multile battery question

Matt Thomas · Oct 2, 2015

What, if any, is the benefit of having two 6v batteries in series versus a single 12v battery?

pms · Oct 2, 2015

No benefit.Better to have two12 volt batteries wired in parallel that way you double your cranking amps.

Andy Martin · Oct 2, 2015

Back when 12v first came out there was equipment designed to hold two six volt batteries. One 12v battery will suffice in those services. New batteries have a lot higher CCA amps than those of just a few years ago for the same physical size. I think new 6v batteries are not always of the best quality.

Plus, when you put two 12v batteries in parallel, you are getting the output of the weakest one. So they need to be replaced in pairs, and it is an expensive design.

Switchflicker · Oct 2, 2015

I think it might be the other way 'round. Two 6volt in series will be affected by the weakest of the two. Two 12volt in parallel, the weaker one will bring down the better one. Suffice to say if you do hook two batteries up together, you should replace them two at a time as well.

My information, and a bus ticket will get you a ride home!!

Bob Harvey · Oct 2, 2015

Answer is; less cables. A current (up to date) high CCA 12v is waay better than any 2 6v's. HTH

John B. · Oct 2, 2015

From what we've found out thru the years is two 6 volt batteries hooked in series will give you more starting problems than if you have one 12 volt battery. I would use a bigger 12 volt to get the cranking amps. You'll be glad you went to one 12 volt battery.

John T · Oct 2, 2015

In series voltage is additive but Amp Hrs or Cold Cranking Amps IS NOT, its no more then the weakest of the 2 batteries.

In series you have that extra connection which could be problematic

In parallel voltage stays same (assuming 2 of same volt batteries) but amp hrs and cranking amps is additive.

I usually used one single big honking 12 volt high CCA battery versis two sexes in series like original.

John T

rusty6 · Oct 3, 2015

Just tried it this year on the 730 Case diesel and I find a single 12 volt battery starts the tractor just as well as the two six volt batteries in series did before. Less connections to deal with and cheaper than buying two sixes.

dr sportster · Oct 3, 2015

Any time you have more than one battery you have potential for double the problems of keeping two connected batteries charged vs One nice unit, and less wire connections. The weak one always draws from the strong one.

buickanddeere · Oct 3, 2015

Install the highest CCA 12V battery that will fit in the battery box.

Matt Thomas · Oct 3, 2015

Thanks for the replies.

Andy Martin · Oct 3, 2015

Assuming everything is in good shape. When you parallel two batteries and one cell starts to fail in one battery, does the good battery not feed the bad battery, resulting in the voltage output of the weakest battery?

caterpillar guy · Oct 7, 2015

We have gone to the one bigger battery for things from an H to a 1466 the same 1000CCA battery. The thing we did change was the connection. We went to the studs on top like my truck batteries have and got rid of the cable cleaning to almost completely. There is none of the old big corrosion build ups like before with posts and lead clamps.

multile battery question

Matt Thomas

Member

pms

Member

Andy Martin

Well-known Member

Switchflicker

Member

Bob Harvey

Well-known Member

John B.

Well-known Member

John T

Well-known Member

rusty6

Well-known Member

dr sportster

Well-known Member

buickanddeere

Well-known Member

Matt Thomas

Member

Andy Martin

Well-known Member

caterpillar guy

Well-known Member

Similar threads