\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. However, the discharge takes place slowly. Check for tightness and connection. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. They're both capable of charging the battery so that you can mow the lawn. To keep it charged during the off-season, disconnect it from your lawn mower and store it in a cool, dry place. What Keeps Draining My Lawn Mower Battery? This post may include affiliate links. What happens if you charge a battery too long? Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Batteries that are not used for a long time can be damaged by sulfation. Does a Lawn Mower Battery Charge Itself? - My Backyard Life How Caring for Your Lawn Mower Affects Battery Life. To use jumper cables, you'll need both ends to comfortably reach the lawn more and car battery at once. A completely depleted battery is much more difficult to charge and will not usually have the same length of power or endurance as a battery that has been properly cared for. Different manufacturers and products set different temperature limits, found in their owners manuals. 3. Taking care of a lawn mower battery for the winter months requires protecting the battery from cold or moisture. If your battery drains too quickly, it might be time to replace it. This article was co-authored by Jeremy Yamaguchi and by wikiHow staff writer, Caroline Heiderscheit. A trickle charger is a type of charger that uses a small amount of electricity to charge a devices battery over a short period of time. The slow continuous charge is good for protecting it throughout the year. Can you jumpstart a riding lawn mower with a car? Longer charging times will be caused by connecting the battery to a lawn mower battery that has fewer Amps. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you notice corrosion on the terminals of the battery, it is time to clean them. That means that they need a regular charge cycle, otherwise they start to crystallize and lose their ability to stay charged. When it comes to maintaining a lawnmower battery, a battery tender is a must-have accessory. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It is normal to expect a lawn mower battery to last a year or more. Here are the steps for charging a lawn mower battery: Once your lawn mower battery is fully charged with an AC adapter charger, you should be good to go out and use your lawn mower immediately for hours. However, trickle-charge units take eight hours or more and will sometimes take all day. When the battery is left connected for long periods of time, it can be drained down to nothing. 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. How Can You Make Your Lawn Mower Battery Last Longer? Start charging: The charger will indicate if it is charging or discharging. This post may include affiliate links. Proper battery maintenance will help your lawn mower perform at its best and live longer. Be aware that sparking, shocks, and explosions are all unlikely, but possible. If this doesnt work right away, give your mower a few more minutes to charge. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When the battery is fully charged, the charging circuit is turned off, allowing the power to flow back into the outlet. If you follow the simple safety and precaution steps listed in this article, you will know how to take better care of your lawn mower battery in the winter. Some of the best products for charging the lawn mower battery include: This 2, 10, and 25 amp lawn mower battery charger is a great unit that allows you to charge your lawn mower battery at different amperages. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. However, if you are left with a dead battery after the long and cold winter months, there are a few things you should do before replacing the battery. Ego, whose lawn mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, and chain saw have all performed well in Consumer Reports' tests, says its gear doesn't require any midseason charging. These can connect the positive terminal and negative terminal and short the battery out. Or, charge it if you accidentally let the battery die (by leaving the ignition on, for example). However, if the mower is not used frequently, such as once a week or less, it's best to charge the battery every month or two. If you have a battery compartment, remove it from there and place it in a plastic bag or another container. Put The Battery Back. Why Your Electric Mower Needs Attention in Winter Keep your lawn mower battery running by keeping it clear of corrosion. The first step. That means keeping the batterys charge level at 20-percent or better. In general, the longer the battery has been in use the less likely it will need a re-charge. Sulfation is a buildup of lead sulfate crystals on the plates of your battery. The following chart shows the common temperatures that freeze lawn mower batteries based on how much charge they have left in them if left overnight. Be sure you charge in a ventilated area . The most common type of lithium ion battery is the NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery. It is important to be careful not to overcharge the battery, as this can cause damage to the battery and lead to a shorter lifespan. This means they can charge your lawn mowers battery faster than regular chargers, which results in longer run-times between charges. To charge them, you need specific charger cables or chargers that plug into the wall on one side and into the mower on the other through a built-in charging port in the mower itself. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Main Image Credit: Drake McLemore / iStockPhoto. Finally, plug in the charger to a wall outlet to recharge the battery. Learn how to charge and maintain your lawn mower battery, and some helpful. For those who enjoy spending their weekends doing yard work (and even for those who dont), this can be disappointing news. 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. Fortunately for you, there are many inexpensive options available for keeping yourself busy when it comes time for winterizing your lawnmowers batteries here are some things you can do: While youre cleaning your mower and preparing it for storage, make sure youre also charging the battery. (Finally Explained!). You should also keep the battery from getting wet to avoid water damage and electrical shocks. Even if you have never done it before, disconnecting and removing the lawn mower battery is fairly simple. Follow this blog to stay up to date with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. Home Blog Lawn Mowers Lawn Mower Battery Charging Times Explained. If your lawn mower has not been used all winter, you might not be able to turn it on right away. How often should I charge my lawn mower battery? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. ), Why Do Citrus Leaves Curl? The build up of gases on sealed batteries could cause the battery to explode. The condition of the battery and how much charge it is currently holding are incredibly important deciding factors as to whether a battery will freeze or not and at which temperature the liquid within its walls becomes ice. It is possible for you to charge a lawn mower battery with a car battery charger. Always wear safety glasses and leather gloves when checking the battery's electrolyte. The sod is the same as any other crop., Treatments with a higher rate of application may be necessary for brown lawns. Electric riding mowers use larger batteries (like car batteries). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. If the seed is thrown on the ground, will it grow? Here are a few tips to help extend your lawn mowers battery life. Larger-capacity batteries will take longer to charge, but they can run longer in between charges. 2-amp slow charge option. How do I start/charge a Toro Electric-Start Lawnmower? So to be safe, hook your final clamp to your mowers metal frame instead. If you still plan on using your lawn mower during the winter months but still want the battery protected from getting drained of all its power, you should charge the battery while its not in use. Most lawn mowers use a 12-volt battery. Recharge the battery before putting it back into the mower. They provide convenience, reliability, expertise, and warranty, ensuring that you get the best out of your Honda lawn mower. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. Not only will you need to consider the health of the battery, but the health of the lawn mower as well. Make sure that the engine is turned off and has fully cooled. Jeremy provides instant satellite quotes and can coordinate service from a smartphone or web browser. The company has raised funding from notable investors like Y Combinator, Joe Montana, Alexis Ohanian, Barbara Corcoran and others. Lawn mower batteries typically charge at a rate of 10 amps for about an hour. When cleaning blades: remove them by loosening screws on either side; wash in hot soapy water; rinse well; wipe down with olive oil (or WD40) using paper towels covered with old newspaper (soaked in soap). Lawn mower batteries are smaller than vehicle batteries for cars. 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 current is recommended because it protects the life of the battery. How Often Should You Charge a Lawn Mower Battery? Keeping your battery clean is a crucial part of caring for the lawn mower battery in the winter. Note: In this article, we will be talking exclusively about electric lawn mowers.. Electric push mowers, which comprise about 80% of the electric mower market, use a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.To recharge the battery pack, remove it from the mower and use an appropriate battery charger.