Can I Leave Battery in Lawn Mower?

Ever wondered if you can leave the battery in your lawn mower when it's not in use? You're definitely not alone. Our team of lawn mower experts at Mowrator has dug into battery maintenance and found some helpful tips for you.

This article will show you how to properly care for your lawn mower's battery and make it last longer. Let's dive right in!

Key Takeaways

• Leaving a battery on the charger can cause overcharging, heat buildup, and potential fire hazards. Always remove it once fully charged.
• Use smart chargers or set manual charging schedules during off-seasons to maintain battery health. Smart chargers automate the process by stopping when full.
• Store lawn mower batteries separately in cool, dry places to prevent damage from environmental factors.
• Check and maintain the battery’s charge regularly for optimal performance.

Can I Leave the Battery in the Lawn Mower?

No, you cannot leave your battery in the lawn mower, because leaving it attached can cause sulfation, which will damage the battery over time. Battery sulfation is a process that occurs when a lead-acid battery is left in a discharged state for a long period of time. Sulfation refers to the formation of lead sulfate crystals on the battery's lead plates.

This is why we need to fully remove the battery from the mower, especially during winter or long periods of non-use. This step slows down charge loss and keeps the battery healthy for longer. On average, if you have a 4-year-old battery-powered mower, your battery capacity should be 75% by following our recommendations below.

Alternatives to Leaving Battery on Charger During Winter

Let’s consider some alternatives to ensure your batteries stay healthy and last longer.

1. Manual Charging Schedule
   Charge the battery once every few weeks during off-seasons. This method can maintain the charge without constantly stressing the battery.
2. Store Battery Separately
   Remove the battery from the lawn mower after use and store it in a cool, dry place. Proper removal helps avoid issues and extends the battery’s lifespan significantly. A moderate temperature prevents damage to rechargeable batteries, protecting them from extreme heat or cold, and reducing the risk of damage from environmental factors.
3. Trickle Chargers
   Use a trickle charger to slowly charge the battery over an extended period. Trickle chargers are safer for maintaining long-term health compared to fast chargers.
4. Battery Management Systems (BMS)
   Invest in a BMS that monitors and protects each cell in lithium-ion batteries, ensuring balanced charging and discharging cycles.
5. Regular Maintenance Checks
   Perform regular checks on your lawn mower batteries for any signs of wear or damage, especially on lead-acid batteries, which may need water refills. Moreover, sealed batteries need to stay within a proper voltage range to perform well.
6. Use a Smart Charger
   A smart charger manages the battery's charge, keeps it steady, and prevents overcharging. It automatically stops charging when the battery is full and resumes charging when it gets low. Before putting the battery back into your riding lawnmower or push mowers for the season, always ensure it's fully charged up.

Following these steps ensures your lawn mower remains ready for action while keeping your batteries in top condition.

Battery Maintenance for Lawn Mowers

You need to be careful with battery care for our lawn mowers. Proper maintenance helps extend the battery's lifespan and ensures safe usage.

Risks of Leaving Battery on Charger

Leaving a battery on the charger can cause major problems. Risks include:

• Excessive heat, which can lead to a fire hazard
• Corrosion on the battery terminals and cables
• Batteries become less efficient
• Decreased battery lifespan

Some lawn mower batteries auto-discharge at around 30% if left fully charged for weeks. However, not all chargers have this feature. Keeping the charger plugged in after charging might result in electrolyte leakage or sulfation, especially with lead-acid batteries.

Always remove the battery from the charger once it's fully charged to avoid these risks.

How Long Should a Lawn Mower Battery Last?

A lawn mower battery, like those in electric mowers, usually lasts 3 to 5 years if maintained well. Lead-acid batteries can die in just one mowing season without proper care. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries outlast them by 4 to 6 times longer.

Lithium batteries can operate for more than a decade or sustain up to 3,000 charging cycles with an 80% depth of discharge (DOD). Lithium-ion batteries last longer because they have higher power density and lose capacity more slowly. It's best to keep them charged between 20% and 80% to make them last even longer. On the other hand, lead-acid versions need frequent upkeep and may not last as long.

How to Extend Battery Lifespan

To make sure our lawn mower battery lasts as long as possible, follow our professional advice below. Our goal is to keep your mower battery working well so you can avoid replacing it too often.

1. Maintain a 20–80% Charge
   Using the battery until it's around 20% charged before recharging helps prevent over-exertion. Plus, charging it up to only 80% instead of full will extend its life.
2. Let the Battery Cool Down
   After mowing, let the battery rest for a few hours before charging. Avoid plugging it in right after use. This will prevent overheating and damage.
3. Use Smart Chargers
   A smart charger that switches to “float mode” can stop overcharging and discharging. This type of charger automatically manages the charge level.
4. Store at Moderate Temperatures
   Extreme temperatures harm battery chemistry. Always store batteries between 40°F and 80°F in a dry place for best results.
5. Clean Battery Terminals Regularly
   Dirt and corrosion on battery terminals reduce efficiency and lifespan. Clean them periodically with a brush or cloth.
6. Opt for Proper Storage During Off-Season
   Remove the battery from the mower when not in use for extended periods and store it separately in a cool, dry location.

Taking these steps will help us get more life out of our lawn mower batteries, saving money and reducing waste over time.

Factors Affecting Battery Lifespan

Heat, discharge rate, and depth of discharge (DOD) play big roles in a battery's lifespan. High temperatures can cause the battery to wear out faster, and draining it too much before recharging shortens its lifespan.

Signs of a Dying Battery

A weak lawn mower battery often gives itself away with a clicking sound when you start the engine. This noise signals that the battery lacks enough juice to crank up your mower. You should also check the voltage regularly; if it drops below 12 volts, it's time to consider a replacement.

Another sign is needing frequent recharges or struggling to hold a charge even after charging for 8 hours. Lead-acid batteries tend to lose their charge over winter months or long periods of disuse, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on this as well.

Lastly, look at the water reservoir in lead-acid batteries. If it’s low, topping it off might help, but consistent issues mean it’s nearing its end.

If you need any more advice on lawn mowers and batteries, get in touch with the team at Mowrator. We’re ready to help you save and maintain your lawn mower batteries.

Can I Leave the Battery in my Lawn Mower FAQs

How Do I Safely Recharge Batteries for My Riding Lawn Mower?

Use a compatible battery charger and follow safety guidelines like wearing safety glasses when recharging batteries.

What Type of Battery is Commonly Used in Lawn Mowers?

Lawn mowers often use lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries due to their reliability and power output.

Does the Rate of Discharge Affect All Types of Rechargeable Batteries Equally?

No, different types like NiMH batteries, NiCd batteries, and Li-ion batteries have varying rates of discharge (C rate).

Can I Use Car Chargers for Recharging My Lawn Mower's Nickel-Metal Hydride or Nickel Cadmium Battery?

No, this is not recommended. Always use the correct charging stations designed for those specific types of rechargeable batteries.

If you found this article interesting you may also want to read How Many Volts (Amps) is a Lawn Mower Battery. 

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