The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a lawn mower battery is to find out what your specific lawn mower model needs. There are many different types of lawn mower batteries, and they come in many different sizes. And since in most cases, you cannot bring your lawn mower to a store to fit the battery before buying one, knowing this can save you a second trip to the shop.
Basically, there are various types of lawn mower batteries based on voltage and composition. Your lawn mower battery could be a 6V, a 12V, a 24V or a 36V battery. You will see this number indicated on the battery itself. The voltage will tell you what kind of charger you will need to charge your battery.
When it comes to composition, you have maintenance-free nickel cadmium batteries, maintenance-free lithium ion batteries and lead acid batter batteries. If you have the choice, opt to choose maintenance free batteries because they’re easier to care for.
Lead acid batteries have hydrochloric acid and contain electrolytes in the battery compartment. You should be careful to make sure you don’t spill these when you place your lawn mower battery inside the battery compartment of your lawn mower. Also, make sure that the top of the battery, especially the plug where you add water is clean.
Every now and then you will have to top up the water level inside the battery. Use distilled water only. When topping up the water inside your lead acid batteries, it is recommended that you do not fill it to the brim. It is best to maintain the water level at 1/4 inch above the lead plates.
For nickel cadmium batteries, once you place them inside the battery compartment of your lawn mower, you can forget about it until it’s completely discharged, which for most batteries would be at the 6 month mark. Once it’s completely discharged, just recharge it and you can use it again.
Lithium ion batteries are the newest type of battery for lawn mowers. Lithium ion batteries are powerful batteries that take a fraction of the time it takes to charge other types of batteries.
The type of battery that will work best with your lawn mower depends on the model of your lawn mower. There are so many lawn mower brands now that even battery retailers are not always knowledgeable on what kind of battery goes with which lawn mower model. To make sure you still end up with the right model, here are some things you can do:
1. Bring your old lawn mower battery to the shop when you purchase a new battery.
2. If you cant bring your old battery with you, then jot down the specification of the battery which is usually listed on the battery itself and give this to the sales personnel. Make sure to include the voltage, the brand and model number, and the measurement of the length, width and height of the battery.