Go BottomOptima batteries
 | RCH
Join Date: Posts: 1 
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1999-10-31 9299
On a post 10-29-99 re batteries Roger Loving mentioned Optima batteries.I understand these are a premium battery and I was intrigued by the comment of lasting 8 years.I know from physics one trick for longevity is to replace any needed water only with distilled water so that other mineral ions are not introduced that degrade the basic lead-hydrochloric acid reaction.I know many batteries discourage adding water but in the enviorment that tractors operate this seems shortsighted regarding longevity. I`d be interest in any experience with high-end batteries such as Optima; http//www.optimabatteries.com/
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| RCH
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-10-31 9303
URL for Optima Batteries above is missing a colon after http i.e.,http://www.optimabatteries.com/ is correct ....
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| Roger L.
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
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1999-10-31 9316
I would agree, except you can't add water to an Optima. They are a sealed gel cell and work in any position. Retail price seems to be about $120. Optimas put out 600 CCA instead of the 650 CCA that a new liquid lead/acid cell will do. In my experience the lead/acid type degrade a little bit each year and I rarely get five years out of them. The Optima Gel Cell seems to put out about the same CCA for eight years after which it no longer will start a cold diesel unless the battery has been fully charged within the last couple of weeks or so. That is the point that I pitch 'em. I've got Optimas in about half of my equipment. The other half - including the Ford diesel truck - has the "Megatron Plus" liquid lead/acid batteries. The ol' JD still has it's ancient Optima. Standard disclaimer: I don't know anybody who makes these things and have no bias toward any battery company..............Roger ....
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| MichaelSnyder
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
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1999-11-01 9325
RCH,I have one of the original Optimas in my '90 Acura. Cost me about $145 at that time. I haven't checked prices lately, but would assume they've come down a bit since then. Is it worth it....I would say 98% "yes". The remaining 2% comes from only having the battery about 4 years or so. They're guaranteed to last 7 or 8 years. I've noticed NO degradation in output performance to this point. They are "completely" sealed & contain gel instead of the standard liquid acid. Don't even think of trying to add water. The biggest benefit I've seen other than life longevity(so far), and 0 maintanance, is how long they can last. You could probably let your light on for a couple hours and start the car no problem. Try that with a comparable "standard" lead acid battery. They are also relatively compact compared to a lead acid battery of similar output. I am quite sure my Cummins will start with a set one day, when these need replacing. One thing to be cautious of..Our one car requires a battery with the terminals opposite of what I would consider regular. Unless Optima now produces these, I was out of luck for a replacement. ....
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| robertn
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-02 9367
I put a Optima in my truck for when I have the camper on. It takes a good four day weekend of running interior lights without a problem.My Brother-in-Law has them in his Jeep. He has run them low while winching. still cranked the engine over and recharged nicely.In fact, he had a winch battery cable rub through on his grille. Smoke, sparks, excitement. They got the battery disconnected, let things cool down, and then reconnected. Still turned the engine over and recharged fine.Of course it helps that he has a welder/alternator combo made to do impressive charging at low RPM, unlike most compacts tractors with dinky alternators and generators. ....
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