John Deere’s equipment uses high-quality batteries to start engines and power electrical components. With different machines requiring different electrical loads, John Deere offers batteries in a range of sizes to suit all applications. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the various John Deere battery size charts, specifications, and maintenance recommendations to help you select and care for the correct battery for your John Deere machine.
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ToggleJohn Deere lawn and garden tractors, riding mowers, walk-behind mowers, tillers, and other outdoor power equipment mainly use batteries in the U1 and J4L group sizes. Here is the s John Deere battery size chart:
Battery Group Size | Typical Equipment Used In | Voltage | Dimensions | Common CCA Ratings | Terminal Type | Chemistry Type |
U1 | Walk-behind mowers, snowblowers, portable equipment | 12V | 3 13/16″ x 2 3/4″ x 5 1/8″ | 18Ah, 28Ah, 33Ah | SAE/Automotive | Lead-acid (wet or maintenance-free) |
J4L | Riding mowers, lawn tractors, | 12V | 5 13/16″ x 4 11/32″ x 7 1/2″ | 230Ah, 250Ah, 300Ah | Tapered | Lead-acid (wet or maintenance-free) |
J150R | Small and mid-size tractors, agricultural equipment | 12V | 7 13/16″ x 6 3/4″ x 8 3/8″ | 500-800 CCA | Tapped/Threaded | Lead acid (wet or gel) |
J185 | Large tractors, combines, sprayers | 12V | 8 7/16″ x 7 13/16″ x 8 3/4″ | 800-1000 CCA | Tapped/Threaded | Lead acid (wet or gel) |
J280A | High-demand agricultural equipment | 12V | 11″ x 7 13/16″ x 9 1/2″ | 1350-1750 CCA | Tapped/Threaded | Lead acid (wet or gel) |
J390 | Giant tractors and harvesters | 12V | 11 13/16″ x 7 3/4″ x 16 3/4″ | 1850-2100 CCA | Tapped/Threaded | Lead acid (wet or gel) |
The U1 battery group size is commonly used in John Deere walk-behind mowers, snow blowers, and other portable outdoor power equipment. Key features:
U1 batteries offer a balance of power and compact size to suit portable John Deere equipment. Higher amp-hour ratings provide extended run times. The 18Ah rating is sufficient for basic mowers, while 28-33Ah suits higher-end self-propelled models. The SAE terminals use the same style of connectors as car batteries for easy replacement. U1 batteries fit John Deere models such as JS26, JS36, and JS46 walk-behind mowers and single-stage snow blowers.
The J4L group size is used in John Deere riding lawnmowers, lawn and garden tractors, and commercial zero-turn mowers. Features include:
With high cranking power and reserve capacity, J4L batteries provide reliable starting and steady power delivery to John Deere riding mowers. The large case size holds more lead plates and electrolytes for extended run times, even under heavy electrical loads. 230-300Ah ratings ensure consistent performance for the engine and accessories. J4L batteries are commonly used in John Deere D100, D110, D120, D130, D140, D160, D170 lawn tractors, and other residential riding mowers.
Larger John Deere agricultural equipment and commercial mowers require more powerful batteries to start big diesel engines and run demanding accessories all day. The main group sizes used are J150R, J185, J280A, and J390.
The J150R group size is popular for small to mid-sized John Deere tractors and other agricultural equipment. Key J150R features:
With high cold cranking amps (CCA), J150R batteries provide maximum starting power to turn over diesel engines. 800+ CCA ratings are typical in John Deere tractors, combines, and balers for reliable starts even in cold weather. The thick lead plates also offer plenty of reserve capacity to run electronics, safety lighting, and other accessories. J150R batteries are utilized in John Deere 1-, 2-, and 3-series tractors and mid-sized combines.
Moving up in size, J185 batteries pack even more starting and reserve power for John Deere’s higher-end agricultural tractors and combines. Specifications include:
With their massive plate surface area, J185 batteries crank 800-1000+ cold-cranking amps to turn over large diesel engines quickly. They also provide an abundant power reservoir for a full day of non-stop operation. John Deere equipment powered by J185 batteries includes 4-series tractors, self-propelled sprayers, cotton harvesters, and large combine harvester models.
The J280A size powers John Deere’s highest-demand agricultural equipment. Key attributes include:
With their mammoth plates delivering 1350-1750 CCA, J280A batteries ensure dependable starts and steady electrical supply for John Deere’s most intensive applications like 6-series tractors, 4000-series self-propelled sprayers, and the largest combine and cotton picker models. The enormous reserve capacity sustains continuous power for hydraulics, electronics, and harvesting components.
At the top of John Deere’s 12V battery lineup, the J390 size provides extreme cranking power and capacity for giant equipment:
The J390’s sheets of thick lead plates and abundant electrolytes generate an incredible 1850-2100 CCA to turn massive flywheel engines. Plus, their enormous reserve capacity powers demand harvesting, spraying, and baling implements all day. John Deere machines calling for the rugged J390 battery include the 9620RX combine and 4940 self-propelled sprayer.
Proper maintenance is critical to maximizing John Deere’s battery life and performance. Here are some tips:
Following these maintenance practices will help ensure your John Deere batteries stay in prime operating condition year after year.
John Deere equipment relies on quality batteries matched to their electrical demands, from walk-behind mowers to giant combines. Smaller machines use U1 and J4L batteries, while large agriculture tractors and implements utilize J185, J280A, and J390 batteries with high cranking amps and capacity. Proper battery maintenance is crucial for optimum performance and longevity. Checking electrolytes, cleaning terminals, avoiding deep discharges, adequate storage, and annual testing will keep your John Deere batteries in top working order.
Choosing the correctly sized robust battery recommended by the equipment manufacturer and following diligent maintenance practices will ensure you get the reliable power you need for years of continued productivity. This guide’s overview of John Deere battery sizing, specifications, and maintenance will help you select and care for the ideal battery to power your John Deere machines.
The J4L is the most common battery group size in John Deere riding lawnmowers. It provides reliable starting power and capacity.
John Deere Gator utility vehicles mainly use a standard Group U1 battery to run the engine and electronics.
The John Deere D140 uses the widespread J4L lawn tractor battery size. A 300 CCA rating is typical.
For reliable starting, look for around 500-800 CCA for small tractors, 800-1000 CCA for mid-size models, and 1350-2100 CCA for the most enormous ag tractors.
Deeply discharged wet cell John Deere batteries can potentially be revived by slow charging at a low amp rate, but the health and life may be compromised, making replacement advisable.