Signs Your Lawn Mower Battery Needs a Replacement

A well maintained lawn requires regular care, the right equipment and for those with ride-on mowers, a reliable battery. Whether you are tackling thick growth in spring, tidying up in summer or preparing for the cooler months, your mower's battery needs to deliver consistent power in all seasons.

A poor performing battery can turn lawn care into a frustrating experience. Understanding the signs of a dying battery can save you time and the inconvenience of a mower which will not start when you need it to. In this article we will discuss the most common signs to look out for, how to choose a replacement battery for your ride on mower and how to keep it in top shape for as long as possible.

Signs to Look Out For

1. Slow Cranking

One of the first and most obvious signs of a weak battery is slow cranking. If you hear the ride on mower engine turning over sluggishly or if it takes longer than usual to start, this could be a sign that your battery could be struggling to deliver the power needed. A healthy battery should provide a strong, fast crank.

2. Frequent Need for Recharging

Periodically charging your battery is normal, especially after long periods of inactivity. If you find yourself consistently needing to recharge your lawn mower battery after each use this could be a sign that it can no longer hold a charge effectively. We would recommend getting the battery tested ASAP.

3. Physical Signs of Wear or Damage

A quick visual inspection can often tell you more than you think. If you notice a swollen casing, cracks, corrosion around the terminals or leaking acid, you should have your battery checked or replaced immediately. Corroded terminals can also affect the mower’s ability to recharge the battery effectively.

4. Age of the Battery

Even with good maintenance, most ride on lawn mower batteries have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years. If your battery is approaching or has exceeded that age range it is advisable to get your battery tested before it leaves you stranded in the middle of a lawn care session.

Choosing the Best Lawn Mower Battery

When your lawn mower battery starts to fail, choosing the right replacement is important not only for reliable performance but also to ensure the battery fits the mower’s specifications and usage habits.

Battery Type:

1. Accessible Lead Acid Batteries

These are traditional lead acid batteries where the user can access the individual cells to view and top up the electrolyte.

Advantages:

• Typically, more affordable than maintenance free options o Electrolyte can be topped up with distilled water o Good service life when properly maintained

Disadvantages:

• Requires periodic maintenance, checking electrolyte levels o Must be stored upright to avoid spills

2. Maintenance Free Lead Acid Batteries

These are more modern batteries that are maintenance free, meaning the electrolyte does not need to be topped up.

Advantages:

• No need to monitor fluid levels (hassle-free operation) o Reduced risk of acid spills o Lower self discharge when not in use

Disadvantages:

• Slightly higher initial cost o Electrolyte cannot be topped up if the battery is overcharged

Battery Size & Terminals:

Most ride on mower batteries are 12V with the two most common sizes known as BCI U1 (196 L x 127 W x 183 H) and the JIS 12N24 (186 L x 126 W x 183 H). These sizes fit most popular makes and models of ride on mowers, with accessible and maintenance free options available.

Terminal configuration is also important to note when choosing your battery. There are left hand positive (LHP) and right hand positive (RHP) terminal configurations of these batteries and knowing which one your mower requires can save time. Mower batteries generally also have a bolt through terminal which makes it easy to connect to the cables in your mower.

In terms of power or cold cranking amps (CCA), the size of your engine, the type of starting system and the operating temperature will all affect how many CCA your engine requires to start, most commonly between 240-280 CCA.

Brand:

At R&J Batteries, we offer a wide selection of high quality batteries suited for most popular ride on mowers from world class brands such as Delkor, ACDelco, Predator and KOBA. All are backed by strong warranties.

Not sure how to choose the right lawn mower battery? The battery experts at your local R&J Batteries branch can help you choose the perfect fit based on your mower’s specifications, usage habits, and budget.

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower Battery

Proper maintenance of your lawn mower battery is essential to ensure consistent performance and prevent early failure. A well maintained battery can deliver reliable power for years, helping you avoid inconvenient breakdowns and unnecessary replacements.

Here are some key maintenance practices every mower owner should follow:

• When not in use, store the ride on or battery in a cool, dry place. 
• If your’e using a maintainable battery, regularly check the electrolyte levels and top up with distilled water if necessary. 
• Clean terminals regularly using a REDMAX terminal brush to remove corrosion. 
• Use a maintenance charger like the REDMAX HC12601 to keep your battery at an optimal charge level, especially during extended periods of downtime.

Get the Power You Need to Keep Your Lawn Looking its Best

If your ride on mower battery has exhibited any of the abovementioned signs, don’t wait until it fails completely. Explore the lawn mower battery range at your nearest R&J Batteries branch.