[61woody]

After seeing the heated dipstick thread it got me wondering, how do the guys that use their machines in the winter start them? throttle and choke settings etc.
My 530 will see winter duty for the 1st time this year and it seems like the newer ones don't start as quick as the old ones( assuming this is due to running the fuel out of the carb when you shut it off)
If I can fit it into the attached garage I'm not worried about starting but if I have to use the shed I cross my fingers it fires up at -15. Thanks.

 

[stladrill]

I used the same procedure, hold the choke level in full position till the engine start and release it, let the engine running for 3~4 minute.

When the engine is warm, hold the choke level haft way till the engine start.

I always plug the battery maintainer.

 

[donaldj]

I'm using my new X500 to plow snow. Anticipating it being very cold this winter and the need to start it up often, I put a battery maintainer on mine already. I used some velcro tape to hold it in the place I want the "charging station" to be right near where I park it, so I won't be knocking it around too much.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-batteryminder-plus-12v-1_3a-battery-charger.html

 

[Markcuda]

Battery Tender is my number 1 choice.
But, there are others.

 

[stladrill]

Here the one I use.

Unique automatic battery charger maintains both 6 and 12 volt batteries keeping them at full charge using float-mode monitoring. Perfect for charging small batteries. Great for maintaining small and large batteries kept in storage – motorcycles, classic cars, RVs, boats. • 1.5 amp charger and maintainer. • LEDs indicate: Charging, Charged and Trouble. • Automatically switches from Full Charge to Float-Mode Monitoring. • Quick-Disconnect Harness – Snap either connector into place in seconds – Use the 50 amp clamps or permanently attach the ring connectors…great for hard-to-reach motorcycle batteries. • Reverse-hookup protection.

http://www.farmandfleet.com/product...nion_fully_automatic_15a_trickle_charger.html

 

[Snotrocket]

Mine is very similar to the one stladrill posted. I use the quick connector so I don't have to pop the hood. I can hook it up in about 2 seconds.

 

[KATT]

Stladrill wasn't there something about using a battery charger on the new X500 series ( and X300) burning out the electronic if you don't disconnect the battery first.
Also I bet it doesn't apply to Battery Tenders
Being in NH and having a liquid cooled, I don't worry, I just start it the regular way but let it even out before engaging the #44

 

[MXZRXP]

if your charging system is working properly and your battery is good, there is no need for a battery tender.

if there is no drain on the battery when off, (and there shouldn't be) sitting in the cold does not harm it.

I have never used a tender and have never had a problem starting a cold weather product.

if a 4 cycle, be sure you have the correct oil viscosity for winter use!

 

[SkipD]

I've run my X500 year-round (mowing or pushing snow) for several years now, and have never had a failure to start. The tractor lives in a large shed away from the house that's not heated at all and temperatures get well below 0°F around here at times.

 

[Jim_WV]

I used the same procedure, hold the choke level in full position till the engine start and release it, let the engine running for 3~4 minute.

When the engine is warm, hold the choke level haft way till the engine start.

I always plug the battery maintainer.

:ditto::ditto: and the battery maintainer is a must, have used one for 7 years now and never a problem with cold starting, keeps your battery in tip top shape :fing32:.

 

[Markcuda]

if your charging system is working properly and your battery is good, there is no need for a battery tender.

Just look at all the millions that these battery maintainer company's are making, because we don't think like you do.
I do sleep better at night.

 

[NHskier]

I think Battery Tenders are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Aside from not worrying about a battery having enough juice in cold weather, they significantly increase the lifespan of the battery. I'm still on the original factory battery in my 2002 motorcycle and it tests out strong. I got 8-9 years out of the original battery on my old LX138. So regardless of whether it's needed to ensure you have the capacity to start, it saves $$ in the long run by not having to replace the battery so often.

NHskier

 

[ChrisW]

Do you have to disconnect one side of the battery when using these things, or do you just hook it across and leave it that way?

 

[Cat385B]

Just a thought, leave the wife's car outside. :hide::hide::hide:

 

[61woody]

Just a thought, leave the wife's car outside. :hide::hide::hide:

New car in one side of the garage and if I want the tractor in there my truck has to sit out and her car would be in there also. Not enough room in there with the truck for the tractor and my shed is 40 yards behind the house downhill and it drifts in front of it real bad.

 

[stladrill]

Stladrill wasn't there something about using a battery charger on the new X500 series ( and X300) burning out the electronic if you don't disconnect the battery first.
Also I bet it doesn't apply to Battery Tenders
Being in NH and having a liquid cooled, I don't worry, I just start it the regular way but let it even out before engaging the #44

Exactly, a battery maintainer and a regular charger are not the same, you have to be careful when you buy one, read on it.
If you don't use the equipment for a week or two and it is store in a cold environment the battery will loose cranking power.

A battery maintainer will only kick in when the battery need it and stop charging when it reach is charging capacity.

A battery maintainer should not exceed 2 amps, preferable between 1 to 1.5 amps is better.

John Deere sell one for the X500/X300, part# AM36786

Just to clarify.

 

[NHskier]

Do you have to disconnect one side of the battery when using these things, or do you just hook it across and leave it that way?

You can see the pigtail in the diagram in the previous post. You hook that permanently to the battery then just use the quick dis/connect.

NHskier

 

[wizzo]

Any of the battery maintainers worth buying should have the quick disconnect feature so you can unplug it and go move the snow and then come back and plug it back in :fing32: