Farmall H battery size to buy?

Zachary Hoyt · Dec 20, 2011

I have an H converted to 12V with magneto ignition that I have
been hand cranking for the past 8 months or so since the
alternator quit, and now that winter is here I am thinking that it
would be a fine thing to be able to use the starter. The battery is
a 2005 vintage Wal-Mart product that was on the tractor when I
got it and I think it is time for a new one. I need to rewire the
tractor and will be using the helpful diagram from this forum. I
don't have a battery box so size is not an issue within reason.
How big of a battery do I want to get for it, and are CCA ratings
helpful or is there some other way to find the right thing? We
occasionally have nights down to -25 F or so, but mostly it is no
colder than 0. Any advice will be much appreciated.
Zach

Oldiron29 · Dec 20, 2011

Zach, I just did an M conveted to 12V I did have a battery box so I took it with me to the auto parts shop. Ended up with a 750 cca battery and it spins it over fine. oldiron29

Bill Lisbon · Dec 20, 2011

It is better to buy a Heavy duty battery, that is able to take shocks. To get a lot of cranking amps in a small battery, they must make the plates thinner. Thinner plates will break easier, making the battery junk.

CNKS · Dec 20, 2011

I don't know who makes Walmart, but in your climate I would go to NAPA, etc and get the highest cold cranking amps they have, probably around $100.

Bob M · Dec 20, 2011

Zach - Recommend you buy the highest CCA battery you can afford and that you can make fit.

An H cranks easily. A small (eg. 450 CCA) battery will spin it up fine - even in cold weather. However as Bill points out a heavier (higher CCA) battery will likely hold up longer and be a better value over the long run. And it will come in handy should you ever need it to jump another vehicle in -25 deg temps(!).

IAtractorKid · Dec 21, 2011

I recomment Deka brand batteries and buy the largest battery you can get to fit in the box. Been a few years ago since I bought the Deka for my SH but I believe it is a 675CCA.

mkirsch · Dec 21, 2011

Group 25 will fit in the OEM battery box, if you ever put one back on.

A 12V battery that size should shoot your H to the moon. Anything bigger is probably a waste of money.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 21, 2011

A higher CCA battery will not last as long. Plates are thinner

sflem849 · Dec 21, 2011

(quoted from post at 07:49:09 12/21/11) Group 25 will fit in the OEM battery box, if you ever put one back on.

A 12V battery that size should shoot your H to the moon. Anything bigger is probably a waste of money.

I'm with him, buy one that will fit in the box if/when you get one.

I always figure the heaviest battery is the best when the CCA is the same. The heavy one has more lead and the lead is the important part.

David G · Dec 21, 2011

I put the group 25 in mine, fit fine.

Farmall H battery size to buy?

Zachary Hoyt

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Oldiron29

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Bill Lisbon

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CNKS

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Bob M

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IAtractorKid

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mkirsch

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Anonymous-0

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sflem849

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David G

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