1863 battery

Dane Heithaus · #1 08-26-2016, 03:22 PM

Can anyone tell me the best battery for an 1863 54GT? Thanks.

Mike McKown · #2 08-26-2016, 03:50 PM

I don't know what the best one is but I use a Rural King/Exide DT-75 60. The regular price is $50 but Rural King has frequent sales and sells the battery at $45.

http://www.ruralking.com/battery-630-cca.html

I have bought probably 20 RK batteries in the 5-6 years we've had a store in our area. I had one fail just inside the 12 months and they replaced it free. Another failed in the pro rated period. I never took it back. The rest of them have held up well so I have no idea how long they will last. Besides, how cn you beat paying $45 for a battery?

You may have to slightly modify your battery cables to fit.

ol'George · #3 08-26-2016, 04:24 PM

Welcome to OCC
That is going to be a difficult question to answer, in as much as you will get many good , but different answers!
It is like asking about beer, wimin and vehicles.

Everyone has both good and less than good experiences.
I have used batteries in the last 10 years from, Walmart & tractor supply neither of which do I have complaints about, as both have served me well.
I figure you pay yer money and take your chances.
Most L&W batteries only have a 12 Mo. warranty and if you get 3-4 years out of them you are doing good.
Some get more,some less.
It is more important to get a "fresh" battery.
You do not want one that has been sitting on a shelf sulfating for 6 mo. or more, decreasing it's cranking amps and longevity.

Dane Heithaus · #4 08-27-2016, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol'George

Welcome to OCC
That is going to be a difficult question to answer, in as much as you will get many good , but different answers!
It is like asking about beer, wimin and vehicles.

Everyone has both good and less than good experiences.
I have used batteries in the last 10 years from, Walmart & tractor supply neither of which do I have complaints about, as both have served me well.
I figure you pay yer money and take your chances.
Most L&W batteries only have a 12 Mo. warranty and if you get 3-4 years out of them you are doing good.
Some get more,some less.
It is more important to get a "fresh" battery.
You do not want one that has been sitting on a shelf sulfating for 6 mo. or more, decreasing it's cranking amps and longevity.

Thanks! I am new to OCC and not that mechanical. I picked up a battery charger from Tractor Supply this morning and after it was charged it started up fine. Then after about an hour of cutting the blades suddenly turned off. I turned it off to check and see if there was something stuck in the blades and nothing. I then checked to see if a belt came off and all were still on. I then went to turn it back on and it was dead. The battery/Amps light was on. Oh ya, the battery had some corrosion on the positive terminal that I cleaned off before charging. any ideas what it could be.

Dane Heithaus · #5 08-27-2016, 03:10 PM

Thanks Mike!

Mike McKown · #6 08-27-2016, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dane Heithaus

any ideas what it could be.

Yes, a dead battery. That PTO needs a certain voltage to keep it engaged. I have no idea what that value is.

You may also have a problem with your charging system but I'd think a good battery would let you mow for several hours at least before the PTO would discharge the battery.

Dane Heithaus · #7 08-27-2016, 03:28 PM

PTO? I am a beginner, but would like to learn.

Mike McKown · #8 08-27-2016, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dane Heithaus

PTO? I am a beginner, but would like to learn.

Power take off. That is an electrical actuated clutch on the end of your crankshaft that drives the mower belt.

Your engine will run with only enough volatage in the battery to keep the fuel shutoff solenoid open. That voltage may not be enough to crank the engine. Again, I don't know what that value is.

You can take your battery to a parts store to have it tested. If you like the Rural King idea, they don't test batteries but they'll sell you a new one.

Dane Heithaus · #9 08-29-2016, 05:50 PM

Thanks again Mike! You were right. I charged it up again Saturday night and I was able to finish cutting Sunday. Do you have any idea why my GT is draining the battery like that?

Mike McKown · #10 08-29-2016, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dane Heithaus

Thanks again Mike! You were right. I charged it up again Saturday night and I was able to finish cutting Sunday. Do you have any idea why my GT is draining the battery like that?

If your charging system is working, it shouldn't drain the battery. Do a search here on how to check your charging system. My guess, your battery is just worn out. I've been wrong before. More than once but hoped no one was looking.