Battery Discussion

[dluders]

My Cub Cadet GT2550 had an old battery that would not recharge, so I ordered a new one from Cub Cadet/MTD. It was mailed to me DRY (without electrolyte). It's a "Type B" (serviceable, non-sealed) battery.

My wife took it to various local battery shops, dealers, etc. in the Spokane, Washington area, and NOBODY would fill it. They said that it's too much liability in the post-911 world. The "official" Cub Cadet dealer (Country Homes Power Equipment) wanted $40 to add the electrolyte -- that's more than the battery itself cost @ $36.29! I found a local motorcycle shop in town that sells electrolyte (battery acid) bottles for ~$7.

I don't feel like getting ripped off, so I want to get some electrolyte and I'll add it myself. I'll follow the "official" procedures outlined here: http://cubcadet.custhelp.com/app/ans...battery%20acid .

My question is -- what is the proper SPECIFIC GRAVITY of the Cub Cadet battery's electrolyte? Do you think that a motorcycle battery's electrolyte solution will work fine in the Cub Cadet battery? The exact Cub Cadet/MTD Item Number for the battery is 925-1707D with 300 CCAs (Cold Cranking Amps) and 25 AH (Amp-Hours) at 20hrs. Any help would be appreciated; thanks.

[Donovan M.]

I run a 450cca battery from advance, in my 1810. had a hard time getting it started in the winter and cold mornings.

[CADplans]

Originally Posted by dluders

My Cub Cadet GT2550 had an old battery that would not recharge, so I ordered a new one from Cub Cadet/MTD. It was mailed to me DRY (without electrolyte). It's a "Type B" (serviceable, non-sealed) battery.

My wife took it to various local battery shops, dealers, etc. in the Spokane, Washington area, and NOBODY would fill it. They said that it's too much liability in the post-911 world. The "official" Cub Cadet dealer (Country Homes Power Equipment) wanted $40 to add the electrolyte -- that's more than the battery itself cost @ $36.29! I found a local motorcycle shop in town that sells electrolyte (battery acid) bottles for ~$7.

I don't feel like getting ripped off, so I want to get some electrolyte and I'll add it myself. I'll follow the "official" procedures outlined here: http://cubcadet.custhelp.com/app/ans...battery%20acid .

My question is -- what is the proper SPECIFIC GRAVITY of the Cub Cadet battery's electrolyte? Do you think that a motorcycle battery's electrolyte solution will work fine in the Cub Cadet battery? The exact Cub Cadet/MTD Item Number for the battery is 925-1707D with 300 CCAs (Cold Cranking Amps) and 25 AH (Amp-Hours) at 20hrs. Any help would be appreciated; thanks.

I would think battery juice is all the same.

Advance Auto sells it, they keep an open jug for the non-precharged batteries that do not have enough in the container that comes with the dry shipped battery, they give you the little extra that might be needed.

Back when (now I am showing my age) all batteries came dry, they were filled at the time of installation. All batteries were filled out of the same 5 gallon container.

I filled many a battery in my gas station working days!!

I sold oil out of glass quart bottles!!

And pumped 90WT into rear ends, it was sold by the pound!

[johncub7172]

Originally Posted by 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)

As far as the corrosion goes, I installed a roofing shingle in the battery box on my model 72. No corrosion, or battery leaks on the frame or wire harness. Seems like a simple solution. I can get picture up to prove that it works. thanks.

[Maxwelhse]

I confess that I didn't read this entire thread, but why not simply find a plastic storage box at Wallyworld to put under your battery to catch any corrosive leakage?

Since this topic has come to light, that's what I plan to do.

[drglinski]

For what it's worth, I bought a B&S at TSC and it works well (knock on wood) in all seasons for my 147.

[samiam44]

There are. Now glass mat gel batteries available. Shod last longer and seAled.

$65 included shipping. Need to verify regulator is working correctly first.

[fourinchdragslicks]

Originally Posted by samiam44

There are. Now glass mat gel batteries available. Shod last longer and seAled.

$65 included shipping. Need to verify regulator is working correctly first.

What brand and CCA?