Source of used AGM batteries

[kyle4501]

I vote for the used battery route.
Load test them to ensure they aren't duds & keep an eye on 'em & replace them individually when dead.

I know a guy in the south east that gets used gelcell batts from elec backup UPS units, They are replaced at 3 year intervals or something like that.

He shares & there are some on this board that are benefiting from those worthless, used batteries. Some for years! 

If you have money to burn, stick with new. Otherwise spend it where it gives you the most bang for your buck!

That's my story & I'm sticking to it!

[HB of CJ]

I think what I am hearing here is that with AGM batteries, one would be usually taking a risk using used batteries in a coach conversion.  This is what I need to know, again, my knowledge with AGM types is very limited.  May need to buy new.

With the Ni-cads employed in the solar homestead, we had the option of just removing one weak or bad or exploded cell since we had four (4) strings of ten each and the system hardly noticed one battery missing.  We also had good spares.

Would prefer batteries that do NOT require constant fooling with, like routine watering or checking. My lower back is not getting any younger.  Thus the hope of using used AGM's.  Apparently employing recycled AGM's may not work.

Recycled Ni-cads may be doable since we/I understand the type, but since they are usually 1.2 vdc each, would have to have multiple strings to make up the DESIRED 12000 watt useable bank.  Diesel electric. Ouch, very heavy and $expensive$  Plus very messy.

This petty much leaves me with the choice of the tried and true T-105 golf cart type lead acid cell.  Also the chassis plan right now does not leave me much overhead space to mount the taller cells.  Another reason for the T-105's.  Was hoping for another option.  CROWNS FOREVER!!! 

[FloridaCliff]

I have been using used AGM's for years.

If you know the source, can charge them and test them, you should be OK.

A lot of companies change them out from UPS's and other equipment based on the manfacturers recommendation.

Which in MY personal and professional experience tends to be there half life.

Your money....

Cliff

[jackhartjr]

luvrbus said, "HB, if you check with a large fire dept in your area most of them change out thier batteries every 6 mos anyways they do in Phoenix".

Not disrespect here, however they do it because they can and don't have to worry about the cost.  If they were paying for it out of thier pocket I would imagine they would keep them in there a lot longer.

I inspect municipal bus systems from time to time.  The waste in the maintenance area is mind boggling sometimes.  One city bus system replaced every lightbulb on the outside of the buses every six months.  When I dug into why the answer was that if they get a grant for XXXXdollars and don't spend it, they lose it the next year.

(Now that was one particular system, most are very thrifty with our tax monies.)

Jack

[luvrbus]

Jack, i know what your saying but i think that they are gong to change every 30 days now by looking at the Fire Dept tax on land i own in Scottsdale it went from 238.40 in 2006 to 1008.10 for 2007  and the price of land is down

[captain ron]

i have been using used AMG batteries for three years now and just because of my own stupidity they need replaced. I am putting in an alternator to keep them charged so I can get another years use out of them. I vote for used, but what do I know?

[jackhartjr]

luvrbus, not trying to get political here; maybe you should make sure where the batteries are going that come out of the fire trucks.
In other words, if they are taking them out and putting them in fleet cars, buses, or other city owned vehicles that is one thing.  If, however they are just throwing them away, or using them for personal use.......
You see where I am driving at?
Most towns that size have an investigative reporter that loves to jump on things like that...may be worth a call!
Jack