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Whether you want to power your ride-on garden mower, car, truck or any other machine or vehicle, SSB batteries are the way to go.
SSB batteries are well known for their reliable power and durability, among a host of other benefits.
Today we’ll talk about the many uses and benefits derived from SSB batteries. Let’s get to it.
What Are SSB Batteries?
SSB is short for Super Start Batteries, a brand manufactured by Australia's top battery manufacturer. You can identify the SSB brand by the iconic SSB logo on the side.
The SSB battery range covers a wide range of types, including:
- Lead-acid
- Flooded (wet-cell)
- Maintenance-free
- Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
- Gel
- Lithium batteries
The SSB battery range is made from premium quality materials that ensure longevity and has an excellent track record for lasting performance.
Each battery type has unique chemistry which makes them suitable for various machines requiring different voltages and power output.
For instance, lithium batteries have lithium-ion phosphate chemistry, which gives a 12-volt power output suitable for cars, motorcycles and trucks.
While SSB AGM dry cell batteries are lead-acid with a 6–12 volt power, which means they also cater for smaller power output machines like ride-on lawnmowers.
What Are the Uses of SSB Batteries?
Super start batteries can be used in a variety of engine operated vehicles. Like:
- Small cars and passenger vehicles
- SUVs and more oversized four-wheel-drive vehicles
- Boats
- Trucks
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Lawnmowers (ride-on)
- Heavy machinery, like construction equipment
The batteries' different chemistries make them suitable for various uses depending on the power output of the machine.
The table below summarises the main uses for different super start batteries and the engines that they power:
| Battery type | Type of engine it powers | Battery maintenance | Voltage | Cold-cranking amps (CCA) | Reserve capacity (RC) | Amp-hours (ah (20hr) |
| Stop-Start | Cars and passenger vehicles | Maintenance-free | 12 | 500–750 | 110–190 | 45–55 |
| SSB Automotive | Cars and passenger vehicles | Maintenance-free | 12 | 350–890 | 70–210 | 36–88 |
| SSB DRY Cell | Cars and passenger vehicles, trucks, marine | AGM deep cycle | 12 | 620–1700 | 160–745 | 85–270 |
| SSB Powersport | Cars, motorcycles | Lithium-ion phosphate | 12-16 | 1000–1200 | No | - |
| SSB Powersport | Cars, motorcycles | Graphene lithium | 12-12.8 | 900–1200 | - | - |
| Super Start Extra heavy duty | Cars and passenger vehicles, trucks, heavy machines | Conventional | 6 | 270–920 | 80–280 | - |
| SSB European | Cars and passenger vehicles | Maintenance-free | 12 | 1150 | 170 | 75 |
| SSB Automotive Silver | Trucks | Maintenance-free | 12 | 670–1000 | 160–260 | 70–105 |
| SSB 4wd & truck | Trucks | Maintenance-free | 12 | 760 | 190 | 80 |
| SSB Truck & Tractor Silver series | Trucks and tractors | Maintenance-free | 12 | 880–1300 | 210–450 | 90–170 |
| SSB 4x4 Extreme | 4WD & trucks | Maintenance-free | 12 | 760–1000 | 140–220 | 63–92 |
| SSB Truck & Tractor | 4WD &trucks | Maintenance free | 12 | 750–1500 | 150–560 | 75–200 |
| SSB Deep-cycle marine | Boats | Maintenance-free deep-cycle | 12 | 510–1600 | Up to 575 | 66–225 |
| SSB Marine | Boats | Maintenance-free | 12 | 720–790 | - | 79–92 |
| SSB European | Car starting | Lithium-ion phosphate deep-cycle | 12 | 500–690 | 160 | 120–240 |
Benefits of SSB Batteries
Here are some of the main benefits of using SSB batteries.
Wide Range of Uses
Due to a large number of chemistries and types, SSB batteries lend themselves to a wide range of uses and applications, so you’re bound to find one for your needs. The expansive range also means it's easier to find a replacement when you need to.
Adaptable to Different Temperatures
SSB batteries maintain their performance over a wide temperature range (-15 to 50 degrees celsius). This is because they’re manufactured with state of the art features and capabilities, including:
Thermal Management System
SSB batteries like the HVT dry cell range were designed with the Australian weather in mind.
The range of SSB cells has an inbuilt heat management system to protect against extreme heat, so there's less risk of the battery becoming damaged as you charge it.
The thermal control system also helps to buffer your power source while in use to prevent overheating.
High Cold Cranking Amps
The SSB can hold its own in the winter months as well. With high cold cranking amps (how fast the battery can start the engine in cold weather), you won’t have problems running your car around during the coldest months, like June or July.
The cold-cranking amps are as high as 1700 on some batteries, which means you’re assured that your vehicle will start up the first time, even in extreme cold.
High cold-cranking amps are standard across all SSB ranges, like the
Powersports lithium batteries for cars, motorcycles, and boats.
Safe and Secure
The SSB range is designed with security in mind. All batteries are up to code with standards set by ISO 9001. Some of the leading security features include:
- Strong sealing and leak-proof features
- Glass fibre mat features that prevent dehydration
- Flame retardant casing
- Water-proof exterior
Durable With Long Lasting Performance
With the low discharge rates averaging below 1%, you can store SSB batteries for over a year without any issues.
Plus, they have a long cycle life of over 3000 cycles, which give over 10 years of useful life (as per design specifications).
Additionally, the SSB Powersports range uses prism shaped cells rather than cylindrical cells, which have a longer cycle life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do AGM and Gel Batteries Work the Same?
The basic chemistry of gel vs AGM is based on the same principle. The two battery types differ in that AGM has a glass mat to hold the electrolyte while the gel type keeps the electrolyte in a silica gel.
When it comes down to powering machinery, they operate in pretty much the same way although AGM tends to hold on to power for longer.
They’re typically interchangeable in different machines, but read through your vehicle's manual or consult an expert to be sure.
Does the SSB Range Have a Battery Management System?
Super start batteries have an internal management system that kicks in to prevent them from over-discharging below the regular charge reserve capacity.
When your battery is left with one to two volts of regular charge reserve, it’ll cut off to protect itself.
If your SSB lithium battery seems not to be working, it may simply be due to the power management system which kicked in. You’ll need to charge it manually ( jump-start ) to boost the power.
Power Your Machines With an SSB Battery
An SSB brand battery is a worthwhile investment that’ll give you long life and many cycles of power.
To get your SSB, go to HB Plus Battery Specialists. We have a wide range of SSB batteries in stock to power a host of vehicles and machinery at affordable prices.
If you’re not sure which one works best for your needs, our team of experts is happy to help you figure it out.
