A word to the wise

[Dooger2k]

Son in law went out to blow snow, came in stating L2800 wont crank. Oh great I'm thinking. Battery only about 5 years old so not really a suspect. Checked PTO switch ok, eventually found HST treadle not centering in neutral position due to cold and snow making it stiff. You have been warned lol.
Dooger

 

[old and tired]

I'm a little worried that I might need a new battery... I'm still using the original one from 2005...

Doesn't see much action over the winter.

 

[jaxs]

I'm a little worried that I might need a new battery... I'm still using the original one from 2005...

Doesn't see much action over the winter.

Do you routinely have a charger hooked up? If so,what brand-model and normal schedule?

I ask because I've always advocated Deltran Battery Tenders year around to preserve/extend life.

 

[old and tired]

I put it on a regular charger when I get to the farm, 2 amp or 6 amp (if I'm in a hurry), Leave it on from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. Then the battery is good for the rest of the week (or wked if it's a short trip). The "green" dot is long gone but it holds for the half dozen times I'm up there for the summer... Also, I've been know to leave the tractor to idle for extended periods, vs. turn it off and back on.

 

[jaxs]

Thanks for those details. As batteries go it has a demanding job so I'm amazed it lasted 20 years and still kicking.

 

[old and tired]

Not sure about "still kicking"... more like, on life support. When it is still charging, I hit the glow plugs a couple times and start the tractor up with the charger still connected, I also leave the charger on for another 5 minutes as the tractor warms up...