Replacement battery

[donb108]

I have an older Craftsman riding mower (70's vintage: 502.251220) that has a dead battery; it's label says it's a EU1R, with 300/370 CCA. Walmart (and others) sell EU1R lawn and garden batteries, but seem to be only 230 CCA. Lots of places seem to offer this battery size; is this an OK size for my mower?

 

[StarTech]

Strange as I just pickup a U1R 350CCA battery from Rural King here.

 

[TonyPrin]

Riding mowers today can typically use 230 CCA batteries and 300 CCA batteries are found in larger engines. Cost may be the only difference you see but I can't say whether it's OK for your mower. It may help to know the temperature range you use your mower.

 

[donb108]

I'm in south Louisiana, it's pretty warm here. It has a 10 hp engine; I don't know what the original battery was, only that the 370cca always seemed to work. Is there something about the 230cca batteries that make them work in all mowers, or are they just selling cheap batteries?

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

I'm in south Louisiana, it's pretty warm here. It has a 10 hp engine; I don't know what the original battery was, only that the 370cca always seemed to work. Is there something about the 230cca batteries that make them work in all mowers, or are they just selling cheap batteries?

Walmart typically offers 230,275, and 350 CCA mower batteries. You can use a 230 CCA battery in a single cylinder, and need to step up to a 275 CCA for a twin cylinder. Generally, the larger the cold cranking amps, the longer and more reliable the battery will be. Periodically trickle charge the battery throughout the year, and you will double the life.

 

[TonyPrin]

CCA is a measure of starting power at 32 degrees (which is not an issue in Louisiana) but is also an indication of overall starting power. Higher CCA batteries are apt to last longer and be better at starting. Overall, I recommend you get the highest CCA available at a reasonable price.

 

[StarTech]

CCA is a measure of starting power at 32 degrees (which is not an issue in Louisiana) but is also an indication of overall starting power. Higher CCA batteries are apt to last longer and be better at starting. Overall, I recommend you get the highest CCA available at a reasonable price.

CCA is at 0F not 32F. CA is at 32F.

I just install a 350 CCA that has 410 CA.

CCA = Cold Cranking Amp
CA = Cranking Amps

 

[TonyPrin]

CCA is at 0F not 32F. CA is at 32F.

I just install a 350 CCA that has 410 CA.

CCA = Cold Cranking Amp
CA = Cranking Amps

I agree, my mistake. Of course, the point is the same. The issue is of lesser concern in Louisiana versus some more northern states.

 

[donb108]

I found one at Walmart, 340cca for $49.99; close enough!

 

[StarTech]

You be surprised how darn cold it gets here South Central Tennessee. And sometimes it is sudden drop too. This last we hit -10F. When it did I hugged my heater to keep it warm.

I can't raise peaches here for the cold snaps in the Spring killing the fruit and I am just 6 mile further North than I use to be where I had fruit every year.