Anybody try optima 6v?

Fred47M · Jun 24, 2018

I am needing a new battery,read a old post with a guy liking the optima 6v, pricey but.. anyways the usage of tractor, a M mainly idling around yard, or draging driveway, its used about once a month seems to be weak everytime i get on it. Generator professional tested good.Supposedly these gel cells hold charge longer?? I'm not really interested in leaving maintainers plugged in or 12v. Anybody else tried these or have thoughts about it.

Bob · Jun 24, 2018

Optimas are FINE, but any good battery with a good battery disconnect would likely hold a charge well between occasional uses.

I am a strong believer in the disconnects, and have them on a half-dozen or so seldom used machines, and battery life is typically much better.

John T · Jun 24, 2018

I think AGM batteries have a lower self discharge rate then Flooded Lead Acid which may help if a tractor sits longgggggggggg periods between use and recharge, but I'm kind of in Bobs camp the money may be better spent to use a new good quality high rated lead acid battery PLUS a disconnect .

Either will work, your money your choice but I don't see a lot of extra cost for an Optima AGM is worth it??

John T

Ellis Kinney · Jun 24, 2018

I have an Optima 6 volt in my SMTA. The other two M Farmalls are converted to 12 volt. The SMTA cranks as fast as the other two, and I never plug it in to a battery maintainer. In other words, I really like it. If you buy one, get it from Summit Racing, no shipping costs. Ellis

DR. EVIL · Jun 24, 2018

Another recommendation for a battery disconnect. Can be as simple as a bolt with enough threads to put a solder on lug on the ground cable and spin a nut on the bolt as long as it is soundly connected to the chassis.

Both my tractors have them and the M can sit over a year sometimes and start right up. Super H sits 6-8 months most summers and starts like I ran it yesterday.

Oh, both my tractors are 12V with alternators, both have been that way for 30 years. All the good battery technology is only available in 12V.

Last Group 65 Sears DieHard Gold battery I replaced in the Super H was 20 ( TWENTY ) years old. Three guesses what I replaced it with.

Teakettle · Jun 24, 2018

Yes, I have one in my Jubilee, and I like it. But note that it's a _really_ odd size and narrow shape, and I had to cobble together a new battery mount to hold it (diagonally across the tray).

Fred47M · Jun 24, 2018

Thanks guys!

Old weldor · Jun 24, 2018

Go to Wallmart and get a Schumaker battery tender $20 and it?s a lot cheaper than an Optima battery!

Phil Tibbetts · Jun 24, 2018

This reminds me of a guy I used to work with who bought an Optima battery because it wouldn't leak if the car rolled over. I had to laugh when someone told him if the car rolled over that would be the last thing he should worry about.

Russ from MN · Jun 25, 2018

I was at the Albany pioneer show years ago and a guy had a big MM tractor with a little agm battery, looked like 3 dry cells taped together, started right up! Made a believer out of me! I use them in MC's and ATV's, love them.

Anybody try optima 6v?

Fred47M

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Bob

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John T

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Ellis Kinney

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DR. EVIL

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Teakettle

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Fred47M

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Old weldor

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Phil Tibbetts

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Russ from MN

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