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single or dual batteries

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Shadow

08-08-2005 05:49:56

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What will turn over a diesel tractor better, a single 12 volt battery or dual 6 volt batteries? Anyone have any suggestions? My Oliver originally came with two six's, but when I got it, it has one twelve. Thanks!

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Jon Hagen

08-08-2005 09:19:38

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Shadow, 08-08-2005 05:49:56

The best starting/cranking set up I have ever had is on my old Steiger tractors with big 611(L10) and 855 cubic inch Cummins diesels. These tractors use 3 studbolt terminal batteries in parallel with all three batteries connected with short jumper cables. in addition,there are two positive and two negative cables from batteries 1 and 3 connected directly to the starter,so each set of cables/studs/terminals, only has to carry half the starter amp draw,and with ground cables connected directly to the starter,there is no ground current loss through rusty joints and connections. It's a little more involved,but sure has been reliable over the last 18 years. Two 12V in parallel,with a seperate ground and hot cable for each bat,and grounded directly to the starter mounting bolts,should do very well.

Too many cable joints in a series setup( 2- 6v bats in series)can lose more power than a parallel 12v hookup. My old IH semi tractor with 8v-92 Detroit, originally had 4-6V batteries wired in a combination series/parallel setup to give 12v. It was a constant battle to keep all the cables clean and tight. The last time I changed the batteries,I replaced the 4-6v batts with 2-12v 900CCA in parallel. Cable maintenence has gone almost to 0 and it cranks better than the 4-6V setup ever did.

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paul

08-08-2005 09:16:33

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Shadow, 08-08-2005 05:49:56

As Evil says, it's all about cold cranking amps.

It is _much_ better to have a single 12v battery if you can match up the needed CCAs. Less cable, less connection points, less corrosion, etc.

If you have to tie 2 batteries together to get enough CCAs, then a pair of 12v in parrallel is a bit easier to maintain, and the amps will add together.

To be 100% authentic, 2 6v in series is what it came with - as mentioned you will only get as many amps as the weakest of the 2 batteries.

--->Paul

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EVILBOWEVIL

08-08-2005 06:31:59

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Shadow, 08-08-2005 05:49:56

bottom line is how many cold cranking amps.
no matter how much battery power you have if still on the original battery cables that are rotten, corroded and unable to properly conduct power. Also all connections need to be clean and not rusted up, etc. The spiral wound sealed batteries are the best along with 2/0 copper cables with soldered ends. 6 volts are in series means CCA equal to smallest battery.
12 volts in parrell add the CCA together to equal total
Good luck Ron

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Coloken

08-08-2005 06:23:43

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Shadow, 08-08-2005 05:49:56

I am told that there is a diferemce in batteries made for diesel. Higher amp output. Which ever you use check with a battery store rather than just "off the shelf". Others here can probably expain it better. This might just apply to those big monster ones.
Kennyp

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frankiee

08-08-2005 06:16:08

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Shadow, 08-08-2005 05:49:56

All things being equal there should be no difference. In a lead acid battery, each cell produces 2.1 volts. If the battery cells are all constructed the same then the internal resistance will be the same.
A battery is just a bunch of cells put together to come up with a needed voltage. They are connected in series.
Being that the battery posts are a problem area, I would say the less posts the better. In favor of the single 12 volt.
Also, using a single 12 volt would insure more accuracy to the same construction of the cells.
A 24 volt truck battery is just 12 2.1 volt cells put together.
It would also be more cost effective and save of space using just 1 battery.(Unless you have a surplus of 6 volts you want to use up.
Make sure never to use 2 types of batteries like Ni Cads and lead acid or a explosive gas will develop.

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frankiee

08-08-2005 06:21:28

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to frankiee, 08-08-2005 06:16:08

I just read Allan's post and I agree with him.
He is right. Is better to have 12 volt batteries in parallel so that if one battery goes belly up, you have a spare in the system to get you going

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RayP(MI)

08-08-2005 16:41:02

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to frankiee, 08-08-2005 06:21:28

If you choose to put two 12v in parallel - they should be the same battery - do not mix sizes, ages, etc. Buy a brand new PAIR of exactly the same batteries. If you don"t the weaker will drag the stronger down, leading to poor performance, rapid aging and premature failure. GM used twin battereis in parallel for their diesels in cars and light trucks, as long as they were replaced in pairs the system worked pretty satisfactorally.

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Allan in NE

08-08-2005 06:01:59

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Shadow, 08-08-2005 05:49:56

Shadow,

I like to replace the dual 6s with 2 heavy duty 12 volt batteries and then wire the jokers in parrallel rather than in series.

Allan

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Chuck MI

08-08-2005 06:24:06

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Allan in NE, 08-08-2005 06:01:59

I'll second Allen's idea. I think the reason these tractors originally had 2 six volt bateries is that at the time of manfacture, this probably gave more cranking amps than 1 twelve volt built AT THAT TIME. Now with battery technology of today, you can get by with one twelve, but if you use this tractor in the dead of winter, two twelve volts in parrallel is your best choice.

Chuck

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IowaDave

08-08-2005 07:57:00

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Chuck MI, 08-08-2005 06:24:06

How do you get the connectors for 2 12 volt batteries in parrallel. I've never seen any components that I can think off. Thanks

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Glen in TX

08-08-2005 08:25:08

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to IowaDave, 08-08-2005 07:57:00

They make some T type or right angle T type battery lug terminals to connect them in parallel with or the best way is to run two cables to the starter and run two grounds by the battery to chassis. Also another way is to use the stud type post batteries with eyelet connectors on cables. Can find terminals at waytekwire.com catalog, napa, or any good local battery shop dealing with truck and ag stuff.

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RustyFarmall

08-08-2005 06:35:42

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Re: single or dual batteries in reply to Chuck MI, 08-08-2005 06:24:06

Chuck, you are exactly correct.

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