GT235 Battery Options

[snpower]

I guess my question is... are there choices other than the 500CCA listed in the specifications? That痴 a lot of juice for the engine... mine is the Vanguard Briggs. $130 - $150 is what I知 seeing.

 

[bullbreaker]

Been 5 years since I sold mine (gt235). The guy I sold mine to still runs it . He has just had to do maintenance to it . Imo one of the best GT they ever made . Mine had a Kawa twin 619 cc me thinks .
Anyway I cant remember but seems like I use to pull the batt and take it to WallMT and match cranking amps /post location and size . From what I remembered a little larger size batt fit in there and was way less money than $130 plus . Remember that GT needs those ca etc because after initial start the electric pto .

 

[tomplum]

So no, your engine doesn't require anywhere near 500 CCA. But it is better to have excess. These batteries last at least twice as long as the normal L&G batteries and are easy to source. Match it to your favorite vendor and you should have a dependable battery for years to come. As a reference point if that engine was in a standard chassis, I would install a 300 CCA and could even get by with a 250 easily enough.

 

[snpower]

So no, your engine doesn't require anywhere near 500 CCA. But it is better to have excess. These batteries last at least twice as long as the normal L&G batteries and are easy to source. Match it to your favorite vendor and you should have a dependable battery for years to come. As a reference point if that engine was in a standard chassis, I would install a 300 CCA and could even get by with a 250 easily enough.

Sorry... what do you mean by "these batteries"... are you speaking about a specific vendor or the fact that a replacement might be rated at 500CCA?

 

[TractorGuy]

I have used the Walmart U1 lawn and garden batteries in a lot of places. The highest they use to offer was a 270 CCA but I recently found a 340 which I now have in my 855 tractor. It had the 270 CCA version in it for 5 years prior so I'm thinking either one would start your GT235 with no problems. The 270 runs about $30 and the 340 was about $40. Kept on a maintainer they last about 5 years.

I even have a 270 version in a 99 Ford Mustang GT for weight savings. On it's 3rd one and the previous two lasted 5 years each.

 

[jgayman]

I guess my question is... are there choices other than the 500CCA listed in the specifications? That痴 a lot of juice for the engine... mine is the Vanguard Briggs. $130 - $150 is what I知 seeing.

I've had very good results with the JD batteries.

When asking for a replacement, be sure to ask for the "wet charged" battery. It is less expensive than what you see listed in the parts manual but it is the same 550CCA battery. Always ask for the wet charged battery. It is usually the same part number with an "A" at the end. See below, this is the battery for your GT235. $100.73 after core return.

Part Number: TY25881A
Part Price: 118.73 USD
Core Value: (18.00 USD)
End Price With Core Return: 100.73 USD
On Hand: 3 (Supplier Direct - Contact your dealer for availability) Check Other Stores
Description: Wet Charged Battery - BATTERY,WET,12V,BCI 45,CCA 500

 

[tomplum]

Sorry... what do you mean by "these batteries"... are you speaking about a specific vendor or the fact that a replacement might be rated at 500CCA?

Well, your tractor has more of an automotive style battery that the little L terminal batteries like you would see in a lesser tractor. jgayman is correct on people liking the Deere batteries at the dealer. They do seem to last a long time.

 

[Ron of Va]

I had to change the battery cables on my GT235, because the original John Deere 500CCA battery had the larger round squeeze type battery terminals like the ones found on a car.

The "Lawn tractor" batteries have flat terminals that have a bolt through configuration. I bought the new cables from the auto parts store, and the battery from Sam's Club.

I would have had to drive 30 miles to the dealer to spend $130 for the JD, or 4 miles to Sam's @ $30-$40. (The JD battery did last about 15 years, but that was not enough motivation.)

 

[snpower]

As always great input and advice.

I had decided on the JD wet cell when I wandered into Costco tonight... found a Group 51 500CC battery for $73. 60 month warranty, made by Interstate... SOLD!

 

[TractorGuy]

I had to change the battery cables on my GT235, because the original John Deere 500CCA battery had the larger round squeeze type battery terminals like the ones found on a car.

The "Lawn tractor" batteries have flat terminals that have a bolt through configuration. I bought the new cables from the auto parts store, and the battery from Sam's Club.

I would have had to drive 30 miles to the dealer to spend $130 for the JD, or 4 miles to Sam's @ $30-$40. (The JD battery did last about 15 years, but that was not enough motivation.)

Not sure if there is room to do this on the tractor. I switched to lawn tractor batteries on my generator and just removed the bolts on the post type terminals and put smaller bolts through them onto the flat terminals. I opened the terminals and sandwiched the bolt section onto the flat battery terminals. Didn't want to change the cables on it in case I switch back. I just had to use some 1/4"x2-1/2" bolts with flat washers on both sides I think. They may have been shorter.