Do I need a bigger battery?

[Doug63]

I recently acquired a 2002 Sabre by John Deere. It's the Model number 2554HV. It has a Kohler Command 25hp engine in it, Model Number CV25S (no longer made). The battery won't hold a charge for longer than a few days when I run it.... and that's with the new regulator/rectifier I just installed in it. Before that, it wouldn't last a day because the electric PTO was draining it. My dad was being nice and bought me a battery that was on sale for $18.99, but it's only rated for up to a 12 hp engine. The specs call for a battery rated in the BCI Group Size - U1. I found one at Tractor Supply for $37.99 + core exchange. My dad just bought a new Cub Cadet with the 25 hp Kohler and his battery is rated at 300 cold cranking amps, another reason why I think I just need a bigger battery.

I used an AMP Meter on the battery with engine off, it shows 12.4 amps... when running wide open, it shows 13.5 and when I turn the PTO on, it goes up to a little over 14 amps. Can anyone help me out with this, or at least confirm my suspicions about needing a bigger battery?

Thanks in advance,

Doug

 

[gfp55]

Re: Hello! New member here, from East Tennessee....

Manual calls for a AM121593 Manual don't say how many CCAs, but you should have about 330 to 350 CCA for 25 HP I hope this helps. You could get by with less, like 300 CCA but it will not last as long.

 

[Retiredcarguy]

Re: Hello! New member here, from East Tennessee....

Welcome Doug,

Yes, the larger U1 is the best battery choice. Your Dad was great to buy you a battery!

Now, all of your testing was in volts. You measured 12.4 volts with the motor off, certainly very normal at the battery terminals.
With the motor running, it is also normal for 13.5 volts, and up to 14.0 volts charging under the PTO high current load. It all sounds just fine.

Enjoy your "new tractor," keep it serviced and it should give you great pleasure.

 

[Doug63]

Re: Hello! New member here, from East Tennessee....

Manual calls for a AM121593 Manual don't say how many CCAs, but you should have about 330 to 350 CCA for 25 HP I hope this helps. You could get by with less, like 300 CCA but it will not last as long.

Thank you, gfp55.... I was going to go with at least 300 CCA, if not more. I found one that was 390 CCA that I'll probably get.

Peace,

Doug

 

[Doug63]

Re: Hello! New member here, from East Tennessee....

Welcome Doug,

Yes, the larger U1 is the best battery choice. Your Dad was great to buy you a battery!

Now, all of your testing was in volts. You measured 12.4 volts with the motor off, certainly very normal at the battery terminals.
With the motor running, it is also normal for 13.5 volts, and up to 14.0 volts charging under the PTO high current load. It all sounds just fine.

Enjoy your "new tractor," keep it serviced and it should give you great pleasure.

Thank you, retiredcarguy! I'm not a mechanic or electrician, so thanks for clearing up the amps/volts mistake on my part. I'm going to switch to the larger battery, but I'm going to take the top cover off first and check/clean the stator magnets and check it out too. I figure it can't hurt matters any. It's a 12 year old mower, so I'm sure it could use a good cleaning/sanding.... especially since the supposed "lawm mower mechanic" I got it from was running it without the regulator/rectifier in it, and just kept the battery charged so it would start and run for someone to test it out for a few minutes. I looked this mower up, and it cost right at $5000.00 new in 2002! It is a BEAST when it's running right though! I love the 54" mowing deck too.... it sure beats the 36" deck on the old Simplicity 4211H. It's a 1985 model, and runs like a kitten, except for needing the flat idler pulley replaced on the mower deck.

Peace,

Doug

 

[Retiredcarguy]

Re: Hello! New member here, from East Tennessee....

Thank you, retiredcarguy! I'm not a mechanic or electrician, so thanks for clearing up the amps/volts mistake on my part. I'm going to switch to the larger battery, but I'm going to take the top cover off first and check/clean the stator magnets and check it out too. I figure it can't hurt matters any. It's a 12 year old mower, so I'm sure it could use a good cleaning/sanding.... especially since the supposed "lawm mower mechanic" I got it from was running it without the regulator/rectifier in it, and just kept the battery charged so it would start and run for someone to test it out for a few minutes. I looked this mower up, and it cost right at $5000.00 new in 2002! It is a BEAST when it's running right though! I love the 54" mowing deck too.... it sure beats the 36" deck on the old Simplicity 4211H. It's a 1985 model, and runs like a kitten, except for needing the flat idler pulley replaced on the mower deck.

Peace,

Doug

Doug,

You are very passionate about your new machine, and that is what counts. Some folks hook up a DVM and just want to measure something; well you did and all the right stuff! LOL

Please have many hours of pleasurable grass cutting, in the drivers seat and of the length of your choice!

Cheers

 

[Briana]

Welcome to LawnWorld!

We moved your thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair forum.