[leolav]

Just wanted to ask?

How long have you had the original Die Hard battery that came with your Craftsman mower. I was in Sears yesterday and I saw a lawn and garden battery display and it suddenly occured to me that I have never changed my battery in my Craftsman (over 6 yrs) I do use it year round, but I still thought that was a long time to have a battery last.

Let me know if this is normal or an anomaly?

 

[Chris]

That does seem like a REALLY long time for a simple small LT battery to last. WOW SOOOOOO, who is going to step up and write a complete, detailed and STICKY thread applicable WINTER MAINTENANCE post for the whole forum to use for their LT/GTs units?????



Andy

 

[Stewart]

Question of the week: Do you replace it with a Diehard or do you use another brand????:driving:

 

[leolav]

I would, but I do minimal winter maintenance as I use both my mowers all year round.

I do however switch oils from 10w30 to 5w30 in winter. Otherwise, if I put any equipment away, I drain the gas out, change oil, mist the plug hole, install new plugs, check belts and air filters, check and sharpen the blades and change the oil.

Other than that, I keep it simple, Make sure your equipment is clean and won't get damp and rust. Wax does help considerably, especially on hoods, etc.

 

[leolav]

You would have a hard time convincing me to replace with anything but a Diehard. I had a MTD that no matter what brand of battery I put in it, every spring it would need a new one. I tried trickle chargers, etc and nothing worked.

I'm pretty sure that it has to do with the way the battery is designed. But I know for a fact that I have not changed the battery on the older mower.

Only reason I can think of is that it never really has a chance to discharge because I use it at least once a week year round. Even in the dead of winter, i use it to go fetch firewood in a trailer.

It also helps that I have heat in my garage year round.

I am getting to wonder how long the battery will last. It still starts on the first turn of the key!

Maybe its possessed????

 

[OhioTC18]

I've had my LT1000 ( I think thats what it is) for quite a few years. The first Diehard lasted 8 years with just putting on a trickle charger 2 winter seasons. Yes I did have to jump start it a few winters when the snow flew, but it served me well. If a small battery is going to give me 8 years of service, would I change brands.....NO WAY
I really don't maintain the Craftsman as well as I do my New Holland TC18. Changed the oil and did service like I should have when it was new. But now it just kinda takes up space in the barn until I need it to mow the big slope out by the road. I've really had good luck with a Diehard and will continue using them. I had them in my motorcycle for years too, the Gold ones.

 

[PeteNM]

They delivered my tractor while I was gone. I got home and tried to start it to mow and it was dead as a wedge. I gave them a call and about an hour and a half later they had a new battery installed. Haven't had any problem since. That was a year and a half ago.

My other mowers don't seem to last more than a couple years.....

 

[leolav]

Pete:

what brand of tractor was it in?

Just curious.

Leo

 

[DaYooper]

My dad has a 3 year old Craftsman LT. He stores it in my garage over the winter (November-May) without a charger attached. It's started the LT right up every spring so far.

 

[leolav]

So what I'm hearing, it isn't totally out of the ordinary to see that type of life from a Diehard battery. I'm glad I asked the question.

That way when I have to get a new one, I know where to shop.

 

[wheely_boy]

I hope they do last that long. As you know I have two LTs and I find myself replacing batteries every 2-4 years. This past year, both batteries went dead and I replaced them with Diehards. I am hoping I get 6 years!

 

[Ed_GT5000]

I have been looking for a cheap replacement battery for this lawn mower for some time. I just can't see spending $30.00 for a battery for a pushmower. Any ideas?
<img src=http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=15466a3c-243c-4962-8f0b-54da39c65ed4&size=>

 

[leolav]

I figure its either the tractor or the battery. I think its the battery.

 

[Stewart]

Does anyone know anything about Interstate batteries, good or bad:question:

I hate to replace anything in two years! I know diehard has always had a good name that is supposed to be quality.

:secret:

 

[PeteNM]

Originally posted by leolav
Pete:

what brand of tractor was it in?

Just curious.

Leo

It was in my 2002 Sears GT 3000. I guess it's a die hard although I've never looked. I haven't had any trouble since but I use it year around.

 

[leolav]

Thanks for the feedback Pete. Glad to here all is well since.

 

[leolav]

Interstate makes a good quality battery as do most other major manufacturers. For lawn tractors, I am not sure of Interstate, but in cars, they are a god value.

If your an Exide fan, buy the Wal-Mart private brand, its an Exide battery.

 

[slipshod]

stewart

I have an Interstate D-12 in my Ford 5000 deisel tractor,trouble free for 5 years now. It is a large battery.Also have 6 volt Interstate in my Cub,but I bought that one this summer.I use Interstsate because there is adealer not far from me. It seems to me that they produce a good product. My Cub needed a new cable and I had it fabricated at Interstate,looks identical to the old one.

 

[Stewart]

I don't mind paying good money for a good product, I just don't like getting take for a ride. Bang for the buck I guess. I bought a interstate for my truck and I thought it wasn't a bad deal. Time will tell if it holds up. unch:

 

[leolav]

They are one of the better brands of batteries on the market..