I've got no grudge against AGM batteries or Optimas when used in cars, trucks, tractors, etc. In fact, I've never been mad a battery, ever. When it comes to battery banks, the argument is kind of moot since Optima pretty much gave up in that market. I just don't appreciate unsubstantiated hype that pops up often all over the Net forums.
AGMs have several advantages over flooded-lead-acid batteries. Longevity isn't one of them WHEN you compare the two battery types fairly.
AGMs don't self-discharge near as fast as flooded-lead-acid batteries since they rarely use antinmony on the plates. AGMs also are spill proof and can even be mounted upside down. And, many dealers like them because they can be air-shipped.
The main point that some people might want to consider, is - what they are likely to get for the extra cost. Jumping up and down and making wild claims about how AGMs have double the life of lead-acid batterie is rediculous. Saying dollar for dollar they are cheaper in the end - is also not generally true. And claiming batteries like Optimas have much better warrantees ? Utter nonsense and very easy to verify.
Many lead-acid batterie last 5-7 years and some make it 10 years. Same can be said for AGMs. AGMs tend to get less self-discharged when sitting around not being used. But, they will also fail much sooner than a FLA if charged at too high a voltage.
If a person doesn't have a special application that needs the AGM, where is the gain when the price is often twice of a similar power lead-acid battery?
So, some may not agree with my thinking, but I see it like this. I have many cars, trucks, and tractors. As long as I have them, I'm always going to be buying batteries. It could be summed up to a certain cost, per month, forever. Any calculation I've read, done by people with more resources then me, has shown lead-acid batteries to give the most for the dollar, over time - by a wide margin.
Granted, many lead-acid batteries have doubled in price in the past three years - so things change.
Again if a person loves his Optima, it's fine with me. Just be factual about it's advantages over other batteries.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - The Tractor Parade: Story of a Case SC - by Bernie DeLon. On a early fall morning back in 1994, I opened the newspaper and happened to spy an article about a local antique tractor club having their annual show that weekend.
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
Sell 1958 Hi-Altitude Massey Fergerson tractor, original condition. three point hitch pto engine, Runs well, photos available upon request
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
