V Max 22 in. (56cm) Recycler w/Personal Pace SmartStow Lawn Mower
Introducing a mower that adjusts to you, with no knobs, no levers, no messing around. Grab the easy-to-steer handle, engage, and go. with Personal Pace Auto-Drive Supercharge your mowing with an amped airflow that requires less energy to cut more grass into teeny-tiny, clumpless clippings. That’s our Vortex Technology giving you Lawn Vitamins for free. Throw on the grass bag and start your lawn vacuum that holds more so you empty less. In total, it’s a boatload of features that easily make you and your lawn look great in less time. This 60-Volt machine starts the first time, every time, and is built to last with a 22 in. steel deck.We’ve Got You Covered. Enjoy peace of mind with a 2-year full mower warranty mower and 3-year full battery. And as a Toro owner, you’ll have access to nearly 4,000 servicing dealers across the U.S. and Canada ready to assist you. Count on it.
Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load.
Features
Personal Pace Auto-Drive
Feed Your Lawn
The ultra-fine clippings created by our Recycler Cutting System are Lawn Vitamins nourishing your grass and cultivating a greener, more lush lawn.
Save Storage Space
Now you can fold, lock and store your Toro practically anywhere in your garage or shed with SmartStow It’s proven to reduce the storage footprint by up to 70%, and provides easy access to clean under the deck and service the blade.
Starts the First Time, Every Time
You can count on reliable starting and low maintenance with battery power. The 60 Volt battery has intelligent battery software to maximize run time and power.
Durable Steel Deck
Enjoy years of reliable use from your deck thanks to its steel construction, and you’ll love the superior cutting and mulching performance it provides. You’ll have no problems cutting in tight spaces.
Super Bagger
Get the job done more easily than ever with our new Super Bagger, shaped for easier lifting, no-shake pouring and zero-hassle cleanup.
Extended Life
Enjoy less friction, lower maintenance and less wear on your engine with a high-performance brushless DC motor.
Power Without Compromise
All-Season Power
Use any 60V Max Flex-Force battery to power any and all of the 75 interchangeable tools in the Flex-Force all-season lineup, including commercial-grade handheld tools, walk mowers, and snow blowers.
Compatible with the MyToro App
The MyToro app serves up essential product resources like manuals service reminders, parts maintenance kits, how-to videos, weather and more. To download please visit your mobile device’s App Store.
Specifications
| 1.8 bushels |
| 150 |
| 60V Max L324 (6.0Ah, 324Wh) |
| Full Tool (battery included) |
| Up to 40 minutes |
| 42.1 in. x 24.5 in. x 17.25 in. / 107.0 cm x 62.2 cm x 43.8 cm |
| 22 in. / 56 cm |
| 14 Gauge Steel |
| Not Included in the box. The free discharge chute for walk behind mowers can be requested at time of registration at Toro.com/register |
| Personal Pace Auto Drive Rear Wheel Drive |
| Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Battery |
| SmartStow, 1-Piece, Adjustable Height |
| 1.0. 4.0 in. / 2.5. 10.2 cm |
| 4-point |
| 60V Battery, 60V Charger, Grass Bag, Mower, Product Manual |
| Brushless DC, 60V Battery L324 (6.0Ah, 324Wh) |
| Bag standard, Mulch standard, Side discharge optional |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| High Wheel, Self-Propelled, SmartStow |
| Residential |
| Personal Pace |
| Push Button Start |
| 60V |
| 324Wh |
| Front 8 in. / 20.3 cm; Rear 10 in. / 25.4 cm |
| Up to 1/2 acre |
Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load.Space savings are in relation to the space consumed by a Toro 21 in. walk power mower that is stored with the handle in the standard operating position.See retailer for warranty details.
Accessories
Chute Assembly (Part # 139-6556)
Striping Kit for Walk-Behind Mowers (Part # 20601)
The Toro Lawn Striping System provides you the ability to easily add professional-looking, ball-park quality stripes and patterns to your lawn, while you mow. Easily attaches to most walk-behind mowers and can be used with and without the bagger attached.
21 in. (53 cm) Power Clear e21 60V Battery Snow Blower Bare Tool (Part # 39901T)
This bare tool snow blower is compatible with Toro Flex-Force 60V batteries (sold separately). Save money by sharing batteries across multiple tools. Why spend more time in the snow and cold than you have to? With the Toro 21 in. Power Clear 60V Max Battery Snow Blower, you can clear a large area lightning-fast. Not only will it keep even the deepest snow flowing and throw it farther, it’s also ready whenever you are, as it starts the first time, every time. The blower is ideal for concrete and asphalt surfaces and can clear an area of 9- to 18-parked-car driveway on average, with 2. 9 in. of snow at a time. Plus, enjoy performance year-round with more products in the Flex-Force battery line, from blowers and string trimmers to mowers and more. And you can rest easy knowing that Toro stands behind this product with a full warranty, not just limited coverage. Count on it. (Battery Not Included)Fold-down handle and chute make storage or transport simple. Storage dimensions: 27.1 in. x 22.4 x 25.4 (68.8 cm x 56.9 cm x 64.5 cm). Backed by Toro’s Two-Year Full Snow Blower Warranty and Three-Year Full Battery Warranty.
Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load.
Smart Stow Cover (Part # 490-2012)
The Toro SmartStow walk power mower cover protects your investment by offering all-season protection. Toro covers are constructed of tough, weather-resistant, tear and abrasion-resistant 600-Denier polyester and will provide years of carefree protection for your mower. Toro covers protect against snow, sun damage, rain, dust, birds, tree sap and more. This cover features an elastic opening to ensure a snug, secure fit.
Small Walk-Behind Mesh Bag (Part # 490-7318)
Use Toro mesh utility bags for personal storage or picking up trash while you mow. Equipped with on/off straps, the bag hangs conveniently behind your lawn mower.
Cover for 20 to 22 Inch Walk-Behind Mowers (Part # 490-7462)
The Toro Walk Power Mower Cover for 20 in. to 22 in. Walk-Behind Mowers offers all-season protection. This cover is constructed from tough, waterproof, tear and abrasion resistant 600-denier polyester.
60V MAX 120 mph Brushless Leaf Blower. Tool Only (Part # 51820T)
Take charge of yard clean-up and big leaf piles with the Toro 605 CFM 60V Max Battery Leaf Blower (Bare Tool only). Charger and battery sold separately). This cordless, 60V leaf blower can clear large piles of leaves in a snap with an impressive 605 CFM of air volume and 120 MPH air speed. Have control at your finger tips with the variable-speed trigger and turbo-boost button. It is easy on the hands with the cruise control feature and ergonomic handle, designed to reduce arm fatigue. Make tasks easier with extended power, run time and product life, thanks to a high-performance brushless DC motor that outperforms brushed motors. With 135 watt-hours, the L135 battery provides up to 90 minutes of run time on low speed. The L135 Smart battery has intelligent software that maximizes run time and performance. Have peace of mind, as Toro stands behind its products with a full warranty, not just limited coverage. Enjoy performance year round with more products in the Flex-Force battery line, from mowers to string trimmers to snowblowers. The industry-leading expert in electric blowers and other outdoor equipment solutions, now offers powerful hand-held products that rival gas-powered products.
Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load. Up to 605 CFM and 120 MPH Max on turbo boost. Performance claims based on controlled laboratory testing. Based on L135 battery, at low speed in controlled laboratory testing of product.
60V MAX 14 in. (35.5 cm) / 16 in. (40.6 cm) Brushless String Trimmer. Tool Only (Part # 51830T)
Take charge of the overgrown grass with the Toro 14 in. / 16 in. 60V Max Battery String Trimmer. This cordless, 60V string trimmer allows you to pick your performance. Maximize run time or performance for the job by adjusting line size and/or cutting length. No spools required. Quick and easy line replacement. Just thread the line and spin the dial. Get more power and longer life out of your trimmer with the high-performance brushless DC motor that outperforms brushed motors. And, it is easy to match the speed to the job with the variable.speed trigger and two speed ranges to choose from. This trimmer is made for tough jobs. You can expect superior durability and performance with more motor torque and a cast aluminum direct-drive head. With 135 watt-hours, the L135 battery (sold separately) provides up to a range of 30 to 50 minutes of run time based on the line settings. The innovative Flex-Force Power System features intelligent software that maximizes run time and performance. Have peace of mind, as Toro stands behind its products with a 3-year limited warranty. Enjoy performance year round with more products in the Flex-Force battery line, from mowers to leaf blowers to snowblowers. The industry-leading expert in outdoor equipment solutions, now offers powerful hand-held products that rival gas-powered products. Choose Toro with confidence to save time, eliminate hassles and have a great-looking yard. Count on it.
Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load. Based on L135 battery, at low speed in controlled laboratory testing of product.
60V MAX Electric Battery 24 in. (60.96 cm) Hedge Trimmer Bare Tool (Part # 51840T)
Spruce up your lawn care routine with the Toro 60V Max Battery 24 in. Hedge Trimmer. It can tackle big jobs in no time with a 24 in. bar and 3/4 in. cut capacity. Get a cleaner, more efficient trim with less vibration with the crisscrossing, scissor-like blades of the dual-action cutting system. The handy handle is comfortable and designed to reduce arm fatigue. Plus, rotate the handle with the push of a button for quick, easy, and comfortable vertical trimming. Cut the cord with runtime up to 75 minutes on a full charge with the L135 battery (battery not included and sold separately). Have peace of mind, as Toro stands behind its products with a 3-year limited warranty. Toro 60V is the one-stop-shop for all-season performance. Universal battery powers all tools in the Flex-Force line, from mowers to string trimmers to snow blowers. Choose Toro with confidence to save time, eliminate hassles, and have a great-looking yard. Count on it.
Buyers Guide: Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
A lawn mower can be a big investment. This buying guide will go over the different types of battery-powered lawn mowers and their specifications to help you make an informed purchase. We’ll also talk about the metrics we used to create this list.
Types of Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
There are many options to consider when purchasing a battery-powered lawn mower. This list has compiled front-runners from three main categories:
Corded Electric Lawn Mowers
The easiest way to get power to any appliance is to plug it into your home’s existing AC power. All you need to run a corded mower is a good extension cord long enough to reach the far corners of your yard.
Corded lawn mowers are better for small yards, as they’re limited in range by a physical tether. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to avoid running over the cord while mowing, which can become annoying over time.
Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
New advances in battery technology have led to reliable cordless mowers that can run for an hour or more on a single charge. Modern batteries are Rapid-charging and easy to swap out, so homeowners can mow larger yards without a gas lawn mower.
Though battery-powered lawn mowers weigh and cost more than corded counterparts, they’re still lighter and less expensive than gasoline-powered machines.
Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
The key feature of a self-propelled mower is that the motor powers the wheels as well as the blade. This allows the operator to walk behind and steer without putting much effort into pushing the machine. Battery-powered self-propelled lawn mowers are more expensive than traditional push mowers, but save a lot of time and exertion.
If you have a larger lawn or can’t manage a heavy mower, self-propelled mowers make lawn care a far easier task.
Electric Riding Mowers
While not common on the market, the demand for electric tractors and riding mowers is increasing as fossil fuels fall out of favor. Using the same technology that has been improving electric vehicles, electric riding mowers can run for two hours or more on a single charge, enough time to tackle large rural lawns.
What to Look for in a Lawn Mower
When researching battery-powered lawn mowers, we used several factors to determine the value of our top picks. Stacking the various features against cost, we focused on four major specs:
Power
Battery-powered mowers are generally measured in volts. Corded electric power is measured in amps.
The higher your engine’s power level, the faster your blade will spin. This means taking on thicker or taller grasses. Low-powered engines may need multiple passes at different cutting heights to accomplish what a high-powered motor can do.
Width
The width of a mower’s cutting deck determines the number of passes you’ll need to make to cover your lawn. A wider deck means a shorter overall task but comes with a major drawback. Wider blades are heavier and require more power to operate. This means wider mowers tend to be more expensive.
If you have a small yard, it may be most cost-effective to spend a few extra minutes working with a smaller machine. If you have intricate landscaping or lots of garden beds, a smaller mower will generally handle curves and corners more efficiently.
Weight
Simply put, a heavier mower is going to take more effort to push. Most motors, especially higher-power engines, get much heavier as they increase in power. Steel parts are more durable than plastic but add to a mower’s overall weight. If you have physical limitations, a heavy mower can be a dealbreaker.
The heaviest mowers, however, are the self-propelled variety. Once you hit the weight threshold that comes with a powered drivetrain, the total weight becomes a less significant factor.
If your yard is large or has lots of hills, consider a lightweight or self-propelled option.
Price
Price is the most important factor in determining an item’s value, as it’s the basis of comparison for all the other stats.
FAQ About Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
What is the best battery-powered lawn mower to buy?
The Greenworks 40V series comes in a variety of deck widths with a fast-charging battery. For most lawns, this option will provide plenty of power at an affordable price. For larger lawns, consider a self-propelled option, like the EGO Power 21-inch mower.
What is the easiest battery-powered lawn mower to push?
Out of the mowers on this list, the lightest weight belongs to the Black Decker 3-in1 string mower. The lightest traditional mower on the list is the SunJoe MJ401C. Self-propelled options like the EGO Power Select Cut mower are heavy but do not require difficult pushing.
How much should I spend on a battery-powered lawn mower?
A Smart buyer can find reliable mowers at any price point. Many of the mowers on this list are under 250 and can run for years with proper care. A lawn care enthusiast or a person with a large, difficult lawn may want to invest more in their yard work tools to save time and effort.
When to Call a Lawn Care Pro
If buying your own mower and taking care of your lawn seems like a daunting task, Lawn Love pros can give your yard a professional manicure at affordable prices. Call 800-706-4117 to see how a professional lawn care crew can take the hassle out of maintaining a beautiful landscape.
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
Main Photo Credit: iStock photo with text overlay
Why Buy a Battery-Powered Lawn Mower?
The best battery-powered lawn mower for you should get your lawn cut on one charge. No matter which model that is, they all share some common characteristics. There are no gas emissions and no gas engine to maintain. You still need to clean it off when you’re done, but the maintenance is much easier and takes less time.
They’re also quieter. The early bird gets the worm and if you want to start mowing at 7:00 on Saturday morning, your neighbors can probably sleep through it. of a night owl? Many battery-powered mowers have headlights, and you’re unlikely to disturb your neighbor’s Lord of the Rings marathon at 10:00 PM.
Those are some of the more obvious reasons, but one of our favorites is the ability to put the battery in and mow. There’s no cranking, no choke, and no fuel cut-off valve. As long as you have enough batteries to get the entire lawn cut, it’s an easier system to work with than gas.
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Overall
Pro Pick: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The Milwaukee lawn mower simply prioritizes power above all. With a full 10 ft-lbs of torque (roughly exceeding a 200cc gas engine), the M18 Fuel self-propelled lawn mower can start up while nearly buried in grass. It is the strongest battery-powered walk-behind we’ve had our hands on for testing to date. It runs off a pair of 12.0Ah batteries, running as much as 60 minutes in light conditions. We clocked over 40 minutes when doing some major grass-cutting (removing 4 – 6 inches of growth).
With that said, the mower doesn’t come without some glitches. The drive bar introduces some thumb fatigue, for example. In the end, we found we could adjust our natural grip to overcome most of the strain when mowing for extended periods of time.
Milwaukee Tool designed this mower to handle professional use while offering the convenience of single-point height adjustments and vertical storage.
Price: 999 for the kit with two 12.0Ah batteries and a dual-port Rapid charger
Residential Pick: EGO 56V Select Cut XP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The EGO Select Cut XP Mower built upon the original EGO Select Cut mower—an instant favorite of ours with its stacked-blade system and solid performance level to go with its excellent cut quality. EGO stepped it up with the release of the Select Cut XP, taking everything we already loved and stepping up the torque to 8.3 ft-lbs. It can still use some help on the side/rear discharge, but if you bag or mulch like most people, it’s tough to find a better mower to maintain your lawn.
Price: 549 bare, 799 with a 10.0Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Self-Propelled Battery-Powered Lawn Mower
As self-propelled models, our recommendations from Milwaukee and EGO top the charts in this category, too. Here are two more outstanding options for you.
Pro Pick: Makita ConnectX 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
One of the biggest challenges with any battery-powered lawn mower is runtime. Makita put that problem squarely in its crosshairs and developed the ConnectX system. Unlike other designs, the 1200Wh power supply attaches directly to the top of the mower, offering more than 3x the capacity of most cordless mowers and running up to 3 hours continuously.
Similar to the 18V X2 (36V) XML08, the mower tops out at 2800 RPM with a 2300 RPM Quiet Mode and has a true 21-inch steel deck.
Price: 999.00 bare, ~1399.00 power supply (2348.00 for both)
Residential Pick: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless CrossCut 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Ryobi crushed it with the development of the 40V HP Brushless CrossCut self-propelled lawn mower, making huge strides over its previous generation of mowers. Matching up very well against EGO’s Select Cut XP, it’s a stacked blade design that offers excellent power and cut quality. Where it has a clear advantage over its competitors is on the side discharge. This mower distributes clippings far better than other battery-powered lawn mowers we’ve tested. Plus, Ryobi builds this mower in the US using global materials, and the kit is typically priced less than the EGO Select Cut XP mower.
Price: 749 with two 6.0Ah batteries and a Rapid charger
Best Battery-Powered Commercial Lawn Mower
Milwaukee and Makita both earned our recommendations as the top overall battery-powered lawn mowers on the commercial side. Greenworks Commercial is another brand worth considering thanks to improvements in its 25-inch model heading into the year.
Greenworks Commercial 82V 25-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The big deal for Greenworks Commercial is an improvement in power. The 25-inch mower now has the performance equivalent to a 160cc gas engine. Aside from that and a change in the color scheme, it’s still very similar to the previous version with side-by-side blades that overlap to cover a larger area without losing a ton of battery efficiency.
The entire Greenworks Commercial line got an overhaul coming into this year with tools that are lighter and higher performing, making it one of the emerging systems to keep an eye on as more areas of the country shift to battery power.
Best Cordless Push Lawn Mower
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless CrossCut 21-Inch Push Lawn Mower
If you don’t want a self-propelled drive system or you’re looking to save a little money, you can get a quality push mower with similar performance and features to the top models we already mentioned. Of those options, Ryobi’s CrossCut is our pick as the best battery-powered push mower. Essentially, it just removes the drive system and keeps the performance, cut quality, and other features, along with its US-built designation.
Price: 599.00 with a 7.5Ah battery and Rapid charger
Best Cordless Mower for Small Lawns
Skil PWRCore 20 18-inch Lawn Mower
The joy of a small lawn is that it doesn’t take long to cut and you can go with a smaller mower that takes up less space. A 17 or 18-inch deck is great for that kind of lawn. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice all the features of larger mowers to get.
Our top pick is the Skil PWRCore 20 18-inch lawn mower. It has the benefits of a brushless motor, folds up for vertical storage, and its 20V batteries are compatible with Skil’s entire line of PWRCore 20 lawn and power tools.
Price: 299 with two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger.
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower for Large Lawns
Greenworks Pro 60V 25-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
In our testing, the Greenworks Commercial 25-inch mower earned our pick as the best battery-powered lawn mower for large lawns. Currently, no one else comes close to its 25-inch cutting width in a walk-behind. With the pair of 4.0Ah batteries in the kit, we were able to cut for over an hour, easily covering a 1/2-acre. With a 599.00 price tag when you buy direct from Greenworks, it’s an excellent value, too!
Once you get close to 3/4 of an acre, you might want to consider a battery-powered riding mower.
How Do You Charge Your Lawn Mower Battery?
To charge your lawn mower battery, you need to first of all follow safety protocols; you should check for possible damage, look for the battery in the mower, connect the cables, allow the battery to rest, disconnect the charger, and reinstall the battery when you are done.
– Follow Safety Protocols
This includes using the correct tools, equipment, and machine aside from wearing personal protective clothing.
As much as possible, read through the owner’s manual for the specifics on charging the batteries of your lawn mower unit.
– Check for Possible Damage
Inspect your lawn mower for signs of damage, such as loose wires, leaks, and other concerns. This will help you anticipate any possible issues.
– Look for the Battery
The location of the battery is entirely dependent on the make and model of the lawn mower.
Although, most have their batteries hidden under the seat. The user’s manual will help you locate the battery quickly. Avoid charging bloated batteries as it can catch fire or explode.
– Connect the Cables
Once the battery has been found, look for the red charge cable first and connect it to the positive battery terminal. Next, the black cable should be connected to the negative battery terminal.
This will start the charging process. Do not switch the order of the red and black cable connection to prevent any malfunction.
– Allow the Battery To Rest Before Disconnection
Lead acid batteries usually produce gases while charging and these gases can damage you or your mower. Once charged, wait around five minutes for the gases to disperse, and then detach the charger cables.
For lawn mowers with lithium-ion batteries, this step can be disregarded.
– Disconnect the Charger
To safely unplug the charger from the wall socket. disconnect the black or negative charger cable first. Next, disconnect the red or positive charger cable from the battery.
– Reinstall the Battery
Place the battery in the allocated housing of the lawn mower. Connect the positive terminal first before the negative.
– Maintain the Overall Health of Your Lawn Mower Battery
You can maintain the overall health of your lawn mower battery by always using them as specified, matching the battery to the correct charger, and not overcharging them. The batteries found in your lawn mower can vary, especially when you compare old ones versus new ones.
Here are some tips for you to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Start a Lawn Mower While You Are Charging the Battery?
Yes, you can start a lawn mower while charging its battery. Simply connect the positive charger cables to the terminal to operate your mower with the correct amount of power. This is not advisable though, and under this condition, you should always practice safety precautions.
How Often Should You Charge Your Lawn Mower Battery?
How often you should charge your lawn mower battery is dependent on a couple of things – however the norm is at least once monthly – it depends largely on the model you have and the manufacturer’s recommendation. The instruction for charging frequency should be included in the owner’s manual.
The summer months may require more charges due to the frequency of use. For the winter months, the general recommendation is at least once a week.
Conclusion
Sometimes we wonder how long it take to charge a lawn mower battery that we can become paralyzed by the lack of information. Based on what we know, charging times are easier to estimate and anticipate. Let’s recap everything:
steps to charge your lawn mower battery
A trickle charger makes it easy to keep your lawn mower battery ready. It charges lead-acid batteries for days at a time to protect the battery’s lifespan. You could leave your lead-acid lawn mower battery on the charger all winter long if it has a float setting. The charger will top off its charge for months and keep it from losing power while it sits on the shelf.
A Smart charger will recharge a lawn mower battery in hours. Adjust the voltage and amp settings if you’re charging a 6-volt lawn mower battery instead of a 12-volt one.
Want to protect your lead-acid lawn mower battery? Keep it 100 percent charged.
Want to protect your lithium-ion lawn mower battery? Leave it 70 percent to 80 percent charged while in storage. Being fully charged or totally depleted hurts lithium-ion batteries. Check the manual for charging instructions.
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We’re the reason the grass is greener. Pick up an Interstate lawn garden battery to power up your lawn mower, clipper or tree trimmer.
The nice part is you can just recharge your lithium-ion lawn mower if it doesn’t start. You’ll never need to jump-start a riding lawn mower with a lithium-ion battery.
Now, you can jump a lawn mower if it has a lead-acid battery. Here’s how.
How you can safely jump-start your lawn mower battery with your car
You can jump your lawn mower with your car. It’s the same steps as a regular jump-start — with three big differences.
- Turn off the car before connecting cables to your lawn mower. The car’s alternator generates too many amps and can damage the mower’s parts, including the battery. Never jump-start a lawn mower battery from a running car. Don’t even leave the key in the ignition.
- Protect the positive cable from touching anything but the battery terminals in the car and mower. The positive cable is usually the red one. You’ll connect it first to the mower, then the car. Otherwise you could damage your car battery.
- Run the mower for at least two hours after disconnecting the cables. John Deere, Ryobi, Cub Cadet — all gas-powered riding lawn mowers have an alternator. Mowing will charge their starting battery.
Jump-starting should be the last resort. Wait if you can. Connect your lawn mower’s battery to a charger. Then do a different home project with your other power tools.
Time to talk about your other power tools.
Tips to make your power tool battery last longer
Take care of your power tool batteries, and your tools will be ready any time you need them.
Power tools run on three different types of batteries:
- Nickel cadmium or NiCd batteries
- Nickel-metal hydride or NiMH batteries
- Lithium-based, including lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries
Now, each battery type needs different care. It’s easy to assume one tip for one battery type will work for all batteries. The truth is each battery type needs something different.
Attention! This is not a drill!
Is your cordless drill is turning into a screwdriver? Don’t toss your power tool. Let’s rebuild its battery instead. Available at select Interstate All Battery Center locations, we put the power back in your power tools.
You might be reaching for a screwdriver sooner than you expect if you give your cordless drill the wrong kind of TLC.
The right way to care for your NiCd battery
A NiCd battery needs to be run hard. Charge it up and drain it to zero percent every month or two. Then store your NiCd battery when it’s fully drained.
NiCd batteries are one of the few types that like being stored on empty. They also drain themselves quickly when they’re not in use. Don’t bother recharging it if you only used it for two minutes.
Fast charging doesn’t stress a NiCd battery. So put it on the charger right before you run your leaf blower or cordless sander. Then use every bit of energy before putting it back.
Sitting on a charger can damage a NiCd battery. Its insides can crystalize and resist turning back into electricity. That might be why your NiCd battery doesn’t last as long as it used to. A pulse charger can heal your NiCd batteries if you’ve kept it charged too long. You might not get the battery back to perfect health, though.
Instead, keep fast-charging your NiCd battery and draining it to zero.
Exercising it protects the material and gives your cordless power tool batteries a much longer lifespan.
The right way to care for your NiMH battery
A NiMH battery needs to stay out of the heat, to charge with its original charger and to be drained to zero percent every few months.
If you’re using your power drill for a few hours every day, a NiMH battery is perfect. NiMH batteries are handy for power tools. They weigh less, carry more power and last longer between charges than a NiCd battery.
They don’t do well in storage. NiMH batteries will drain themselves. It’s not as quick as a NiCd battery. All the same, you’ll want to use your NiMH-powered drill every other day to get the most life from the battery.
Recharging NiMH batteries uses a special algorithm. Don’t use a NiCd charger on a NiMH battery. It can hurt the battery’s lifespan if not overcharge it. Keep the charger that came with the power tool. You can replace it, but make sure it’s specifically made for NiMH batteries.
Mow power to your lawn mower and weed whacker battery
You just jumped your riding lawn mower? Might be time for a new battery. Go for lawn garden batteries and power tool rebuilds, available at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
NiMH batteries struggle with heat. That’s a problem because a NiMH battery will heat up as it runs power or charges. Be gentle with it. Take it off the charger early if the case feels warm. Also, let it cool down before you recharge after it charges.
You can expect a long, full life out of your NiMH battery by keeping it in use and near its original charger.
The right way to care for your Li-ion battery
Lithium-ion batteries weigh the least and offer the longest life overall, but they’re sensitive to getting dropped, overheated or overcharged. How you protect your phone battery would work on your lithium-ion power drill:
The way to take care of your lithium-ion battery is to charge it before it drops to 20 percent. Keep it charged between 40 percent and 80 percent. You can top it up to 100 percent before you sand the deck or trim the hedges. Just don’t leave it fully charged.
Staying at 100 percent corrodes the active materials, which means the battery can’t hold as much electricity as before. The same happens if it ever drains to zero, but faster. Check the power level while you work. Stop and recharge it if you’re close to 25 percent left.
Take care of your lithium-ion battery, and it’ll keep powering on.
Leaving your power tools on the charger does not help the battery.
Trying to charge a battery that’s already full can damage it. Most battery chargers will stop charging if the battery is full.
The built-in protection means it should be safe to leave it on the charger, right? Not quite.
Only lead-acid batteries like to stay fully charged. The other battery types need exercise. They’ll drain themselves, even if sitting on a shelf. That’s okay, depending on the battery type. All battery types need exercise. Leaving them on the charger robs batteries of that exercise.
A battery on the charger will go through short run-and-recharge cycles. It’ll drain to 99 percent, recharge, drain again and recharge again. Those short cycles hurt most batteries. Instead, your power tool batteries need to keep the electrons flowing.
Consider it another good reason to do those house projects today.
Revive your power tools.
All rechargeable batteries wear down. But you don’t have to throw out your favorite tool! Rebuild its battery at select Interstate All Battery Center locations.