Which starter battery?

[Richard]

I've got a JCB 1550-B and need a new battery again. I keep going through batteries for one of two reasons, or perhaps a bit of both.

It's a home use machine and frankly, doesn't get used much so part of me thinks it simply dwindles in charge over time.

Another part of me suspects something might be amis with the charging system however, each time I've tried to test it (lights on, battery disconnected) everything seems to work fine...so I live with my dwindling battery.

I might have also been buying wimpy batteries??

I don't know...bottom line... I need a new one and it uses what I would call a "full sized car battery" as opposed to some of the HUGE 36" long batteries that I've heard about (not sure if I've ever seen)

I've always tried to get the highest CCA battery I can get...one time, the auto parts place simply woudln't sell me one because I couldn't tell him "which car" it went to... I tried to explain it went to a backhoe and I simply wanted the largest CCA battery they had... HE then went on to explain that they didn't have "backhoe batteries"

I think we had a communication gap...unless of course, there's something special about them?

So.... standard 'auto' sized battery... highest CCA.... what should I get and where to get it?

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Don't know anything specific about your piece of equipment but here is some general advice.

First, find a new parts store. It's obvious who you are dealing with isn't very knowledgeable.

Somewhere you should be able to find some info on the stock sized battery. Automotive batteries have an industry designations that cover size and terminal type and location and you should be looking for a battery that matches that designation and not what vehicle it goes in.

For a simple test of the charging circuit, when running at operating speed, voltage at the battery should be near 14.3V. If not, you should first take a look at all connections to insure they are clean and tight.

Lead acid batteries do NOT like to be in a discharged state. Self discharge is usually quite low but one needs to make sure there are no current draws when the equipment is shut off. If the equipmet sits for long periods you should give thought to using a small charger to keep the battery topped off.

 

[Gravdigr]

If it uses a standard auto sized battery go for an optima red or yellow top. The red top is generally a cranking battery where they yellow top is a hybrid cranking/marine battery. I come from an off road background and most offroaders run optimas. Usually the yellow top since it is good when you have a constant high amp draw (from an electric winch for example). These batteries are not traditional lead acid batteries instead using a gel and spiral wound plates. These batteries resist vibration better than traditional lead acid batteries and can be mounted in any position including upside down. I have a red top in my offroad blazer and have drained it down completely about 5 times and it recharged every time. It's 6 years old and still running strong. A yellow top will set you back about $175, red top about $125.

 

[AlanB]

I dont believe the Optima's have the CCA to do his unit. I was suprised that Optima does not show a battery for my Truck (99 Ford Diesel) and when I looked they did not have one rated (at least in Sams) with enough CCA.

Richard

Sams clubs have a pretty decent selection of batteries, to include the $110 one that goes in my Ford Hoe (I think that is probably the battery that you are referring too)

Might be worth a look, for the Money they have decent batteries and a decent selection.

I would add to what Mickey said,

Clean everything, then check voltage before running say 12.5V or so

Then running you should have around 14V if not, charging problem.

Then shut off, disconnect a battery cable, put test light between the disconnected wire and the terminal you took it from, if light lights, you have a power draw somewhere (that you need to get rid of)

Other thoughts, dirt and grime is not your batteries friend, but pretty common on the hoes, try and keep it clean.

I would add a Solargizer (solar powered Battery charger) if I was not going to run it often. This is the perfect place for these, you can also just set them in place and alligator clip them on when it is parked if you do not want to install it. I think HF has them cheap, the Solargizer brand works well for me.

 

[coveredbridge]

I have had good experience with JD Strongbox Hibernator batteries in my JD820. They have enveloped cells to reduce shorts from vibration and are designed to recover well from long periods of inactivity. I seem to get about 7 - 8 yrs use from these and my tractor usually sits for long periods in the winter (in unheated garage) with little or no use.

Don't know if they make one for your JCB though. Last time I bought them (maybe 3 years ago?) price was about $90 each. Mine is a "car type" battery in terms of size, but the 820 takes two in series.

 

[ScottAR]

Make sure your charging system is working. Put a voltmeter on it and check it out.

I agree with find a new parts store. Measure your battery space and find the best quality battery that will fit.

Sitting is the worst thing for a battery.
Take it for a joyride if nothing else.

I wouldn't recommend optimas for anything anymore. We get back about as many as we sell. Interstate has ruined that brand in my opinion.

 

[Gravdigr]

Really? I haven't bought one in 5 years or so. Sad to hear they aren't that good anymore. Mine is still running like a champ. I even melted off a side terminal when my battery tray broke and shorted the battery after some hard off roading.

 

[ScottAR]

It very well may be the owners of said batteries fault, but there have been many returns compared to the "regular" batteries we sell.

Days to 2yrs. seems to be the max life anymore.

I should say I'm biased against any interstate battery. Two of them exploded on two different cars I've had.