new battery

mike cook · Jan 13, 2015

I need a new battery for my Massey65 with perkins diesel the battery in it now is out of a car wondering what i s the proper cranking amps and suchthat I need ?? thanks

Winmac · Jan 13, 2015

The original battery may have been 800 cca or even as small as 650, personally I would try to install a commercial truck battery ( group 31) provided it will fit . They are very cost effective and offer 1000cca, and can be had with conventional post or threaded stud, I prefer threaded but you'd be looking at changing cables ends too.

bigdeano · Jan 13, 2015

The group 27 automotive batteries usually have a longer guarantee than the commercial batteries. Not quite as powerful as a group 31 though.

mike cook · Jan 13, 2015

thanks guys I will measure the area and see how big I can go just looked at the prices battery have gone way up since I last bought one!!!!

hosspuller · Jan 13, 2015

Find the highest CCA Battery that will fit in the space with the proper connections. You can change the cable ends or choose a lower CCA for cost reasons. Optima or AGM batteries are more resistant to vibration, but it comes with a cost increase.

mike cook · Jan 14, 2015

found an interstate battery 1000 amps 850 cold cranking amps 36 month warranty 6year performance $138 think I will get it???

the old grind · Jan 14, 2015

1000CCA batteries weren't common back in the Eisenhower and Kennedy years, so I doubt you'd need all that amperage. Common Group 24 & 27 (measure your tray) are typically more powerful than back then, too. Your Perkins may see similar starting (compression) resistance as a 6.6L or so V8 diesel, depending on starter/flywheel gear ratio, etc. and what works for them ought to work for the M65.

AGM batteries will self-discharge more gradually than lead-acid. It's good idea to put a floating circuit 'maintainer' or trickle charger on either type during long Winter layups. (HFT, or better) If it's been cold enough and you're plowing snow this Winter the one you're using should give you an idea of a 'worst-case scenario.' (Is it fairly new? Don't expect it to produce full label amperage if it's old enough.)

btw, AGMs typically dry up before sulfation can wreck 'em. Store any in the coolest, driest place if you pull it seasonally. Just the opposite of NiCads, wet cells last longest if kept to full charge (~12.75v no-load)

Think of spreading the extra cost over a likely 10 yr service life as 'cheap insurance' in the long run. I doubt you'd be reproached for buying the best you can afford. :thumbsup:
You could swap in another car battery if you sell the Massey later & put the better one in something you keep.

woodchipper · Jan 14, 2015

What you need is the CCA. If you can put your hands on a truck battery, all for the better.
If you go for a car type battery, I had great experience with the "Kirkland" brand from Cosco! For boosting purposes, nothing beats top post terminals. If room permits. But on old tractors, thats what was available back then I beleive, therefore should not be an issue for you. Your tray size will probably dictate what group will fit in there (and consequently the CCA...).
If you will consider an AGM battery, make sure your charging system is made for them. As regulation is way more precise for the vehicules that have them stock from the factory (needs 14.0V). Also if close to the engine, they will suffer from heat exhaustion

So it may not be the best option for a tractor. On the plus side, they don't spill, are lighter, and are way better in absorbing vibrations...