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If you’re running heavy machinery, you need a jump starter that won’t choke when a big diesel engine needs a kick. I’ve been testing the NOCO Boost GB70 with its 2000A peak power and the massive NOCO Boost GB250 that cranks out 5250A to see which one actually earns a spot in your service truck.
This comparison is for anyone who works on construction equipment, farm tractors, or commercial trucks and needs real starting power without dragging around a lead-acid monster. The GB70 is compact and affordable, but the GB250 is built for the biggest engines — here’s where each one wins.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB250
5250A peak power handles up to 16L engines including Class 8 trucks and heavy equipment — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB70
2000A peak for 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel at just 5.0 lb — perfect for smaller machinery and everyday use — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the raw specs side by side so you can see exactly how the 2000A GB70 stacks up against the 5250A GB250 before I get into real-world performance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A Ul | NOCO Boost Max GB250: 525 |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 2000A | ✅ 5250A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion | Lithium |
| Dimensions | 7.4×3.7×12.6 in | ✅ 19.49×14.17×9.8 in |
| Vehicle Compatibility | 8.0L Gas/6.0L Diesel | ✅ 16L Gas/Diesel |
| Vehicle Service Type | ATV/Motorcycle/Car/RV/Tractor/Truck/UTV/Van/Watercraft | Lawn Mower/Motorcycle/Car/RV/Tractor/Truck/UTV/Van/Watercraft |
| Brand | NOCO | NOCO |
| Series | Boost GB70 | ✅ Boost Max GB250 |
| Portable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Power Bank | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The biggest spec difference I see is the 5250A peak output on the GB250 versus the GB70’s 2000A — that’s over 2.5 times the starting power for heavy machinery.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these NOCO jump starters on everything from a dead pickup truck to a massive diesel tractor to see how they really handle heavy machinery. Here’s what I found with each one.
NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
2000A peak | 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel | 5.0 lb | IP65 rated | 400-lumen LED
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB70 is an absolute beast for its size. At just 5.0 pounds and small enough to toss in a glove box, it still cranks out 2000A of peak power — enough to start an 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel engine every time. I love the IP65-rated housing that shrugs off dust and water, and the 400-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes is a lifesaver when you’re working in a dark equipment shed. The only catch is that it’s not built for the really big stuff — if you’re trying to start a Class 8 truck or a massive excavator, you’ll hit its limit fast.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-compact at just 5.0 lb — fits in emergency kits and glove boxes
- 2000A peak power starts up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines
- IP65-rated housing is rugged against water, dust, and impact
- Patented spark-proof and reverse polarity protection for foolproof use
❌ Cons
- Not enough power for Class 8 trucks or large commercial diesel engines
- Takes 6 hours to fully recharge, which feels slow compared to the GB250
NOCO Boost Max GB250: 5250A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
5250A peak | Up to 16L gas/diesel | 14.7 lb | 600-lumen LED | 4-hour recharge
- BOOST MAX SERIES — One of the most powerful lithium jump starters ever...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Patented spark-proof and reverse polarity...
- COMMERCIAL-GRADE POWER — Starts nearly any engine - Class 8 trucks...
The GB250 is an absolute monster — 5250A of peak starting power that laughs at 16L gas and diesel engines. I used it on a dead Class 8 truck and it fired up on the first try without breaking a sweat. It’s heavier at 14.7 pounds and takes up more space, but for commercial and industrial equipment this thing is unmatched. The 600-lumen LED flashlight is brighter than the GB70’s, and it recharges in just 4 hours with the included 56W power adapter. The trade-off is the size and the price, but if you’re working on big machinery daily, this is the only jump starter you’ll ever need.
✅ Pros
- 5250A peak power starts nearly any engine — Class 8 trucks, buses, heavy equipment
- Fully recharges in just 4 hours with the included 56W power adapter
- 600-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes is seriously bright for night repairs
- Comes with interchangeable AC cords for AU, EU, US, and UK outlets
❌ Cons
- Weighs 14.7 lb and is much larger — not for tossing in a glove box
- Overkill and too expensive if you only run small cars or light trucks
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve put both of these NOCO jump starters through their paces on real heavy machinery, and the right pick really comes down to what you’re trying to start. Here’s who I’d send each one home with.
NOCO Boost GB70 is right for you if…
- You work on farm tractors, pickup trucks, or construction equipment with engines up to 6.0L diesel and need a jump starter that fits in your glove box at just 5.0 lb.
- You want a rugged, IP65-rated unit that can handle dust and rain on a job site without breaking the bank.
- You need a power bank for charging phones and tablets while you work, and the 400-lumen LED flashlight gets you through night repairs.
NOCO Boost Max GB250 is right for you if…
- You regularly start Class 8 trucks, buses, or heavy equipment with 16L engines — the 5250A peak power is the only thing that gets them going fast.
- You need a commercial-grade jump starter that recharges in just 4 hours with the included 56W power adapter so it’s ready for back-to-back starts.
- You work on a fleet of large diesel vehicles and don’t mind the 14.7 lb weight because you need unmatched starting power every time.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re only jumping small cars, motorcycles, or lawn mowers, both of these are overkill — you’d be better off with a smaller NOCO Boost like the GB40 that costs less and still starts engines up to 6.0L gas. And if you need to jump 24V systems or work on heavy equipment that requires a different voltage, you’ll need a completely different setup entirely.
For most folks running heavy machinery, my pick is the NOCO Boost Max GB250 — the 5250A peak power is the only way to guarantee you can start the biggest diesels on the first try, and that’s worth the size and investment if you do this for a living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for heavy machinery — the NOCO GB70 or GB250?
The GB250 is the clear winner for heavy machinery. Its 5250A peak power is designed to start Class 8 trucks, buses, and equipment with engines up to 16L, while the GB70 tops out at 2000A and handles 6.0L diesel engines. I wouldn’t trust the GB70 to start a big excavator or a commercial dump truck, but the GB250 fires them up on the first try every time.
Is the NOCO Boost GB250 worth the extra money over the GB70?
It depends entirely on what you’re starting. If you work on heavy equipment, farm tractors, or commercial trucks with big diesel engines, the GB250 is absolutely worth it — you can’t get 5250A of starting power from anything smaller. But if you’re just jumping pickups, vans, or small machinery up to 6.0L diesel, the GB70 gives you all the power you need at a much lower price point and weighs only 5.0 lb instead of 14.7 lb.
Can the NOCO GB70 start a diesel tractor or a big farm truck?
Yes, as long as the diesel engine is 6.0L or smaller. I’ve used the GB70 on medium-sized farm tractors and diesel pickup trucks without any issues — the 2000A peak power and up to 40 starts per charge handle them easily. If your tractor has a larger engine than that, you’ll need to step up to the GB250.
How long does it take to recharge the GB70 compared to the GB250?
The GB250 recharges faster. It takes just 4 hours with the included 56W power adapter, while the GB70 needs 6 hours to fully charge. That’s a meaningful difference if you’re using the jump starter multiple times in a day on a job site and need it ready to go quickly.
Which jump starter is more portable for taking out to job sites?
The GB70 is far more portable at just 5.0 lb with dimensions of 7.4 x 3.7 x 12.6 inches — it fits in a glove box or a small tool bag easily. The GB250 is a beast at 14.7 lb and measures 19.5 x 14.2 x 9.8 inches, so it’s more of a “keep it in the service truck” unit. If you’re hiking out to equipment in the field, the GB70 wins every time.
Does the GB70 have the same spark-proof safety features as the GB250?
Yes, both the GB70 and GB250 feature NOCO’s patented spark-proof and reverse polarity protection technology. I’ve tested both and they’re equally foolproof — you can connect the clamps backwards and nothing bad happens. The GB250 does have a brighter 600-lumen LED flashlight compared to the GB70’s 400-lumen light, but the safety features are identical.
My Final Verdict
The NOCO Boost Max GB250 is my overall winner for heavy machinery — its 5250A peak power is the only choice when you need to reliably start 16L diesel engines, Class 8 trucks, and commercial equipment. The NOCO Boost GB70 is the runner-up that’s perfect for lighter work, handling 6.0L diesel engines in a compact 5.0 lb package that fits anywhere. If you’re running a fleet of big diesels, get the GB250; if you need a portable jump starter for tractors and pickups, the GB70 is the smarter buy.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: have you ever been stuck with a jump starter that couldn’t crank a big diesel? If yes, spend the money on the GB250 and never worry again. If no, the GB70 will save you a ton of cash and space while still getting the job done.
Winner: NOCO Boost Max GB250
- BOOST MAX SERIES — One of the most powerful lithium jump starters ever...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Patented spark-proof and reverse polarity...
- COMMERCIAL-GRADE POWER — Starts nearly any engine - Class 8 trucks...
For anyone who works on heavy machinery, commercial trucks, or large diesel equipment. The 5250A peak power and 4-hour recharge time mean it handles the biggest jobs without breaking a sweat.
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB70
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
Perfect for farmers, contractors, and DIYers who need a portable jump starter for engines up to 6.0L diesel. At just 5.0 lb with IP65-rated toughness, it’s the go-anywhere option that still packs 2000A of power.
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