JD 2320 Grille Cover

Sven_SITE · Dec 9, 2010

I found last winter while doing snow removal with my 2320 that the battery would get very cold and I would often have problems restarting the machine without jump starting it when going back out to do additional snow removal after a short amount of time. The battery is located right behind the open front grille and I was thinking maybe there is a grill cover or insulation of some type that will continue to allow air flow but shelter the battery a little bit. The property where I am doing removal is on the water and the driving wind and snow are bitter during storms. ANY IDEAS?

jester156 · Dec 9, 2010

maybe you could build a battery box cover just to shield the battery and not worry about blocking air from entering the grill. it might stop the wind but won't retain any heat though.
wrap the battery in some sort of insulated blanket?

TCSavage · Dec 9, 2010

Perhaps a marine battery box would help.

kennyd · Dec 9, 2010

Sounds like you need a new battery to me. A "cold" battery should still start the tractor.

Sven_SITE · Dec 10, 2010

I think i am going to suck it up and buy another new battery again. I am kind of not impressed with the JD batteries. Any recommendations on a replacement sealed battery? anyone have a compatible model number?

jcalla · Dec 10, 2010

Get the group number of the battery and buy it anywhere.

JPC

kennyd · Dec 10, 2010

Sven_SITE said:
I think i am going to suck it up and buy another new battery again. I am kind of not impressed with the JD batteries. Any recommendations on a replacement sealed battery? anyone have a compatible model number?

There are lots of documented problems with the JD branded batteries, just search the term "battery" and "optima" here in the JD forum!

ragkar · Dec 10, 2010

How about using a battery blanket? I'm using one that I bought from J.C.Whitney. It's electrical and runs off 115vac. To minimize power consumption I'm using a 115vac thermostat set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The battery is good but I'm giving it a fresh charge right now. I expect that the tractor would start, you do know about preheating the glow plugs don't you, even if I did not take these precautions. But I don't want to chance it.

But I agree with other poster, get a better battery. The optima brand is highly thought of in these posts. A good replacement is the model D-51R p/n 8093-167 dimensions 9.27"L x 5"W x 8.89"H