[AT] Battery Charger recommendations

[Dean VP]

John,

Thanks for the response. Most of the 30 year old stuff is and was built a
lot better than anything we can buy today. I haven't been to a NAPA store
yet to look but will before I make a selection. As I recall they sell the
Schumacher brand.  I tend to buy quality stuff but I don't know if I can
afford Snap=on quality or prices any more.  Any charger I purchase won't get
used all that often but I sure would like it to do the job when required.

Dean VP
Snohomish, WA 98290

It's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. 


-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of John Hall
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2016 4:16 AM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: Re: [AT] Battery Charger recommendations

Don't get cheap--buy the most heavy duty one you can afford. Mine is a John
Deere that is about 30 years old. It has 1 setting for 6 volt, 2 for 12
volt, and then a boost setting. It has gauges, no lights. We've used it a
million times it seems. As to current models, I have no idea what to
recommend, you may want to see what Napa has to offer as well. 
I'm sure Snap-On and Mac have good ones, but with a price to match.

John Hall


On 4/23/2016 12:17 AM, Dean VP wrote:
> I need to buy a new battery charger. Both of the ones I have had for 
> many, many years, one for over 40 years,  have gone South for the 
> winter and never came back.  Since I have several tractors here, a 
> diesel truck, auto  and several Garden tractors  and some other 
> battery driven devises I'm thinking of going whole hog and buying a 
> Heavy Duty one in the neighborhood of chagrining up to 250 Amps for
starting.  That requires a roll around unit.
> I've looked at Schumacher and Sears Units.  The Sears Diehard unit is 
> presently on top of the list primarily due to features and good 
> reviews. I was first thinking of Schumacher but there are more 
> negative reviews about them than what I ever expected. Primarily 
> quality control issues.  Then as an alternative I think of getting two 
> smaller units one for the shop and one for the three car
> garage.   But having a HD unit sure sounds attractive to me.
>
>   What has been your experiences out there with Battery chargers and 
> especially those I have mentioned?  Or do you have something else to 
> recommend?
>
> My specs are up to 250 Amp Maximum for starting, then a choice of 
> something like 50, 10 selectable charge rates and 2 Amp maintenance
charging.
> Automatic in that it will drop to maintenance charging when the 
> battery is fully charged automatically.  Need both 6 and 12 Volt 
> charging. Would prefer analog gauges rather than idiot lights. Charge 
> Timer not required if automatic is properly designed.  Fairly rugged 
> as it will get beat up bouncing around the equipment and tractors.  
> Reverse lead protection and notification. Don't remember ever doing 
> that but.....  Decently long heavy gauge leads with heavy good quality 
> clamps. And a target under $200 cost
>
> Dean VP
> Snohomish, WA 98290
>
> It's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at

_______________________________________________
AT mailing list
http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at