In general, the longer the battery has been in use the less likely it will need a re-charge. Lawn mower batteries typically charge at a rate of 10 amps for about an hour. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. How To Charge A Toro Lawn Mower Battery In Under 1 Hour 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. Remove excess grass clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower before storing it for the season, as these can cause rust. Even if you have never done it before, disconnecting and removing the lawn mower battery is fairly simple. You can use a car battery charger insteadjust make sure that it has enough amps (amps = current) to do the job properly before plugging in your lawn mowers battery. If so, we hope you enjoy a long and happy life with your lawn mower. When charging your battery at 6 or 7 amps, you should be able to use your battery within an hour. Electric riding mowers use larger batteries (like car batteries). Or change from AC power to DC power by attaching wires directly from your car battery to the terminals on each side of an energizers case (see diagram above). Park your lawn mower or tractor on a flat, level surface so that you can gauge the proper water level inside the battery. When the battery is left connected for long periods of time, it can be drained down to nothing. The same goes for liquids. This post may include affiliate links. What happens if you charge a battery too long? Unfortunately, batteries are the most expensive part of cordless push mowers. Just like with a cellphone or laptop battery, a slow charge is best for a deep, thorough charge on a riding mower battery. By using our site, you agree to our. The gasses from the battery combined with high temperatures can corrode the battery, and this can affect the batterys life if it is not taken care of. 1 Answer Sorted by: 2 How often you need to recharge the battery depends on its capacity and how much current you take from it. How To Charge A Lawn Mower Battery - [Step-By-Step Guide] - MowersLab Yes, you can recharge your lawnmower battery with a charger. As most lawnmower batteries come in 12-volt, choose a battery charger that is compatible with it. The good news is that you dont have to worry about overcharging your battery, and its easy to do. The best way to do this is by using a trickle charger, which will maintain the battery at full power and prevent it from getting damaged through overcharging. Rain, snow, and cycles of freezing, One to four minutes at a time, three or four times a day, is what baird recommends. The mower's battery will charge in approximately one hour if you use a 10-amp charge. Charging a lawn mower battery during the winter protects it from becoming completely depleted. They're both capable of charging the battery so that you can mow the lawn. Here are a few ways to tell whether it's time to change the battery or look further into your lawn mower's electrical system for the source of the problem. But, batteries with higher amp-hour ratings will require more time. How To Install A Lawn Sprinkler System? The same goes for extremely warm environmentsthe heat will degrade the cells ability to hold charge over time. Before starting, you will need the following tools and safety equipment: After you have assembled the safety equipment and tools needed, it is time to remove the lawn mower battery. A trickle charger, also known as a battery tender, is a charger that has advanced features that help extend the life of your lawn mower battery. Jeremy provides instant satellite quotes and can coordinate service from a smartphone or web browser. Maintaining the charge in your mowers battery is one of the most important things you can do to keep your lawn looking great all year long. Make sure you turn off your mower when charging. First, find an area where its cool and dry. The sensitive nature of battery terminals means that cleaning is one of the easiest and most effective ways of prolonging the battery: A dirty terminal causes moisture to corrode the metal much more quickly. How Long To Charge A Lawn Mower Battery? (Check This First) If it is wearing down and looks rusted and dirty, then chances are the power could be discharging from it faster than it should. 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). Complete Explanation, What Kind Of Tree Has Thorns? Read on to find out more about lawn mower battery care for the winter. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Note: In this article, we will be talking exclusively about electric lawn mowers. How Caring for Your Lawn Mower Affects Battery Life. Before the first mowing of the season and before off-season storage, fully charge the battery. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, Best Petrol Lawn Mower with Roller 2023 (Reviews & Buying Guide), How to Add Gas to the Lawn Mower Carburetor to Start (Updated), Best Lawn Mower for Small Yard 2023(Grass Cutter For Small Area), How Many Volts Is A Riding Lawn Mower Battery, Lawn Mower Blade Types - Choose The Right One, Can I Store My Lawn Mower Outside In The Winter, Should leaves be left on lawn over winter, How To Keep Your Lawn Looking Great Even During Fall And, Should I Remove Lawn Mower Battery For Winter, How to Keep a Lawnmower Battery from Dying Over Winter, Extended idle periods cause batteries to die, Keep Your Lawnmower Batteries Good All Winter Long, Remove your lawnmower battery and store indoors, Make sure lawn mower turned off while chaging, Dont just stash the battery in a cold garage. This voltage rating is used to keep consumers safe from shocks. This very low current means that it is slowly charging the battery while keeping it safe. Some suitable places for storing a battery indoors where it is protected and out of the way include: Avoid storing your batteries in places that might get wet and humid, such as: Humid and wet conditions accelerate corrosion on batteries and could end up harming the battery more than helping it during your winter storage. Since the battery in your lawn mower is susceptible to damage and freezing during the winter, it is vital that you take care of it properly. In conclusion, Honda lawn mower repair services near you provide you with expert solutions for all your mower needs. Use a broom to sweep away any debris on top of the engine and wheels first off, then use a hose or pressure washer to spray out underneath until no more dirt comes out. With proper care, a lead acid lawn mower battery should last about 3 to 4 years. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Complete Explanation, Do I Need To Remove Grass Before Laying Gravel ~ Quick Facts, What Are The Best Perennial Plants For Pots? Also, if it dies quickly after you charge your lawn mower battery, it may be time for a replacement. Just pop the battery back on the charger until its fully charged for that first cut of the season. It takes about 12 to 16 hours to charge a fully discharged battery. Interlock Problems There are some genuinely great products for quick and efficient charging of your lawn mower battery during winter months and when not in use. If possible, wash them with water and/or soap before drying completely with paper towel or cloth. The battery should be removed. If you have a pull-start model, simply pull cord out until it stops pulling in air (youll hear it click). http://www.geniuschargers.comCharging a Lawn Mower battery has never been easier. Turn off by pushing in the ignition key or turning off switch on electric start models, then push down on blade control lever (on manual starting). Several factors that affect a batterys life span are overcharging batteries, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), and making sure your battery is clean and dry. The device is then allowed to rest for several minutes before being charged again. This is why the 12-volt battery is the standard for most lawn mowers. Here are a few tips to help extend your lawn mowers battery life. You might want to use a charger with fewer amps for a lawn mower battery, as charging time is possible. Dont leave the battery on the lawn mower all day long. It is much better to use a current of 7 amps or less. Over time, lawn mower batteries lose energy. Because most trickle chargers use only one to two amps of power, charging a battery to full capacity can take 48 hours. How Do You Charge a Lawn Mower Battery Over Winter? You begin to use a trickle charger for your lawn mower like a normal charger: Most trickle chargers are automatic. [1] While working with batteries, sparks and electrical mishaps are a possibility. Make sure you wear protective equipment and have the proper tools to tighten the terminal screws and clamps back onto the battery terminals. These mower batteries charge using one of two systems. . In the past, battery manufacturers have tried to solve the problem by adding a layer of plastic to the inside of the cell. If your portable jump-starter doesnt have a plug, you cant use it to jump a 6-volt battery. Batteries that have frozen are more likely to die and not charge fully and should get replaced. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You will spend less time charging this battery, and you will not have to charge it as frequently. A cool and dry place indoors is recommended for lawn mower battery storage. Unfortunately, charging or checking, and cleaning the connections of a battery damaged during the cold of winter will not always bring it back to life. If, Will grass grow back after dog urine? If the mower won't start, wait a few minutes then try again. Learn more about how to check and charge your battery along with checking your lawn mowers charging system here. If this doesnt work right away, give your mower a few more minutes to charge. To keep it charged during the off-season, disconnect it from your lawn mower and store it in a cool, dry place. Charge your battery before storing your mower for the winter and using it for the first time in the spring. Remove the old battery from its compartment in your lawnmower by removing the hold-down bolts and screws connecting it to any electrical connections inside the machine. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You might even consider adding some product to the battery terminals during storage. Most battery mowers will run for 30 to 45 minutes before needing to be recharged. You also need a good storage place. If your mower has a 12-volt battery, you can jump the mower with the battery in your car, but only if you have a car battery. This article has been viewed 15,380 times. Finally, plug in the charger to a wall outlet to recharge the battery. Main Image Credit: Drake McLemore / iStockPhoto. Leaving your lawn mower battery out in the winter cold will drain it of all energy and result in a dead battery. The charger will handle the battery on its own from there. Locate the black wire, or the negative side, and disconnect it. Proper battery maintenance will help your lawn mower perform at its best and live longer. Batteries that are not used for a long time can be damaged by sulfation. This will recharge your battery. The charger may become slightly warm during charging, this is normal. Never allow the battery to charge while the mower is running; this can be a safety hazard and also very dangerous. However, proper care of the battery on your lawn mower means that you keep it fairly well charged or promptly charge it back to full strength if it becomes dead for any reason, including exposure to cold weather or freezing. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Locate jumper cables. If possible and practical for your situation: remove the battery from where its stored; put it on a charger; maintain it according to manufacturer specifications; store it indoors if at all possible (outdoor temperatures if very low). Lawn mower battery maintenance tips at Batteries Plus It will take longer to charge, but it will also allow your battery to last longer. The answer depends on the type of charger you use. To recharge the battery pack, remove it from the mower and use an appropriate battery charger. Charging a lawn mower battery at 2 amps should take around 4-6 hours. Because sparks can occur when attaching that last clamp, you want this to happen far from flammable hydrogen gas. The most common type of large tractor or riding lawn mower battery voltage is 12 volts. 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. How do I start/charge a Toro Electric-Start Lawnmower? Larger lawn mowers can charge for 3 to 4 hours and run for 1.5 hours. These batteries are crucial for the proper function of your riding lawn mower and walk-behind mowers with an electric start. A fully charged 12V battery should read at least 12.6 volts, while a moderately discharged battery might only read 10.5 volts. These crystals reduce its capacity to hold a charge and may cause permanent damage if left unchecked. Most lawn mowers use a 12-volt battery. Keep in mind that the higher a batterys charge, the lower the freezing point is. Protecting the battery from temperature and sulfate damage, 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. To stay safe, wear thick, rubber mechanic's gloves. The rating is defined as the current a lead-acid battery at that temperature can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery). The most common type of lithium ion battery is the NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery. To charge a Toro lawn mower battery, the first thing to do is remove the battery from the mower by unscrewing the back housing and disconnecting the black and red connectors. Great options for lawn mower battery care in the winter include: Lawn mower batteries are an expensive and vital performance component of any lawn mower. When constructing a gravel pathway. The cold accelerates this process during the winter months. Can I leave my lawn mower battery on the charger? - Remodel or Move It is not suitable for charging a battery to full capacity because of its low output. However, in certain circumstances and at very low temperatures, a lawn mower battery can freeze. Environmental consciousness and advances in electric mower performance are convincing more Americans to buy electric lawn mowers to replace their gas ones. Always make sure that you follow safety procedures and that you buy the correct charger with 10 or less amperage. Sources: Barry, Koenig, the Power Tool Institute, Inc., Ryobi and Ego. That means that they need a regular charge cycle, otherwise they start to crystallize and lose their ability to stay charged. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. The build up of gases on sealed batteries could cause the battery to explode. Choose batteries and chargers from the original manufacturer, engineered to work the best with the corresponding tool. How Can You Make Your Lawn Mower Battery Last Longer? You can also purchase a portable battery charger from your local auto parts store or online. Below are some of the most common times you should hook your battery up to a charger. Why Your Electric Mower Needs Attention in Winter If you have a 12-volt charger and you plug it into a wall outlet, it will take approximately two hours to fully charge your battery. Follow this blog to stay up to date with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. Different manufacturers and products set different temperature limits, found in their owners manuals. Over time, dirt builds up around the battery and should be cleaned off. Once the motor starts, disconnect the negative black clip first, followed by the positive red clip. There are some genuinely great products for quick and efficient . Sulfation is a buildup of lead sulfate crystals on the plates of your battery. This means they can charge your lawn mowers battery faster than regular chargers, which results in longer run-times between charges. When it comes to maintaining a lawnmower battery, a battery tender is a must-have accessory. How Will I Know When My Battery Starts to Wear Out? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Once youre done disconnecting, drive your lawn mower around for ~30 minutes. The battery power is the main component that keeps your lawn mower working correctly. If youre not sure whether your battery is 12 or 6 volts, check the label on the back of your charger. It may leak out only a few percentage points per month. This post may include affiliate links. This means a fully charged battery will slowly drain while off the charger. The battery is accessed from under the seat, inside the body of the lawn mower, or should be visible from the outside. 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.. References. Batteries that are older will lose a charge much faster. You also might want to check that there is not an unnecessary current draw when the lawn mower is turned off. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Don't Lose Your Spark - When to Change a Lawn Mower Battery That means you could charge the battery with just 12.6 volts, but it would take ages. Do not use an automotive style battery charger to charge the battery. The Easiest Explanation, Is Sod Real Grass? Start the mower. Dull blades will take longer to cut grass, which means you will have to drain your battery more. 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. 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. For a detailed explanation of lawn mower battery charging times read our article, Lawn Mower Battery Charging Times Explained. When you leave your battery idle for extended periods of time, its prone to sulfation. A lot, The grass is grown for the purpose of transplantation. away from your workstation. Keeping the walls and terminals of your battery clean not only helps it run better and transmit better energy to your lawn mower, but it also helps protect it while stored during the winter. The voltage of your lawn mowers 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. Removing the battery is not the only way of protecting your lawn mower battery for the winter. Second, make sure that the charger is working properly before using it on your lawn mowers battery; if not, take them both in for repairs or replacement before proceeding with this process. For the Ryobi RY48110, which costs around $2,500 new, replacing a dead battery will cost you about $66. Throw the battery in the trash. Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. The answer depends on the type of charger you use.