Posted 12/1/2016 12:39 (#5668906) Subject: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
Central Ga
I have six 4020s (BTO here, LOL) that I want to convert to a single 12 volt battery in a battery box bolted to the rail next to the starter. NAT member dominion posted some pics several weeks ago with his fleet that had some really nice battery boxes. I want an enclosed box with a lid. Does anyone know of someone making and selling them? Talked to my local machine shop about making them and he is happy to do so. Would like to have something to compare.
Posted 12/1/2016 13:07 (#5668951 - in reply to #5668906) Subject: RE: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
Helped a friend of mine convert a 4020 over from 24V to 12 V.
He picked up this battery box from a previous 4020 owner. The box was made to accommodate the pair of long skinny batteries that were original equipment. Not quite what you were wanting but may give you some ideas on fabricating up your own
Posted 12/1/2016 13:32 (#5668986 - in reply to #5668968) Subject: +1
If I were to go through the trouble of building a new battery box and cables, I sure a heck wouldn't use the OEM style battery. BTW, my local Cat dealer has group 31 Cat batterys on sale for $100, not sure if it is still going.
Posted 12/1/2016 13:43 (#5669015 - in reply to #5668968) Subject: RE: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
Agreed !
I am becoming a big fan of group 31 batteries which are less costly & widely available and doing away with specialized expensive cables and adding battery disconnects for safety.
Posted 12/1/2016 15:46 (#5669190 - in reply to #5668906) Subject: RE: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
You have to convert to 12 volts all over, different starter and alternator plus fuel gauge because in the diesel it was positive ground and doesn't work right with negative ground. On my gas 4020 I built a new step and put a side post battery on the top step, its still out in the open but a lot less expensive and better performing battery than the Deere 3EE long skinny battery (also used in Packards long ago).
Posted 12/1/2016 18:11 (#5669432 - in reply to #5669424) Subject: RE: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
Central MN
It's hard to tell in the pic but it's a box with a top that is rounded over on the 2 sides. On the opposite sides, theres a couple studs that stick up through slots on the cover and wing nuts hold it in place
Posted 12/1/2016 18:27 (#5669464 - in reply to #5668906) Subject: RE: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
Faunsdale, AL
When you build it, remember when the battery explodes it needs some openings to vent the blast and acid spray in a safe direction. Don't want to contain it and create a bomb that sends the cover flying.
Posted 12/1/2016 20:14 (#5669744 - in reply to #5668906) Subject: RE: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
East Central Arkansas
On my 4020's I just had a sheet metal box made with about two inch or so sides and welded it to the old brackets that the original box sat on. The battery is under the platform the way I did them. I wouldn't be a big deal to bend a piece of sheet metal that could be bolted on to cover the battery. On our old 4520's we have the battery next to the starter sitting on a platform with short sides. Probably should have tops over them for safety reasons.
Posted 12/1/2016 21:40 (#5670004 - in reply to #5669744) Subject: RE: John Deere 4020 add on battery box
Fairbury, NE (Southeast)
That's a variation of what we did, just cut the side off where the skinny Battey went, add a vertical brace and swap in a group 31. Noticeably faster start.
John Deere 4020 add on battery box
