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I Need to Charge My Tractor Battery

Jan. 10 2021 Tractor Maintenance By Team Tractor and Equipment

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We want to help you charge your tractor battery. 

If you do not feel that you understand these steps, or can perform them safely, consult your tractor dealer or local mechanic.  Also always consult your tractor owner’s manual for model-specific information. 

To complete this task you will need to purchase a variable rate battery charger.  

Time to get started.

                               

Procedure

1. Park the tractor securely and safely.

2. Shut off the engine.

3. Engage the parking brake.

4. Remove the battery.

5. Connect the leads of the battery charger (A, Fig. 3) to the battery (B, Fig. 3) terminals.


NOTE: The normal maximum charging time at the boost setting is 10 minutes.


6. Initially set the battery charger at a low rate.

  • Gradually increase the charging rate one setting at a time.
  • Check the ammeter after 1 minute of each setting.
  • Maintain a 10 amp charging rate (maximum).
  • Utilize the boost setting (if required).


7. After 10 minutes at boost setting, check to see if the battery has accepted a 10 amp charge.

  • If the battery did not accept 10 amps after 10 minutes at boost setting, replace the battery.
  • If the battery accepted 10 amps after 10 minutes at boost setting, and the battery did not need additional water, go to Steps 6 and 7.
  • If the battery accepted 10 amps after 10 minutes at boost setting, but needed additional water, go to Steps 4 and 5.


NOTE: If the battery accepted 10 amps after 10 minutes at boost setting, but the specific gravities of all the cells were below 1.175, then go to Steps 4 and 5.

 

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage.  Decrease the charge rate if the battery emitted excessive gas or bubbles, or if the battery becomes too hot to touch.

8. Set the battery charger to 15 to 25 amps.

9. Check the specific gravity after 30 minutes.

NOTE:

  • In case of a maintenance-free battery, check after 60 minutes.
  • If the battery discharges too slowly (or unpredictably), charge the battery for 6 to 12 hours at 10 to 15 amps.
  • In the case of a maintenance-free battery, charge the battery for 12 to 24 hours.
  • If the battery discharged too quickly, charge the battery for 2 to 4 hours at 20 to 25 amps.
  • In the case of a maintenance-free battery, charge the battery for 4 to 8 hours.
  • If the variation between cells is more than 50 points, replace the battery.
  • If the variation between cells is less than 50 points, go to Steps 6 and 7.
  • Continue charging the battery until the specific gravity is between 1.230 and 1.265 points.
  • Load the test battery.


If you need any further help, or have any questions about batteries, tractors, or anything else, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.


Team Tractor and Equipment - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.