Batteries

[Al Swearengen]

Where y'all finding the best deals these days? Can't believe I've got 12 years off the set in my 450G. Went to start her yesterday, could tell some of the ooomph was lacking in the colder weather. This pair is individually rated at (up to) 1100 CCA, but imagine I'd be OK with pair of 1000's - maybe. This engine is tight, one spin and it always starts.

[Jim B]

Hi Al,

I think I do alright on batteries at my local parts store, usually less than half list, so haven't shopped elsewhere for years except for an oddball battery for a walk behind mower. That said I doubt what I get for a good price, will be much of a deal by the time you paid shipping from Maine to Nevada. lol

I have looked online a bit but shipping more than cancels a good price. I expect you will find your best deal by checking sources around you where you can pick them up. The good news (at least around here) is that group 31 batteries, which I think your 450G uses, are better price wise than car batteries due to the number used in trucks now. This also helps in that you don't end up with batteries that have set on a shelf for months before you get them (at least around here). The CCA ratings of the group 31's vary greatly even within the same brand, so keep watch of that when you price batteries. I've seen Exide's group 31s rated from 900 to 1175 CCAs. Which brand is best I won't begin to say as there are as many happy with a given brand as there are disappointed in the same brand. The JD Strongboxes seem to be good based on many reviews. Can you get the same brand and rating batteries as you have now, if you are happy with them? I'd suggest shopping parts stores and equipment dealers in your area to see what you can get.
Best regards,
Jim

[Al Swearengen]

Can you get the same brand and rating batteries as you have now, if you are happy with them? I'd suggest shopping parts stores and equipment dealers in your area to see what you can get.
Best regards,
Jim

Thanks Jim, these are NAPA's currently, but spoke to a friend/mechanic who said they are not like they use to be. Who knows, maybe simple hearsay. I'm only under 20 degrees for maybe a week or two out of the year, but usually that's the time to push miles of snow and need the CCA the most!

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

I buy Exide or Gould. The ones at the Deere dealer are made by one or the other, but I can't recall which this morning.....

Most auto parts store batteries aren't constructed to take the vibration. Cars and trucks having suspensions.

I just buy from Deere. They always have the right group, they load the acid 5 minutes before I carry them out the door. They are close by. And I have an account so I don't even have to pay for them (right that minute anyway).

Stan

[CatD8RII]

I know this is a Deere forum, but we've had extraordinary success with CAT brand batteries at work.

Both my 350's have Cats in them, as well as most of our trucks.

They last, they don't leak, and they have excellent CCA ratings.

Best part is, there is no core charge, (at least at the dealers around here) and they are fairly affordable.

[Al Swearengen]

Well I checked with NAPA, same as my 12 year olds, and they have a 'spend $100, get $25 off' deal on their website, so I suppose I'll give them another shot. As for shock and vibration, these old gals have sure had their share. A few years back we had to defend from a fire, a week long adventure of 'high pressure' dozing. Ironically, some of my 'slams', first thought was how the batteries were gonna take that! Thanks all!

[pearljam724]

Price wise, no one can touch Rural King battery prices if you have one near you. They sell a 1100 cranking amp battery for $125. I just priced them last week. Most places want $200 for a battery of that cranking amps. I only have one 1100 cranking amp battery and I manage with no problems on my 450. Of course 2, would be better.

[Al Swearengen]

Price wise, no one can touch Rural King battery prices if you have one near you. They sell a 1100 cranking amp battery for $125. I just priced them last week. Most places want $200 for a battery of that cranking amps. I only have one 1100 cranking amp battery and I manage with no problems on my 450. Of course 2, would be better.

Damn. That's a hot deal! NAPA was $348 for two, out the door.