Cub Cadet 1250 not charging

K

kellhammer

Member
I haven' t been able to sort out whats going on. My cub won't charge the battery. I've tested the output and am getting 13.7 volts or more. I tested the various components in the charging system while engine is running and everything is looking good. Every year I end up buying a new battery to allow me to use the tractor. I can cut about half and acre then put the tractor away. Then go to use it the next day and the battery is dead. Something is draining it either while it's running or maybe when its just sitting. Not sure. There's nothing to turn off when sitting except the key and I do that so not sure what could be draing it.....
 
Do you leave your battery in the tractor over the winter, or do you keep it indoors and warm like in a basement? Lawn mower batteries will NOT last through freezing temps.

13.7 volts is not huge output, but should be enough to maintain your battery level.

The biggest electrical drag on your machine is the PTO clutch. They draw LOTS of current. They draw more current if they are not operating correctly. It could be that your PTO clutch is failing and drawing down your battery so much that the tractor will not recharge it. Try running the tractor for a day without mowing. See if it acts the same.

Also, you may have a short somewhere causing a constant drain on the battery. Was there a spark from either of the terminals when you disconnected or reconnected the battery? If there is a spark, you have a drain somewhere. THIS IS NOT A GOOD WAY TO CHECK IT, BUT IT DOES OFTEN WORK. BATTERYS PRODUCE HYDROGEN GAS so SPARKS ARE BAD!

The better way to check would be to disconnect the positive lead and install an amp meter between the positive terminal and the positive cable. There should be no amp draw if the key switch is off. If there is any amp draw, you have a short somewhere allowing the battery to discharge. Start looking for bare wires where they run along the frame, go through metal holes in the frame, etc.

Bill
 
Kellhammer: I recently purchased a 1200 Cub Cadet that I'm in the process of rebuilding. I've installed new wiring as part of the project. I noticed my positive cable coming from the solenoid had some abrasion where it was routed along the frame and up to the starter.

Since our tractors are very similar (your tractor is hydraulic while mine is a straight drive), I'd suggest checking that cable out too. It doesn't take much to cause a problem with vibration.
 
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