6V Battery Recommendations?

[Ed S.]

Well it looks like my TSC battery (6V) has died after only two years of service. The previous battery, also from TSC also died after about 2.5 years, so I'm looking for a different source. The label on this one says it's an Exide battery...

Any recommendations for a good heavy-duty 6V that will stand up to rugged use in a tractor (and last more like 4-5 years)?

es

 

[Royse]

I've had very similar results from TSC Ed. I also tried one from an Autozone store with about the same results. The last one I bought I got from my local Bumper-to-Bumper autoparts store. It's about 2.5 years old now and still working well, but that's not much to go on.
Sometimes mine set for a month or so, but I keep them pretty well charged, protect them from freezing, check the specific gravity and add water/acid if needed, so I would expect them to last longer than that.

 

[oldtanker]

I converted everything to 12 volt but gave away two 6 volt batts just a week ago. Both were good one being just a little over a years old and the other being 3.5 years.......both NAPA commercial duty batts.

Rick

 

[old]

Biggest problem is there is only 3 or 4 companies that make batteries so your had no matter where you go. But if I where going to buy a 6 volt battery I would go with a NAPA or O'Reilly's battery simply because they might stand behind there a day or 2 longer

 

[Ultradog MN]

Well Ed,
You probably don't want to hear my recommendation on 6V batteries

 

[Richard from SE AZ]

I put an EXIDE battery in my 2N in 06. Use it alot. Wouldn't hold a charge overnight recently. Bought a DURALAST today cuz that was the only 6V battery I could find in my area. Not many places around here sell them.

 

[Patrick 2N]

I have been using interstates HD 6V batteries since about '92. They seem to last about 5 years. I have to ask the interstate guy to get me one, but the next week he has it for me. Just my 2 cents.

 

[36 Coupe]

5 years is rare.6 or 12 volt.Had one that had a 9 year warranty.It failed with a frozen cell at 8.5 years.Hydrometer predicted trouble in that cell for a long time.It was an Exide.Been buying batteries since 7 bucks could buy a new one.

 

[Ed S.]

Thanks, all. I'll stop by NAPA and see what they have. Not sure where an Interstate dealer is around here, but I think a battery advertised as HD would be more in line with what I want - something that can take some bouncing around, etc. I think the TSC stuff any more is just for parade tractors. (actually, I notice they have less and less actual "tractor supplies" any more).

The son and I are starting up our early 60s Volkswagen rebuild projects again (a 62 and 63), and will need new 6v batteries for those, too.

es

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have found that you can increase the life of your battery by using a battery maintainer on them. I have a Farmall B and use TSC batteries and get 3-5 years out of a one year battery. I also changed from a 6 volt generator to a 6 volt alternator. I use my tractor for short period of time and alternator will put charge back faster than a generator.

 

[DollarBill]

Might consider a trip to the dark side....... 6 volt John Deere batteries are spec built for tractors.

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 07:18:19 05/02/12) Thanks, all. I'll stop by NAPA and see what they have. Not sure where an Interstate dealer is around here, but I think a battery advertised as HD would be more in line with what I want - something that can take some bouncing around, etc. I think the TSC stuff any more is just for parade tractors. (actually, I notice they have less and less actual "tractor supplies" any more).

The son and I are starting up our early 60s Volkswagen rebuild projects again (a 62 and 63), and will need new 6v batteries for those, too.

es

I "bought" a 6V Interstate Workaholic Heavy Duty last summer from the local garage that does my vehicle repairs. IIRC Interstate wanted $185 and I blanched when I heard the price. I had an old Dakota pickup that had swallowed a valve and was "excess to my needs" so I traded it for the battery. Been in to the shop a few times since for some small items and have been waved out the door without a bill. Guess he will let me know when my credit balance is used up :roll:

TOH

PS> Can't say I'm overly impressed with the Workaholic. At that price I'd get several from TSC.

TOH

 

[HCooke]

Ed, I just recently replaced a 5 & 1/2 yo battery
that I got from Orschelen's (I think they are in
Ill). Cost - $66.

 

[G6 at Snook, TX]

I would go JD or the Dekka East Penn mentioned. I would go JD first. Should hold up to good abuse, and if your local dealer is like mine, they will pull it out of the box and do the initial charge there. Those TSC batteries can sit on the shelf for some time I have noticed over the years.

 

[Ed S.]

I stopped by our "farm" NAPA on the way to work this morning, and they had an Interstate HD on the shelf for $90, which is following me home.

Thanks for the input!

Ed

 

[36 Coupe]

Fast charging is hard on batteries...

 

[Anonymous-0]

36 coupe battery maintainer do not charge battery back fast they are trickle charge and they turn off when battery is charged. An alternator that is working properly will put a charge back in battery in about 20 mimutes when engine has a mag.on it. My Farmall B with a mag. and a 6 volt alternator will put a full charge in about 15-20 minutesof run time..

 

[36 Coupe]

You do not want a fast charge on any battery.Ive seen many Farm Alls with acid damage from over charging.Batteries start gassing at 6 amps.Overcharging makes for short battery life.

 

[Anonymous-0]

36 coupe I have had this system on tractor for three years with no problems . It is set up to shut off when battery is charged. This system was set up by a dealer in Michigan that deals in alternators & starters in all makes in 6 volt,8 volt and 12volt.

 

[Anonymous-0]

JD batteries are Exides.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Your best choice would be an Interstate battery. We have 8 tractors with 6 volt batteries, and we have had the best luck with Interstate. When Interstate rates their batteries, they rate them by the battery that has the lowest CCA of the sample. Other battery companies rate their batteries based on the battery with the highest CCA of the sample.

 

[lonestarjeff]

I have a TSC 6v on the 8N & the 860. They've lasted
really well for me(5 & 6 years), but I'm pretty
religious about using the float charger once or
twice a month on them.

Jeff

 

[36 Coupe]

Friend had smoke roll from his charger.Transformer and a diode bad.He buys a new charger with led lights on it.Supposed to shut off when battery is full charged.He brings it to me saying it dosent charge his battery.I check my sawmill battery with a hydrometer, its only at half charge.I put his new charger on it.It shuts off in a half hour.Put the hydrometer on the battery,Its just a little over half charge.Put my old charger on it,takes 2 hour to read full charge.Heres the rub, batteries quickly take on a surface charge.A voltmeter will read full voltage but a hydrometer will say the battery isnt full charged.You battery maintainer will sense the voltage and shut off.Get your self a small hydometer, they cost about a dollar.

 

[Anonymous-0]

TSC lasted one week dead they gave me my money back.Bought one at Aoto Zone no problems been yaers.