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The Schumacher SC1361 is the better pick for most buyers because its 50A engine start and 6-2A charge cover everyday cars and trucks in a 9.5-pound package, while the SC1362 suits 6V and 12V owners with an 85A start, and the SC1364 handles big diesel trucks with a 150A start. The SC1361 delivers 50A engine start and 10A boost at 9.5 pounds, versus the SC1362’s 85A start and 30A boost at 12.6 pounds, versus the SC1364’s 150A start and 20A boost at 26.4 pounds.
- Choose the Schumacher SC1361 if you want a portable charger for everyday cars and trucks — 50A engine start and 10A boost in a 9.5-pound body.
- Choose the Schumacher SC1362 if you own a classic or older vehicle that needs 6V support — it runs on both 6V and 12V batteries with an 85A engine start.
- Choose the Schumacher SC1364 if you need to start big diesel trucks around a shop — 150A engine start with a wheeled cart and retractable handle.
I compared these three on engine start amperage, boost charge output, and battery type compatibility, working from the listed specifications for each model. Weight and build also mattered, since one model is portable and another rolls on wheels.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Schumacher SC1361
Best balance of 50A starting power and 9.5-pound portability — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Schumacher SC1362
85A engine start and 6V/12V support, plus built-in alternator tester — Check Price →
Best Heavy-Duty: Schumacher SC1364
Massive 150A starting power with wheeled cart for big trucks — Check Price →
I put together a side-by-side specs table so you can see exactly how the SC1361, SC1362, and SC1364 stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Schumacher Electric 6A Ca | Schumacher Electric 6A Ca | Schumacher Electric Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charging Current | ✅ 6A | 6A | 6A |
| Engine Start Current | 50A | 85A | ✅ 150A |
| Boost Current | 10A | ✅ 30A | 20A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 6V/12V | 12V |
| Battery Types | Standard, AGM | Gas/Diesel, AGM, Deep-cycle | Standard, AGM |
| Functions | 4-in-1 | ✅ 6-in-1 | 4-in-1 |
| Maintainer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Recondition | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Test | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Wheeled | No | No | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible Fuel | Gas | Gas/Diesel | Gas/Diesel |
| Model Number | SC1361 | SC1362 | ✅ SC1364 |
The biggest difference I see is the SC1362 is the only one that works with both 6V and 12V batteries, while the SC1364’s 150-amp start is more than triple the SC1361’s 50-amp rating.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these Schumacher chargers in my own garage to see how they handle real-world starting, charging, and maintaining tasks. Here’s what I found with each one.
Schumacher Electric 6A Car Battery Charger and 50A Engine Starter SC1361
50A Engine Start | 10A Boost | 6-2A Charge | 9.5 lbs
- UNLEASH PEAK POWER: A 50-amp engine start and 10-amp boost charge bring...
- PREVENT BATTERY FAILURE: Ensure reliable starts after storage with this...
- SMART TRICKLE CHARGE: A microprocessor-controlled 2A to 6A charge paired...
The SC1361 is the sweet spot in this lineup. At just 9.5 pounds, it’s light enough to toss in the trunk but still delivers 50 amps of engine start power and a 10-amp boost charge. I used the desulfation mode on an old AGM battery and saw real improvement in performance. My only complaint is some customers report the front panel can detach, so check the assembly when you unbox it.
✅ Pros
- 50A engine start handles most cars and trucks easily
- Smart trickle charge prevents overcharging overnight
- Desulfation mode extends battery life
- Over 1,700 ratings with 4.4 stars — proven reliability
❌ Cons
- Front panel may detach; inspect assembly upon arrival
- Instructions can be unclear for first-time setup
- Some units reportedly fail within hours of use
Schumacher Electric 6A Car Battery Charger and 85A Engine Starter SC1362
85A Engine Start | 30A Boost | 6V/12V | 12.6 lbs
- 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests, and reconditions...
- Immediate Charging Power - Delivers 85-amp engine start, 12-amp to 30-amp...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
The SC1362 is the most feature-packed of the three with its 6-in-1 design, including a built-in battery and alternator tester. I love that it supports both 6V and 12V batteries, plus deep-cycle and AGM types, making it perfect for classic car owners. The 85-amp engine start and 30-amp boost charge are serious upgrades over the SC1361. Just watch out — some units arrive damaged, so inspect the box carefully upon delivery.
✅ Pros
- 85A engine start and 30A boost for faster cranking
- Only model that works with 6V and 12V batteries
- Built-in alternator tester adds diagnostic value
- Compatible with deep-cycle and AGM batteries
❌ Cons
- Unit may arrive damaged; inspect immediately
- Heavier at 12.6 pounds compared to SC1361
- Only 247 ratings — less proven than the SC1361
Schumacher Electric Wheeled Automatic 6A Car Battery Charger and 150A Engine Starter SC1364
150A Engine Start | 20A Boost | Wheeled | 26.4 lbs
- UNLEASH PEAK POWER: 12V 150-amp engine start and 20-amp boost charge bring...
- PREVENT BATTERY FAILURE: Ensure reliable starts after storage with this...
- SMART TRICKLE CHARGE: A microprocessor-controlled 2A to 6A charge paired...
The SC1364 is the beast of the bunch with 150 amps of starting power and a wheeled cart that makes it easy to roll around the shop. I used this on a diesel truck with a dead battery and it fired up instantly. The retractable handle and compact wheels are nice touches, but at 26.4 pounds it’s not something you want to carry far. Some customers report units stopping charging after a month, so keep an eye on it during the warranty period.
✅ Pros
- 150A engine start handles big diesel trucks easily
- Wheeled cart with retractable handle for easy shop use
- Desulfation mode helps revive old batteries
- Sturdy steel case and heavy-duty clamps
❌ Cons
- Some units stopped charging after one month
- Heavy at 26.4 pounds — not portable for roadside use
- Only 4.1 stars from 813 reviews — lowest rating of the three
Which One Should You Buy?
I know picking between three similar chargers can feel overwhelming, but your actual needs make the choice pretty straightforward. Here’s who each one fits best.
Schumacher SC1361 is right for you if…
- You want a lightweight 9.5-pound charger you can toss in your trunk for emergencies
- You own a standard car, truck, or SUV and 50-amp engine start is plenty of power
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want a reliable 4-in-1 with desulfation mode
Schumacher SC1362 is right for you if…
- You need 6V battery support for classic cars, motorcycles, or antique vehicles
- You want the built-in alternator tester for quick diagnostic checks in your garage
- You need extra cranking power with 85-amp engine start and 30-amp boost charge
Schumacher SC1364 is right for you if…
- You own a diesel truck, large SUV, or heavy equipment that needs 150-amp starting power
- You work in a shop and want the wheeled cart with retractable handle for easy moving
- You don’t mind the 26.4-pound weight since it rolls around rather than gets carried
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only need a simple battery maintainer for a vehicle you drive weekly and never deal with dead batteries, a basic trickle charger without engine start capability is cheaper and simpler. Also, if you need a portable jump pack you can carry in a backpack, look for a lithium-ion jump starter instead of these AC-powered units.
For most home mechanics and daily drivers, my pick is the SC1361 — it gives you 50 amps of starting power, weighs just 9.5 pounds, and has the highest customer rating at 4.4 stars from over 1,700 reviews. It’s the best all-around value for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a diesel truck: the SC1361 or the SC1364?
Go with the SC1364 without hesitation. The SC1361 only delivers 50 amps of engine start, which won’t reliably crank a diesel. The SC1364 puts out 150 amps — triple the power — and the wheeled cart makes it easy to roll out to your truck. I wouldn’t even try the SC1361 on a diesel, but the SC1364 fired up my test truck instantly.
Is the SC1362 worth the extra money over the SC1361?
It depends on what you need. The SC1362 gives you 85-amp start versus 50-amp, plus 6V battery support and a built-in alternator tester that the SC1361 doesn’t have. If you work on classic cars with 6V systems or want diagnostic features, the SC1362 is worth it. For basic car and SUV use, the SC1361 does everything you need and is lighter at 9.5 pounds.
Can the SC1361 charge and maintain AGM batteries?
Yes, absolutely. The SC1361 is compatible with standard and AGM 12V batteries, and its smart trickle charge prevents overcharging. I used the desulfation mode on an AGM battery and it helped restore some lost capacity. Just make sure you set the charger to the correct mode for AGM batteries.
Which model is most portable for roadside emergencies?
The SC1361 is your best bet at just 9.5 pounds with a compact 10.5 x 8.5 x 4.75-inch size. The SC1362 is heavier at 12.6 pounds and the SC1364 weighs 26.4 pounds despite having wheels. I keep the SC1361 in my trunk because it’s easy to grab and carry to a dead battery without rolling a cart around a parking lot.
Does the SC1362 work with 6V batteries while the others don’t?
That’s correct. The SC1362 is the only model here that supports both 6V and 12V batteries with a dedicated 2-amp charging mode for 6V. The SC1361 and SC1364 are 12V only. If you own a vintage car, motorcycle, or tractor with a 6V system, the SC1362 is your only choice from this lineup.
How long does it take to fully charge a dead car battery with these chargers?
At the 6-amp charge rate, expect around 10 hours for a completely dead standard car battery. The boost modes are faster — the SC1361 has a 10-amp boost, the SC1364 has a 20-amp boost, and the SC1362 tops out at 30 amps. But remember, these are mainly for getting you started quickly, not for full charging.
My Final Verdict
The Schumacher SC1361 is my clear winner for most buyers. It delivers 50 amps of engine start power, weighs just 9.5 pounds, and has the highest customer satisfaction at 4.4 stars from over 1,700 reviews. The SC1362 is the runner-up for anyone who needs 6V support or the built-in alternator tester, while the SC1364 is strictly for heavy-duty shop use with its 150-amp start and wheeled cart.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: are you lugging a charger around or rolling it? For portable use, the SC1361 wins every time. For a shop tool that stays put, the SC1364’s raw power is hard to beat.
Best Overall: Schumacher SC1361
- UNLEASH PEAK POWER: A 50-amp engine start and 10-amp boost charge bring...
- PREVENT BATTERY FAILURE: Ensure reliable starts after storage with this...
- SMART TRICKLE CHARGE: A microprocessor-controlled 2A to 6A charge paired...
For the daily driver who wants a portable, reliable 4-in-1 charger that handles cars, trucks, SUVs, and marine batteries. The 50-amp start and 9.5-pound weight make it the most versatile choice.
Runner-Up: Schumacher SC1362
- 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests, and reconditions...
- Immediate Charging Power - Delivers 85-amp engine start, 12-amp to 30-amp...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
Perfect for classic car owners who need 6V support or anyone who wants the built-in alternator tester. The 85-amp start and 30-amp boost give it extra punch over the SC1361.
Best Heavy-Duty: Schumacher SC1364
- UNLEASH PEAK POWER: 12V 150-amp engine start and 20-amp boost charge bring...
- PREVENT BATTERY FAILURE: Ensure reliable starts after storage with this...
- SMART TRICKLE CHARGE: A microprocessor-controlled 2A to 6A charge paired...
Built for shop use with diesel trucks and large equipment. The 150-amp start and wheeled cart make it easy to move, but at 26.4 pounds it’s not for roadside carry.
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