A lawn mower battery can typically last between 3 to 5 years. However, some might die out in just a year, while others could keep going for up to 8 years. How long it lasts depends on how you use it and how well you take care of it. Many things can affect how long your lawn mower’s battery keeps working. Mostly, it depends on what kind of lawn mower you have and what type of battery it uses.
In this article, we’ll discuss what factors can make your lawn mower battery last longer. Further, we will talk about how to avoid problems with these batteries. But first, let’s learn about the different types of lawn mower batteries and how they work. This will give you a better understanding of how your lawn mower’s battery functions. So you can make it last longer.
Types of Lawn Mower Batteries
There are many different types of batteries in the market. Most of these batteries can be classified into two major battery types: lithium-ion and lead-acid. Below, we’ll discuss both types of batteries for better understanding.
Lead-acid batteries
Lead acid batteries are common battery types used in lawnmowers. They have been around for a very long time. These batteries are easy to use and affordable, which makes them popular. They are one of the oldest battery types. These batteries contain lead plates with a sulfuric acid electrolyte. They provide 2 volts per cell. Additionally, they can not reach their full capacity after one discharge. These batteries generally last for 1-3 years with 200-300 cycles.
Lead acid batteries are heavier and need heavy maintenance as well. They need to be charged regularly for extended life. These batteries vent hydrogen gas and sulfuric acid, which can cause corrosion. Corrosion has harmful effects on the battery life. Moreover, these batteries are known for their reliability and affordability.
Pros:
- It is affordable
- Wide operating temperature range
- Low internal resistance
- Very common and easily available
- recyclable
Cons:
- It is very heavy
- Needs regular maintenance
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are relatively new. They haven’t been around for as long as lead acid. Lithium-ion is a newer technology. These batteries are a more recent addition to the lawn mower market. They generally last for around five years or 500 cycles.
These batteries are lighter and more energy-dense. They provide higher energy in smaller sizes. They provide 4 volts per cell but can go up to 72 volts per cell. Moreover, they are relatively costly. Further, they need minimal maintenance; you don’t need to check the electrolytes repeatedly. Low maintenance cost balances their higher buying cost.
The high-quality material of lithium-ion batteries provides a longer lifespan, faster charging, and longer battery life. These batteries have become more popular due to their lightweight and long lifespan.
Pros:
- It is very light
- This battery has a Longer life
- It has faster charging
- Low self-discharge
- Needs little to no maintenance
Cons:
- It is slightly expensive
- May be more prone to thermal runaways
- It may not perform very well at very high temperatures
Average Lifespan of Lawn Mower Batteries
Every battery type has its own lifespan or number of charge cycles. This determines how long your battery will last and differs from battery to battery. Let’s look at the battery life of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries below.
Lead-acid batteries
The average lifespan of lead-acid batteries in lawnmowers is 2-3 years. This time can vary depending on the degree of usage and the other factors discussed in this article. Proper maintenance, less deep discharges, and regular charging can help extend lead-acid batteries’ lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries
The average lifespan of lithium-ion batteries in lawnmowers is as high as 3-5 years. Some higher-quality models can last even longer than this. Moreover, proper charging practices and avoiding extreme temperatures are important for extending the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries.
Signs of Battery Deterioration
You can prevent any severe damage to your battery by observing it for any signs of battery deterioration. Keeping an eye on your lawn mower battery will help avoid potential problems. Let’s look at the signs of battery deterioration in lawn mowers.
Decreased Performance
The most prominent sign of battery deterioration is a decrease in performance. This happens due to battery aging. The older the battery gets, the more it loses its efficiency and capacity. It will show signs of fatigue, like slow charging and quick discharging. Moreover, it may not cover the same area at one charge as it used to. Signs like slower engine cranking are also indicators of decreased performance.
Difficulty Starting the Mower
A common sign of battery failure is difficulty starting the lawn mower. This happens due to damage to the battery. It is especially common in winter due to frozen electrolytes.
Visual Signs of Damage
Due to their acid content, lead-acid batteries have a high risk of corrosion. Corrosion on the terminals is a visual sign of battery deterioration. Further, any bulging in the case is also an indicator of damage.
Factors Affecting Battery Life
The battery life of your lawn mower can be affected by several factors. A battery that is supposed to last 5 years may only last 3 or more than 8 years. It all depends on certain factors that affect the battery life.
Battery type and quality
Studies have shown that higher-quality batteries tend to last longer. We discussed the types of batteries above. We discussed the characteristics of each battery type. Both types of batteries have their advantages and limitations. The life of your lawn mower battery depends on what type of battery is in it. If it’s a lithium-ion battery, then it will last you for up to 5 years. And if it’s lead-acid, then it’s 2-3 years.
Frequency of use
Research shows that frequently used batteries tend to have shorter lifespans. This is due to more charging and discharging cycles. The more the batteries are used, the more they drain, so they require more charging.
Frequent charging and discharging causes the lifespan to shorten. Suppose a battery with 500 cycles generally lasts up to five years. It may only last for three years due to extensive use. So, the degree of usage is a big factor that affects the life of a lawn mower’s battery. Lead acid batteries have 200-300 cycles, while lithium-ion has 500 cycles.
Charging habits
A crucial aspect of batteries and their lifespan is charging. Charging habits have a big effect on the longevity of your battery. These habits include overcharging and undercharging. Both of them help to reduce the battery life.
It is recommended to avoid both extremes for extended battery life. Do not overcharge batteries, as this has detrimental effects on your battery. Don’t undercharge the battery below the recommended percentage, either. This will also harm the battery life.
Lead-acid batteries are recommended to charge between 90-100%. Lithium batteries are recommended to charge between 50-70% and not more than that. Charge within the recommended limits for optimal battery life, and do not go to extremes.
Environmental conditions
The climate of a battery’s environment significantly affects its lifespan. When we say climate, what we mean is temperature. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, harm the battery’s performance. You should store batteries in moderate temperatures for the longest lifespan.
Every battery type has an optimal temperature range for functioning. If the temperature exceeds this limit, It harms your battery’s life and performance. Both extremely hot and extremely cold temperatures have adverse effects on the battery.
The optimal temperature for charging and discharging a lead acid battery is –4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal temperature for charging lithium-ion batteries is 32 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The discharging temperature is –4°F to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage and Maintenance practices
Maintenance is important in promoting a long lifespan of anything, including batteries. With proper maintenance, we can avoid big issues that negatively affect the battery life. Lead acid batteries need more maintenance practices than lithium-ion batteries. For lead-acid batteries, maintenance includes cleaning terminals and checking the electrolyte levels. Even the build-up of dust and debris on the terminals can cause poor electrical connections. This can also cause short battery life.
Since most people don’t use their lawnmowers all year, they must learn proper storage practices. This is crucial to preserve their battery’s life. Storage environment and temperature are important factors to consider. Read further to learn about practices or tips to help you extend battery life.
Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Lawn Mower Batteries
As mentioned above, a battery that is supposed to last 5 years may only last 3 or as much as 8 years. It depends on certain factors, and we can deal with these factors with the tips below. These tips are great if you want to extend the life of your lawn mower batteries.
Proper storage techniques
You can get the most out of your lawn mower battery with proper care. It is advised to store batteries in a cool, dry place to prolong their lifespan. For proper storage, reference your battery’s optimal temperature ranges. Make sure you store the battery within those temperature ranges.
Many lawn mower owners do not use their lawnmowers all year round. They should store their lawn mower battery in optimal storage conditions. Take the battery out and put it in a case. Store the encased battery in a place with minimal temperature fluctuations. If it’s summertime, a cool place is recommended, while in winter, a warm place.
For winter, you can buy battery warmer accessories to keep your battery from freezing. If frozen, battery performance and life are greatly affected. Similarly, very hot temperatures are also harmful as they can cause short circuits and thermal runaways.
Regular maintenance and inspection
It is recommended to clean battery terminals regularly and check electrolyte levels for lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries do not need much maintenance, but keep an eye on them for any unusual signs. And carefully read the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Environmental considerations
Store batteries at temperatures below 80°F to prevent degradation. Ensure that the place you are keeping your battery is not humid or wet, as it can be bad for your battery. You must already know by now that batteries should be kept within the optimal temperature ranges mentioned above.
Correct charging practices
As we discussed earlier, charging is a crucial aspect of a battery. Both overcharging and undercharging are harmful to your battery’s life. If you charge the battery within the recommended limits, your battery will be okay. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to take care of your battery.
Conclusion
In short, by understanding the factors that affect your lawn mower’s battery life, you can keep it in better condition for longer. Different types of batteries offer different advantages and limitations. A little knowledge about the battery and what influences it helps you in the long run. With the tips we’ve discussed in this article, you can make your lawn mower’s battery last longer and avoid the need for frequent replacement. This will ultimately save you both time and money. Follow these strategies and get the most out of your lawn mower batteries.