cell after reading the old posts. I was curious what size battery to purchase. The automotive battery that is presently in the tractor measures approximately 7" x 8" x 7"deep. It appears that the battery holder would accept a battery that measures as much as 12" x 8" x 8" deep. The present battery is beginning to slow down and has little cranking reserve for the more lengthy starts in colder weather.

 

[trentay]

Mark,

I believe that the gel cell batteries only come in one physical size (at least the Optima style battery does). I would think that they would be fine power wise and should fit perfectly in there as they are about the physical size of the smallest car battery. They are supposed to last alot longer (I have heard seven years or more) and have more cold cranking amps than the average car battery. I saw them at a ranch supply store recently for $116 (about 30 dollars less than normal retail). These are the batteries with the black lower portion and red top.

 

[tejuban]

The small lawn tractor battery is the only one that will fit in my 155D. I don't want the battery up in front of the radiator so it sits between the frame, behind the bumper. Been in 3 years and has started the tractor so far. Don't use the thermostart or a block heater. Will start down to 40 degrees without turning the salamander heater on it. Would prefer a larger battery.

 

[roger_scotty]

Where is the battery on your 155D now? I think that early 155s had it next to the fuel tank and later ones up in front of the radiator maybe identical to the 165D.

For my 165D I built a battery bracket to fit an Optima red top. It does mount very close to the radiator, and I wouldn't do that with anything except a completely sealed gell cell.

The automotive battery sure does spin that motor in cold weather.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I put a champion car battery in my ym1700... works fine.

Chris

 

[tejuban]

I built a box for the battery and it hangs between the front side frames behind the weight bar, in front of the crankshaft driven hydraulic pump. Top is level with the bottom of the radiator. Would like to put in a bigger battery but just no place for it. Ted

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Here's an idea. If you have the height available, but not the width for a car battery, I have seen some very slim ones that are no wider than a motorcycle or garden tractor battery.. but are about 3" taller. I've even seen them at wallymart.. i think excide makes them. I've also seen a 'helper' or 'reserve' battery made to sit next to a car battery... very slim.. 2.5 to 3 inches I would guess. These may be an option.. especially the excide.. it was at least 400cca... much better than a tractor battery..

Chris

"The small lawn tractor battery is the only one that will fit in my 155D. I don't want the battery up in front of the radiator so it sits between the frame, behind the bumper. Been in 3 years and has started the tractor so "

 

[normde2001]

Mark, I also am going to replace the old Motorcraft (unsealed) battery in my YM 2000B. I am considering the Otima gell cell, although it is physically lighter, smaller, and pricier ($140) than I would like, but I may get a Delco maintenance free about the size you mention at 850 CCA and $80.00. I want all the front end weight possible.
Norm

 

[Mark_VA]

As trentay mentioned, the Optima only seems to come in one size and should have plenty of cranking amps. I like the idea of a battery with such longevity and low maintenence. I believe they have a 2yr. full replacement, then prorated warranty. I ordered one yesterday.

 

[roger_scotty]

I hope the Optima red top treats you as well as mine have. The one in the big JD is still doing fine at 12 years. Also have them the YM165D and the 336D. Plus the family pickup trucks. The JD one is the oldest though.

 

[LLove]

Optima makes 2 indentical sized batteries, 1 is a cranking battery, the other is a deep cycle battery.
The original red tops came with a lifetime warranty, these where the cranking, as in automotive style group 24 size. They dropped the lifetime warranty a few years back.
My 155d has the compact tractor sized battery, only with top posts not the little lead flat terminal connectors as was the original design. It actually is for a 1989 Honda accord & Kubota diesel 3 cyl's.
440 cca's , and is the same size and weight as the OEM battery.