Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 27, 2010 12:14PM
I was wondering if the Optima batteries are better to use on a tractor with no charging system versus a regular battery? Do they last a while and are they worth the price?
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 28, 2010 08:56AM
Been using Optima gell batteries for several years now. They seem to hold up well. Do NOT put the charger on high setting and walk away if your timer doesn't work. Your better off to low charge them if you have the time. I have been using the red one. I think the yellow is more for marine applications (trolling motors etc.).
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 29, 2010 09:46AM
Your not suposed to use a regular battery charger on a gell cell. Go to their web site. I think it tells you what you need. Yes they last very well and can be mounted any way you want. Side ways or even up side down.
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 29, 2010 09:51AM
[www.optimabatteries.com]
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries July 03, 2010 06:46AM
Shock resistance is one of the big side binifits of the the Gell cell. I lost a race car to a battery fire caused by a broken cell in a conventional battery.
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 29, 2010 10:03AM
Check under product support on their web site. Red tops are auto starting. Yellow are deep cycle and starting. Blue are marine. I always used yellow tops in my off road truck with a winch. They worked much better when winching than a regular battery. Thats where the deep cycle comes in. I would recomend one in a pulling vehicle. They hold a charge much better than a regular battery when not useing a charging system. Just be careful, they will still freeze if left out in the winter. I was told this could not happen because their isn't any thing to freeze but I left one in my truck over the winter and it was dead in the spring. It was only a few months old and would not take a charge after that.
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 29, 2010 08:06PM
They are good batteries, but there are other battery manufacturers with the same technology. So they are kinda expensive in comparrison.
Exide makes an alike battery, too - and there is others.
[www.exide.com]



Floating Finish - the German Tractor Pulling Web Show and EU Live Streams: [www.youtube.com]
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 30, 2010 02:27AM
The OPTIMA battery is truly maintenance free. When charged properly you will not have to worry about leaking, corrosion, or gassing. Periodically inspect your battery terminal connections to ensure they are clean, snug, and protected from the elements.

Open circuit voltage (OCV) and storage:
OCV: 34 / 34R / 34/78 / 34M / 75/25 / 78 / 35 / 25 >12.8 volts
(for a fully charged battery)

D34 / D34/78 / D27M / D31M / D27F / D75/25 / D35 / D31T / D31A / D51 / D51R / D34M >13.0 volts
(for a fully charged battery)

Battery Storage
Because of the high purity lead grid in the OPTIMA battery, it has a self-discharge rate much lower than conventional flat-plate batteries. This means the OPTIMA can sit for longer periods retaining enough charge to start your vehicle. Depending on storage temperature, the OPTIMA can usually sit for 8 to 12 months and start most vehicles.

When possible, store your battery in a cool, dry location. Check the battery voltage every 6 months and charge if it falls below 12.6 volts.

Remember, newer vehicles with on-board electronics such as computers, LCD screens, game systems, GPS units, clocks, etc., require battery power to retain system memory while the vehicle is parked. If the vehicle is to be stored for long periods you should use a maintenance charger to compensate for this drain. This charger should be voltage regulated between 13.2 - 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum. On older vehicles, without electronics, disconnect the battery cables when the vehicle is not being used for extended periods.
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Re: Optima Batteries vs. Regular Batteries June 30, 2010 02:32AM
OPTIMA BLUETOP CHARGING INFORMATION
OPTIMA BlueTop Charging Information
The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.

BlueTop Type: 34M
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:
Alternator:

13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:

13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Rapid Recharge:

Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:

13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).

All limits must be strictly adhered to.

BlueTop Type: D34M / D31M/ D27M
These batteries are dual purpose. They are designed for engine starting and deep cycling applications and for use in boats with large accessory loads.

Recommended charging information:
Alternator:

13.65 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:

13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Cyclic Applications:

14.7 volts, no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). When current falls below 1 amp, finish with 2 amp constant current for 1 hour for D34M and 3 amp constant current for 1 hour for D31M.
Rapid Recharge:

Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:

13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
All limits must be strictly adhered to.

Safety Information:

Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
Always use a voltage regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.

OPTIMA REDTOP CHARGING INFORMATION
OPTIMA RedTop Charging Information
The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.

RedTop Type: 34 & 34R - 34/78 - 78 - 25 & 35 - 75/25
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:
Alternator:

13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:

13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Rapid Recharge:

Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:

13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).

All limits must be strictly adhered to.
Safety Information:

Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
Always use a voltage regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.

OPTIMA REDTOP CHARGING INFORMATION
OPTIMA RedTop Charging Information
The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.

RedTop Type: 6V
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:
Alternator:

6.65 to 7.5 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:

6.9 to 7.5 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Rapid Recharge:

Maximum voltage 7.8 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:

6.6 to 6.9 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).

All limits must be strictly adhered to.
Safety Information:

Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
Always use a voltage regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.
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