brand new tractor ...need help

yukonhunter · Mar 17, 2014

I have a brand new jd 4520 sitting in my pole barn...its been a terribly cold winter and I haven't started it since November...I went to start it this weekend and it made a fast clicking sound when trying to start it...any ideas what it is...dying battery??? Thx guys

Happy Gilmore · Mar 17, 2014

Fast clicking sound could be a battery in need of a charge, especially if it's been sitting all winter.

uglyboywith11fingers · Mar 17, 2014

I'm with Happy... sounds like the starter relay clicking due to low voltage.
I keep a trickle charger on my vehicles that don't get used for months over the winter.

Pete

GManBart · Mar 17, 2014

Fast clicking is almost always a dead battery. A battery maintainer is a really good idea if you're going to let it sit for long periods of time (the battery will last a lot longer that way), and the good thing is, they're inexpensive.

flusher · Mar 17, 2014

Battery needs recharging. If you don't plan to use the tractor during the cold months, remove the battery, charge it up fully and put it on a trickle charger.

devildog1 · Mar 17, 2014

Your in N.Y. where I am, been below zero many times out in the country. Buy a Battery Tender, it will maintain the charge and never over charge like trickle chargers will. I have 4 , motorcycle , Kubota, Truck, Small lawn tractor, and have used them for years. About $50.00 @ Wallys.
DevilDog

john_bud · Mar 17, 2014

Fast click is the starter relay.

Modern electronics do not like low / variable voltage. Sure fire way to cause expensive failures is to let the battery fail.

If you do get a trickle charger, get a good one. The cheap ones can actually damage the battery by continuously putting too much juice in after it's fully charged. The above post on a battery tender is good advice!

juddspaintballs · Mar 17, 2014

Wal-Mart, of all places, sells a really good float charger. It's made by Schumacher. I have the on-board version mounted in my Suburban's engine bay and wired in with the block heater so when I'm heating the block, I'm keeping the batteries topped off too.

Schumacher SE-1-12S-CA Fully Automatic Onboard Battery Charger - 1.5 Amps : Amazon.com : Automotive

Ford850 · Mar 17, 2014

I used to have this issue for many of my engines, big or small. Part of my problem was how I moved the equipment around before storing it. I was starting something, moving it out of the way, shutting it down within a couple minutes and then leaving it sit for weeks. The batteries weren't charged properly before storing because of that, so they sulfated and wouldn't hold a full charge. Leaving a battery sit for weeks drains them too. Now I use battery minders on everything at least once a month, if not on continuously. My batteries are holding a charge like new again.

yukonhunter · Mar 17, 2014

Thx so much guys....I'm going to buy one today...I feel better now lol

GManBart · Mar 17, 2014

Another high quality, relatively inexpensive option (you can find them on Amazon):

Shop | Multi-Purpose Chargers | G1100 | Genius Battery Chargers

grsthegreat · Mar 17, 2014

naaa, i think the tractor appreciates staying indoors all winter.....and doesnt want to work anymore.

its cold out there

TSO · Mar 18, 2014

Did you get her to start up ok?

Happy Gilmore · Mar 20, 2014

How'd you make out yukonhunter?

yukonhunter · Mar 20, 2014

I'm going to my cabin in the morning ...I bought a jump charger...called the dealer...he told me to take it out and if its bad that they will replace it....do you think it is a bad battery dying after only two months of sitting???

sandyc · Mar 22, 2014

I remember reading/hearing somewhere that a fully charged battery is only at 50% at zero degrees. It is very possible that it died after a few months. Most SCUTs don't have an alternator so the battery takes a bit to be fully charged using the dyno.

Tx Jim · Mar 22, 2014

sandyc said:
Most SCUTs don't have an alternator so the battery takes a bit to be fully charged using the dyno.

According to parts catalog a JD 4520 has an alternator. Can you name some SCUT's with a dynamo? I thought all late model tractors had an alternator but so much for old folks thinking.

bigbull338 · Mar 22, 2014

sounds like you need to charge your battery real good.an then if your going to let it set for long periods of time crank it once or twice a week.or put a trickle charger on it every so often.

TSO · Mar 22, 2014

Tx Jim said:
According to parts catalog a JD 4520 has an alternator. Can you name some SCUT's with a dynamo? I thought all late model tractors had an alternator but so much for old folks thinking.

Kubota B series ... my buddies B2920 had one.

grm61 · Mar 22, 2014

yukonhunter said:
I'm going to my cabin in the morning ...I bought a jump charger...called the dealer...he told me to take it out and if its bad that they will replace it....do you think it is a bad battery dying after only two months of sitting???

Unless you left something on, the battery shouldn't have gone dead in 2 months, even in cold weather, I parked my old f600 for a year and a half, the battery was 3 years old when parked, it started on its own with no jump, I did have to dribble a little gas down the carb.

Take the dealer up on his offer, return the battery for a free replacement.

I use these on my Tractor, Boat, and riding mower. I bought the three pack 3 years ago, they work great, they keep the battery fully charged without overcharging,

1 pack http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0123-Junior-Charger/dp/B000CITK8S/ref=sr_1_1/191-4492021-5054432?ie=UTF8&qid=1395525841&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+tenders

3 pack Amazon.com: 3 PACK Battery Tender Junior Jr. 12V Battery Trickle Charger 12 Volt: Home Improvement