Riding mower battery amps. How Long Does It Take To Charge A Lawn Mower Battery

How Long Does It Take To Charge A Lawn Mower Battery?

Do you know how long it takes to charge a lawn mower battery in 2022? Well, you will find out in this article today.

Gas and push-powered lawn mowers, being the only option for a while, have come quite a long way. Mowers powered by gas have evolved in recent times, and so have their battery-powered counterparts which are growing in leaps and bounds.

Several devices such as lawnmowers, trimmers, tillers, weed whackers, and chain saws, which used to be mainly gas-powered, now come with battery power options.

And the merits are there for everyone to see; because not only are battery-powered lawnmowers cost-effective, but they are also easy to maintain. So, if you have a battery-powered lawnmower or are planning to purchase one, you are really in for a great time.

One important question that may be on your mind regarding a battery-powered lawnmower is “how long does it take to charge a lawnmower battery?” Overcharging, just like undercharging, is one of the surefire ways to destroy your lawnmower battery. And since the efficiency is directly dependent on the battery, you cannot afford to take chances, as far as charging the battery is concerned.

You need to know some basic maintenance tips to preserve your battery life, and don’t bother yourself, because, in this piece of content, we have explained every single detail you need to know about your lawnmower battery. Let’s go!

Lawnmower Battery Charging Times

The outset of summer comes with a need to get your lawnmower out, so your yard can be kept properly manicured. If your mower was stored throughout the colder months, chances are that the battery would have drained, and you want to get the battery charged throughout the season so that you can finally run your mower on the lawn.

A regular lawnmower that is fully charged will last for an average of one hour. Charging a lawnmower fully, especially with a trickle charge, is more time-consuming, but will downturn the battery’s charging frequency, and will ultimately enhance its health.

Looking after your lawnmower’s battery will maintain its life, but there are several factors involved in charging it. Consideration of your lawnmower’s battery, you must realize, is as important as that of the lawnmower itself.

The next section of this article talks about the things that affect your lawnmower charging time.

What Affects My Lawn Mower Battery Charging Times?

3 important things can interfere with your lawnmower’s battery charging times;

• The voltage of the battery
• The required amps to get it charged
• How often do you use it

These 3 things will affect how long you need to charge your battery. To have a better understanding of your battery, and the way it charges, you need to know how voltage and amperage work.

The Battery’s Voltage

Every battery comes with two terminals; positive and negative electrical charges. The voltage is the difference between the potentials of the two terminals.

The voltage your lawnmower’s battery dissipates will affect how long it has to charge, and how long it stays on in between charges. Your lawnmower battery’s voltage is dependent on the following three (3) factors;

• The size of your mower
• Your mower’s production date
• How often do you use your mower

Eighty percent of lawnmowers use a 12-volt battery. This voltage is ideal for lawnmowers because it can get the machine working while forestalling the occurrence of shocks to the owner, and it can last for some hours of use.

Lawnmowers whose production dates as far back as 1980 will probably utilize a 6 voltage battery, and that has a briefer charge and usage time.

Does Voltage Affect Charging Time?

Are you asking if voltage affects charging time? Yes, it does. Here’s why and how; your mower battery’s charging time depends directly on the voltage, and for every voltage, you have to charge the battery steadily to keep it healthy and efficient.

If you like your battery to last longer, overheating and overcharging are two danger zones you should strongly avoid. Here is where trickle-charging your battery comes into play; it enhances your battery life while also sliming the tendency of your battery to overheat, and overcharge.

While a 6-volt battery can take up to close to six hours to charge, a 12-volt battery can take up to 12 hours to charge, all depending on how much it has been consumed in between charges.

What Role Does The Amperage Play In Charging?

Another key factor involved in your lawnmower’s battery charging time is its amperage. What is amperage? It is the intensity of the currents measured in amperes, which is also known as “amps”. What the amps do is, measures the current that charges the lawnmower’s battery.

The typical charger for your lawnmower’s battery comes with a current of roughly 10 amps. This being a lower current, your battery will take longer to charge, compared to a higher current. But there’s a reason this current is recommended; to protect your battery life.

Some chargers will charge your lawnmower battery at a current of 20 amps, which will reduce its charging time. The con of output as large as this is; that it can damage the battery, especially if it goes through regular use.

7 amps current or less is easily the best; of course, your battery will take longer to charge, but will, at least, be able to last long.

If you are charging your battery at 6 or 7 amps, you should be able to use it within one hour. To increase or decrease the current will be to extend your battery’s charging time.

Do you see why a 7 amps charger is the best? Not only does it aid your battery’s life by down-turning the current, but it also gives it a faster charge time than lower amperes.

The Frequency Of Use

How often you operate your lawnmower can directly affect the duration your battery needs to charge. While your battery may stay charged while in storage, there is a counter tendency for it to drain, even though it is not necessarily in use. If you did not use your lawnmower all winter, chances are that you may not be able to power it immediately.

Some battery drainages are not out of place, especially if it is not connected to major issues such as;

• Leaving the mower powered
• Keeping keys in the ignition
• Age-related current draw

If you leave your mower keys in the ignition, you could run the risk of forgetting to turn the mower off, and the mower can also be left in standby mode. What you would be doing, in this case, is channeling extra power away while you think it is stored.

One way to avoid this is by double-checking to ensure that the keys are off the ignition, after using the lawnmower. Another thing you may want to confirm is that there is no unneeded current draw when the lawnmower is deactivated, as older batteries tend to lose charges pretty much faster.

If your battery consistently drains quite quickly, you might want to consider getting a replacement. A working battery will conserve most of its charge, and without an occurrence of excessive leakage. The more your lawnmower leaks, the terrible the battery’s condition becomes.

The Lawnmower’s Run Time

There is a cordial relationship between how long your lawnmower stays on, and how frequently your battery needs to charge. Batteries with larger capacities take longer to charge but can run in between charges. Your lawnmower’s battery run time is intimately connected to both the age and voltage.

Charging a lawnmower battery full will take longer than charging it for one-off use. The higher the battery’s voltage, the longer it takes to get it charged to its full capacity.

It is why the 12-volt battery is the cream of the crop for ninety percent of all lawnmowers. And here is what it does; it offers a fantastic balance between how long it runs, and how long it charges. You won’t spend as much time charging it, as you will, using it.

Why Is My Lawnmower Battery Life Draining?

Did you notice your lawnmower’s battery life draining of late, and are wondering just what could be wrong? Here is it.

Your battery’s life can remain draining, especially if there is a faulty battery connection due to poor or corroded terminals, and loose cables. Other causes of draining are, leaving your ignition key on, and a faulty charging system; all of which can impair your battery’s life.

How Can I Make My Lawnmower Battery Long-Lasting?

Here is a fun fact about lawnmower batteries; they can last for as long as possible, and do not take lots of maintenance to be durable. Highlighted below are 3 things you want to keep in mind if you want your lawnmower battery to last pretty long:

• Switch it properly
• Use the recommended voltage for your lawnmower
• Keep it away from corroded substances and materials

To get your battery properly charged, using a lower amperage is better. It is safest to charge the battery at seven (7) amps, and if you want to increase your battery life much more, you can go for lower amps.

A higher amperage can, of course, charge your battery faster, but you cannot afford the serious damages it will do to it. Hence, resist the urge to go beyond 7 amps.

Another thing you want to be sure of is your battery’s voltage, and if it is precise for your lawnmower’s use. It is wise to make use of the battery recommended by your lawnmower’s manufacturer. Most lawn mowers function on a 12-volt battery, though.

To keep your lawnmower’s battery in use, you want to keep it away from corrosion and corroded materials. All that is needed to corrode a battery, and consequently terminate its life, if caution is not taken is; the combination of the gases from the battery and high temperatures. But there’s a way out; you can get rid of corrosion by simply applying a wire brush to the affected parts.

Can Your Lawnmower’s Condition Affect The Battery Life?

Yes, it can. Taking proper care of your lawn has a positive influence on your battery. And how do you take proper care of your lawnmower? By running a regular check-up on the engine, and the blades, and keeping an eye out on the battery condition itself.

What you would be doing by taking care of the whole machine is, extending your lawnmower’s battery life, while also sparing yourself the dollars you could have spent on repair or a replacement.

Highlighted below are some of the tips you need to care for your lawnmower, and by extension, its battery life;

• Keep your blade sharp
• Keep your lawnmower properly as the weather demands
• Do not mow wet grass
• Do not run over big debris in your yard

How Trickle Chargers Work

A trickle charger is an awesome alternative to regular chargers, which will deliver a current of up to 10 amps to the battery. As for trickle chargers, they will charge your battery very slowly, but will protect it in 3 ways;

• Preventing overcharging
• Disallowing the battery from draining
• Protecting the battery from temperature and sulfate hazards

These kinds of chargers deliver 1-3 amps to your 6/12 volt lawnmower battery and are mostly automatic. As soon as you attach the charger, it will pick your battery’s voltage and charge level to maintain it.

The charger will, from there, take care of the battery. To charge your lawnmower battery full will take close to 24 hours on a trickle charger.

Bottom Line

Everything begins to change the moment you understand that the condition of your lawnmower can make or mar the battery life. One important way to maintain this battery is by charging it.

And here is where basic tools like trickle chargers come into play. All you have to do is connect it, and it does the rest of the work for you.

If you want to know how long charging your lawnmower battery will take, simply read through this article. Cheers.

How to Test a Lawnmower Battery: a Step-by-Step Guide

Most gasoline walk behind lawnmowers don’t need batteries to start and operate, but riding lawnmowers, on the other hand, require a battery to start them up and run different electric-powered accessories such as headlights, etc. While lawnmower batteries typically last up to 3 years, you might end up with a weak or dead battery if you do not maintain them properly. So if your riding lawn mower or lawn tractor is having difficulties when starting or doesn’t start at all, then there is something wrong with the starting system or the battery charging system, and a good place to start troubleshooting is by testing the battery to see if it is functioning well or not.

How to test a lawnmower battery? Here is how you can do it.

You can use a device called a multimeter to test if your lawnmower battery has gone bad or not. Connect the multimeter to the battery, and if the multimeter shows less than 12 volts, it is time to replace the battery. A healthy battery should show 12 volts or more. If your battery has damage such as cracks, bumps, leaks, or broken terminals, you should also replace it.

If you have been using the same battery in your lawnmower for more than 3 to 5 years then it normally has reached the end of its useful lifespan as well.

If the battery is new and you are experiencing starting issues or if the battery is discharging too quickly then you can test it by following some simple steps explained in this article so keep reading.

Testing a Lawn Mower Battery

There are two ways you can test a lawnmower battery and you can use either one of these methods or a combination of both for testing your lawnmower’s battery. These two battery testing methods are:

• Multimeter testing of the battery
• Visual inspection of the battery

You can perform both of these tests when trying to determine if your lawnmower’s battery is the reason behind the starting issues or not.

Testing a Lawnmower Battery using a Multimeter (Step by Step)

• Step 1: Locate the battery: Before you start the testing process, you have to locate your lawnmower battery. The best way to do this is by checking the user manual of your lawnmower to find out the exact location of the battery. Usually, riding mowers have the battery secured under the seat, and to access the battery, you have to remove the seat. Or another common place where your riding lawnmower’s battery might be located is inside the hood or engine cover of your mower, behind the engine, and you can easily access it by opening the hood of your mower.

• Step 2: Turn the switch: Turn the ignition switch to an on position and switch on the lights of your riding lawnmower without starting the engine up. Doing this will get rid of any surface charge that the battery might hold, and you will get a more accurate reading just by leaving the lights of the mower on for one minute before connecting the multimeter.

Note: If your lawnmower’s headlight is dim when turned on without starting the engine, then it means the battery is already low on charge, and you can connect the multimeter without doing this step.

• Step 3: Set the multimeter: Set the multimeter to a 12-volt setting since most of the riding lawnmower batteries are 12-volt batteries. But it is a good idea to check the user manual and the battery label to make sure the battery of your lawnmower is a 12-volt battery since some mowers might have a 6-volt battery instead of a 12volts. In the case of a 6-volt battery, you will have to set the multimeter to the 6-volt setting before connecting it to the battery.

4) The low water level in the battery: Flooded batteries are still used in many lawnmowers. These types of batteries require you to maintain a certain level of water by regularly adding distilled water to them. There is a water level indicator on the side of the battery, and if you gently move the battery, you can clearly see if the water levels are at the recommended level or not. If the water levels have been low for a long time, it causes an increase in the acid concentration and reduces the ability of the battery to charge itself and hold the charge for normal periods. If you notice that the water level is lower than normal or worse, the battery is completely dry. You will have to refill the battery with distilled water and allow it to trickle charge by connecting it with a battery charger for up to 8 hours. If the battery is not charging after adding water and charging, it might be permanently damaged due to being used with a low water level and replacement.

5) Testing the battery under load: The most effective way to test the health of your lawnmower battery is by testing it under a load to see if the battery can maintain its voltage when a load is applied to it. Normally a mechanic will use a battery load tester to apply a load to the battery to see how it performs under load. Still, you can do a simple load test yourself using the headlights of the lawnmower as a load to check the battery’s health. To perform this simple visual load test, you will need to follow the following steps:

• Step 1. Turn the ignition key to “on” position without firing up the engine of the lawnmower to allow the headlights of the mower to be turned on.

Note: It is best to do this test at night to be able to see if the headlights dim significantly or not clearly. You can also ask someone to start the engine of the mower while you stand in front of the mower to make sure that you notice any change in the brightness of the headlights.

• Step 2. Now turn the lawnmower’s engine on and notice any change in the brightness of the headlights. It is normal for the headlights to dim momentarily when you start the engine since the starter uses a significant amount of current to start up the engine. But if the headlights dim or completely turn off, then it is an indicator that the lawnmower battery is weak and it doesn’t have enough current.

Note: If you notice that the lawnmower’s engine is not starting when the headlights are turned on then it is also an indicator that the battery of your mower doesn’t have enough power to handle the load of the headlights and the starter at the same time which is also a sign of a weak battery.

How to charge a lawnmower battery?

It is not uncommon for the lawnmower battery to go dead if the lawnmower hasn’t been used for more than a few weeks but luckily, most of the time, simply charging a dead battery brings it right back to life. Or, if you are going to store your mower for the winter season, then it is a good idea to connect the battery to a Smart charger which will keep it charged and healthy throughout the winter and prevent it from going bad while it stays unused while the mower is stored. Either way, you will have to charge your lawnmower battery at some point, and here is how you can do it the proper way:

• Step 1: Find a suitable charger: You will require a good quality Smart charger in order to charge a dead battery or to store the battery during winters. The reason why a modern 12-volt Smart charger is a better choice is that it can automatically detect the state of the battery whether it is dead or requires a trickle charge and adjusts its voltage according to the condition of the battery. With an old battery charger, you run the risk of overcharging and damaging the battery because unlike modern Smart chargers these older chargers don’t automatically stop charging when the battery is full. With a fully automatic Smart battery charger, you can leave the battery connected for as long as you want because it will automatically charge the battery when needed and stop charging when it is full.

• Step 2. Remove the battery’s connections: You can charge the battery of your lawnmower while it is installed inside the lawnmower if you have a socket near the lawnmower to plug in the battery charger. But if you don’t have a socket nearby you will have to remove the battery and connect it with a charger where the socket is available. In order to remove the battery, you will have to remove the battery terminals using a small wrench and you should always remove the negative terminal first and then remove the positive one. After you have removed both terminals from the battery undo the strap that holds the battery in place and you can use the built-in handles to lift and remove the battery.
• Step 3: Clean the terminals: Ensure that the battery’s terminal posts are clean before you connect the battery charger to the battery. If you notice debris or corrosion on the terminal, you can use baking soda and distilled water to clean the terminals and remove corrosion. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to one tablespoon of water and mix the baking soda properly with water until it becomes thick. Now get some of this mixture on a cloth and rub it on the terminals of the battery and leave it on for a few minutes so that all the corrosion and dirt can be loosened up. Wipe off any loose dirt and corrosion and use small amounts of clean distilled water to rinse off both of the terminals.

Note: Make sure you apply the baking soda cleaning agent to only the terminals and avoid getting it on other parts of the battery to prevent the baking soda from getting into the battery.

• Step 4: Connect the charger cables: Now you are ready to connect the battery charger to the battery but first, make sure that the battery charger is unplugged from the power socket before you connect the battery to it. When connecting the battery charger to the battery you have to connect the positive cable of the charger to the positive terminal first and then connect the negative cable to the negative terminal.

• Step 5: Power the charger: Now plug the battery charger into the power outlet. The Smart charger will confirm that the connection is good, and it will automatically start charging the battery. Once the battery is full it will be indicated as full. If you connect the battery to the charger for winter storage, make sure you leave the battery in a dry place.

How to jump-start a lawnmower battery?

If your lawnmower battery has died far away from any power socket or if the battery charger is not available the best way to get the lawnmower going is by jumpstarting it so that you can ride it back to the shed. In order to jump-start a lawnmower, you will need a car with a fully charged 12-volt battery and jumper cables.

• Step 1: Gain access to the battery: Access the battery of your lawnmower by removing the seat or the lawnmower’s hood to access the dead battery. You will have to connect one end of the positive jumper cable indicated by red color to the car battery’s positive terminal and then connect the other end to the positive terminal of a dead battery. Similarly, you will first have to connect one end of the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal of the car battery and then connect the other end of the negative jumper cable to the lawnmower frame. Make sure you don’t attach the negative terminal to any painted part of the body of the lawnmower, and the negative jumper cable is attached to the frame of the mower in the area away from the fuel tank.

Note: It is important to connect the positive terminals of both batteries first before connecting the negative terminals to avoid causing any damage to the electronic components of the lawnmower and the vehicle.

• Step 2. Once you have connected the jumper cables using the method explained above start the lawnmower engine and it should start without a problem. Make sure that the car is turned off when you are starting the lawnmower engine while the battery of the car is connected to the lawnmower.

Note: Keep the blades of the lawnmower in off position to allow the engine of the lawnmower to turn on using as little current as possible. Also, make sure that that the headlights of the lawnmower are turned off before you jump start it.

• Step 3. When you have the lawnmower running, remove the jumper cables in the exact opposite order to when you connected them. For example, remove the negative jumper cable from the negative terminal of the lawnmower frame first, and then remove the negative jumper cable from the negative terminal of the car battery. Similarly, you will have to remove the positive jumper cable from the positive terminal of the mower battery first and then from the car battery’s positive terminal.

• Step 4. Close the hood of the lawnmower and the car, and if you had to remove the seat of your lawnmower to access the battery, fasten it in place before riding the mower.

Keep in mind that you can only jump-start a 12-volt mower battery because the car battery will always be a 12 volt one. So if you have a 6-volt battery in your lawnmower, you cannot jump-start it, and your only option is to connect it to the battery charger to charge it. Therefore it is important to make sure your lawnmower has a 12-volt battery and if you are unsure, refer to the user manual of your lawnmower to confirm this. Once you have jump-started the lawnmower, ride it to your garage, where you can connect the battery to a battery charger because a battery that has been dead will require a full charge before it can be used again.

You can also use a portable jump-starting power bank to jump-start your lawnmower’s dead battery if you don’t have a car available. When connecting the portable jump starter to the battery, connect the positive cable of the portable jump starter to the positive terminal before connecting the negative cable to the negative one. Then turn on the portable jump starter and turn on the mower engine as well before removing the cables of the jump starter in the opposite order to when you put them on.

Final Remarks

It is a good idea to test a lawnmower’s battery at the start of every mowing season to ensure that it is in good shape so that you don’t run into any battery-related issues. If a lawnmower battery is discharging quickly and dying even after connecting it to the battery charger multiple times, then it means it has lost its ability to hold the charge, and it is best to get a brand new battery for your lawnmower. When getting the new lawnmower battery, make sure that it will fit your lawnmower’s battery mount, and its specifications match the recommended specifications provided in your lawnmower’s manual. Keeping an eye on your lawnmower battery’s condition saves you a lot of trouble from a weak or dead battery.

Lawn Mower Battery Charging Times Explained

The start of summer means that it is time to bring out your lawn mower to keep your yard well manicured. If your mower was in storage during the colder months, the battery could have drained, and you will want to keep the battery charged throughout the season so that you are prepared to mow your lawn.

A fully charged lawn mower battery will typically last one hour. Fully charging a lawn mower battery, especially with a trickle charge, will take more time, but will reduce the frequency with which the battery needs to be charged and improve your battery’s health.

Taking care of your lawn mower’s battery will maintain its longevity, however, there are many factors that go into charging your lawn mower. Not only will you need to consider the health of the battery, but the health of the lawn mower as well.

In this article, we will explain what affects your lawn mower charging time.

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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.

What Affects Lawn Mower Battery Charging Times?

The voltage of the battery, the amps needed to charge it, and how often you use will affect how long you need to charge your lawn mower battery. It’s important to understand voltage and amperage to better understand your battery and how it charges.

The Voltage of the Battery

A battery has a positive and negative electrical charge to it, and the difference in the potential of these terminals is the battery’s voltage. The voltage you use in your lawn mower’s battery will impact how long it takes to charge and how long it will last in between charges.

The voltage of your lawn mower’s battery will depend on these factors:

Lawn mowers produced in the 1980s will most likely use a 6-volt battery, which has a shorter charge and usage time.

How Voltage Affects Charging Time

The time it takes to charge your battery depends on the voltage, and for all voltages, you need to charge the battery slowly to keep it safe and efficient. You can make your battery last longer when you avoid overheating and overcharging it.

This is why you should trickle charge your battery, as this improves the longevity of the battery while reducing the likelihood the battery will overheat and overcharge.

Depending on how much it has been used in between charges, a 6-volt battery can take up to 6 hours to charge and a 12-volt battery can take up to 12 hours to charge.

The Amperage Used in Charging

Another major factor in your lawn mower’s battery charging time is the amperage. Amperage is the strength of the currents measured in amperes, which are also called “amps.” The amps measure the current that charges the lawn mower’s battery.

The average charger for your lawn mower’s battery will have a current of up to 10 amps. This is a lower current, so it will take your battery longer to charge than a higher current.

This current is recommended because it protects the life of the battery. Some chargers can charge your lawn mower battery at a current of 20 amps, and this will reduce the charging time.

While this output is larger, it can unfortunately damage the battery, especially if it is used regularly. It is much better to use a current of 7 amps or less. It will take longer to charge, but it will also allow your battery to last longer.

When charging your battery at 6 or 7 amps, you should be able to use your battery within an hour. Raising or lowering the current will shorten or lengthen your charging time.

This is why a charger with a current of 7 amps is the best because it benefits your battery’s life by reducing the current while also having a speedier charge time than lower amps.

The Frequency of Use

How often you use your lawn mower can be an unexpected factor in how long your battery needs to charge.

You might expect your lawn mower to stay charged while in storage, however, the battery can drain, even if you are not using it. If your lawn mower has not been used all winter, you might not be able to turn it on right away.

Some drainage can be normal for a lawn mower battery, but make sure that there are not any major issues, like:

If you leave the keys in the ignition, you could forget to turn the mower off or your mower could be staying in standby mode. This means that you could be draining extra power when you might think it is stowed away.

Always double-check to make sure that the keys are not left in the ignition after using a lawn mower. You also might want to check that there is not an unnecessary current draw when the lawn mower is turned off. Batteries that are older will lose a charge much faster.

If your battery drains too quickly, it might be time to replace it. A battery that is in good condition will hold onto most of its charge with minimal charge leakage. The more charge your lawn mower is leaking, the worse condition your battery is in.

The Run Time of the Lawn Mower

How long you have your lawn mower on will also affect how long and how frequently your battery needs to charge. Larger-capacity batteries will take longer to charge, but they can run longer in between charges.

The run time of your battery is closely related to the voltage and age. Fully charging a lawn mower battery will take longer than charging it for single use. The higher the voltage of the battery, the longer it will take you to charge it to its full capacity.

This is why the 12-volt battery is the standard for most lawn mowers. It provides a good balance between how long it runs and how long it charges. You will spend less time charging this battery, and you will not have to charge it as frequently.

What is Causing My Lawn Mower Battery Life to Drain?

The life of your battery can keep draining if your battery isn’t making a good connection due to bad or corroded terminals and loose cables. Leaving your ignition key in the on position or a faulty charging system can also affect your battery.

Learn more about how to check and charge your battery along with checking your lawn mower’s charging system here.

How Can You Make Your Lawn Mower Battery Last Longer?

Lawn mower batteries can last several years and require little maintenance. To ensure that it lasts the longest it can, you should:

• Charge it appropriately
• Use the best voltage for your mower
• Keep it clear of corroded materials

To charge your battery appropriately, you should use a lower amperage. Charging the battery at 7 amps is recommended, and lower amps are even better for its longevity.

Even though a higher amperage can charge your battery faster, it can also seriously damage it, so avoid the temptation of going over 7 amps.

You should also make sure your battery’s voltage is right for your machine and use. Use the battery recommended by your lawn mower manufacturer. Most lawn mowers use a 12-volt battery.

Keep your lawn mower battery running by keeping it clear of corrosion. The gasses from the battery combined with high temperatures can corrode the battery, and this can affect the battery’s life if it is not taken care of. You can easily remove corrosion by using a wire brush on the affected areas.

How Caring for Your Lawn Mower Affects Battery Life

Treating your lawn mower right will benefit your battery as well. This means checking on the engine regularly, checking for any problems with the blades, and monitoring the health of your battery as well.

When you care for the entire machine, you will prolong your lawn mower’s battery and save money. Keep your blades sharp so that you do not have to use the lawn mower as vigorously.

Dull blades will take longer to cut grass, which means you will have to drain your battery more. A simple fix could be that your blades need to be sharpened.

Sharp blades will cut grass much easier and require less exertion from you and the battery. You can do this with metal files, chisels, or a blade sharpener if you have one.

Treat the lawn mower right during different weather patterns. Protect it from the rain and snow by keeping it stored in a secure place.

If you forget to put away your lawn mower, it can get rusty or the battery can get damaged. You will save yourself from unnecessary expenses by keeping the mower protected.

Do not mow wet grass and be careful not to run over major debris in your yard. These things can clog the lawn mower and grass, messing up the lawn mower and the grass. You should also keep the battery from getting wet to avoid water damage and electrical shocks.

How Do You Trickle Charge a Lawn Mower Battery?

Most battery chargers will deliver a current of up to 10 amps to the battery because it is a combination of a safe and quick way to charge the battery.

A trickle charger is a great alternative to regular chargers because it will charge your battery at a very slow pace for a longer time. This protects the battery by:

• Preventing overcharging
• Keeping the battery from draining
• Protecting the battery from temperature and sulfate damage

When a lawn mower battery is overcharged, the battery can get damaged and need to be replaced faster. Some regular chargers will shut off automatically when it has reached a full charge, but for those that do not, you will have to remember to take the charger off the battery.

Even if the charger can shut off on its own, leaving the battery to sit for extended periods of time can still lead to the battery draining. Batteries that are not used for a long time can be damaged by sulfation.

Additionally, if the lawn mower is in a shed or garage over the winter, the cold weather can crack the battery.

Trickle chargers keep the battery constantly charging by delivering a slow and steady charge. This will greatly increase the charging time, but it will protect your lawn mower’s battery by keeping it steadily charged and warm, even when it has been put away.

How Trickle Chargers Work

Trickle chargers deliver 1-3 amps to your 6 or 12-volt lawn mower battery. This very low current means that it is slowly charging the battery while keeping it safe.

It is a good idea to keep your lawn mower on a trickle charger when you are using it regularly so you do not have to worry about taking the charger off.

You begin to use a trickle charger for your lawn mower like a normal charger:

• Unplug the charger from the outlet for your safety
• Connect the positive side of the charger to the positive side of the battery
• Connect the negative side of the charger to the negative side of the battery
• Make sure the voltage is correct on the charger
• Plug it back in

Most trickle chargers are automatic. When you begin to connect your charger, it will detect the battery’s voltage and charge level to maintain it. The charger will handle the battery on its own from there. Fully charging your lawn mower battery will take up to 24 hours on a trickle charger.

The slow continuous charge is good for protecting it throughout the year. It is recommended to put the charger on well before you want to use it during mowing season so that you do not have to wait for it to charge.

It is also good to keep the charger on during the colder months so that it does not freeze and get damaged.

Conclusion

Your lawn mower is a great tool for maintaining your yard during the warmer months. With a little maintenance and charging throughout the seasons, you can keep it running for years.

You have to understand your lawn mower and its battery so that you can care for it properly. Simple tools like trickle chargers will be great for caring for the lawn mower’s battery because you have to attach it and it does the work for you.

The extra investment you make in caring for your lawn mower by keeping it clean and charging it properly will ultimately save you money and keep your lawn mower going.

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Why Does My Lawn Mower Battery Keep Dying?

Maybe you just bought your lawn mower, and you’re having battery problems already, or maybe you’ve had the same mower battery for years with no problems until now. But many of us have been there before: you finally have some time and nice weather to get out and mow the lawn, but nothing happens when you go to start your riding mower or push mower.

You charge it up with your fast charger or trickle charger, and the voltmeter is showing that it’s fully charged, but again you get nothing when you re-install it and try to start the mower again.

Your battery keeps dying, and all you can wonder is “why?”

Why lawn mower batteries die

Typically, lead acid lawn mower batteries only last a few years. It’s common for lawn mower owners to purchase and install a new replacement battery every year. Commercial lawn mowers may need their batteries replaced multiple times during the grass cutting season due to heavy use.

This is because there is a constant chemical reaction happening between the acid and the lead, as well as repeated vibrations from the lawn mower engine and the bumps and jostles of the mowing process.

Over time, these factors can lead to the degradation of the acid, the lead plates in the battery cells, and even cracks that reduce a lead acid battery’s ability to generate cold cranking amps and starting power. It can also result in a battery that can’t hold its charge.

If you have a maintenance free battery, and it’s over two years old, you probably won’t have any luck trying to revive it. You’ll need to replace it, which isn’t a bad thing at all!

Replacement lawn mower batteries

This is the most common fix for a lawn mower battery that keeps dying. Lawn mower batteries are designed to be recyclable and maintenance free these days, so bring your old battery in with you when you buy your replacement so you can exchange it.

Blain’s Farm Fleet proudly offers a lawn mower battery core exchange service that recycles the lead and plastic components of batteries, while safely disposing of remaining acid.

When you’re looking for a new lawn mower battery, you want to make sure you’re getting a reliable battery with a good warranty. If the battery doesn’t offer at least 1 year of free replacement warranty coverage, then it’s not worth your time.

Different types of lawn mower batteries

Most lawn mower batteries are a group u1 12-volt battery with a CCA rating of 150 – 350 cold cranking amps. Cold cranking amps (CCA) is essentially represents the starting power of the battery. The higher the CCA, the more starting power the battery can deliver.

You can never have too much starting power, so the higher-CCA option is always a good choice.

If you have a lawn tractor or riding lawn mower, you’ll definitely want to get a battery with the most cold cranking amps possible to start the larger engine in your machine.

If the property you’re mowing is bumpy, or if you like to mow at full speed, or just want longer life from your battery, an absorbed glass mat battery may be right for you. AGM batteries are more durable and more efficient because they have a fiberglass material packed in between the lead plates that make up the guts of the battery.

This material helps keep the acid in full contact with the plates at all times for more efficient power, as well as absorbed some of the engine and terrain vibrations, which prolongs battery life.

In rare cases, some mowers and lawn tractors will require a deep cycle battery.

The final thing to consider when replacing your lawn mower battery is the configuration of the positive and negative posts.

If you want to replace your own lawn mower battery, note that the process is incredibly similar to replacing a car battery. It’s often very straightforward to replace a lawn mower battery, and it only requires a few simple tools.

Some lawn mower batteries have the positive terminal on the right side, some have it on the left. This is another way that bringing your old battery into the store can help you. Simply pick the new battery that matches up with your old battery in terms of the post placement before exchanging the old battery to be recycled.

Preventing Your Lawn Mower Battery from Dying in The Future

As a regular part of your winterizing routine, make sure you remove your battery and hook it up to a battery maintainer during the winter months. This will keep the battery charged and fresh for next season.

Winterizing your lawn mower and other power equipment is crucial for achieving a quick and reliable start up after the offseason ends.

Small Engine Service Repair

If you don’t have the technical know-how, or just don’t have the time to troubleshoot and repair your lawn mower yourself, give Blain’s Farm Fleet a call. We employ factory-trained professional small engine mechanics at our stores to provide you with excellent and speedy service on your lawn and garden equipment.

Sometimes, trying to get your mower running can feel like you’re beating your head against a wall, so let our small engine repair parts department take care of it. Any maintenance and repairs will be done faster and done right the first time, so you can spend more time getting things done.