The lifespan of a lawn mower battery typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of battery, how often you use the mower, and how well you maintain the battery. I’ve learned from experience that proper care can extend a battery’s life, while neglect can shorten it significantly.
Here are the factors that influence the life of a lawn mower battery and how you can maximize its lifespan.
1. Type of Lawn Mower Battery
The type of battery used in your mower impacts how long it will last:
- Lead-Acid Batteries: These are common in many riding mowers and typically last 3 to 4 years with good care.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Found in many modern electric push mowers, lithium-ion batteries can last up to 5 years or more, thanks to their ability to handle more charge cycles and their lower maintenance requirements.
2. Usage and Frequency
How often you use your lawn mower can affect the battery life:
- Frequent Use: If you use your mower regularly (especially weekly), the battery may wear out faster due to more frequent charge cycles. However, lithium-ion batteries tend to handle more charge cycles better than lead-acid batteries.
- Infrequent Use: Batteries that sit unused for extended periods can lose their charge and degrade. It’s important to keep them charged during off-seasons (winter) to prevent deep discharge.
3. Maintenance
Proper battery maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan:
- Keep the Battery Charged: Always charge the battery after use. For lead-acid batteries, keeping the charge between 80-100% prevents sulfation, which can damage the battery.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Extreme temperatures (especially cold) can shorten battery life. Store your battery or mower in a cool, dry place during the off-season.
- Avoid Deep Discharge: Fully discharging a battery, especially a lead-acid one, can cause permanent damage. Try to recharge the battery before it is completely drained.
- Check Water Levels (Lead-Acid Batteries): For lead-acid batteries, periodically check the water levels and top off with distilled water if necessary. Make sure the water covers the lead plates inside the battery.
4. Signs Your Battery Needs Replacement
Over time, your lawn mower battery will start showing signs that it’s reaching the end of its lifespan:
- Difficulty Starting: If the mower struggles to start or doesn’t hold a charge, the battery may be failing.
- Slow Cranking: If the engine cranks slowly when you turn the key or press the start button, it could be a sign the battery isn’t providing enough power.
- Shortened Run Time: For electric mowers, if you notice that the battery drains faster than usual or doesn’t last as long per charge, it’s likely time to replace it.
5. How to Extend Lawn Mower Battery Life
- Keep It Clean: Dirt and corrosion around the terminals can affect performance. Regularly clean the battery terminals with a wire brush and apply battery terminal protector to prevent corrosion.
- Use a Battery Charger/Maintainer: A battery maintainer or trickle charger keeps the battery charged during the off-season, preventing discharge and extending its life.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat or cold for extended periods, as these can accelerate wear and damage.
Conclusion
On average, a lawn mower battery lasts between 3 to 5 years, with lead-acid batteries typically lasting 3 to 4 years and lithium-ion batteries lasting up to 5 years or more. Proper maintenance—such as regular charging, keeping the battery clean, and storing it correctly during the off-season—can help you maximize its lifespan. Be on the lookout for signs like slow cranking or shorter run times that indicate your battery may need replacement.