Battery shut off switch -waterproof

[nbpt100]

I want to put a water proof battery shut off on a C'man/MTD lawn tractor used for snow blowing. It has a parasitic drain and kills the battery in a short time. it just seems to make sense to put the shut off switch on the battery as they do not seem too expensive and it solves the problem for now and in the future with out tons of time spent on trouble shooting and buying parts from MTD that may fail again or become unavailable. That is the background for you GJ'ers.

I don't have experience in this so far so wanted to tap the vast experience out there. So that I don't make novice mistakes and waste time and money. I found this water proof switch on line and it looks ok but it seems a bit inexpensive which makes me wonder. But it may be perfectly fine. I have seen some that say marine but do not specifically say waterproof or anything else to suggest additional robustness. Marine may be the brand name for all I can tell as it seems very poorly written. Thoughts and recommendations.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HT19T5V/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Renegade1LI]

All good reviews, for 15$ I'd give it a shot.

 

[Stevewr54]

I'd put it on the negative cable. Probably a shorted diode in the rectifier for what it's worth, Steve

 

[Moss]

Mounting the switch under the hood I wouldn't worry too much about it being ultra weather proof. Just grease the connections up good and it'll be fine. I think the one you've listed would be fine but it's probably even overkill. I'd probably use a simple cheap one like this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N729FS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Edit, I see the one you linked is only $15 USD. I am in Canada and it sent me to Amazon Canada and it was more. I'd go with whatever is easiest to wire.

 

[Wrench97]

A knife switch on the battery is the simplest form > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0896YT9MY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[finn]

Go to your Deere, Case, or Cat construction equipment dealer.

Bring big bills with you, though.

 

[nbpt100]

The battery on this lawn tractor is under the seat. Not under the hood. Most people mount the switches on tractors like this on the fender so as to not have to run extra cable to the dashboard or under the hood. Also the battery posts on most lawn tractors, that I have seen, use a flat post(not round) with through hole mounts for a bolt, not clamps like a car or larger equipment. The knife switch style, if you can mount it on the post, may potentially hit the underside of the seat. I guess I should have not assumed everyone knows this. I should have taken a pic. However, the tractor is not at my house. The only reason I am thinking water proof is becasue it will be used in the snow with freezing weather. You do not want the switch to freeze and not be able to turn it on or off. I hope this additional information is helpful.

 

[Wrench97]

The battery on this lawn tractor is under the seat. Not under the hood. Most people mount the switches on tractors like this on the fender so as to not have to run extra cable to the dashboard or under the hood. Also the battery posts on most lawn tractors, that I have seen, use a flat post(not round) with through hole mounts for a bolt, not clamps like a car or larger equipment. The knife switch style, if you can mount it on the post, may potentially hit the underside of the seat. I guess I should have not assumed everyone knows this. I should have taken a pic. However, the tractor is not at my house. The only reason I am thinking water proof is becasue it will be used in the snow with freezing weather. You do not want the switch to freeze and not be able to turn it on or off. I hope this additional information is helpful.

Use this style on the negative battery cable where it bolts under the seat.

 

[3rdgendslmech]

Like other said, mount it on the ground side, unless its mounted to something plastic or non conductive. I've been around a few pieces of equipment that were installed on the "hot side" and secured with a metal bracket. When it shorts out, things get a little toasty and it'll leave a bad taste in your mouth.

 

[jshillin]

This is what I use to disconnect the ground on my John Deere that I use for snow removal because it has a drain.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N729FS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[65ranchero]

Go to this site has plenty of disconnects that are for small batteries with the flat terminals like ATVs
is there a source of power near where the tractor is stored if so hook a trickle charger on it.

atv battery disconnect switch - Google Search

 

[Smiles79]

I want to put a water proof battery shut off on a C'man/MTD lawn tractor used for snow blowing. It has a parasitic drain and kills the battery in a short time. it just seems to make sense to put the shut off switch on the battery as they do not seem too expensive and it solves the problem for now and in the future with out tons of time spent on trouble shooting and buying parts from MTD that may fail again or become unavailable. That is the background for you GJ'ers.

I don't have experience in this so far so wanted to tap the vast experience out there. So that I don't make novice mistakes and waste time and money. I found this water proof switch on line and it looks ok but it seems a bit inexpensive which makes me wonder. But it may be perfectly fine. I have seen some that say marine but do not specifically say waterproof or anything else to suggest additional robustness. Marine may be the brand name for all I can tell as it seems very poorly written. Thoughts and recommendations.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HT19T5V/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this one on my camper battery box. Seems to be built fine and it works properly. I just siliconed where it comes out of the top of the battery box.

 

[Bacon!]

I know it might seem like a crazy idea, but how about just repairing the parasitic drain fault

The battery on this lawn tractor is under the seat. Not under the hood. Most people mount the switches on tractors like this on the fender so as to not have to run extra cable to the dashboard or under the hood. Also the battery posts on most lawn tractors, that I have seen, use a flat post(not round) with through hole mounts for a bolt, not clamps like a car or larger equipment. The knife switch style, if you can mount it on the post, may potentially hit the underside of the seat. I guess I should have not assumed everyone knows this. I should have taken a pic. However, the tractor is not at my house. The only reason I am thinking water proof is becasue it will be used in the snow with freezing weather. You do not want the switch to freeze and not be able to turn it on or off. I hope this additional information is helpful.

You should measure the available clearance.

A switch designed to mount on a round battery terminal, can also be mounted to the flat post with a through hole. You just put the bolt through the hole and tighten till both sides of the clamp touch it. Not elegant but works. If the bolt is too big, use smaller bolt or drill out battery terminal hole. It's going to be close if not fitting right out of the box. Example typical type of clamp i mean:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N729FS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

However I'd rather find the parasitic drain and fix that. What if it gets worse? What if you can now get parts but some day, no longer available? Might not even need official make/model mower parts, just some wire, or general purpose diode, or a solder joint on the dash panel gizmos/circuit board needs reflowed, or has conductive spider/etc web muck on it, or the ignition switch.

 

[nbpt100]

I thought I explained my self earlier, but on these things it is cheaper, faster and more reliable to disconnect the battery. It is not my machine. I am trying to help someone who does not want to spend a lot of money. You spend money and replace the part and another simililar problem comes up later. This solves this problem and any future problems that may arise in this catagory. There are no circuit boars on this machine. It is a switch of some kind that is likely the problem. It really is a reasonable solution.

 

[alinc100]

The battery on this lawn tractor is under the seat. Not under the hood. Most people mount the switches on tractors like this on the fender so as to not have to run extra cable to the dashboard or under the hood. Also the battery posts on most lawn tractors, that I have seen, use a flat post(not round) with through hole mounts for a bolt, not clamps like a car or larger equipment. The knife switch style, if you can mount it on the post, may potentially hit the underside of the seat. I guess I should have not assumed everyone knows this. I should have taken a pic. However, the tractor is not at my house. The only reason I am thinking water proof is becasue it will be used in the snow with freezing weather. You do not want the switch to freeze and not be able to turn it on or off. I hope this additional information is helpful.

I thought I explained my self earlier, but on these things it is cheaper, faster and more reliable to disconnect the battery. It is not my machine. I am trying to help someone who does not want to spend a lot of money. You spend money and replace the part and another simililar problem comes up later. This solves this problem and any future problems that may arise in this catagory. There are no circuit boars on this machine. It is a switch of some kind that is likely the problem. It really is a reasonable solution.

I dunno, it sure seems to me that you like to argue, or are expecting GJ to magically offer you a perfect part number to fix a battery/tractor/snowblower issue that you have as of yet been unable to provide a picture, a dimension,or any more relevant information. You seem to have the answers needed to solve the problem. Have you put in a switch that disconnects the negative cable, under the seat ,with the clearance issue you have eluded to?

 

[Moss]

Finding a battery drain on a simple machine like that is pretty easy using only a multimeter. I agree with poster above you don't seem to want help and know everything already. Not even sure why you started the thread.

 

[Bacon!]

Upload the mower and I will download, fix and re-upload it.
If you just want to disconnect the battery, many with this type of battery terminal, have a wing nut to attack the cables. You can simply disconnect the POSITIVE cable after use. That takes about 20 seconds so would take quite a few mowings before there's any time savings hunting down, installing and then still having to flip the switch (and remember to un-flip it) every time you mow.

If there is no circuit board, that makes it quite a simple circuit, but isn't there even a low fuel indicator or low oil gauge or anything like that?

Regardless, I already suggested how to use a switch meant for the round terminals but instead on the type you have. You just thread the bolt through the battery terminal and tighten it. Might need a longer bolt, 20 cents at a hardware store.

 

[nbpt100]

Been a way for a while and the problem is no longer mine. Some of you guys take things way too personally. For some reason or another? I Just an observation. There were some very good coments above and I took them in. If I knew it all I would not be asking questions on here for. Many years. No feelings hurt here.