Just go buy a battery from the local parts store, and install it in yer machine!
It'll last 2 years, maybe 3 if yer lucky, and then it'll be time to buy another one!
What ruins those tractor batteries is this: cold weather, lack of maintenance, long periods of storage (ala winter time) and frequent starts and shut-offs. Might i suggest you look up some info on lead acid batteries, which will tell you just how they work, and what causes them to be replaced every 2-3 years, or so. And, how to keep them up during the winter!

I'm of the persuasion of trying to buy a battery that hasn't sat on somebodies shelf for a couple years.
IF it's a somewhat odd size, I'd buy from someone that tends to sell that size, like a tractor supply store.
Under ideal conditions, batteries can last MANY years. High heat or freezing temps and vibration are not ideal.
Some tractors charging systems aren't well regulated either, which I feel shortens battery life.

IF your engine is a Briggs OHV, a valve adjustment may be the issue. IF the valve lash gets too excessive, the compression release doesn't work. There's been a lot of needless battery, starter motor and solenoid replacement etc. because of this!
I'd recommend charging your battery and having it tested before needlessly replacing it.

Since your original lasted eight years, you may want to go visit the JD dealer. They normally offer both an economy and premium battery at decent prices.

Or as has been said, just go find one that fits wherever and rock on. A tractor battery isn't as big a deal to me as an auto battery.

Whatever you choose, you normally get what you pay for with batteries.

Walmart. In the Northeast Walmart (Ever Start) batteries are mfg by Eastern Penn, makers of Deka , Car Quest, and others. In the rest of the country they are made by JCI (Johnson Controls) who makes the Dears Sigh Hard, AC/Delco, Auto Zone, and others. They have the higher CCA battery 325 cca?) however I cannot recall the part number.

AutoZone for 24.95 or JD for 39 bucks with different decal. IMO if it starts the tractor it's a GOOD battery

There's a huge difference in those batteries. The cheaper ones just don't have the cranking power and they say it on the labels. Your original idea of buying the Tractor Supply Co. Briggs and Stratton battery which has 340 cranking amps is a great choice. It's a fast mover off their shelves and one of the most powerful one out there for the money. Cheaper batteries as mentioned above have almost half the cranking power of that battery. I've seen brand new cheapo batteries that don't have the guts to start a big rider. Replaced it with that Briggs battery and it started with power to spare.

I agree rdaystrom, I was hoping to find out if anyone has had any experience with the B&S battery, and possibly who makes it. Johnson Control, or Exide. John Deere offers a high quality replacement called a "Strong Box". I was wondering if the B&S is a kin to that one. My old battery is not kaput yet, and I'm very happy it has lasted this long. Thanks for the replies, and any addition data is appreciated!

You are talking $20 difference from the high Dollar to the low Dollar battery - and how many years difference in life?

Buy whatever you want.

Here is something to consider. The mower battery are available in 4 different power levels.
180 CCA
230 CCA
295 CCA
340 CCA
The positive terminal is also available on the left or right side of the battery. Check your tractor before buying a new battery.

Some batteries are the sealed design - meaning there are no battery caps to add water. Usually the battery terminals do not corrode on the sealed batteries.

The other batterys are designed with removable battery caps - so water may be added. These batterys usually develop corrosion on the battery terminals. Periodic cleaning is needed to keep the battery healthy.

A battery maintainer is a great tool to keep the battery charged. This charger automatically turns off when the battery is fully charged. If the battery loses a little charge, the maintainer turns back on.

A trickle charger will boost a battery to peak power, but there is no turn off feature. If the charger is kept on the battery over the winter, chances the battery will live a short life.

Some of the B&S batteries are made by East Penn. Sometimes they are made by the other manufacturer. Same is true with DieHard batteries. These are simply decals applied to the cheapest supplier.

I use the East Penn batteries that are sealed as I don't want to fool around with the corrosion issues. When a battery maintainer is used, I see sealed batteries that survive 7-9 years. The water cap batteries will also last a long time if the battery is kept cleaned and charged. during winter storage.

My 2000 Scotts is still running on the Interstate Work-a-holic battery that came with it. SP-40, 340CCA and 425CA. When it dies I will not settle for anything less.

I agree with using a battery maintainer. I bought a Deltran battery tender jr for my LT and will leave it on all the time to keep it maintained. They claim it will extend battery life. There's lots of cheap maintainers available....but I would buy a good one.

I also agree with the battery maintainer. I use mine during the winter in the garage. Bought it at a boat store made by century manufacturing. I bought one from sears for my brother but he had problems with that one. My battery is six years old and is a original equipment John Deere battery.

Thanks for the loads of good info fellow tractor riders. I do have a battery maintainer on it. I installed it on the frame which the steering is attached, and a few other tractor related items. Had to move a few to get the room. Maybe that's why it has lasted so long. Right on Herringbone, I'm going to get another good one, a few more dollars is money well spent. I got a quote from the John Deere Dealer for a strong box unit for $67.40. That maybe a long term better deal than the Briggs and Stratton for $50 from Tractor Supply. Thanks also to Larry F for a fantastic overview of all batteries, and care for them. Gilson

Here's an interesting chart I posted a while back. Shows "average" battery life for the country. You can see the influence hot weather has on a battery
{{gwi:352602}}

That chart Ikbum is very interesting, seems that it follows why one stores dry cell batteries in the freezer until needed. Looks like the hot weather is a battery killer.