Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Lawnmower Battery

To ensure your lawnmower battery lasts as long as possible, it's crucial to maintain it properly. Follow these essential tips for best results, no matter whether you have a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery.

Keeping the Battery Charged

Avoid letting the battery fully discharge. Regularly recharge it, especially for lead-acid batteries. For lithium-ion batteries, keep the charge between 20 and 80 percent.

Use a charger that matches the battery specifications and avoid leaving it plugged in longer than necessary to prevent overcharging.

Even if the battery isn't fully depleted, it's a good practice to charge it after each mowing session. This helps keep it topped up and in optimal condition.

Monitor battery health using a battery tester to identify any issues early.

Proper Storage

Store the battery in a cool and dry place to protect it from extreme temperatures. Ideally, maintain it at room temperature.

If you're storing the battery for long periods, consider using a float charger to maintain its charge. For lead-acid batteries, a standby conditioning charger is essential, especially for those only used for six months.

Avoid leaving the mower outside in unrestricted cold if it has a lead-acid battery type. This can increase the life of the belt and overall battery health.

Regular Maintenance

Keep the battery terminals clean and free from corrosion. Check for any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly.

For lead-acid batteries, check the acid levels in the cells and maintain them with distilled water.

For lithium-ion batteries, pull the battery out of the mower, take it inside, and connect it to a balancing charger to recondition it every month.

High-quality lithium-ion packs can also get unbalanced with multiple heavy uses, such as starting a gasoline engine or operating a high-wattage tool.

Use It Wisely

Avoid running the lawnmower at full throttle for extended periods. Use it at a moderate speed to reduce strain on the battery.

Limited use of additional features like headlights or powered attachments can help conserve battery life.

For lead-acid batteries, take your batteries to a store for a discount on replacement, as lead-acid is subject to recycling fees based on the amount of lead and sulfuric acid.

Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Refer to the user manual for specific care instructions that are tailored to your type of battery.

By adhering to these best practices, you can help ensure your lawnmower battery lasts as long as possible, extending the lifespan of your equipment and improving its overall efficiency.