The Best Lawn Mower Batteries: Power Your Mower | Autance

By: Heather Fishel

Whether you’re tackling acre after acre or just smoothing out your backyard, having a lawnmower can make the whole process a lot easier. Coming in every shape and form you can imagine, you can get lawn mowers for ride-on ease or push-style efficiency. So long as you’ve got some sharp blades and a working lawn mower battery, you are set to go. While most lawnmower batteries are standardized at 12 volts, under Group U1, they are not all made the same. It’s about finding something that works with the positioning of the terminal and offers the necessary cranking amps. From there, you can investigate structure, durability, strength, and more. There are a lot of different options, each geared towards a different type of lawnmower. To help you track down the best lawn mower batteries on the market, we’ve curated a list of the top options along with some tips on how to get started.

The Best Lawn Mower Batteries

The Best Lawn Mower Battery Buying Guide & FAQ

If your lawn mower is in need of a new battery, why not give it a complete upgrade? There are plenty of different battery sizes, performance levels, and more to choose from — which means there’s no reason to settle for a basic battery. No matter what kind of lawn mower you need a battery for, there’s a quality option out there that’ll perform for your needs.

Of course, the tricky part is choosing the best option out of the many available. That’s why we’ve put together a lawn mower battery buying guide. Here, you’ll discover the most important features to look for, find answers to common battery questions, and get all of the guidance you need to choose the best product for your exact mower.

Benefits of Lawn Mower Batteries

When you get a lawn mower battery, there are a few ways you can expect to benefit. Ever tried using a low-powered battery on your flashlight? Did you notice how much dimmer it was? Well, the same is true with lawn mower batteries. They give you the necessary amount of power and energy to get your outdoor chores done. Of course, the benefits are more far-reaching than that.  

Using a battery-powered battery is often better than those with a cord (or gas-powered for that matter). The lawnmower stays lightweight and unencumbered by the restrictions of the length of your electrical cord. You can use it just about anywhere; and, when you find the right battery, it will last as long as you need it. 

Lawn mower batteries offer you the necessary amount of power and the ability to recharge them. Unlike using gas, a consumable source that requires physical refills, you can simply plug the battery into a charging station. It enhances the utility of the battery, along with its overall lifespan. 

• Batteries work for long periods and provide a steady, reliable supply of power to the motor. 
• You don’t require a supply of gas or an electrical cord (and plug-in) to power the lawnmower. 
• High-quality batteries that have well-structured interior cells are capable of lasting longer than other models.
• Battery-powered lawn mowers are more portable, especially since you can bring along a spare battery when you do off-site projects. 
• Like a car battery, you can boost a lawn mower battery to bring it back to life. 
• Lawn mower batteries tend to charge quickly, making lighter work of lawn maintenance. 

Popular Types of Lawn Mower Batteries

Batteries are subject to voluntary standards as set forth by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commissions. As a result, most batteries for specific devices, like lawnmowers, tend to be quite similar. That said, not all batteries are made the same just as not all lawn equipment is made alike. The vast majority of batteries are standardized at 12 volts, simply because that is how most lawn mowers are made. Though the voltage is consistent, the structure and chemicals used in the batteries do differ.  

12-Volt Batteries

Easily the most common type of lawn mower battery, 12-volt options come in all shapes and sizes. Since most lawnmowers require a power source of this voltage, this type continues to be the most prevalent on the market. Bear in mind that you can find lower voltage options if needed. 

In most cases, the battery runs on a lithium-ion chemical structure. The dense chemical component holds potential energy in chemical bonds until it converts that power into electricity for the motor. There are other formulas, such as lithium-sulfur and thin film, each offering different advantages in terms of lasting power and recharge speed. 

The batteries come encased in an inert material which, most of the time, consists of a polymer. The thickness and stability of this case directly impact its ability to resist damage. The battery must be capable of withstanding vibrations to ensure that it won’t leak or spill. 

Trickle Charger

This is a unique kind of battery since it works as a supplement to the existing batteries on the market. Instead of fitting into the place of the battery, it acts as an external power source that feeds the battery. A key reason this type is popular is that it is compatible with any battery structure. It is similar, though not the same, as a battery charger. 

In most cases, the trickle charger plugs into the wall and takes in the charge. Since the structure is so compact, you can simply keep it on hand, in case the power on your battery drops too low. The power bank feeds a steady amount of energy into the battery. This enables you to preserve your actual battery for longer. 

Ideal for unique lawn mowers where getting a replacement battery isn’t as easy to do, trickle chargers enable you to keep using the mower without a retrofit. Keep in mind that, while some trickle chargers incorporate a power bank, not all of them do. It is better to stick with the options that don’t need a live power source all the time. 

Push-Mower Batteries

Though a lot of push mowers work with 12-volt batteries and thus fall into a different category, there are lawn mowers that require a higher voltage to operate. The batteries are often a bit smaller than their 12-volt counterparts yet larger than a trickle charger. This is because they are designed for smaller equipment. 

When looking for a push mower battery, the first thing to look at is how much power it requires. The electrical specifications will tell you precisely what amperage/voltage you require. From there, so long as the battery is properly encased and reasonably long-lasting, it is a good option. Keep in mind that push mower batteries tend to run out of steam faster than other options since they are designed for less demanding scenarios. 

What to Consider When Buying Lawn Mower Batteries

When you go to pick your lawn mower battery, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep an eye out for. The first thing you need to do is check out the land the mower will be moving over. If the land is bumpy and hilly, you will want to pick a battery that is fortified against these issues. Choose something resistant to damage, both in terms of temperature and impact. This way, you can get the longest-lasting benefits out of it. 

Of course, it is more than a matter of quality. You want a lawn mower battery that fits onto your actual lawnmower. Though most are 12-volt, that doesn’t mean that the anode and cathode placement are compatible with your setup. Be sure that it is designed to fit with your lawn care machine. To take it a step further, there are a few other things to think about. 

• Structure. The shape and design of the battery are about more than the electrode placement. The battery has to be able to fit onto your lawnmower. Plus, it shouldn’t be too heavy that it creates extra resistance. You want a balanced unit that fits seamlessly into your lawnmower. 
• Recharge Speed. Eventually, you will need to recharge the battery, whether it died altogether or you tested the battery along the way. That said, this doesn’t have to be a hefty time investment. Some models take a mere couple of hours to charge. It cuts down on maintenance demands and ensures that you can use the battery when you need to. 
• Durability. A matter of strength, the battery needs to be sturdy both on the inside and the outside. Inside, higher-end versions include a type of pressed glass that absorbs vibrations. It prevents cracks that can lead to leaks and spills. The exterior structure is there to prevent damage from impact (flying rocks, etc.). 
• Installation. You are going to need to place the battery on the lawnmower. Some designs make this easier than others. A good way to assess this is to check if it comes with the necessary hardware for setup. If the battery comes with everything you need to use it, then you can be certain that all the parts are compatible with the battery itself.

Most Important Features of Lawn Mower Batteries

Batteries all kind of seem identical at first glance. Sure, there can be differences in voltage and physical size — but otherwise, lawn mower batteries are a bit tricky to distinguish from one another. 

Yet there are important distinctions between different lawn mower batteries. And the littlest details can make a world of difference in power, performance, and longevity. To identify the best batteries out there, make sure you look for options that include the following features.

Hardy Battery Terminals

Your typical lawn mower battery offers basic terminals (which are also called electrode terminals). These are the two points of physical connection, where the battery becomes attached to your lawn mower. While every battery includes two — one positive, one negative — you’ll want to make sure you look for hardy battery terminals.

All terminals are made from metal, but hardy (or tough) metals are the best you can buy. Take a close look at what, exactly, a battery’s terminals are made out of and read up on their durability. It’s also a good idea to ensure the battery terminals are crafted from a highly conductive metal so your mower starts up easily. 

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

A lawn mower battery’s cold cranking amps (which are abbreviated as CCA) are another key feature you need to consider. This rating refers to the amperage a battery produces in 30 seconds while operating in a temperature of 0 degree. So if a lawn mower’s battery touts 200 CCA, that means it can deliver 200 amps in 30 seconds when the temperature outside is quite cold. 

Why does this matter? Well, the cold cranking amps tell you how strong a battery is. Most batteries are powered up in temperatures much warmer than 0 degrees — so you can expect even better amperage and performance when you’re operating your lawn mower in spring, summer, or fall. If a battery can work well in cold temperatures, you can expect increased strength in normal weather.

So, the higher the CCA on a battery, the stronger and more powerful it’ll be overall. 

Voltage

Here’s an easy feature to look for: voltage. The voltage of any lawn mower battery is reflective of the electrical current that passes through the battery and its systems. And if you don’t choose a battery with a voltage that’s compatible with your mower, it simply won’t work properly. 

Most lawn mowers require a 12-volt battery, which is a very common voltage (and one that’s easy to find). Ride-on mowers tend to only work with 12-volt options. However, some higher-powered push lawn mowers may be able to use more than 12 volts. Take a look at your lawn mower’s owner’s manual to determine exactly which voltage is the right fit for your own appliance.

Lawn Mower Battery

Care and Maintenance for Lawn Mower Battery

Every tool requires a certain amount of upkeep to work optimally. Lawn mower batteries are no different. The good news, however, is that caring for them is fairly simple. Most of it is a matter of storing it responsibly and protecting the battery from damage. Naturally, you want to keep it in a cool, dry location where it won’t encounter any bumps and bruises. 

Before installation, you want to be sure that the battery is fully charged. While some batteries come pre-charged, this is not true of all of them. Use the screen or light indicators to determine if it needs refueling. As with any chemical-based battery, it is important to handle charging properly. Recharging (and an occasional dusting) is all the upkeep the battery needs. So long as you take care of these needs, the lawn mower battery will keep working for as long as possible. 

• Store the lawnmower, the battery, and any spares indoors or under a cover. 
• Be sure that your connections are firm and reliable to prevent damage. 
• Clean off the electrodes before you put it into place to optimize the connection.
• Don’t overstrain the lawnmower since it can cause the battery to overheat. 
• Allow the battery to drain fully before you recharge it to prevent chemical build up. 
• Always charge the battery to the fullest amount possible. 

Best Lawn Mower Batteries FAQ:

Since these batteries are so common and useful, it only makes sense that there are a few questions when it comes to making the right pick. Though some specifics differ based on the individual battery, some things remain true. We’ve addressed the most frequent inquiries to help you gather as much information as possible. 

Our Top Pick

After careful consideration, we’ve named the ML18-12 Mighty Max Battery as our top pick. Given its firm structure and reliable casing, it is meant to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The chemical components are reliable, easy to recharge, and designed to last. Running on a 12-volt system, it is also highly compatible. Simple to install and consistently effective, this battery is an excellent choice overall.

Final Thoughts

Now that you are familiar with the nuances of lawn mower batteries, you can make your pick. It could be the ML18-12 Mighty Max Battery for its reliability or the cost-effectiveness of the Chrome Battery Lead-Acid Battery. There’s a battery for every setup. Happy mowing!

Sources:

1. Lawn Mower – Wikipedia