FARM TRUCK GETS A NEW BATTERY

Well, we had to break down and get a new battery for the farm truck.

Back in March, when I went to start it so I could move it to mow, it was dead.  The very hard Winter temps the last couple of years with it being parked outside and not driven weekly at times, finally killed the battery.  The portable jump starter worked great, as it always does, but I had to use it every single time and that just become too much of a hassle.  Not to mention if I drove the truck somewhere, I was afraid to turn it off.

Time for a new battery.

It took a few special tools (thanks Dad!) but I got the old one out.  Remember, disconnect negative (black) first and positive (red) second.  I cleaned out the battery box and then I used this cool gadget that I got recently:

It's a battery cleaning kit.  The terminals can be cleaned using the large open end (put over the top and twist) and then you can open it and use the spiral end to clean the cables and connectors themselves.  Lastly, you place the felt washers on before you attach and tighten the cables.  I figured this will work for future battery issues, cleaning the mower battery, our own cars, etc.

Lastly I put the new one in, reconnect in opposite order, positive (red) first and negative (black) second.  I got in, crossed my fingers and turned the key.

It started right up.  I let it run for a bit while I cleaned up everything and then took it on a drive to a nearby store to pick up a cold bottle of water for me.

It ran smoothly and has started up every time just perfectly.  Life is back to normal.  Well, other than the new home construction, LOL!