Battery wire size (gauge)
 

Doing a bunch of work to a 1200 I aquired for FREE. Yess FREEEE! I am going to replace the main wires for battery to starter and solind (SP?). I am a pretty good at guessing the wire size but this one has me scratching my head. Looks like 8 gauge but went to parts store and his 8 is smaller than what is on mine. Maybe 6g? I can get 8g power wire (like for car audio systems) or even 4g. Would 4g be too big? Figuring that a new wire should last another 30+ years sence the old one did and want to try eleminating any future problems sence its torn apart and waiting for money each week to buy more parts. Nothing "major" just funds dont allow to buy all at once. And also with other parts at shop getting worked on and others on order. Waiting is killing me!!!

Well hope to hear from you all soon.
Thank you bunches!!
John

I believe it is 4Ga. An auto parts store should have one. Don't use the car audio wire. It is a finer braid than a main cable is. It won't hold up as long. Some parts stores can even make them to your specs.

With wires, there is no "too big" when it comes to function.

There is only too big when it comes to finding a connector, and a space to route the wire.

BIG< BIG< BIGGER!! :biggrin2:

I use 4 gauge for the main cables, I have a roll of welding cable, works great.

Check the welding supply store, they usually have super quality, and reasonable price.

Thanks!! Thats the answer i was looking for. i have a bunch of power wire that is larger than what was on it and didnt know if there was a specific size kohler and cub cadet required. I figured bigger was ok but didnt know for sure in the cubby world. thanks again!!!

Yep, when it comes to wire your budget is the only factor on how big to go beyond the "minimum"... I've also noticed a lot of cheap car audio wire that appears to be at least 2 gauges smaller than advertised (It's been trending this way in cheap brands for at least the past 10 years). The increased strand count is for increased flexibility to route around car interiors. Not really an issue with cubs and that finer strand count also costs more money, and yes, the finer individual strands are more likely to break.

I have bought A LOT of wire and terminals from this guy on ebay. I'm not affiliated with him any way, just a loyal and satisfied customer. All of his wire is UL, SAE, and Coast Guard approved Marine Grade. The last time I bought from him I messaged him a parts list and asked for a discount, which he was happy to provide.. It was about 15% off. Anyhow, check him out!

http://myworld.ebay.com/genuinedealz...p2047675.l2559

His 8ga is an honest 8ga and is reflective of what IH put on both of my cubs. 8ga is good to 200A at 7' length (longer than a cub from nose to butt). 6, 4, 2, 0, 00, etc won't hurt anything. I'd run 4ga if I were to rewire one from scratch, which would be massive overkill. His prices are good and his product is excellent. I have his 2/0, terminals, and wire boots on my Mustang charging system right now (200A alternator) and my Dad has his jacketed double 8ga running out to the front of his loader on his Deere. No problems!

My son works for a welding supply company and we just rewired a 2072 that has the battery all the way in the rear. We used #2 flex-a-prene heavy duty welding cable rated to 600v. It works great and the engine turns over really fast with that set up. We also used it for the battery ground wire and an additional engine block to frame ground wire. The Po said this tractor was a little hard to start but so far it kicks to life on the first rev.

Wow! #2? I should certainly hope it turns over well!! :)

#2 is rated for 200+A at 10ft!!! :bigeyes:

Thanks for the info everyone!! I had some 6 gauge (what parts store guy and I figured out) that i got free from a job long time ago. So what did I do? Ordered some crimp rings and stared cutting!! Think it will be more than good enough for this little build.

Im starting to go stir crazy and keep breaking or replacing more and more every day waiting for my carb, clutch and solid motor mounts to get here. Guess I will have a "new" or almost new cub by the time im done with it all. HAHAHA. Isnt that how we like it?!?!

Im almost to the point there is maybe nothing more to replace now. hahahaha. Guess we will see.

Thanks again!!!

John

ive got 8 gauge from jumper cables running to mine and it cranks over no problem and never gets hot. All that was on my factory harness was 8 GA

Any time I needed heavy wire, I found a welding supply store filled the ticket.

NIK,