Battery Discussion

[drysumpjet]

Thought a battery discussion my be of interest to our Group.

I understand the frame or group size for IH Cub Cadet is U1R or U1L, the last letter "R" or "L" designates which side the positive or negative terminals are located.

For comparison, Tractor Supply stocks 4 different batteries that will fit into an IH Cub Cadet battery box. All 4 are the same physical size but the weight and cost increases substantially as the amperage rating increases.

Huskee 200 CA
Huskee 280 CA
Huskee 360 CA
Briggs and Stratton 420CA

For myself, starting a 16 horse that has been bored, head machined for a "clean-up" cut resulting in more compression and suffers the drag of a hydro in cold weather seems to benefit from the largest CA battery possible.
The best choice I have found to date for CA capacity is the Briggs battery.

Unfortunately, most batteries end up making a mess on the tractor from the acid. Especially detrimental to the narrow frames and Original's wiring located just below the battery.

Are there any better choices out there?
Batteries that don't leak and spew corrosive fumes?
Gel cells in the U1L or U1R frame?
Last longer than a couple of years?
High CA output?

Whatcha thinkin?

Joe

[Merk]

by drysumpjet
starting a 16 horse that has been bored, head machined for a "clean-up" cut resulting in more compression and suffers the drag of a hydro in cold weather seems to benefit from the largest CA battery possible.

How much off the head?
Was the block decked? If so how much?
What brand replacement piston? (Kohler-Stens-some other brand)

The battery I'm using in my Cubs is a Trac 390 cold crank battery. Crown battery makes Trac batteries. I buy them at my local ACE hardware store. My 149 had no starting problems last winter. The battery is 2 to 3 years old.

First thing that needs check out is the condiation of the wiring harness and the condiation of the starter in a Cub. Any good battery is worthless if one of the two or both are weak.

[drysumpjet]

I have a few 16 hp motors I have been dealing with. On the average, around .025" off the head, nothing off the decks. OEM Kohler piston, (another topic but the OEM pistons and rods seem to result in less engine vibration IMO)
All wiring and starters are recent, all high amperage cables are AWG#4 automotive battery cables with pre assembled ends obtained from Advance Auto.

The Briggs battery seems to do the job for me ok, it's rating is 420CA(Cranking Amps) 350CCA(Cold Cranking Amps). In the pursuit of overkill, I'm was simply wondering if there was anything better.

Your mention of the Trac battery has a CCA of 390, which excels the Briggs with it's 350CCA, is a great tip, Thanks!

Now if only we could find a battery that doesn't corrode our tractors up like an old salt water fishing barge!!:biggrin2.gif:

Anybody know of a gel cell that will fit? (The gel cells do not contain liquid electrolyte that splashes out during a rough tractor ride)

[superduty5.9]

I wish I could find a gel battery too. My father in law had two, one he used in a twin 17hp 782. He got them from a guy who installed them on a telephone switching system. The were too old for use, but they were fine for another 6yrs to start the 782 even in the winter. The battery had no markings of cca rating.

[drysumpjet]

Originally Posted by superduty5.9

I wish I could find a gel battery too. My father in law had two, one he used in a twin 17hp 782. He got them from a guy who installed them on a telephone switching system. The were too old for use, but they were fine for another 6yrs to start the 782 even in the winter. The battery had no markings of cca rating.

Interesting. Is the 782's battery box the same size as the IH Cubs?

Maybe there is a Gel type UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) battery that might be an option.

Too bad Optima doesn't offer a choice, those batteries don't leak and have lots of power for their size.

[Matt G.]

782 is an IH-designed Cub and has the same under-the-seat battery area as all the other models like that. Personally, I've never needed anything more than a 230 CCA battery in anything but my diesel, which has a 325 CCA battery. I've had no problem starting a 1450 and 782 in the winter with the 230 CCA battery, although it would rarely drop below 30 degrees F in the garage...I think last winter when it got cold, it got down in the mid to lower 20's...the 782 still started right up.

[RPalmer]

I had a K341 bored out .040 over. It needed a tune up and the carb rebuilt and it started in January with a standard cub cadet battery.

I don't know what the problem is with "leaking" batteries. I'm 53 years old and have never personally had such a problem.

[aagitch]

I get my batteries from autozone because of the 30.00 price for 340CCA. I haven't found anyone in town that can touch that yet.

[67hydro]

IVe been thinking about the leaking battery,All but one of the tractors I have have more rust and pitting in the battery box,dash tower, and frame below the battery than anywhere else on the tractor.If im going to paint up the tractor this is a concern for me,I assume a leaking battery causes the acellerated paint loss rust and pits....Why do they leak?? Maybe wernt tied down good,or possibly not maintained well.I did a job for a company here in the desert,the guy that was the mechanic had a gel battery on his desk it was the same size length and width as our batterys but half the height,Ill see if i can find out what it was.He also stated optima batterys were junk????I have heard this before but dont know why
Jason

[superduty5.9]

I don't think of it as a need, but more of a want. I tend to do everything overkill. I don't need a 700hp crewcab dually 4x4 diesel truck to just drive me to work and back, but its fun. The gel batteries are better in my opinion. you can mount in any position and not have to worry about leaking. Do you need it, no , but it cool. Just my opinion. Thanks