Would these batteries work ???

[ThreeCW]

Originally Posted by Northover13

So just want some opinion to see if it’s worth the trouble.

Batteries compared on an equal basis (both when new):

Your Batteries - Deka 908DFT
Reserve Capacity = 440 minutes (7.3 hrs) at 25 amps
This works out to Capacity in Amp Hrs = 7.3 hrs x 25 amps = 183 amp hrs at 25 amp rate
Battery weight = 127 lbs each (508 lbs for 4)
Capacity per lb (energy density) = 183 / 508 = 0.36 Amp hrs / lb
Cost $40 each ($160 total)

Comparison Battery - Trojan 12 volt - T1275
Reserve Capacity = 280 min (4.7 hrs) at 25 amps
This works out to Capacity in Amp Hrs = 4.7 hrs x 25 amps = 117 amp hrs at 25 amp rate
Battery weight = 85 lbs each (340 lbs for 4)
Capacity per lb (energy density) = 117 / 340 = 0.34 Amp hrs / lb
Cost $200 each ($800 total) - estimated cost only

Deka batteries will have 56% more amp-hrs at 25 amp than Trojans.

Deka batteries will have 6% more energy density than Trojans.

Deka batteries will weight 49% more than Trojans. Weight difference = 168 lbs.

Deka batteries will be approx. $640 cheaper

Getting back to your question ... "if it's worth the trouble"?

If the Deka batteries are in excellent condition, then they will give you 56% more amp hours than new Trojans (some of those amp hrs will be used to haul around the extra battery weight), the cost of the Deka's are considerably less, but it may take a fair bit of work / modification to install these in you cart. Once done, you will most likely be happy.

If the Deka batteries are 1/2 used already, they will likely only be as good as the new Trojans, at a lower price, lots of install work and 2 years from now you will be looking to replace them with the new Trojan T1275's that you should have bought in the first place.

To me it is a bit of a crap shoot buying used batteries ... some days you win, some days you lose.

[Fairtax4me]

My local Auto parts supplier carries Deka Batteries.
I have a few sets of East Penn made GC8s (same as Deka) that are coming up on 5 years old.
I have a few Deka brand 4DLTs that have between 3-4 years on them in tractors and various other equipment we use. Also have several other Deka Brand Batteries in our vans and trucks. Not saying they're the greatest batteries in the world, but they are decent and especially if you got them that cheap they should do pretty well for a few years of normal use.

You can probably build trays that just sit on top of the old ones and if/when you need to switch back to the original battery type, just remove the trays and the original parts are still in place.