Why not 2 batteries?

[captndavie]

Why does my 574 not take two 12 volt batteries. It seems from reading that they are hard to start in the cold. Wouldn't that possibly help them? I am new to tractor ownership but, every other diesel unit I have worked with took at least two 12 volt batteries and some took more(road tractors, dozers, Dodge 12 valve cummins and other diesel equipment).

I am currently working on repairing and replacing some of the wiring which includes battery cables and I wonder if I should run two batteries? Would it hurt anything? Would it help it start better in the winter?

 

[Hayfarmer]

Last fall when it turned colder my 560D didn't want to start and battery in it looked really old. Tractor new to me. I put a heavy duty 12 volt battery in it, think it has around 900 CCA. There was room for 2 but thought I'd try one first. Started in all kinds of temps with the one battery. I don't think it hurts to put in 2 if you have the room but may not be needed.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

A 574 has only half as much engine as any of the other equipment you mention. It's only got a small ~200ci 4-cylinder, where most of the other equipment you mention have engines with at least twice as much displacement.

A quality group 31 battery with 900-1000 CCA is plenty to start that tractor in any weather, but you have to make sure you've got good heavy wires, a good ground to the chassis, and a good starter.

 

[ericlb]

i agree, a group 31 should be plenty to fire up that tractor, but, what size cables are you using? if you have the standard 4 gauge cables the kid down at the auto parts store gives you that may be part of the problem, not passing enough amps, get some 0 or 1 gauge battery cables, and make positive you have a good ground to the engine block, it makes a whale of a difference

 

[captndavie]

I haven't had any problems with mine. It has what appears to be original wires. They are shedding some of their sheathing so I am replacing them. I am using brand new cables that came out of f350 chassis that had been converted to school busses. While I was at it I was wondering if I needed to add a second battery since I had read that they are hard to start in cold weather. Thats why I asked.

 

[Jim Naden]

(quoted from post at 11:53:52 06/07/16) I haven't had any problems with mine. It has what appears to be original wires. They are shedding some of their sheathing so I am replacing them. I am using brand new cables that came out of f350 chassis that had been converted to school busses. While I was at it I was wondering if I needed to add a second battery since I had read that they are hard to start in cold weather. Thats why I asked.

I've worked with these particular tractors since they came out, given a good battery and clean, properly sized cables, cold weather cranking has never really been a problem with them.

 

[captndavie]

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Thanks! I hope so because I plan to use mine during the winter to pull a tree planter.

 

[MARK ROBKE]

They crank over good when cold,they just don't fire up without preheating the engine,or ether.Mark

 

[captndavie]

Thanks!