batteries . . .lack of quality

**AlbertaFarmer5** · Mar 14, 2018, 18:58

Cat batteries. And for the price, they had better last. Or the gel batteries.

**furrowtickler** · Mar 14, 2018, 19:47

Originally posted by rumrocks View Post

What brand of automotive or agriculture batteries have you had the best luck with, back in the 70's and 80's deere batteries would last 8 to 10 years, since most manufacturing went overseas, kitchen appliances and battery life is about half. Sad.

Good point , we buy garbage now at premium cost ...

**Jay-mo** · Mar 14, 2018, 20:13

John Deere batteries still seem to be quality. I think you want the "strongbox" labeled ones though. Not the ones with the JD sticker covering up the "made in china" stamp.
Prairie battery sells good batteries too.
Probably the worst experiences the last few years has come from "Part Master" batteries.

**helmsdale** · Mar 14, 2018, 23:54

Originally posted by furrowtickler View Post

Good point , we buy garbage now at premium cost ...

Interstate Battery's new motto?

Where did the 60 or 72 month free replacement go? Used to get group 31 interstates (at a premium price of course) that would last 8-10 years or longer. Last two sets in my pete lasted less than 2 years. 2nd made it just over 18mths before it boiled 1 of them and chewed the shit out of everything in my battery box. Warranty is 18mths. Plate breaks inside and internally shorts every time!

If I'm going to get cheap batteries I might as well pay the cheap price.

**Oliver88** · Mar 15, 2018, 00:20

Originally posted by helmsdale View Post

Interstate Battery's new motto?

Where did the 60 or 72 month free replacement go? Used to get group 31 interstates (at a premium price of course) that would last 8-10 years or longer. Last two sets in my pete lasted less than 2 years. 2nd made it just over 18mths before it boiled 1 of them and chewed the shit out of everything in my battery box. Warranty is 18mths. Plate breaks inside and internally shorts every time!

If I'm going to get cheap batteries I might as well pay the cheap price.

x2

And I've been told by one retailer who has toured a large manufacturer of batteries that you are basically buying a generic Group 31.....when it gets sent to the dealers they will apply the applicable sticker(s).

**farmaholic** · Mar 15, 2018, 06:22

How is any manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer going to make any money handling/selling batteries that last 8-10 years?

It's the way of the world, the ever shrinking package sizes and dumbing down of quality that most consumers aren't even aware of.

"Less for more", a concept primary ag producers should adopt for grain production. Ya right, I didn't have any caffeine yet this morning to clear the sleep cob webs, or still must be dreaming.

**grassfarmer** · Mar 15, 2018, 06:41

Originally posted by Jay-mo View Post

Prairie battery sells good batteries too.

I like them.

**farmaholic** · Mar 15, 2018, 07:14

We've been using A/C Delco for quite a while now. Not too bad. I would think the biggest mistake anyone could make is putting a light duty battery in a heavy duty application that needs to stand up to shock and vibration. Also undersized batteries(cranking requirements and reserve capacity) for tough applications.

I have no experience with the new types, only the standard lead wet acid types.

**tmyrfield** · Mar 15, 2018, 08:10

Costco. for autos much cheaper than any where else.

I changed all my equipment to top post bolt terminal and use HD truck batteries.

batteries . . .lack of quality