L4060 not starting

[AKChairman]

I have a new (40 hours and 4 months from dealer) tractor that has required a jump to start 3 times in the past month. I am hoping it is something I am doing. To check the charging system I ran a multimeter and got these results:
low idle 11.6 volts
medium & fast idles 12.6 volts
engine off 11.6 volts
I understand the "off" volts is low, and have charged the battery, but my question is what would cause the drain in the first place?
I don't always run at high RPM, even when using the bucket. Can this cause a discharge like I am experiencing? My only other experience was with an old smaller Kubota and I never had electrical issues (although it didn't have any electrical components except for the starter).
There was some draw on the battery when off (I'm not familiar with the amperage scale on my multimeter, but it read -.37 with the engine off and multimeter placed between negative anode and ground wire) which could be the cause, but I just don't know.
Local shop not very helpful, not what I was expecting after dropping a lot of cash there...

 

[The_Wingnut]

Just a shade tree, keep it running, hay bail wire, vise grip using mechanic's opinion but 12.6V at medium and high engine speed is low. With you having to jump start the voltage should be around 14V. Knowing it's a new tractor but just checking behind your dealer you may want to check the battery terminals for corrosion or properly installed/tight.

 

[Roadworthy]

The tractor is four months old. It has a problem. The dealer should fix the issue. The battery voltage should be 12.6, not 11.6. When the tractor is running the alternator should be putting out over thirteen volts. Additionally with all the onboard electronics of newer tractors there could be some constant drain on the battery.

 

[Bmyers]

If I'm reading the WSM correctly, it should be at least 14v

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Did they test the battery and or the electrical system? It could have a bad cell. If they have any sort of a multimeter / LET similar to what autozone has they should be able to diagnose the system pretty quickly. Id call another dealer that is close and see if they are interested to help. I am not sure if battery is under warranty or inside of KTAC but it’s worth some light reading IMO.

 

[AKChairman]

Did they test the battery and or the electrical system? It could have a bad cell. If they have any sort of a multimeter / LET similar to what autozone has they should be able to diagnose the system pretty quickly. Id call another dealer that is close and see if they are interested to help. I am not sure if battery is under warranty or inside of KTAC but it’s worth some light reading IMO.

Thank you all for your comments. Problem was the battery cable at alternator end was a little loose (had to remove cowling to see it). Tightened it up and we're now running 12.8 at slow idle! Easy check and easier fix...

 

[JerryMT]

Just a shade tree, keep it running, hay bail wire, vise grip using mechanic's opinion but 12.6V at medium and high engine speed is low. With you having to jump start the voltage should be around 14V. Knowing it's a new tractor but just checking behind your dealer you may want to check the battery terminals for corrosion or properly installed/tight.

Agree, charging voltage for running tractor should be ~14.0-14.5 V

 

[Mark_BX25D]

Tightened it up and we're now running 12.8 at slow idle! Easy check and easier fix...

Not a fix. A good catch, but not a fix. It isn't charging properly. It's just less bad than it was.

It's 4 months old. Let the dealer deal with it, Anything you do may void the warranty.