Before we go any further, I think it’s important that we address the elephant in the room. No, I am not talking about the lawn mower itself, although it is a much-maligned and misunderstood vehicle.
I am talking about the battery. Specifically, the question of whether or not a lawn tractor can even run without one. The answer is “no”, and this is bad news for those who are thinking about buying a new lawn tractor. Let’s talk about the reasons why in a bit.
Before you start a lawn tractor that doesn’t have an engine battery attached, make sure you have the right equipment; you really do need a battery.
If you’re not sure whether or not your battery is dead, you can perform a simple test on it.
But first, if you have a lawn tractor that won’t start, there are a few things you need to make sure they’re not before you go out and buy a new battery.
- For one thing, you need to make sure the power switch is on, and that you haven’t accidentally shut the fuel valve off.
- Also, be sure that the spark plug is installed correctly and that the air filter is clean.
Why lawn tractor won’t run without a battery
Lawn tractors are machines that are used to handle large amounts of grass.
They are used by people who have an acre or more of land and require some way to mow it all.
Lawn tractors have been around for a long time and in my opinion, they are a great investment, especially if you look for models that are of high quality and will last a long time.
However, even the best lawn tractors sometimes require repair or replacement of parts like the battery.
Since the battery is responsible for storing and delivering the power necessary for the lawn tractor to run, you will need to have a battery for the lawn tractor to function properly.
While lawn tractors without batteries won’t do much to cut grass, the ones I’ve come across lack the features to support that.
That’s because they need a battery to power their electric motor, which is what spins the blades of the mower.
But, if you can find a battery for the lawn tractor, it should be able to start the engine.
Does a riding lawn mower charge its own battery?
Yes, it can charge its own battery. Not by driving around, but by driving its blades.
Although riding mowers charge a battery, I think they are not designed to charge a dead battery. You sure don’t.
The battery in a riding mower is typically in the rear of the mower. It is charged by a charging pulley that is operated by a belt from the engine pulley.
Riding mowers charge their batteries when the blades rotate. The battery is charged as it’s called on to power the engine that runs the blades, then recharges as the blades are driven back and forth with no engine being used.
This charging pulley and belt are designed to create the correct amount of torque to spin the pulley, but not to provide the high voltage needed to charge a dead battery.
If your riding mower battery is dead, you will need to either charge it with a battery charger or replace it.
When I used to think of electric vehicles, I usually visualized them as being cars, but I learnt electric vehicles actually come in all shapes and sizes, including lawn tractors.
Most commonly, riding lawn mowers utilize some sort of internal combustion engine, like a gas or diesel engine to turn the wheels and charge the batteries.
However, some mowers have been designed to be completely electrically powered. They are typically designed for smaller lawns, where the amount of grass being cut isn’t as significant as larger lawns.
This leads to a significantly smaller battery, which can be charged by plugging it into a regular outlet at home.
How long do lawn tractor batteries last?
For anyone who has ever struggled to start up a lawn tractor after a long winter, you know that there’s something special about the springtime and the smell of freshly cut grass.
Lawn tractors have long been a part of suburban neighborhoods, keeping them green and their yards tidy. A good lawn tractor will last for years, but eventually even the best batteries have to be replaced.
As I pointed out, the battery is an important component of a lawn tractor.
And it’s important to know how long this part will last, so you don’t end up buying it too soon or too late.
The average lifespan of a lawn tractor battery is about three years. A few batteries may last a little longer, but that is about the average.
The lifespan is determined by the overall health and usage of the battery.
Lawn tractor batteries are lead-acid batteries. They are much like car batteries. This is why you will see golf carts using them.
They are deep cycle batteries. That means they are used for short periods of time, then charged, then used again for another short period.
A good way I used to judge the health of any battery we had was the charge rate. If it takes a very long time to charge, then the battery is starting to weaken.
Conclusion
If you have a riding lawn mower and are planning on storing it for the winter, one of your concerns is whether or not you will be able to start it up again come springtime.
A lawn tractor is a great tool to have in your backyard arsenal, but you have to make sure that it’s always going to run.
They get the job done and are usually the most expensive piece of equipment in your lawn.
Most of them are equipped with a single battery that powers the tractor and starter motor separately.
If you have a truck, you probably have a battery charger. But what if you have a second lawn tractor that doesn’t? Will you need to buy a new battery? Maybe, yes. But if the battery is dead or weak, you should try to charge it first.