Optima Batteries

[Gene :^)]

Red top Optima in my NT254 was the best thing I have done to the tractor. Put it in 6 years ago and I let it sit for up to 3 months at a time then it fires right up. Before this I was replacing the standard group 24 lead acid batteries every year. Ever since the Optima I have never had to drag out the jumper cables or charger. Before Optima it was a regular routine and always when it was the most inconvenient for me or I was in a rush.

This reminds me, I haven't started her up since before Turkey day.

What I found is that when the tractor sat unused the lead acid batts would self discharge fast but the optima doesn't. I have no parasitic loads, but lead acid just discharges even when disconnected.

I have found that any type of battery will fail if allowed to go dead then sit dead, even an Optima. Most batteries can survive going dead if immediately recharged, but only a few times. The key factor is how long they sit around dead, more than a day is too long and they stay dead. A week or a month dead and forget it, it's gone.

Gene :^)

 

[GreenWannabe]

I had the manufacturer's service center put 4 red tops in to replace the OEM batteries that went bad while still under warranty in my Cummins M11+ powered RV. In the seven years following before I sold it, I only put on about 20K miles, but the red tops cranked fine every time when I started it - sometimes after sitting several months. I was well pleased with their service life, and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again.

 

[bulldog69]

I wish my experience would have been better with them. Kind of like most things I like to hear what others say about a product and then try it for myself and see if it works or not. Optima was no different than most stuff, most love them and some don't. To me that's a great product to try for yourself and get your own results.

I don't really have a problem accepting the fact that I got a bad battery. Any company can make a mistake. It sux to me that the first one I bought was the bad one but it is what it is. My problem is all the BS I went thru with the tech people. And then after trying to be calm with them and not going off the deep end I'm told that I have no warranty. The abuse that some people put these batteries thru and have nothing but good luck. Some of these guys around here are using them in rock climbers and such as that. Straight up, sideways and even rolled down the mountain. No problem, fire them back up and go about their business like nothing happened. That is what I expected from Optima. What I got was like Optima with the balls cut off.

No, we can't cover you because your case is deformed.
No, it doesn't matter that it's only three weeks old and only started the tractor one time.
No, you did something wrong or your tractor has problems, it could not be our battery.

I replaced that battery and have had no more trouble. I guess that eliminates something being wrong with the tractor. I really know what to think about their batteries. Never really got to try one out. Tried their tech dept and warranty out, they suck. However, those are a part of the total package and that was enough for me to be done with them. I'll never try another Optima battery, not because mine failed but because it failed and the warranty wouldn't cover a brand new battery.

 

[lilranch2001]

I wish my experience would have been better with them. Kind of like most things I like to hear what others say about a product and then try it for myself and see if it works or not. Optima was no different than most stuff, most love them and some don't. To me that's a great product to try for yourself and get your own results.

I don't really have a problem accepting the fact that I got a bad battery. Any company can make a mistake. It sux to me that the first one I bought was the bad one but it is what it is. My problem is all the BS I went thru with the tech people. And then after trying to be calm with them and not going off the deep end I'm told that I have no warranty. The abuse that some people put these batteries thru and have nothing but good luck. Some of these guys around here are using them in rock climbers and such as that. Straight up, sideways and even rolled down the mountain. No problem, fire them back up and go about their business like nothing happened. That is what I expected from Optima. What I got was like Optima with the balls cut off.

No, we can't cover you because your case is deformed.
No, it doesn't matter that it's only three weeks old and only started the tractor one time.
No, you did something wrong or your tractor has problems, it could not be our battery.

I replaced that battery and have had no more trouble. I guess that eliminates something being wrong with the tractor. I really know what to think about their batteries. Never really got to try one out. Tried their tech dept and warranty out, they suck. However, those are a part of the total package and that was enough for me to be done with them. I'll never try another Optima battery, not because mine failed but because it failed and the warranty wouldn't cover a brand new battery.

Over all, I think the purpose for this thread was for me to decide if I wanted to try the Optima battery.
I have heard positive and negative comments, and I did not add up the totals of each, but the negatives to it sure seem to be sky high for such a expensive battery.
I would really liked to have tried one but it is way to expensive a battery for what seems to be such a worthless warranty.

:confused2:

 

[bulldog69]

My experience with a 97 model Cat 980 G made me look at batteries in a different way. I got almost 6 years from the stock batteries before having trouble. During that time I watched our other equipment getting batteries replaced from a local parts store and they wouldn't last over a year in most cases. Sure, they were half the price but where are the real savings. I asked my boss if I could put Cat batteries back in mine when they went bad. He agreed. I got about 5 years from the second set. Just had to replace them during the winter just before my new loader came in. In short, I got 11 years/25,000 + hrs. out of 2 sets of Cat batteries.

This past fall I had to replace the battery in my L 3000. 12 years from a factory battery, not to bad in my book. About a month ago I replaced the battery in my 01 honda foreman. 11 years from a factory battery. My reason for saying this, if the OEM battery has given good service at least look at one of them for your replacement. Most of the time they aren't much higher than a store brand battery. Yes, you may pay a few $$$ more now but if it gives 2x the life which one is going to be cheaper in the long run?

Sometimes the up front cost blinds us from the bigger picture and the money saved in reality is simply wasted.

 

[Down South]

Till the late 70's My Family never bought a new battery, We bought the junkers from auto parts stores. After that we sold them.

Charged and checked them all and always got 2 or 3 good ones ( like Optima Bill ), then sold the junkers.
Most of the time the good ones were the newest.

I have a Late 70's 360 Long, the battery is just ahead of the radiator too. All original except the battery's.

There are a few things i have learned.

Most electrical problems start with Loose belts, Corroded terminals,loose connections and overloading the system.

Few do maintenance until after a problem has occurred.

Lead acid battery's, 5% go bad in the first year, 5% last more than 5 years, all the rest are in between.
Lead acid battery's do best when the biggest, heaviest, highest amp are used, Never the cheapest.
Again proper maintenance and upkeep is required to make anything last.

Now
In the last 25 years I have first hand knowledge of perhaps 25 Optima battery's in use.
I only know of 2 people with problems with them.

1 Had a long history of battery's and electrical problems, before and after.

2 Had a long history with many Optima's in many vehicles.
I saw 5 Rock crawler/Mud buggies Jeeps all highly customized, The only guy i knew who knew about customizing and hopping up winches.
He had 3 bad ones, all bought in the last 1 1/2 years.

All the guys who had good luck with Optima Battery's seem to have bought them some to many years ago.
The guys with bad luck seem to have bought them more recently.

Optima Bill should be able to give us real numbers on this.

For me personally I have a hard time paying 2-3 times the price for a battery that May last twice as long.
These days perhaps not that long.

Mexico and 2009 may be a coincidence?

Ds

 

[Optima Bill]

First, thanks guys for the mostly positive comments about experiences with our products.
Down South, I don't know the exact numbers on returns, defects and such. I do know that a lot of our returned batteries are not bad, just need proper recharging. Even with those that are not bad but returned, I know our defect rate is less than industry standards. It would be great if there never were defects, but they do happen and we strive daily to keep that number to a minimum.
Bulldog69, I would like to know a little more about your issues. When did this happen? What kind of charger were you using and was the amperage rate you were charging at? Did you order it from us or buy locally?
I would be happy to exchange via PM also if you like. Have you replaced it yet? If so, does the new battery hold a charge after the three-week period?
Thanks and I look forward to your reply.
Bill Howell
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Here is a red top in my 1950 Ford 8N. Philip.

 

[pilot-werx]

First, thanks guys for the mostly positive comments about experiences with our products.
Down South, I don't know the exact numbers on returns, defects and such. I do know that a lot of our returned batteries are not bad, just need proper recharging. Even with those that are not bad but returned, I know our defect rate is less than industry standards. It would be great if there never were defects, but they do happen and we strive daily to keep that number to a minimum.
Bulldog69, I would like to know a little more about your issues. When did this happen? What kind of charger were you using and was the amperage rate you were charging at? Did you order it from us or buy locally?
I would be happy to exchange via PM also if you like. Have you replaced it yet? If so, does the new battery hold a charge after the three-week period?
Thanks and I look forward to your reply.
Bill Howell
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.

When in the world are you going to start building aircraft batteries?

 

[crbr]

Hi Guys,
Sorry, I have been out of town and not able to post until now.
Ultrarunner, our home office is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Several years ago, to keep up with global demand, we built a new state of the art facility in Monterrey. This is a decision that was made by our owners Johnson Controls, after looking at all the options. Parts for our cars, homes and life in general are made all over the world these days and this is an example of how that system works. The new facility uses the latest in technology and produces our best batteries yet.
I actually had my hands on one of the new chargers at SEMA in November and can say, without having to hype it, that it is the best charger ever offered. It is the simplest plug and play charger ever. It does all the diagnostic testing then charges according to its findings. It takes the human error out of the equation, never over or undercharging a battery. It will work with all types of batteries also, so it will be the only charger anyone will need.
RSEWILL, no manufacturer has a 0% defect rate, but that is what we strive for and while the batteries built at our previous facility were great, the degree of automation in our new facility has really cut down on variability and improved product quality as a result. We sell many more batteries now, unfortunately you never have people come on the internet and praise a product that does it's job, just those that have problems. We find that a lot of our returned 澱ad batteries simply need proper recharging and are fine.
I have personally acquired two of these batteries, one Bluetop and one Redtop and have used them for over a year in vehicles with no problem. While I cannot recommend a BlueTop in a dumptruck, I have one in mine and absolutely have not had a problem with it. It is a test to see how it does, and so far I am very pleased every time I start the truck, knowing I am running on a battery that original owner said was no good. The Redtop was a similar situation, that I have had in my K-5 Blazer for months. It gets used very little so it sits for long periods of time. However, it starts every time I use it.
There will always be those that complain without doing their homework, but usually if we get the word out on proper charging and maintenance, we find most problems are solved.

Thanks,
Bill Howell
eCare Manager OPTIMA Batteries, Inc

Feedback to be fair and balanced...Warranty hassles with several Optimas have turned me away from Optima batteries. That and the short storage cycle period of not being on a Battery Tender (best battery maintenance out there including their no-hassle 10 year warranty). Optimas have not lived up to your bragging rights for me over the past 5 years. And to be clear, this is not a complaint. I have done homework, studying, preparing for the test, and the product is just not my choice. It is experience from your product and my conclusion.

Thanks,
crbr
eCare ex-customer

 

[crazyal]

I wonder how many of the problems are not battery problems but alternator problems. Most engine alternators are not very advanced and can easily over or under charge a battery.

Boy it would be nice (hint, hint) if Optima would offer a TBN discount.

 

[Tollster]

I had a redtopin my CJ that lasted 12 years, then went and got another and it died within 2 weeks. Fortunately, I did not have to deal with optima and the store tested it and replaced it. I got a yellow and a blue as well.

So what I need to know is what charger do I need to buy now? Even though I have three, I would like to know what pne they recommend.

I for one am kind of old school when it comes to customer service.
If the food sux but the service is good, I'll be back, and you can bet if the food is good and the service sux, I'll take my business elsewhere. That rational has served me very well, I find I have more money in my pocket,and less worries.

 

[Dirtball]

TRY a wheelchair/jazzychair battery in your CUT. I had one of those leaky New Holland batteries that corroded my radiator. I started to search for a sealed battery with X dimensions and found the wheelchair battery. I installed it year 2000 or 2001 , never been on a charger, still going strong. Not real large in size either, and no problems cranking in the cold. FYI I have a REdtop burried behind a bulkhead in my bus conversion that starts a 20kw Kohler genny, that battery is original from 1997. It is trickled along with the other 6 batteries on the bus when plugged into shore power. I average 2-3 yrs on wet lead starter batteries size 8D-($175-200), (starting a Detroit with 24v accessories and 12ton AC) and 6 yrs on the 8D Gel deep cycle house batteries ($550 ea).

 

[Optima Bill]

Hey guys,
Philip thanks for posting those pictures, if I can have your permission to use them, we may use them from time to time when the question comes up as to if an Optima will fit in an 8N.
Pilot werx I don't know of any plans to build aircraft batteries but I am not in on most R+D work. I will certainly pass along your feedback and if I hear different, I will let you know.
Crbr, fair enough. I am sorry you have had issues. Let me share a personal experience that happened to me just this week. I had my 72 Dodge Charger at a shop getting new upgraded brakes. (Google for information on the car). We road race it all over the country. While in the shop, the switch was left on acc and drained the battery. Now, if anyone knows the proper way to recharge a deeply-discharged Optima it is me. However, the shop never called to tell me what happened and just threw the charger on 40amps and left it for several hours. Then boosted it on the 60 amps to crank the car. Needless to say, the battery was cooked. So this morning I was at the local parts store in Irvine, California buying a new RedTop for a race this weekend at El Toro. Yes, a long ways from Pigeon Forge, Tn. My job as eCare Manager is to try and educate people on proper maintenance of their Optima batteries and try and avoid just what happened to me because they just don't understand the proper way to recharge our products. In your case, using a tender, I am not sure why you had so many issues. I would be happy though to talk about it here or by pm. Length of time you had the batteries, type equipment, did they expire during warranty? Those kind of questions. Since you live in East Tennessee, maybe we could just talk on the phone when I get back home, you may be a neighbor.
Thanks again guys for the positive experiences you have shared too, we like all feedback. It helps us be a better company and offer better products.
Bill Howell
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.

 

[5030]

I paid $250 for a blue top and put it in one of my tractors. It sat for 3 weeks and when I went to crank it I had nothing but a click. Hooked the charger to it (on low charge) and let it run overnight. Next morning the top of the battery was swelled. Called Optima and asked them about it. Got the full court press run around for a good 20 or 30 minutes. When did I buy it, what was it in, what size and brand charger did I use, how many amps, and on and on and on. In the end, even though my charge rate was fine and they couldn't tell me one single thing that I had done wrong. I was informed that it sounded to them like it had a bad cell but because the top had swelled up during charging my warranty was void. No matter what, a swelled top indicated to them the battery had been over charged and they wouldn't stand behind it.

That was a 2 in 1 deal for me, my first and last. I will never buy another one.

I'm with you 100&.

Optima is overpriced JUNK.

Same scenario and same result. I still have the boat anchor sitting in the shop.

Much better AGM batteries out there in that design like the Hawker Oddesy. Wonder why the military chooses Hawker over Optima? They know they are junk too.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Opti bill. I just sold my 69 charger (yes it was not a smart move;-)). I ran 2 yellow tops in the 12 years I had the car. It survived well with all my abuse, huge alternator and multi amp stereo, and hi intensity lights. I plan to move my tractor to a optima when the current Sears buys the farm.

This all said, what is the way to salvage an optima that has been deeply discharged? And what is your method for over winter or 3 month non use storage. I Travel for work so all my vehicles can sit for a long period of time.

I hear no to airplanes but what about quads / motorcycles?

Finally. Are you guys manufactured by interstate? I had heard a rumor but...

Carl

 

[ultrarunner]

See all the interstate dealers around here carry Optima...

Only own one and it's about 8 years old... came with the 1912 Model T when I bought it. The car was converted to 12 volt.

I really do like how clean the battery is... the case looks like new and this is a plus with antique cars... less to have to clean-up after.

Finally a comment on repair shops...

Had my Model A in for some touch-up and the shop left the lights on all weekend... needless to say the battery was stone dead... OEM 6 volt.

The shop charged it with a 12 volt and reversed the polarity... Battery was about 5 years old and I never had a problem with it... ended up replacing the battery.

I really couldn't make too big a fuss since the owner was doing me a favor... just have to realize most in the trade have little knowledge of classic cars...

 

[brokenot]

The only equipment we have in the rental fleet that comes factory-equipped with Optima batteries are the vibratory trench rollers. Optima batteries are only worthwhile in an application like that. Contrary to what they advertise, you will NOT get "up to twice the life" over a traditional battery. And even if they did, how is it beneficial when "up to" twice the life costs NOT "up to", but rather "always" twice the price?

If you have a car/truck/tractor that is constantly working to shake itself to pieces the way a vibratory roller does, then you have an application in which the ruggedness of an Optima is beneficial.

Otherwise....nope.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Hey guys,
Philip thanks for posting those pictures, if I can have your permission to use them, we may use them from time to time when the question comes up as to if an Optima will fit in an 8N.

Permissions granted, would be glad to help in any way. Contact me if you would like more details. Philip.

 

[Typhoon]

The best money I have ever spent on anything... that's right,.. the BEST money that I have ever spent on anything dollar for dollar, is when I bought my optima battery. It was in my New Holland TC29D for 3 years, and has now been in my Kioti DK40SE for nearly 3 years. I was having some starting issues with the New Holland, and that all stopped when I installed the Optima! I have not once had to clean the terminals, and have not once had a starting problem. And on top of that, there have been times in the winter where my tractor may sit in the polebarn for a couple of months without being started. When I go to crank it, it cranks like it's in the middle of summer. My Optima has never been hooked up to a charger. Absolutely awesome batteries. I would not consider any other battery. Ever.