I have a gas/electric generator that spends most of its time sitting idle in an unheated garage. It needs a new battery. What's the best one to get? What's a good solid photo-electric battery minder to keep it topped up?
For Commercial and Critical Load generators, eg Hospital or government building, I specify Kussmaul Kussmaul Electronics Co., Inc. Maintenance Master Data Sheet The VDC Battery Minder is much cheaper and works just as well, if not better http://www.batteryminders.com/batte...-Amp-Charger-Maintainer-Conditio-p-16134.html Both require a steady 120 v source. Otherwise, an Optima style battery might last longer. But all batteries will sulfate from just sitting there.
Small generators with electric start will usually use a wheelchair/lawn tractor battery, I've seen some at the local Honda Power Equipment dealer that use the same 12V battery as the Prius - but in a "open" form. I think a Battery Tender can work here - but shouldn't your power transfer system also have a provision to charge the 12V battery?
I take it that by "open,' you mean it doesnt have the vent tube. Yes? Also, is it really the same dimensions with the same +/- pole orientation? Lastly, do you know the brand and cost? Sorry to be such a pain in the neck. Inquiring minds want to know.
By open - it have vent caps you can take off and top off with water. The batteries are sent dry, the selling dealer fills it with electrolyte when it's delivered to the customer. Yuasa makes them, and apparently Kubota and a few other Japanese made tractors use them. It's a 46B24L or 46B24R battery.
Purchase a deep cycle battery - www.batterystoreonline; and attach a battery brain and IF the battery does drain down it will disconnect at 11v preventing damage to the battery; and assure that the generator will always start; a 81708 12V 4a trickle charger / maintainer would also be a easy way to keep the battery full charged.
Again, make sure whatever maintainer that is left hooked up to the battery is designed to be left hooked up 24x7. The Kussmaul unit is designed to keep a "float" charge, so is the VDC Also, verify that the generator 12 vdc system actually works. You'd be surprised how often they don't, so with the float charger keeping the battery topped off, it will start just fine Then when the power outtage is over and line power is restored, folks are surprised to get a low battery alarm on the panel.
