Right battery? Search came up empty

[NCDiesel]

My CC 123 was put into storage without a battery in it. I’ve gotten the cub cadet out and ready to clean, tinker and use. I cannot for the life of me remember what size battery it had in it.

I searched here and came up empty. I’m sort of surprised by that. Lots of correct battery info for other models but not the 123. I’m assuming it’s a U1 but I don’t know if it’s right or left. It looks like my cables could reach either way, but just in case I’d like to have the right one in it.

Thanks in advance!

NCDiesel

[finsruskw]

You want the cable posts on the cowl side to avoid shorting out against the OEM battery hold down bracket, that is, if you have one.

[Red Dave]

It uses a U1 group battery. I like to buy the highest CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) I can get, they are all the same physical size.

These batteries sometimes come with the Positive terminal on the right side, and sometimes the Negative terminals on the right side. Doesn't really matter, if your cables will reach either side, just make sure to maintain polarity or you can damage the voltage regulator. And like the previous poster stated, place it so that the posts are toward the steering wheel.

They are a very common lawn and garden equipment battery, you should be able to get one at Lowes, Tractor Supply, WalMart, and many other places.
Here is a link to a picture of one:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ery/ssb1/u1luh

I use that same battery in my 123, 125, LT2180, the emergency generator and the welder, so I have 5 of them around.

[finsruskw]

I would not buy one at Wally World. (Ever Start)
They will only last about a year and the terminals will start leaking acid and corrode everything.

[jcubtroy]

My NAPA is getting real pricee. Terminals toward cowling as mentioned. i go with 300 cca.

[NCDiesel]

Thanks! Picked up a U1 at O’Reillys and have it in the tractor. Now if I can only find the ignition key.

[Tom Dowling]

straight blade screwdriver will work for a key

[greg r]

In addition to size and cranking amps, I switched to AGM. They're sealed so no corrosion damage, and much more durable for shock and vibration. I used to go through one every 2 years on the old Gravely but since it's now an AGM it's lasted over 6 years. I've got about 3 years on the one in the Cub with no sign of deterioration

[Red Dave]

Originally Posted by greg r

In addition to size and cranking amps, I switched to AGM. They're sealed so no corrosion damage, and much more durable for shock and vibration. I used to go through one every 2 years on the old Gravely but since it's now an AGM it's lasted over 6 years. I've got about 3 years on the one in the Cub with no sign of deterioration

It's a crapshoot at best. I just put a new battery in my 125. Standard lead acid U1 300 CCA was in it. The install date stamped on the top was 3/2014.
That's unusual as, like you said, they usually go 2 or 3 years and die.

I don't know what made that one so long lived. I wish I did, I'd try to duplicate it on the other 4 I have around here.

One thing that I do think helps: I don't allow lead acid batteries to go dead over the winter, I keep them charged up. I use a cheap Harbor Freight battery maintainer. It seems to me that discharged batteries have short lives, especially in freezing winter storage.

[ol'George]

I am still using a Walmart neverstart that was made 10/12.
I have never had a law/ garden Battery last that long!
It starts my Miller welder/generator,equipped
with a 16 HP single cyl. Tejunkski cast iron OHV engine.
I freely admit it is a very easy starting engine