---RCthanks for your reply my compartment will take a 12x8 battery , I'm going with Interstate 900 CCA for 100.00 .I called Bobcat here in Boston myself and my employee was right they want 175.00 for a battery .I want the biggest (most CCA) battery I can physically fit in the Bobcat. The glowplug drain is significant, especially in the cold. In my 751, the compartment will accept a group 31 battery, which is 13"long, has center terminals, and is rated at 1000 CCA. Cost $75 wholesale (not $175) from an industrial battery supplier a year ago. The one before that (same size) lasted over 4 years, and I only replaced it because I really don't want to have battery problems, given the places I manage to get that Bobcat and expect it to come back out. I would measure the battery compartment and buy the physically largest battery with the most CCA capacity I could fine. And I'll bet that it won't cost $175 unless you buy it from Bobcat. OK, I've never been accused of cutting maintenance corners. Maybe that's overkill, but that's my philosophy with a Bobcat that I want to be very reliable. As far as what's really required, I'd trust Bobcat. If they say 600 CCA should do it, then it is probably adequate. Bobcat is not generally known for cutting corners (either!).
The dealer here in NO,LA is like $90 for a battery , your dealer in Boston is a rip off
Your machine calls for a Group 24 heavy duty battery. The Interstate version of this battery is 575 CCA, while the Bobcat battery is 600 CCA. Either one will measure 10.25" x 6.875" x 8.625" and shouldn't be more than about $120. A 900 CCA group 31 battery is used in a lot of Bobcat equipment, but you simply don't have the room in your machine for such a big battery. I'd recommend staying away from standard duty batteries that you can find at auto parts stores and big box department stores. These are not heavy duty batteries and simply don't hold up to the demands of equipment use. Check with another Bobcat dealer in the area or go to an Interstate dealer and ask for a C24-XHD.
I've been lurking for a while. Appreciate all the good info on the forum. Thought I'd pass along what I found when replacing the battery for my S150. I called around and found that Walmart had a 700 CCA group 24 for $75.00 with a 3 year free replacement warranty. I took my old Bobcat labeled battery with me for trade in and to make sure the dimensions were the same. I was really surprised when I compared the batteries. The Walmart "MAX" appeared to be the exact same battery as the Bobcat labeled battery I was replacing. Same markings, same size, and both had the nylon looking web carrying strap. The Walmart battery might not be "heavy duty" for equipment use, but Walmart says they will replace it free for 3 yrs and then pro rate after that. Sounded like a winner to me.
Most commercial battery are better made internally to withstand the vibration and bumps that equipment gets. Also car batterys are not designed to be charged for long periods of time (10 or 12 hours of running) where a commercial battery is.
I believe the Walmart battery will be fine. It's really an exide battery. I've had good luck with an automotive battery in my JD tractor. Anyway the original equipment Bobcat battery only lasted about 3 1/2 years so I will at least get about the same amount of use out of the Walmart unit as the one supplied by Bobcat. Remember Walmart will replace it free of charge for 3 years.
