What size battery for MF65 diesel

Jimmy in Indiana · Sep 3, 2011

I recently installed a new starter, (expensive!!) and my battery is bad. I believe this to be related. I am going to buy a new battery and want to make sure I purchase the correct one. There is lots of room for a long battery. Does anyone know the correct size I should use?

RayP(MI) · Sep 3, 2011

biggest one you can fit in the battery box. Seriously - Typically batteries are sold by grade, not size, so buy the biggest cranking amps ypu can fit, and price will be about the same.

Dean · Sep 3, 2011

I agree with Ray.

Buy the most ampere hours and CCA that will fit in the tray.

You can measure your tray and sketch the top showing the + and - terminal loctaions and go to a farm store that has a good stock of batteries to choose one. Once you determine the size you can wait for a sale if you are patient. My farm store puts all batteries on sale for about $10.00 off about 3 or 4 times each year.

Be certain that your battery cables are in good condition and properly sized (BIG).

Dean

Jimmy in Indiana · Sep 3, 2011

Thanks for your help! I ended up buying the biggest one that would fit in the tray. Normally I just buy the cheapest. I think I learned a lesson and I will be very thankful this winter!!

Dean · Sep 3, 2011

Yes you will.

CCAs are kind of like money and HP - some's good and more's better.

If you have issues, verify that your battery cables are good and BIG.

Dean

Bob N.Y. · Sep 3, 2011

JDseller · Sep 3, 2011

My great uncle had a MF 165(His only new tractor purchase ever). HE would buy the cheapest battery he could find and then try to make it last ten years. He burnt up more starters and generators than ten people would. The low cranking voltage would drive the amperage up and fry the electrical compotes.

I bought all of his equipment when he had to go into a nursing home. I went and bought a good high CCA battery and installed it before I tried to start it the first time. It fired right up.

Several times in the next few years I would go an get my Great Uncle and bring him out to the farm. I usually tried to have something going on he could help with like raking hay. I would have "his" MF 165 out for him to use. He would tell me every time how good it started after I had overhauled it????? He was convinced that I had overhauled it to get it to start better. It only had 2600 hours on it when I bought it and my son now has it and it just passed 3500 hours this summer.

So a good high CCA battery and good cables can make a whole new tractor out of a diesel.

What size battery for MF65 diesel

Jimmy in Indiana

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RayP(MI)

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Dean

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Jimmy in Indiana

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Dean

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Bob N.Y.

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JDseller

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