What battery charger do you use?

[Grumpycat]

Any charger that says "Smart charger".
Lithium battery note.... I never charge any lithium battery with anything except the charger it came with. Most lithium battery fires are from using the wrong charger. (or damaged batteries.)

Most lithium fires are cheap Chinese electric bicycles with lithium-ion batteries.

The lithium battery you encounter as a lead-acid starter battery replacement is LiFePO4 which is quite safe.

In lithium mode the charger cuts off completely when the target voltage has been reached.

 

[Grumpycat]

Why do chargers have an agm setting?

Because contrary to what another says there is an optimal charging profile for AGM.

Strictly speaking there is also a difference between conventional wet lead-acid and low-maintenance wet lead acid.

 

[rScotty]

Because contrary to what another says there is an optimal charging profile for AGM.

Strictly speaking there is also a difference between conventional wet lead-acid and low-maintenance wet lead acid.

I agree...it just makes sense that there is a different optimal charging profile for any slight difference in battery construction or chemistry.

Another thought is that the charging profile doesn't matter unless the battery is used for constant high amerage drains. In tractors the main battery drains are for is lighting and starting - and for those things the charging rate makes little difference.
rScotty

 

[rv7charlie]

I haven't read all 5 pages of responses, but the manual for your charger lists AGM as one of the charging options, and Schumacher is a reputable brand. I'd get a 2nd opinion about whether you can use it. ;-)

 

[BubbaSam]

I have an AGM battery in my Hustler Raptor X lawn mower that needs charging. I've been told that a normal battery charger (Schumacher SC-600A) can't be used. What battery charger are you using for AGM batteries? Also, the battery in my Kioti DK4510 is getting weak, and I'm thinking of replacing it with an AGM battery. Any suggestions and/or issues?

I use the NOCO Genius 2D that you can mount inside your hood. Designed for 12-volt lead-acid (AGM, Gel, SLA, VRLA) batteries, including flooded, maintenance-free, deep-cycle, marine and RV batteries. I've had Noco for years, using them on my Lexus, my Kioti and my Kubota. Oh, and the have excellent service. They are available on their website ( www.no.co ) or on Amazon.

 

[Mike1955]

Why do chargers have an agm setting?

Good point walnut man.

 

[Mike1955]

Most lithium fires are cheap Chinese electric bicycles with lithium-ion batteries.

The lithium battery you encounter as a lead-acid starter battery replacement is LiFePO4 which is quite safe.

In lithium mode the charger cuts off completely when the target voltage has been reached.

Grumpycat, I’m no expert on the lithium battery subject but I feel the statement you just made is quite incomplete.

 

[Grumpycat]

Grumpycat, I’m no expert on the lithium battery subject but I feel the statement you just made is quite incomplete.

Then complete it. LiFePO4 is the safe chemistry. Not as power dense as lithium-ion but safe and most use less-rare materials in its construction.

I'll do it for you:

"LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries are considered significantly safer than other lithium-ion chemistries, with a very low fire risk due to their stable chemistry and high thermal runaway temperature of 270°C (518°F). Unlike other lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 does not release oxygen during decomposition, which removes a key fuel source for fires, and the cells are described as incombustible under normal conditions."

 

[Grumpycat]

I agree...it just makes sense that there is a different optimal charging profile for any slight difference in battery construction or chemistry.

Another thought is that the charging profile doesn't matter unless the battery is used for constant high amerage drains. In tractors the main battery drains are for is lighting and starting - and for those things the charging rate makes little difference.
rScotty

The charging profile matters if one leaves the charger connected very long after the battery is fully charged. With luck the charger will stop before full charge but if it doesn't then accelerated wear occurs.

 

[fortisi876]

FWIW- I purchased one of these> Amazon.com

For my battery maintenance needs, in my outbuilding. The 4 bank charger includes AGM and comes in handy for everything I store in there over winter....ie, tractor, ZT, motorcycle and a battery on my genny. The charger is 3yrs old and still going strong (hope I didn't just jinx myself... LOL).