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Why does my lawn mower battery keep going dead?
Mowers are designed to run at full throttle, which achieves the revolutions per minute needed to recharge a battery. Just a 10 percent reduction in rpm causes a dramatic drop in the effectiveness of the riding mower’s battery charging system. As a result, the battery may die between mowings.
How does a lawn mower battery stay charged?
Alternators power the small engine while it is running, keeping the battery charged by circulating power back through the system. For the easiest method to check your alternator, simply turn on the headlights to your lawn mower or outdoor power equipment. If the lights dim, the alternator works.
How often should I charge my lawn mower battery?
So you might need to charge the battery longer if you frequently stop and restart the engine during your typical mowing. The battery should hold a charge for some time however, generally up to a week or longer, so if the unit is started and stopped less in that time then it will not require as much recharge time.
How long should a riding lawn mower battery last?
As a general rule, you can expect the battery in a riding lawn mower to last you for about four years. Once it gets near the end of this lifespan, you’ll notice the battery will not be holding its charge for as long as it once did.
How long should I charge my lawn mower battery?
If you are using a 10-amp charger, your mower’s battery should charge in approximately one hour. Of course, connecting the battery to a lawn mower battery charger that has fewer amps may extend charging time.
Does a lawn mower battery charge itself?
Most lawn tractors possess one of two types of charging systems to help keep the battery up and running. As the belt turns the alternator, the alternator continually generates power to recharge the battery.
How do I know if my riding mower is charging my battery?
The simplest test is to put a Volt Meter on the battery posts before you start the engine to see what the current charge level is. Then check the voltage at the battery posts while the engine is running at full throttle.
Can you recharge a dead lawn mower battery?
Try a Charging Session Connect your questionable battery to a lawn mower battery charger. Set it for 12 volts, which is the standard in the industry. Most lawn and garden devices have this voltage rating as a way to keep consumers safe from any shock. Allow the charger to power up the battery for up to eight hours.
How do I keep my battery charged in the winter?
Ed’s recommended approach is as follows: bring batteries to a full charge (ideally shortly after haul out), and disconnect the negative terminal. Make sure you don’t leave them hooked up to a charger all winter! This can be dangerous, and will damage your batteries.
Should you take the battery out of your lawn mower for the winter?
It’s a good idea to remove your lawn mower battery for the winter and store it in a cool, dry place. Be sure to store it away from gas cans, the water heater or furnace. Disconnect the battery cable from the battery, starting with the negative cable (it will have a minus sign).
How do you maintain a riding lawn mower battery?
Batteries will self-discharge due to the cold. The best method to keep your battery in fine working order and maximize its life is to use a battery tender. After storage, you should check the charge level of your battery occasionally during the cold season. If the charge drops below 50%, charge it back up fully.
Should I run my lawn mower out of gas for winter?
Unused gas left in a mower over the winter can get stale, gumming up the carburetor and inviting rust. Turn the mower off and allow the engine to cool, then siphon excess gas into a clean can. (You can put this gas in your car, provided it hasn’t been mixed with oil.).
Can you store a riding lawn mower outside?
Can I store my lawn mower outside in the winter? You can store your mower outside in winter, but it isn’t ideal. If you must store your lawn mower long-term in your yard, make sure it is elevated, so that it doesn’t sit directly on the ground. This will allow air to circulate in order to keep it more dry.
Can lawn mower batteries freeze?
Just as is the case with vehicle batteries, lack of use will slowly but surely drain lawnmower battery life. That process is accelerated with freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions. Lawnmower batteries are negatively affected much the same in cold temperatures.
Can you jump a riding mower with a car?
You can jump the mower with the battery in your car or with a portable jump-starter, but you can only use your car battery if your mower has a 12-volt battery. If your mower has a 6-volt battery, and you don’t have a 6-volt jump-starter, your options are to trickle-charge the battery or to buy a new one.
How can I make my lawn mower battery last longer?
The best way to help the battery last longer is to keep everything clean and dry and protect the battery terminals from corrosion during the mowing season. When wintering over your lawn mower, disconnect the battery and store it in a clean, dry spot, preferably where it won’t freeze.
How do I know if my lawn mower battery is bad?
Read the meter. If it has 12.7 DC volts or higher, the battery is good and something else is causing your starting problem. If the voltage reading is lower, the battery is discharged to some degree but may perk up after charging. If it reads 11.5 volts or lower, the battery is most likely sulfated and needs replacing.
