Battery Buying Guide—Find Your Tractor Battery

The purpose of a tractor battery is the same as that of a car battery: to crank the engine. When the key is turned on, the battery supplies the power to the starter, which then turns the engine until it cranks. The key to finding the right battery for your tractor is making sure you use the correct data when asking about a battery. 

The difference between a car battery and a tractor (or deep cycle) battery is the rate at which they deliver current, and how they are designed. A tractor battery may be used in a car, but a car battery is not recommended for use in a tractor. Car batteries release the surge of power needed to turn the starter motor, and afterward the alternator replenishes the charge. Deep cycle batteries are designed to release their energy over a longer period and to discharge more fully before being recharged.

How They Are Different

Car batteries deliver maximum current in a short period. After the car starts, the vehicle's alternator supplies most of the electricity. A car battery is designed with thin plates to provide a greater surface for energy production. Tractor batteries start the engine and provide a steady current for extended periods. Although the battery can be discharged and recharged repeatedly, this process will ruin car batteries over time. Tractor batteries use thicker plates.

Choosing a Battery

Car batteries produce more cranking power for starting, but tractor batteries are more durable.

Ratings

Car batteries are rated in cold cranking amps (CCA), which is the maximum amount of amps the battery produces while starting the engine. Higher CCA ratings are recommended in cold climate areas. Tractor batteries are rated in amp-hours (AH). A battery with one amp-hour can discharge one amp for one hour.

Deep-Cycle Uses

Deep-cycle batteries are more durable and have uses beyond tractors, including cars and trucks (especially those with a lot of electrical accessories), RV's, campers, forklifts, golf carts and boats, backup power or lighting, and for storing power generated by solar panels.

Instructions:

• Follow the device manufacturer's recommendations to determine the dimensions, voltage, and capacity in amp-hours for the deep cycle battery. Too weak a battery will deplete its power prematurely. One that is too strong may not discharge enough before recharging, resulting in decreased battery life.
• Choose a marine battery for boating, aircraft or RV use if the battery must provide a burst of engine cranking power in addition to a prolonged discharge.

• Select a conventional flooded battery if it will be located in a well-ventilated area and can be secured against tipping or spilling. Flooded batteries need to be topped off with water occasionally, so locate them where they can be serviced easily.
• Choose a sealed AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) or gel battery if the battery must be tilted during storage or use, or if there is limited ventilation. These batteries require no regular servicing and are often used in electric vehicles and power backup systems.
• Use NiCad (nickel-cadmium) or NiFe (nickel-iron) batteries where long battery life is a necessity. Though they are more expensive and less efficient, these alkaline-based batteries last 15 to 25 years in most applications.

 Tips & Warnings

• All parts of a lead-acid battery can be reclaimed. If you're replacing one, take the old one to a recycling center.
• Observe the battery maker's cautions and guidelines when installing or servicing a battery.

Battery manufacturers across India offer both automotive batteries and deep cycle batteries. However there are some manufacturers like SF Sonic who offer the best battery price.