battery life

[sdk8103]

I bught an LT1042 almost 3 years ago and use it every week for about an hour about 10 months a year. Latley the battery seems not be able to hold a charge for long. I need to get a new battery and was wondering if anyone has any advice on a good brand to buy, but also is less than 3 years normal for a battery or is it just a cheap battery that CC puts in these things?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[ray66v]

In addition to the standard model, Interstate makes a "premium" lawn and garden battery. They have a lot more CCA and last 4-5 years with a trickle charger on them in the months your not using it.

You can order it form any interstate dealer, or see if your Home Depot has it, mine does.

 

[moe1942]

Yes they are bottom end batteries and I change mine out every two years regardless. I can afford $10 a year.

 

[DmansPadge]

I agree with Ray.... if you want a good battery that will last get an Interstate. The initial price will be quite a bit more than a regular no name lawn and garden battery but will last a lot longer. Or you can buy cheap ones and replace them more often... l&g batteries are pretty inexpensive anyway.

 

[OhioGuy]

I work in the service side of the medical field. 20 years ago, it would be uncommon not to get 3 to 5 years out of a battery pack, generally NiCad's at that time. Now you are unlikely to see two years. The new equipment is utilizing Lithium Ion batteries and the manufacturers of the equipment are suggesting a two year life, but only warrantying the batteries for 90 days!

Hmmm, what's wrong with that picture?

Curt

 

[Undercover]

I still have the factory batteries in my 04 3235 & 07 GT1554.I just put the charger on them for the 1st time this winter they both are holding up very well.

But with my luck and after writing this.I will have to replace both this spring

 

[OhioGuy]

My 2000 Mazda Miata still has the original battery. I don't drive it in the winter and every spring I think "I'm going to need to replace that battery this year".

I carry my jumper box in the trunk just in case.

Maybe this spring?

Curt

 

[dqdave1]

Just change them when they go bad with one on sale, sometimes you will get a good one and it will last 3 years but for the 20 or 25 dollar price, who cares.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I still have the factory batteries in my 04 3235 & 07 GT1554.I just put the charger on them for the 1st time this winter they both are holding up very well.

But with my luck and after writing this.I will have to replace both this spring

Same here. I still have the original in my 3235 and have never had a charger on it yet (I almost hate saying this because you know what will happen next). It sits in the barn all winter (NE Ohio) without being charged and has always started in the spring. I don't use any gas stabilizer either. My Toro Personal Pace walk behind mower also has electric start and was purchased in 2000. It started this spring after sitting all winter, not plugged in, but started going dead later in the season so it's time to replace that one.

Bob B.

 

[Rhoderman]

Mine died in about a year.
It seemed slower starting one day. Dead cell.
Battery only measured 10V.
Replaced it and running fine ever since.

Bottom end batteries?! Yeah, I believe that.

 

[OhioGuy]

I think this is the norm, one year on a new battery.
Curt

 

[micman32]

I still have the original battery in my 2518. No problems yet. I guess this spring I will seee what happens!
At least for me, if I have to get a new one it will depend how much cash I have in my pocket at the time. In this economy who knows!

Michael

 

[sdk8103]

The first battery lasted 3 seasons. I went to Tactor Supply today and bought a Huskie battery for $37 and the tractor starts like it's new again. I didn't realize that the battery has been deteriorating probably for the the last year.

 

[qni51]

May I suggest that you all that are having problems with battery life, get a ADC 1.3 AMP pulse charger from Northern Tool or other source.

I have auto "type" batterys which are maintained on this brand of charger maintainer. 2 of them lasted over 10 years. Use of a pulse maintainer helps to reduce or even reverse sulfation which in the long run, helps to cause cell shorts. 167981 or even the 2/4/8 amp 167988. The last will also work with other types than standard auto styles. IE. GEL and AGM etc.

 

[sdk8103]

I always get many years of service out of auto type batteries and this battery is the first one that ever gave me dissapointing service. I am certain that is is what has been discussed, it came with a cheap battery.

 

[micman32]

I was curious about my battery so I went out and it started right up. Hopefully I can expect the same in a few months!

Michael

 

[MikeD74T]

I'd loosen & clean connections before buying a new battery. Lots of connections only get cleaned when a new battery is installed thus masking the real problem. In most cases when jump starting the battery terminal is bypassed and the jumpers make contact with the battery leads to the starter and a quick start occurs, but the alternator still has to charge thru bad connections, which it won't do, making the battery look like the culprit. Particularly with small batteries the charger clamps onto both the lead & battery post also bypassing the bad connection making it appear that the battery will take a charge but won't hold a charge. i.e. charger brings charge up, gets disconnected, tractor starts discharging the battery, and because of bad connections the alternator won't recharge. MikeD74T

 

[Gary Fowler]

Keeping the water level at the correct level on batteries (none gel type) is important for long life. Most people dont look at them till they wont start. Even the so called maintenance free ones will require some water if they have caps which many of the automotive maintenance free batteries do. They dont loose as much as the old type but they still loose some water over the months and years. Cleaning the battery post connections is probably the biggest culprit to a discharged battery. The alternator wont put a charge through Lead oxide, so occassional cleaning is necessary. Adding some antiox compound will help keep the connections clean for much longer or if you cant find the anti-oxidant compound just put a generous amount of lube grease on the terminal to keep the air and moisture from it will help too.

 

[OhioGuy]

I had my 06 Suburban in the shop today, 10 days left on the warranty. They replaced the battery and one of the fobs. Less than 3 years on a Delco battery, sounds about right.
China syndrome!
Curt

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I just replaced the battery last month in my 2000 Cadillac, which was the original Delco. It suddenly wouldn't crank and when I pulled on the cables the positive terminal came out in my hand with a piece of the battery attached to the cable bolt. I figure it didn't owe me anything after 8 years but they may have been better batteries back in 2000. The replacement cost me $175 at Sears. It's a 1000 CCA large vented battery which mounts ynder the rear seat.

Bob B.