Changing to Group 31 Batteries

Steve in IL · Feb 2, 2015

I'm thinking of converting our White 2-105 and Deere 2240 over to single group 31 batteries. Both tractors were equipped with dual batteries. The White had 2 of the long and skinny 6 volts, hooked in series. The Deere had 2 smaller 12 volts hooked in parallel... Both have room for a single group 31. I'll be giving up a little bit of CCA on the Deere, but I can't imagine the little 3 cyl diesel really needs more that the 950 CCA of the single G31... Any thoughts?

big fred · Feb 2, 2015

I figure having a battery that's too big is like an airplane with too long a runway. Might come in handy sometime when you really need it.

moresmoke · Feb 2, 2015

I like group 31s with the stud connections. No more dirty clamp type ends. In this day and age, I don't know why we still have tapered post batteries at all. I have one 31 on my G707 Moline and it starts fine, though I would want 2 if I used it much in the winter.

JD Seller · Feb 2, 2015

I can't tell you on the White but on the JD you need all you can get. The single group 31 is just a little smaller on CCA but way little in reserve amps. If you are in cold weather then the single group 31 will not be enough battery.

Mark-Mi · Feb 2, 2015

I have been switching some of my stuff over to group 31 batteries. Cheaper to buy for what you get and more convenient.

This is my 4020, been this way 6-7 years, got rid off a bunch of headaches.

DeltaRed · Feb 2, 2015

I tried the single battery route on my IHs once. Worked fine in warmer weather.One battery just didn't cut it when it got cold.

Tx Jim · Feb 3, 2015

Steve in IL
I agree JD utility tractors need a lot of CCA's when it gets cold. If you have already relocated the negative battery cable from battery box to starter mounting bolt now would be a very opportune time to do so.

buickanddeere · Feb 3, 2015

CAA varies among group 31 batteries .
As previously Stated cable size, quality of the connectors and the location of the connections will also make or break the system.

Texasmark1 · Feb 3, 2015

The local OTR truck dealer buys them by the pallet. Sell for less than $100. Sealed. CCA at 0 DEGREES F is 925. I prefer the 31 with the 3/8 in studs because I can get a good connection and not worry about it. I've used them for years and have no complaints.

rusty6 · Feb 3, 2015

I think it varies from one tractor to the next. My Massey with the Perkins 300 diesel was originally equipped with 2 six volts in series but by the time it came to this farm it only had a single twelve volt battery. Seemed to work fine all year round so I have never used more than a single twelve volt. Obviously it needs pre-heating to start in our Sask. winters but I have never had a problem. Two turns of the starter and it is running.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQY8GQd8p0U&feature=youtu.be

hd6gtom · Feb 3, 2015

old 1800c Oliver diesel had 1 group 31 instead of the 2 6 volt, worked fine down to 10 below. Never tried to start it colder than that.

VicS · Feb 3, 2015

We try to do the same thing just use group 31 batteries in everything they will fit. Like the 3/8 stud. But our combine needs two. Also a power stroke needs 2. But our Dodge Cummins starts good on one. I have a friend who buys 31's that have sat on the shelf to long. $50 and no warranty. Have just had a bad one out of five. Vic

Steve in IL · Feb 3, 2015

Jim - Thanks for the grounding tip. I'll do that. The original
ground strap connectors needed replaced anyhow. Your idea
will certainly be better.

Fred Werring · Feb 4, 2015

Changed my 2 Ford 5000's and a 3 cyl 4000 to 31 batteries, waaaaay cheaper than the 4DLT batteries. They work fine.

Did put a piece of thick rubber over top of the positive post, as they sat a little taller/closer to the hood than the 4DLT's

Fred

Tx Jim · Feb 4, 2015

(quoted from post at 21:27:12 02/03/15) Jim - Thanks for the grounding tip. I'll do that. The original
ground strap connectors needed replaced anyhow. Your idea
will certainly be better.

You're welcome. Other than "cost savings" I never understood why JD engineers utilized the battery box on utility tractors for negative batt. cable attachment.

T in NE · Feb 5, 2015

They originally came with a single g31. I think they switched to 2 smaller batteries in 94 for space constraints under the rounded hood.

Steve in IL · Feb 7, 2015

Update... I installed the batteries in both tractors today. Single group 31 in both the White 2-105 and the JD 2240 (early SN). Both worked great. I installed new 1 gauge neg cables. Rerouted the 2240 neg cable to a starter bolt as Tx Jim suggested. It was a bit warm today (about 35f). If I used the 2240 much in the cold winter, I'd likely need a bit more CCA, as JD Seller said. But it's a mower tractor... I should have done this years ago! Thanks for all the advice.

Tx Jim · Feb 7, 2015

(quoted from post at 17:17:43 02/07/15) Rerouted the 2240 neg cable to a starter bolt as Tx Jim suggested. It was a bit warm today (about 35f). If I used the 2240 much in the cold winter, I'd likely need a bit more CCA, as JD Seller said.

If you happen to need the 2240 to start easier in cold weather you could install a destroking screw for hyd pump for about $15 ii lieu of more CCA's

Changing to Group 31 Batteries

Steve in IL

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big fred

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moresmoke

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JD Seller

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Mark-Mi

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DeltaRed

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Tx Jim

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buickanddeere

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rusty6

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hd6gtom

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Steve in IL

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Fred Werring

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Tx Jim

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T in NE

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Steve in IL

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Tx Jim

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