Satoh starting help needed

[bgillette57]

I went to start Satoh s-373D Beave 111 tractor in the cold to blade snow, and couldn't get it to start. I warmed up glow plug and used starter fluid. Battery didn't last many cranks, about 3 atempts. I put battery charger on battery and tried again, and now it wont crank or anything. When I tried starting it with charger, I switched it to "start", and charger clip on battery started sparking. I left charger on trickle overnight, and checked battery for voltage in the morning and had 12 volts. When I put the charger on "start", could that of damage something, as why it wont crank now? Any help is appreciated very much.
Barry

 

[LMTC]

12 volts is not enough. Fully charged battery should read close to 13.7 volts if it is being charged...at least 12.5 or better standing alone.

 

[bgillette57]

I got if started, it was the battery connection, lose. Thanks

 

[JEH412]

Be careful with starter fluid. Those engines don't tolerate it well! I have an S370 and if I don't use the block heater for at least 45 minutes to an hour it is a bear to start when it's below about 40 degrees.
John