Have had a j.d. comm. mower for years, and the battery usually lasts about 1 1/2 years. Have bought the cheapest I can find all the way up to a sears die hard. No matter still dies in a little over a year. Tried diconnecting the leads between mowing, and trickle charging, no difference. Is there a better battery or way to maintain better? thanks bob
#2
reynoldston
I know what you are saying because I have the same problem. As for myself the first sign of a problem I just go buy another cheap battery. You can buy them on sale for less then 20 dollars. Back when I was working on electric fork trucks I was told by the battery sales company that where is only a very small amount of companies that manufacture batteries. What they do is just put different names on the battery case.
I seem to have a little better luck with my batteries. I average 5 years on one. I usually buy the higher CCA 330 to 360. Currently I have a Die Hard in my 89 Craftsman GT, it was bought in 07 and still working well. My tractors are kept inside and I don't do much to keep them charged and they work fine.
I have purchased them at Sears and Bj's. Other places that sell batteries are Tractor Supply, Advanced Auto and Auto Zone. HD and Lowes as well as any automotive parts store is a good choice.
I had a battery factory rep tell me that small batteries like lawn and motorcycle batteries are very cheaply made,and the vibration is what destroys the insulators between the plates.So if that is true...not much you could do to make 'em last longer.Don't if it's true...but it makes sense.jc
#7
okiepc
getting close to 5 years on mine in a JD GX75. I have never charged it & it spins like new. When the mower is not being used it is kept in my shop building, always dry.
My two cents for long battery life.
1.) Always put a trickle charger on it when not using.
2.) Keep the terminals clean and acid free and greased.
3.) Check the water level at least once a year, two to three times a year is better.
4.) Buy the higher cranking amp battery.
All the above works for me. On occasion you will get a battery that will not last half as long as normal. It's usually a manufacturer defect like shavings in between the plates that short out and kill the batter. Wal-Mart gives replacement free deal on car batteries. Have yet to buy a tractor battery there though. Might be worth looking into.
Also, if mowing on hot summer days, let the machine and battery cool off a bit after mowing and cleaning before restarting to put away. It gives the cells a chance to re-energize and less chance of shorting.
My only experience with all these small batteries is that it seems to me the higher CCA rated batteries last a bit longer. They are almost a consumable, though.:frown:
Suggestion, I would charge the battery, then take a voltage reading. A week later you should have the same reading. If it drops more than two tenths you have a slow discharge short which is shortening the life of the battery. Higher CCR will help if no leakage is found.
