Has anybody tried the TSC premade battery cables?

sflem849 · Mar 22, 2010

I am looking for an inexpensive way to put new cables on my MD and H. I bought a fancy cloth wiring harness for the H, but it pains me to put it on when the tractor still has a few leaks to fix. The MD is on working status until shop space and funds are available for restoration. SO, I need quality working cables that don't cost an arm and a leg. I went to NAPA and they wanted $50+ to make a set of cables.
Any suggestions on where to go for good, inexpensive cables (preferably off the shelf not mail order)? I know the two words generally don't belong together, but it is worth a shot. Any luck with the TSC cables? they come in different lengths and are only about $15 each. Not too bad. Thanks for the advice!

Dave H (MI) · Mar 22, 2010

I make my own with parts from the auto supply. Still runs me about $30 but they are high quality.

sflem849 · Mar 22, 2010

That $50 was just for the parts!?! I couldn't believe it. The decent solder/crimp on ends for the battery were over $10 each!!!

tinny · Mar 22, 2010

I use them on my A with no problems but my tractor is for using not looking pretty

DonNOhio · Mar 23, 2010

If you are using 12v they are OK. Not heavy enough for 6v.

IH fan · Mar 23, 2010

I put them on my 240U with a 12v system and so far they work fine.

sflem849 · Mar 23, 2010

(quoted from post at 02:29:15 03/23/10) If you are using 12v they are OK. Not heavy enough for 6v.

How big is big enough for 6v? My H is still on 6.

steve706 · Mar 23, 2010

I actually just bought a set on saturday because in Canadian TSC's they are on sale this week. I got a braided ground and a positve cable and they seem to be good quality.

gene bender · Mar 23, 2010

You need 1ga. TSC probably doesent carry them instead have 6ga used for 12v.

sflem849 · Mar 23, 2010

So what do the gauges mean when you start getting into the 2/0 stuff? I think I priced 2/0 at NAPA.

Kevin in MI · Mar 23, 2010

You'll be interested in the third paragraph. It covers the lager wire size.

2 ought = big
3 ought = bigger
4 ought = biggest

AWG
In the American Wire Gauge or "AWG" system, as the wire gets smaller, the number of the wire gets larger. The smallest AWG size is 40 and looks like a metal thread.

Common electrical extension cords on lamps are typically 18 gauge wire. The smallest gauge allowed for lighting and receptacle circuits in a house is 14 gauge wire. The gauge sizes get smaller with corresponding increases in the wires diameter all the way down to 0 gauge.

At that point, the industry labeled the next larger size as double zero, commonly referred to as 2 ought. The next AWG size larger than 2 ought is triple zero or 3 ought. Four ought is the largest AWG wire size designation. Wires larger than this size are designated by the Thousand Circular Mill system or "KCMIL" sizes.

sflem849 · Mar 23, 2010

Gotcha, so 00 and 2/0 are the same thing. You just don't have to draw a bunch of 0 in a row.

mkirsch · Mar 23, 2010

TSC's cables go down to 2ga, though I think the woven ground straps are rated at 0ga.

0ga is adequate for an H. Go to a welding supply house and get some bulk welding cable. Solder-on ends from an auto parts store. A propane torch and some ELECTRONICS "rosin core" solder (not plumbing solder) is all you need to make your own for significantly less than $50.

Bspauld · Mar 23, 2010

I bought 1 ga cables from TSC for my 60. they didnt have many that size, JD wanted $50 to make them up,i paid around $29

John T · Mar 23, 2010

In our town (Bloomington, Indiana) the local Interstate Battery supply will make up custom cables while you wait at a reasonable price. I prefer 0 better yet 00 for 6 volt and 1 better yet 0 for 12 volt. Theres also a local welding supply house that does the same. For good cranking, especially at cold temps, good heavy cables and terminals plus a heavy rated high CCA battery IS A MUST

John T

El Toro · Mar 23, 2010

I would use the welding cable as John T suggested
and solder the lug ends. They're very flexible too. Don't make them any longer than what's needed. Hal

cd1 · Mar 23, 2010

try Interstate batteries, that is where I have mine made and its pretty reasonable. but what is an extra $20 to have a tractor that will start and not burn the starter up...

LenND · Mar 23, 2010

I bought a new cable for my H from TSC last summer and have no problems. One thing to remember is to have a good (not half charged) battery and a starter that does not drag. Then any cable will work.

bc · Mar 23, 2010

If you can handle a little stiffer wire, 2/0 and 4/0 copper cable for service entrance wire can be had at Lowest and home cheapo for a few bucks a foot. Then solder the ends.

FarmallZach · Mar 25, 2010

I was in the same boat with my super m and i bought some from tsc and they honestly work really good!

Has anybody tried the TSC premade battery cables?

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