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Group 70 Side Terminal Battery Guide: 12V 550CCA Flooded Starter
Short answer: A Group 70 battery is a compact 12V side-terminal starting battery, and the Pro-Guide 12V 550CCA Group 70 Flooded Starting Battery (PGD70GC) delivers 550 cold cranking amps and 90 minutes of reserve capacity in an 8 3/16 x 7 1/16 x 7 5/16 in case weighing 28 lb. It has the most cranking power of Pro-Guide's flooded starting batteries, a built-in carry strap and a 12-month free replacement warranty, making it a strong choice for gas golf carts that use side-mounted battery terminals.
Side-terminal batteries look different from the top-post batteries most people picture, and that difference matters when you replace one. This guide explains what a Group 70 battery is, why 550 CCA and 90 minutes of reserve capacity are worth having, how to check side-terminal fitment and polarity, how flooded compares with AGM and lithium, and how to charge and maintain your battery so it keeps starting strong.
Key Takeaways
- Most cranking power in the lineup: 550 cold cranking amps (CCA), the highest of Pro-Guide's flooded starting batteries.
- Generous reserve capacity: 90 minutes at 25 amps, more than Pro-Guide's Group 26 and 26G.
- Side terminals: threaded side-mounted terminals, positive on the left when facing the terminal side.
- Compact and portable: 8 3/16 x 7 1/16 x 7 5/16 in (208 x 179.4 x 185.7 mm), 28 lb (12.7 kg), with a built-in carry strap.
- Covered: 12-month free replacement warranty.
What Is a Group 70 Battery?
Battery group sizes are set by the Battery Council International (BCI). The group number describes the case dimensions and the terminal arrangement, not the chemistry or power rating. Group 70 is a compact size known for its side terminals: instead of posts sticking up from the lid, the terminals are threaded sockets on the side of the case, and the cables bolt into them.
Side terminals keep the top of the battery clear, which can help in tight spaces with low clearance overhead. Compared with Pro-Guide's top-post Group 26, the PGD70GC is slightly wider (7 1/16 in versus 6 13/16 in) and slightly shorter (7 5/16 in versus 7 3/4 in), with the same 8 3/16 in length.
The PGD70GC is a flooded lead-acid starting battery. It is built to deliver a fast, heavy burst of current to crank an engine, then be recharged by the charging system while the engine runs. Flooded construction, with plates immersed in liquid electrolyte, is the traditional and most economical lead-acid design.
Pro-Guide PGD70GC Specifications
| Model / SKU | Pro-Guide 12V 550CCA Group 70 Flooded Starting Battery (PGD70GC) |
| Chemistry | Flooded lead-acid |
| Voltage | 12V |
| BCI group size | 70 |
| Cold cranking amps | 550 CCA |
| Reserve capacity | 90 minutes at 25 amps |
| Amp-hour rating | Not rated (starting battery) |
| Terminals | Side-mounted threaded terminals, positive on the left facing the terminal side |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8 3/16 x 7 1/16 x 7 5/16 in (208 x 179.4 x 185.7 mm) |
| Weight | 28 lb (12.7 kg) |
| Carry | Built-in carry strap |
| Warranty | 12-month free replacement |
Want the full numbers? Download the PGD70GC data sheet (PDF).
The PGD70GC's terminals sit on the side of the case, with a red cover on the positive and a built-in strap for carrying.
Why 550 CCA and 90 Minutes of Reserve Capacity Matter
Cold cranking amps
Cold cranking amps (CCA) are the industry measure of starting power. In the BCI test, CCA is the current a fully charged 12V battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F while holding at least 7.2 volts. Cold temperatures slow the battery's chemistry and stiffen engine oil, so a higher CCA rating gives you more margin when it counts.
At 550 CCA, the PGD70GC out-cranks Pro-Guide's Group 26 (500 CCA), Group 24 (480 CCA) and Group 26G (430 CCA) flooded starting batteries. That extra headroom is useful if you start in cool weather, if your engine is a little harder to turn over, or simply as a buffer as the battery ages. Always choose a battery that meets or exceeds your manufacturer's CCA requirement.
Reserve capacity
Reserve capacity (RC) is the number of minutes a fully charged battery can supply 25 amps before falling to 10.5 volts. The PGD70GC is rated for 90 minutes, more than the 80 minutes of the Pro-Guide Group 26 and 70 minutes of the Group 26G. RC is your buffer for accessories with the engine off, or if the charging system can't keep up.
| Load | Rough estimate on the PGD70GC |
| Engine start | Up to 550A at 0°F for a few seconds per start |
| 25A accessory load, engine off | About 90 minutes to 10.5V |
| Light accessory load, such as LED lights | Longer than 90 minutes, depending on the draw |
These are rough estimates. Temperature, battery age and state of charge all change real-world results, and repeatedly draining a starting battery flat will shorten its life.
Side-Terminal Fitment and Polarity
Side-terminal batteries need a bit more care when you check fit:
- Confirm your cables are side-terminal style. Side-terminal cable ends typically use a bolt that threads into the battery's terminal socket. Clamp-style ends for top posts will not connect.
- Check polarity orientation. With the terminal side facing you, the PGD70GC's positive terminal (red cover) is on the left and the negative is on the right. Make sure your cables reach without stretching.
- Measure width as well as length. At 7 1/16 in wide, the Group 70 is slightly wider than a Group 26. Confirm the tray fits 8 3/16 x 7 1/16 in and allow for the cable bolts on the terminal side.
- Check height clearance. The battery is 7 5/16 in tall, plus the folded carry strap.
- Secure it. The case has a molded ledge at the base for a hold-down clamp. Make sure your hold-down keeps it from shifting.
Flooded vs. AGM vs. Lithium Side-Terminal Batteries
Here is how the main starting chemistries typically compare.
| Factor | Flooded (Pro-Guide PGD70GC) | Typical AGM starting | Typical lithium starting |
| Up-front cost | Lowest | Higher | Highest |
| Maintenance | Periodic checks; keep vent caps tight and level | Sealed | Sealed |
| Orientation | Upright only | Spill-resistant | Spill-proof |
| Side-terminal availability | Yes, this model | Varies by brand | Varies by brand |
| Charging | Standard 12V lead-acid charger | AGM setting recommended | Lithium profile required |
| Best fit | Direct, cost-effective side-terminal replacement | Vibration, less upkeep | Weight savings, premium budget |
Because it keeps your existing side-terminal cables and charger, a flooded Group 70 is often the simplest way to replace a side-terminal battery without changing cables. If you are open to a different terminal style, compare Pro-Guide cranking and starting batteries and starting lithium batteries.
What Is the PGD70GC Best For?
- Gas golf carts with side-terminal cables: Pro-Guide designed this battery for gas-powered golf carts. It gives you the most cranking power of Pro-Guide's flooded starting line.
- Cool-weather starts: 550 CCA provides the most headroom of the four Pro-Guide flooded starting batteries for chilly early tee times.
- Accessory-heavy carts: 90 minutes of reserve capacity gives a bigger cushion for lights, radios and other 12V accessories.
- Other Group 70 starting jobs: any engine whose manual calls for a 12V Group 70 side-terminal starting battery at or below 550 CCA.
Electric golf carts need deep cycle batteries instead. See our golf cart batteries for electric cart options.
The carry strap folds over the lid, and the molded ledge along the base works with a standard hold-down clamp.
How to Charge a Side-Terminal Flooded Battery
The engine's charging system keeps a starting battery topped up in normal use. Reach for a charger when the cart sits for weeks, after a dead battery, or before storage.
- Use a 12V lead-acid charger such as the Pro-Guide 12V 10A 1-Bank Battery Charger, and select the flooded or standard mode if available. Do not use a lithium-only profile.
- Connect to side terminals safely. Clamp-style charger leads can slip on side terminals. Connect to the bolt heads of the installed cables, or use side-terminal adapters, so the clamps make solid contact.
- Ventilate. Flooded batteries can give off explosive hydrogen gas while charging. Keep sparks, flames and smoking away.
- Connect positive first, negative second, and reverse the order to disconnect.
- Verify with resting voltage. A fully charged 12V flooded battery typically rests around 12.6 to 12.7 volts a few hours after charging. About 12.4 volts or lower generally means it needs charging.
For roadside or on-course rescues, a NOCO 1,000 Amp UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter or 1GA 20 ft 500A jumper cables will get you started. Fully recharge the battery afterward.
Install and Maintenance Tips
Don't overtighten side-terminal bolts
Side-terminal bolts thread into soft lead. Tighten them snugly so the cable can't twist, but don't force them; overtightening can damage the terminal threads or seal.
Keep the terminals clean and protected
Corrosion can creep in around the cable ends. Remove the bolts periodically, clean the contact faces, reinstall snugly and apply battery corrosion preventative spray.
Keep it upright and secure
A flooded battery contains liquid sulfuric acid. Keep the vent caps tight and level, install it upright and use the base ledge with a hold-down so it can't slide.
Charge before storage
Lead-acid batteries self-discharge, and a battery that sits partly discharged can sulfate. Charge fully before a long layup, then use a smart maintainer or recharge about once a month.
Use the carry strap
At 28 lb, the built-in strap makes the PGD70GC easier to lift into and out of the tray. Always lift with the battery level.
Group 70 vs. Group 26: Which Should You Choose?
Terminal style decides most fits. Here is how the PGD70GC compares with Pro-Guide's top-post Group 26:
| Spec | PGD70GC (Group 70) | PGD26GC (Group 26) |
| Terminals | Side-mounted, threaded | Round top posts |
| Cold cranking amps | 550 CCA | 500 CCA |
| Reserve capacity | 90 min | 80 min |
| Dimensions | 8 3/16 x 7 1/16 x 7 5/16 in | 8 3/16 x 6 13/16 x 7 3/4 in |
| Weight | 28 lb | 27 lb |
Choose the Group 70 if your cables bolt into the side of the battery, or if you want the most cranking power in a compact case. Choose the Group 26 if your cables clamp onto top posts. For cables that bolt through a top tab, see the Group 26G 430CCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Group 70 battery?
Group 70 is a BCI battery size with side-mounted terminals. The Pro-Guide PGD70GC is a 12V Group 70 flooded starting battery rated at 550 CCA and 90 minutes of reserve capacity.
What size is a Group 70 battery?
The Pro-Guide PGD70GC measures 8 3/16 x 7 1/16 x 7 5/16 in (208 x 179.4 x 185.7 mm) and weighs 28 lb (12.7 kg).
How many CCA does the Pro-Guide Group 70 have?
The Pro-Guide PGD70GC is rated at 550 cold cranking amps, the highest of Pro-Guide's flooded starting batteries.
Which side is positive on the PGD70GC?
With the terminal side facing you, the positive terminal (red cover) is on the left and the negative is on the right.
Can I use top-post cable clamps on a Group 70 battery?
No. Group 70 batteries have side terminals that take bolt-in cable ends. If your cables clamp onto round posts, choose a top-post battery such as the Pro-Guide Group 26.
Is the PGD70GC good for a gas golf cart?
Yes. Pro-Guide designed the PGD70GC for gas golf carts with side-terminal cables, and it offers 550 CCA for strong starts and 90 minutes of reserve capacity.
What warranty does the Pro-Guide Group 70 battery have?
The PGD70GC comes with a 12-month free replacement warranty.
Get More Starting Power with Group 70
If your gas golf cart uses side-terminal cables, the Pro-Guide PGD70GC gives you the most cranking power in Pro-Guide's flooded line: 550 cold cranking amps, plus 90 minutes of reserve capacity and a built-in carry strap in a compact Group 70 case. It is backed by a 12-month free replacement warranty and a team that can help you confirm fitment before you order. The Pro-Guide PGD70GC is sold through our dealer network, so call us at 1-800-827-3232 and we will point you to the closest dealer.
VIEW THE PRO-GUIDE GROUP 70 550CCA
Not sure it fits? Call our team at 1-800-827-3232 or browse all lead-acid batteries and golf cart batteries.
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