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To fit the stock holder in my tractor, ETX18 (340cca) from batterymart (Big Crank ETX18L Battery - Free Shipping: BatteryMart.com) or similar appears to be the best choice, at least as far as ccas go. I've read so many problems with the difficulty in starting these, my mower is an 1994 MTD. I have a new starter, but since I'm getting ready to purchase a new battery, I'm wondering if it is worth going through the trouble of rigging something to fit inside the bagging attachment under the seat area, it looks like an Everstart Group 51 (500cca) from Walmart might work. Anyway, any thoughts on whether to go through the trouble or will I be fine with the ETX18?

Before I would try that I would change the size of the battery cables. MTD loves to install 8 gauge cables which increases the line resistance and does not allow you to get the full CCA from your battery. When I get this problem 9 out of 10 times I solve the problem by all the large MTD cables with 6 gauge. I have found this and a battery with 375 CCA works well for me.

I have used the Wal Mart tractor- sized batteries for years with good results. I am running the (are you ready?) 275 Amp unit in my 2.0 Nissan now for 3 years. You must cater to it under such use-constant trickle charge. Needless to say that size and its slightly bigger bro (?325?) work well on my Intek 24. The Nissan only uses it for starting and ballast. No fancy electrical stuff so no great load.

It cranks the Nissan at 30F. I got nervous once leaving in airport parking so I took a big spare ,but did not need it.

I was going to go ahead and upgrade the wiring when I replaced the battery. The stock is 8.13 x 3.56 x 6.38. The Group 51 would be 9.31 x 5.0 x 8.69. I'm going to look at enlarging the stock hole under the seat, it may even be able to sit in there. It would only need to be 1/2" larger on the length and width and about 2-1/2" deeper. That would be ideal for access. I'll take a look at it next weekend.

Rivets said:

Before I would try that I would change the size of the battery cables. MTD loves to install 8 gauge cables which increases the line resistance and does not allow you to get the full CCA from your battery. When I get this problem 9 out of 10 times I solve the problem by all the large MTD cables with 6 gauge. I have found this and a battery with 375 CCA works well for me.

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What battery w/ 375cca? I could only find the sealed AGM in 340cca.

Interstate are the ones we use.