Battery Disconnects

[crowbar032]

I have a Caterpillar 953 track loader. It requires 2 of the large 12 volt batteries. I don't use the thing very often and the batteries drain. So much drain that I recently had to replace both of them as I couldn't charge them back up. Since I just spent $400 in batteries, I'm taking preventative measures to extend their life this time around. I've selected two battery tenders with float to prevent overcharging. I'm also looking at battery disconnects in case I have a parasitic draw somewhere (it is an old machine). I'm finding various styles and questionable reviews. I initially thought I'd get a blade one, but it looks like just plastic holding the terminals together. The alloy doesn't seem to be very good either. The other is a screw knob which appears a little more sturdy. However it also appears the alloy is of the same questionable content. Has anyone installed one of these on their machine (links below)? Any recommendations? I'd prefer to not go splicing into wires for an actual line switch.

Amazon.com: NOCO ID22S 6V-24V 125 Amp Battery Disconnect Switch: Automotive

Amazon.com: WirthCo 2138 Battery Doctor Battery Disconnect for Top Terminal: Automotive

 

[eddie48]

I haven't used the knife switch, but have the disconnect-type on my backhoe. It, basically, just unscrews and disconnects the cable from the battery terminal. Like taking the terminal off of the battery, but easier. Works for me. I also have a rotary switch (that I bought for cheap from Harbor Freight) on my skid steer. That solved my battery drainage problem on that and is much easier to use because it is mounted outside of the engine compartment, although more difficult to install.

 

[coolreinfarm]

I would make sure any type disconnect is heavy enough to handle the amp draw for starting that diesel. I would imagine it would need to be minimum 1000 amps. Those batteries cca is probably 900-1000a each. The switch on Amazon is 125a rated.

 

[crowbar032]

I would make sure any type disconnect is heavy enough to handle the amp draw for starting that diesel. I would imagine it would need to be minimum 1000 amps. Those batteries cca is probably 900-1000a each. The switch on Amazon is 125a rated.

Yes, agreed. The batteries are rated 1100 cold cranking amps. Those links were just the clearest picture design of the two styles.

 

[crowbar032]

I would make sure any type disconnect is heavy enough to handle the amp draw for starting that diesel. I would imagine it would need to be minimum 1000 amps. Those batteries cca is probably 900-1000a each. The switch on Amazon is 125a rated.

Yes, agreed. The batteries are rated 1100 cold cranking amps. Those links were just the clearest picture design of the two styles.

 

[Peter 315]

You can get one at the dealer it goes on the negative battery terminal

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Have you considered tracing out any current flows?
If there's a problem, you might as well fix it;right?

 

[crowbar032]

Have you considered tracing out any current flows?
If there's a problem, you might as well fix it;right?

I'm not convinced that a parasitic draw exists. The batteries were over 10 years old, the machine is very rarely used, and I didn't have a tender on them. Back in the summer I was able to jump it off, but I knew I had a weak battery. I think running it with 1 weak and 1 good battery, killed the weak one and cooked the good one. I was just going to add one more level piece of mind.

 

[mikester]

I have a Caterpillar 953 track loader. It requires 2 of the large 12 volt batteries. I don't use the thing very often and the batteries drain. So much drain that I recently had to replace both of them as I couldn't charge them back up. Since I just spent $400 in batteries, I'm taking preventative measures to extend their life this time around. I've selected two battery tenders with float to prevent overcharging. I'm also looking at battery disconnects in case I have a parasitic draw somewhere (it is an old machine). I'm finding various styles and questionable reviews. I initially thought I'd get a blade one, but it looks like just plastic holding the terminals together. The alloy doesn't seem to be very good either. The other is a screw knob which appears a little more sturdy. However it also appears the alloy is of the same questionable content. Has anyone installed one of these on their machine (links below)? Any recommendations? I'd prefer to not go splicing into wires for an actual line switch.

Amazon.com: NOCO ID22S 6V-24V 125 Amp Battery Disconnect Switch: Automotive

Amazon.com: WirthCo 2138 Battery Doctor Battery Disconnect for Top Terminal: Automotive

I'd go with the first one style as I've had good luck with it and its compact. This is what I used CDN$8.99

Top Post Battery Master Cut-Off Switch | Princess Auto

 

[bigtiller]

How about an Anderson quick connect plug?

Amazon.com: Battery Quick Connect/Disconnect Wire Harness Plug Connector Recovery Winch Trailer 2-4 GAUGE: Automotive