[AT] Battery Life?

[Robert L. Holtzer]

Very interesting charge/discharge data.  I've put all my batteries on 
trickle chargers now.  Mostly units from Harbor Freight for around $10.  It 
will be interesting to see if this improves their life.  Even with the 
trickle charging, I've found it is a good idea to check the electrolyte 
level now and then.  One clear benefit is in starting the tractor after a 
month or more -- starter really zings!

Bob Holtzer

At 09:53 AM 11/21/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>Since I work with rechargeable batteries on my remote sensing stream  gauges,
>we spent almost an entire day on battery maintenance.  If a 12 v  battery
>ever goes below 10.5 v,  for any length of time, it's life is cut  in 
>half....  A
>fully charged battery will discharge to below  10.5 volts within 90 days
>without being charged...   On the other hand  if a 12 v battery is charged 
>above
>15v, its life is cut in half...
>We use solar panels to maintain the charge, and remove tghe batteries every
>year and replace them with one that has been recharged and drawn and 
>tested on
>a  battery reconditioner.  ( expensive charger )
>
>I have had batteries last over 6 years in my 1600 loadstar, and only 1 year
>on my JD400 loader.    It depends on the regulator....
>
>Cecil in OKla
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