kajamo240 3 #1 Posted November 6, 2009 I tried posting this in the FAQ but the forum wouldnt allow me to start a new topic there. When looking for a new battery, what should one be looking for? I have a 8hp Kohler and I think that I might end up buying a new battery for it this weekend and I am just wondering if there is something specific that I should be looking for. The last battery that I purchased was just your normal lawn tractor battery from Napa. I assume we would have the same concerns that we would if we were looking for a new battery for a car but I am not sure... Help..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Electro12WH 50 #2 Posted November 6, 2009 The Lawn & Garden battery will work just fine. Be sure to add a block of wood so the batt. doesn't slide around in the tray. A larger car battery used to just fit that tray but I don't think they make that model anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
64s 83 #3 Posted November 6, 2009 Matt, Its similar to looking for a car battery. More power equals more money. If you plan on using it in the winter and its garaged and kept "warm" a regular battery will do fine. If its in a cold garage/barn, then you might want to pony up and buy one with more cca (the better ones are around 320-340). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kajamo240 3 #4 Posted November 6, 2009 Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks! :notworthy: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,126 #5 Posted November 6, 2009 I bought the 320 to 340 CCA power battery at TSC and my B-80 sits in a closed but unheated garage but my battery is still only three months old! The old one was new in February of 2008 but was a much weaker CCA battery to start with! Going for the gold has to cost something! :notworthy: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kajamo240 3 #6 Posted November 6, 2009 The Lawn & Garden battery will work just fine. Be sure to add a block of wood so the batt. doesn't slide around in the tray. A larger car battery used to just fit that tray but I don't think they make that model anymore Can I just use a small car battery then? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billyban1 0 #7 Posted November 6, 2009 You can, but it will cost a little more than a lawn tractor battery. The 320 CCA batteries are about 4 or 5 bucks more. I've been buying them from WalMart and they work just fine. $29.95 plus your trade in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmuone 15 #8 Posted November 6, 2009 When I do not plan on using the tractor for a while I pull the battery off and put a small trickle charger on it. It sat most of last winter and then started the tractor right up. Might be worth considering . Dayton Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kajamo240 3 #9 Posted November 7, 2009 Thanks guys. This is all good information. I am going to be taking a good look at it tomorrow and looking at what the actual problem is. Good to hear the batteries arent too spendy! I was hoping to hear that! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KeithB 6 #10 Posted November 7, 2009 Good information, thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kajamo240 3 #11 Posted November 8, 2009 Just thought I would let you know what happened... I picked up the largest battery that I could find. I couldn't find one with 320 or 340 cca so I picked up a B&S 300 cca battery at Lowes yesterday. It made a really loud grinding noise, like it usually does, for only a second and then it started right up! Thanks again for the information! Its also nice to know that I have a good battery again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stigian 1,234 #12 Posted November 8, 2009 Bit of a late reply this seeing as you have just bought new battery Matt. For the past couple of years my 312-8 has been running a bike battery that came out of 750cc machine. It's never once let me down with the WH starting in all weathers.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites