JM 354 Battery

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    • January 20, 2016 at 8:54 pm #45808
      lenbo
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        Just an update. Is there any workaround with opening the hood/engine cover if you can’t start the tractor? I have a JM 354 with a ZL30 FEL and unless the bucket is raised all the way up you can’t open the engine cover. If my battery is dead I can wiggle the jumper cables in to get it started, but if there was an engine issue and could not start would I have to take the FEL off to open the hood?
        Thanks
        LenBo
        Semper Fi

      • January 21, 2016 at 10:55 am #45809
        Tinbender
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          Well that’s a bummer, I can open my 284 hood no matter where the ZL20 loader is. Does the loader physically prevent the hood from opening or does it just make it impossible to access the latch? If it was just a latch issue you could drill a hole in the handle and hook a piece of cable to it. If the tractor is out in bad weather and the battery is dead I take my charger cables and connect them to the starter and the frame, and don’t even bother opening the hood.

        • January 21, 2016 at 12:07 pm #45810
          lenbo
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            The ZL30 has a cross member on the frame that prevents the hood to open more than a few inches when the loader is in the down position. Whenever I work on the engine I have to park the tractor next to tree, raise the bucket all the way, put it against the tree and chain it for safety so it doesn’t come down on me while working. It is a real poor design. To jump start or put a charger on it I release the latch, but the only gives me an inch or two. Then try to strain may arm and hand to hook up the terminals. I’ll use your method of hooking to the starter next time. If the tractor ever does not start I would probably have to remove the FEL to get access to the motor. I was just checking if other 354 owners have the same issue wit the ZL30 loader.

            LenBo
            Semper Fi

          • January 22, 2016 at 3:23 pm #45811
            DavidPrivett
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              lenbo where are you in ga.?

            • January 22, 2016 at 5:06 pm #45812
              lenbo
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                Dave
                In the prestigious town of Social Circle – east of Atlanta half way between Augusta. I live in the country, but we do have (1) traffic light (red, yellow, green lights – when working) in downtown on the famous crossroad of the Hightower trail. It is amazing how the times are progressing.

                LenBo
                Semper Fi

              • January 23, 2016 at 3:10 pm #45813
                DavidPrivett
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                  ok , the reason I asked I have a extra group 31 battery . I live about 4 miles in tn.  above Dalton,ga. I guess that is to far for you to get it. But if not 25 bucks it is yours.

                • January 23, 2016 at 4:59 pm #45814
                  lenbo
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                    Dave:
                    I usually travel up that we every couple of weeks for business or hunting coyotes in Tunnel Hill, GA. If I make it up that way anytime soon I may stop by. What brand battery, cranking amps, and how old is it?
                    Thanks
                    LenBo
                    Semper Fi

                  • January 24, 2016 at 8:33 pm #45815
                    DavidPrivett
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                      I think 2 to 3  years and it has to be a min. of 850 cca I will load check it tomorrow . I had it on my 92 hp backhoe went to a gel deep cycle. So it was starting it, since  has been on a solar  charger with a charge minder. will let you know.

                    • January 24, 2016 at 8:35 pm #45816
                      DavidPrivett
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                        and if you want to shoot coyotes feel free to kill as many as you want on my place!

                      • January 25, 2016 at 7:21 am #45817
                        lenbo
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                          David
                          Give me a call so we can talk.
                          770-464-1207
                          Thanks
                          Len

                        • January 26, 2016 at 9:17 am #45825
                          DavidPrivett
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                            will do tue.

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