Combines R52 Batteris cables Tbran help please

[mo_farm]

I always unhook the battery cables in the off season. I just unbolt the cables where they hook on the starter and put a little electrical tape on the end to keep it from shorting against anything. lots easier than unhooking from the tops of the batteries.

 

[R_O_M]

We had an electrical fire in the engine bay in the middle of a couple of hundred acres of very dry wheat stubble due to short in the pull-in solenoids on the fuel pump on the Cummins [ R62 ] Sheer panic occurred almost to the point of needing a change of under wear! Finally got the battery cable off the terminal on the starter which stopped the power that was keeping the fire going. learn't our lesson and put a heavy duty truck type isolator switch into the battery cable under the batteries and above the rear RH wheel where it is fully accessible from out side the engine bay. When welding, leaving the combine overnight, storing the combine at the end of the season and giving it a regular run while in storage, charging batteries, working on any of the electrical circuits and obviously if there is an electrical fire or a short circuit then it is merely a case of giving the large T handle or removeable key in the isolator switch a quick twist and the batteries are fully isolated. Would very strongly reccommend that all combines should have such an battery isolator installed. They cost very little compared to destroying an electrical system or a set of batteries or like us, [ almost ] losing a combine because you cannot isolate the electrical circuits. An alternative very quick to fit and cheap isolator type battery cable terminal with a easy to use twist down contact is readily available for 4 or 5 dollars each in most automotive shops in Australia and should be available in any automotive electrical shop in the USA. If not, you guys are slipping!! Cheers.

 

[kernal]

The new Gleaner and MF comines at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show both have quick disconnects.You can buy from Agco.You can take the disconnect switch lever with you when you leave the combine.

 

[Gleamer]

Guys, thanks for the comments, it tells me that others have the same concerns and they are valid. I think the ultimate set up would be a disconnect for each battery, then if one had a bad cell it would not drain down the others if they were hooked together. You know, the marine industry has been thinking of this for decades, there is a good cause here. Thanks again

 

[tbran]

Actually the best set up 4 us is a two battery system unless you are sub temp something in those horrid northern regions -) . We usually have less problems with two batt and tape off the third cable end and tell custs to keep it for a spare. As for the disconnect, again the best solution is crank the beast at least every 4-6 weeks for 10-15 mins, turn the machine over by momentarly tapping the clutch switch and move the machine forward or rearward a few feet. This does wonders for AC compressor, bearings, batteries, tires, belts and animals who feed on mice and other critters who like to reside in the beast.

 

[Gleamer]

Good ideas, thanks, I do start and run it a bit, I never thought about running the A_C and the cylinder, those are good ideas, never let the critters get comforatble. Would 2 950 CCa batteries turn it okIJ We are in central Mo. We have a 180 and 135 whites, they seem ok on 2 batteries but they dont have as much electrical load. TIA

 

[NDDan]

Common problem in middle '90s on the liquid cooled machines was the little module hanging along side radiator. They had continuous power to this module and it would kill batterys over extended period of storage. We rewired currant leed to only have power with key on. I would like the others strongly suggest unhooking battery or installing kill switch. That is even more important these days with all the electronics that consume a small amount of currant whenever batterys are hooked up. Battery life is drastically reduced the longer they sit discharged. Once they are discharged they need to be recharged fully. This can be best checked with battery hydrometer (if battery has removeable caps). It can take days to bring battery back up to proper charge if it has been discharged. I'm with the other guys on just two batterys even up hear where it gets cold. I find the guys are much more likely to keep two batterys properly maintained than three or more. Mix a little baking soda with water and poor over battery connections is a cheap way to keep corrosion in check.

 

[Dagwood]

It is a good idea to start combine, air conditioner and operate machine during off seasons. If not possible for some snow birds or others I would recommend an automatic trickle charger. Cut of switch is also a good idea. One mechanic I know that is also on the local small town fire department said that their fire truck batteries never lasted very long because the trucks were seldom run especially in the cold winters. They went to attaching inexpensive trickle chargers and now are getting much longer life out of batteries.