Solar Charger on the Dozer:

I installed a 24VDC, 50W solar charger onto my dozer last week and really like it. Since the onset of stage IV CRS disease got hold of my dumbazz, I can't remember to shut the master disconnect off and consistently have to boost the tractor to start it. Anyways, I got one of these things, set it up at 4:00pm one afternoon on the two series wired 4D batteries depleted severely to allow a test scenario. 40 hours later I opened the battery compartment and the little annunciator on the charge controller showed the batteries fully charged. Mashing the start button the engine rolled right over easily, (as usual). I then did a couple of extended crank cycles with the fuel shut off to draw off the surface charge and then let the batteries deplete again to 9.6VDC each. Reconnecting the solar charger, I monitored again this time at 30hrs and they were still charging in bright sunlight. At 40hrs they were fully charged again, and the engine fired easily. I have a 1000A carbon pile battery tester on order but have not yet received it. I will give the batteries a good workout once that arrives but if I can remember to turn the disconnect off, they don't have problems retaining charge level. They were both new in July 2021.

Here is the one I purchased: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C811GT61/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3QZRVGKEACR7A&th=1

I'm going to order a couple of the variants in 12VDC also as they seem to be good quality.

Also ordered the 50W, 12V variant from the same vendor as the quality is better than many I've seen.