Mahindra Max series tractor batteries

drajj5 · Jan 24, 2015

Well went out to use the tractor yesterday and alas, it would not start. Battery was dead, and would work the glow plugs but not enough oomph to kick the engine over. So cleaned terminals and placed battery on charge for the night. Today after work and still the battery will not turn engine over. I have owned the tractor since 13' and am surprised to see that it kicked the bucket so soon. The Battery installed in it is a Excide 51c, CCA 450 @0 deg and 500 @ 35 deg.
I am sure that many are on their second battery and wonder if there is a better stronger one to install this time around. I am looking to purchase the NAPA brand battery BCI 51R for around $100 next week. Suggestion's ?

FYI - tractor is stored in unheated barn and it is cold outside which doesn't help matters

LindenBruce · Jan 24, 2015

The tractor maybe a 13" model, but the battery could be a year or two older. Depending on how long it sat on the shelf before being installed in the tractor at the assembly line. Batteries take a lot of punishment and some just die early. Some go far beyond their intended usage. You just never know. B.

arrow · Jan 24, 2015

drajj5 said:
Well went out to use the tractor yesterday and alas, it would not start. Battery was dead, and would work the glow plugs but not enough oomph to kick the engine over. So cleaned terminals and placed battery on charge for the night. Today after work and still the battery will not turn engine over. I have owned the tractor since 13' and am surprised to see that it kicked the bucket so soon. The Battery installed in it is a Excide 51c, CCA 450 @0 deg and 500 @ 35 deg.
I am sure that many are on their second battery and wonder if there is a better stronger one to install this time around. I am looking to purchase the NAPA brand battery BCI 51R for around $100 next week. Suggestion's ?

FYI - tractor is stored in unheated barn and it is cold outside which doesn't help matters

The best batteries I ever had were one's from Yuasa and Die Hard Gold. One lasted 13 yrs and the DH lasted 16 years and still in the tractor. Like you, tractor was always stored in unheated wood shed.

ecbaatz · Jan 24, 2015

To answer your question though. I am a firm believer in getting the largest battery that will fit. A physically larger battery has more plates and more fluid. Both are very good. As well has higher CCA. As far as a brand. I am partial to interstate but that is only my opinion. Just check the terminal locations and ensure the new battery is the same as the old one. Or, you will have to change your battery cables.

One other thought, you stated you cleaned the terminals but did you clean where the negative cable connects to the frame and where the positive cable connects to the starter. If you don't have a good ground you may get the glow plugs to work but still not be able to turn the engine over.

Starting draws a lot of amps.

EM1 (SS) Retired

drajj5 · Jan 25, 2015

arrow

thanks for the tip. I googled Die Hard and it seems that they are carried at Sears stores. Closest Sears is 55 miles away, but will travel to get one since you have had that good of luck with yours. Give me a reason to take family to Big city too!!

ecbaatz

I did clean both terminals and checked the ground strap to frame. There was (slight corrosion) on the Positive cable connector and post. I always keep a can of spray terminal cleaner in the shop and used it to spray and kill any build up on it. Lunch Box charger was connected for the night and did charge battery fully, however glow plugs robbed all the energy that was stored from the charge. Even tried flipping the switch on the charger to start and using the combination of the two (charger/battery) and still no luck. I know you understand DC current better than most anyone out there having been rated EM. So with that in mind I will pop the metric bolt that attaches the cable to the frame and clean it before I go further. thanks from an AS2

ecbaatz · Jan 25, 2015

drajj5

Thanks for the compliment. I once went to Sears to get a battery for my volvo, again trying to get the biggest one that would fit. The young salesman told me they were out of the one for my volvo. When I asked him about another one, He told me I had to get the one listed since my car was a foreign car. I bit my tongue, shook my head, then went to Advanced Auto for my battery. It was not worth the air to correct him.

Oh yes, you do know there are only two types of ships in the navy; Submarines and TARGETS!

drajj5 · Jan 27, 2015

Well I did clean connections and still; it was a no-go..... So off to the store with the old battery and spent 100bucks for a new one. Popped the new one in and voila! POWER !!!! She started and ran like a top, I smeared grease on the terminals to slow any future corrosion and hope that this one will last for years to come. Thanks for your input and suggestions

drizler · Jan 27, 2015

arrow said:
The best batteries I ever had were one's from Yuasa and Die Hard Gold. One lasted 13 yrs and the DH lasted 16 years and still in the tractor. Like you, tractor was always stored in unheated wood shed.

I agree on YUASA and Diehards also Interstate. I used to buy cheap batteries at Sams club for 35 bucks for the old tractors and such, not any more. After the cheapies all went up around 75 it came time to just spring for the good ones. Oh, here is an unlikely place to find a cheap Interstate if you are lucky enough for it to fit, Cabelas Sporting goods. Marine starting batteries. I have two in my boats and another in one of my cars and never paid over 85. You just need to take careful measurements and terminal placement as well as clearances. I too prefer the biggest battery that will fit in the box.