Proper battery for a 3212

[Simplicity314 0]

I read in the battery thread in 'Commonly asked Questions'that some Sovereign tractors require a "NF" type battery. I think it was Kent's post. Does the 3212 require an NF type or can I go with the 51R? Thanks in advance.

[Killer_A-C 0]

I think the 3212 should take a 22NF but a 51R should work in it also. The 51R batteries are more common it seems.

[Ronald Hribar 126]

Go for whatever fits with out cutting tractor up. Keep in mind the length of your battery cables, so they can reach correct post, Then go for the biggest cold starting amps possible

[UCD 14]

There are 2 styles of group 51 batteries 51, 51R (reversed) http://www.sizes.com/home/automobile_batteries.htm Group # refers to battery size, Group # 51 Length 9 3/8" Width 5 1/16", Height 8 13/16" Group # 22F Length 9 1/2" Width 6 7/8" Height 8 5/16" Group # 22HF Length 9 1/2" Width 6 7/8" Height 9" Group # 22NF Length 9 7/16" Width 5 1/2" Height 8 15/16" Group # 22R Length 9" Width 6 7/8" Height 8 5/16" http://www.rtpnet.org/teaa/bcigroup.html The only difference in group 51, 51R is which side the posts are on for the cables to reach. Most new style group 51 batteries the posts are in the middle so it doesn't matter which way it is turned. On the group 51 style when the front name side of battery is toward you the posts are toward the front with Neg on left, Pos on right. 51R style the Pos. is on left Neg. on right. I think I have the configeration sequence right, it has been a while. On the newer ones with the name facing you the posts are centered on the battery, this is so they only have to make one battery to cover both applications.

[ZippoVarga 75]

To quote a very good friend of mine who'se catch phrase is "Hey ya'll, watch this". The bigger the better. Except in his case where he went to the local semi bone yard and bought a 24 volt battery by mistake. We watched, as he requested. Nothing like a fire works show at the expense of good ole friend with too much time on his hands. Oh....a 24 volt battery hooked up to a johnson outboard, depth finder and an electric troller in an aluminum 18 foot bass boat with a 100 watt stereo that was all wired by my good friend with out fuses, relays or circuit breakers turns an aluminum bass boat into a floating shower of sparks and screaming friend. Fortunately the boat was NOT in the water yet. Nor was it hooked to anything (vehicle). The damage warranted a 12 pack, 100 feet of marine grade wire, relays, fuses and waterproof jackets. Not to mention a 12 volt deep cycle. Just thought I would share that story.

[patrician12 0]

22NF is a Ford battery from an old Fairmont or Pinto and the 51R is Honda battery from a Civic.The 22nf has a wide base so the battery holddown can catch it like a GM battery and the Honda battery is held from the top.There was a 22NF,a 62 and 64 series batteries used by Ford in the 70's and 80's that are nearly impossible to get.Today they either use a 58 or 65 series.Unlike other tractors our tractors use automotive rated batteries that are an overkill for the application and last a very long time.When you think of what you are getting they are really a fraction of the cost of some nonsense typical garden tractor battery that maybe will make 2 years.

[Simplicity314 0]

Thanks everyone...I'll go with the 51R I guess. Wanted to make sure before I connected it and heard that little 'snap' sound of a wrong electrical current.. I do know enough to stay away from the garden batteries. As far as cables are concerned, I can always swap them out and I will be replacing the existing ones anyway if I find the tractor will run and drive. Zippo...your post reminded me of a little exchange between two morons at my local NAPA, one on each side of the counter. The moron customer had a battery that was warped/melted on top, which he said happened after he put it on the charger for a while. The moron behind the counter was ready to just give him a new battery, until I saw the word 'marine' on the side. I asked him if it was on a car charger. He said yeas. I told him it should have been on a six volt charger, not a 12 as marine batteries are, well, six volts. It was interesting getting two slack-jawed stares from both parties. The kid went to the owner, who was good enough to replace it for him anyway!

[UCD 14]

The battery was most likely over charged on a charger that did not taper off as the battery reached full charge causing the battery to over heat and melt the top. Or the battery was shorted internally. Most Marine batteries today are 12 Volt either deep cycle or starting Battery. 6 volt batteries Have not been used in most applications since around 1955. Most 6 Volt batteries today are used in a series setup to get 12 volts at a higher amperage Or in a series-parallel circuit as in Golf carts to get 36/48 volts at a higher amperage.

[Killer_A-C 0]

I got a 22NF gel battery in my AGCO-ALLIS. I luv it!!!

[dirtsaver 1]

Jim if it helps, I have the 51R batteries in...17GTH-L,3012V,B-10,Big Ten. All with no cutting the sheetmetal.