Float charger for generator.

[SaturnIonVue]

This past week I bought a 10kw; 16-HP; 120-220 volt generator set. Issac finally pushed my buttons of being without electricity for 6 days this time! Anyway, the unit has a smallish battery that looks like one that would also fit a motorcycle, or garden tractor. Since hurricane season is from June to the end of November in the Gulf, I wouldn't expect to use the unit but maybe once or twice a year (knock wood) if that much.

Anywho, my question is for those who use low amperage float chargers for their electric start-small engines to maintain the battery. In low use situations, how long have your batteries lasted hooked up to a charger before they died? Did you leave the battery in the unit or remove it to charge during that time it was on the charger? I'm not too optimistic that a battery can or will last very long continuously connected even to a well made charger...what do you folks think?

I sure would appreciate any help or comments on the subject since I need the battery to start the engine because the recoil rope starter seems to be more than I can handle!

Thanks!

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: SaturnIonVue
I'm not too optimistic that a battery can or will last very long continuously connected even to a well made charger...what do you folks think?


Although not a small engine application, I keep an automotive battery hooked up to a Solar brand (not solar technology) permanent mount maintainer and I've had good results for many years. Something like that, with say a half amp and that monitors the battery condition would be useful. CTEK charges might be another option, though they're pricier.

 

[AandPDan]

I have two. I've been using the HF float charger for the past 4 years and my batteries are still going strong.

Float Charger

I have them on my generator and put one on the lawn tractor in the winter. It's already paid for itself with the batteries that it has saved.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: AandPDan
I have two. I've been using the HF float charger for the past 4 years and my batteries are still going strong.

Float Charger

I have them on my generator and put one on the lawn tractor in the winter. It's already paid for itself with the batteries that it has saved.




That is my FAVORITE little float charger! I have one for every car, tractor and motorcycle. They simply work and no need to pay 5x more for the Battery Tender brand!

 

[mechtech2]

With a good battery to start with, you should get years of life from your float charger.
Maybe use it every other week or so [option].
Got a pull start on that bad boy?