How to perform LOAD TEST?

[stuart]

This weekend my trusty 4300 would not start for the ist time. Heard loud clicking sound from right side of motor when facing the tractor. Got my meter and found 13.5 volts w/tractor off and 14.4 with tractor running after I jumped it.
Next I thought "thermister" I have been reading so much about. Called Deere mechanic and he told me that if it jump started it was not the thermister. Told me to check the "LOAD" or amps the battery was putting out. Offered to do it for me but that is 40 mile ride each way and it was running. Can anyone out there advise me if I can check the LOAD by myself and if so HOW?

 

[HomeBrew2]

Attach a load to the battery, ~50amps: preferably a battery load tester made for that purpose, ~$20 from Harbor Freight. With the load being applied, the voltage should not go below 10.5 volts (I think). Alternatively, you can attach to some other load such as a car with the coil wire off and check the voltage while cranking engine.