Lawn tractors make easy work of maintaining your lawn grass, but what happens when the battery no longer works? Similarly, there are times when a single charge no longer lasts for the whole operation. Instead of immediately buying a brand new lawn tractor, you should consider looking for a good battery replacement. Here, we take a look at the best lawn tractor battery to buy in 2021.
Top 5 Best Lawn Tractor Batteries In 2021
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What Is A Lawn Tractor Battery?
We all know that a lawn tractor is capable of many tasks that help improve the quality of your property with ease. Still, we must also be aware of its parts. In particular, we should know more about the lawn tractor battery.
Size and Voltage
For one, lawn tractors use various batteries that differ in voltages. You cannot just buy any random lawn tractor battery and expect it to work with the tractor you have. Lawn tractor batteries do come in different sizes. An overloaded lawn tractor due to a wrong battery isn’t desirable. Thankfully, you only need to either browse the user manual or search for the relevant information of the tractor model online.
Use of Lead Acid
Lawn tractor batteries utilize lead acid to function. Basically, the batteries need to follow a particular charge cycle in order for them to continue working properly in the long run. If you do not charge them for quite some time, the lead-acid contained in these batteries could crystallize. When this occurs, the charging capability is diminished. Thus, it’s wise to have a maintenance charger to keep the batteries charged even throughout winter.
Here’s a video to help you know more about replacing a lawn tractor battery:
Maintenance and Use of Battery Water
Just like with any lawn care equipment, it’s important to practice proper maintenance of the battery. We’ll expound on this later on, but some general points include checking connections, cables, and terminals. They should be properly placed and cleaned to stop dust and other debris from affecting the batteries.
Also, there are lawn tractor batteries that utilize battery water. These particular models need checking the battery water levels to ensure an optimal operation.
When To Get A New Lawn Tractor Battery
Now that you know what a lawn tractor battery is, you must know when it’s the right time to get yourself a new one. The first sign is when the battery case begins to show cracks or have leakages. Second, you should get a new battery if the battery case has a bulge, which typically results from overheating.
In addition, a battery with terminals that has damages and signs of extreme corrosion need to be replaced as soon as possible. A fourth reason is when the incorrect charger setting is used. Likewise, you should discontinue using the battery if it has a low electrolyte level. This occurs when air gets into the internal plates and it could lead to sulfation. Of course, an obvious reason to replace the battery is when the battery ceases to have a charge.
How To Determine The Lawn Tractor Battery Size
If the information about the battery size isn’t readily available in the instruction manual or online, you can check it for yourself. In simple terms, the battery size can be identified through the measurement of volts and amps. Most lawn tractors need a 12-volt battery, but large models could need as many as 40 volts. Also, it’s important to be careful when handling the battery and to wash your hands afterward due to the sulfuric acid contained in it.
First, you need to look at the upper section of the battery case. Search for the plastic caps. These can be actually unscrewed to give you a good view of the battery cells. Now, you must determine the total number of plastic caps. This total number should then be multiplied by two – the result is the battery voltage. To give an example, a battery with eight plastic caps has 16 volts. Furthermore, you should look at the battery case to get more information.
A lot of lawn tractor batteries would have the voltage and the max current written there. The voltage would be simplified as “V” while the maximum current is shortened as “A” as it is also known as the amperage. If you still haven’t identified the size of the battery, you can take a picture of the battery. Just send this to the customer service of the battery manufacturer and they should provide you with the necessary information regarding battery replacement.
Factors To Consider In Buying The Best Lawn Tractor Battery
Apart from knowing the battery size that is compatible with your lawn tractor, there are other factors that you need to be aware of before you get a replacement battery.
Terminal Placement
The positive terminal of a battery can be located either on the left side or the right side. You must know the terminal position required for your lawn tractor. The incorrect placement as you proceed to attach the cables could lead to damages both on the lawn tractor and on the replacement battery.
Construction
Some lawn tractor batteries have metal plates while others use lead plates exposed to sulfuric acid. Back then, the use of these lead plates didn’t get enough support due to their corrosion and loss of charge. With the application of calcium, however, these lead plates now have better tolerance for the aforementioned issues.
CCA Rating
CCA refers to the cold cranking ampere, which is something that lawn tractor batteries produce. Each battery has a CCA rating, which is identified through the measurement of the current created in 30 seconds when the temperature is at a mere zero degrees Fahrenheit. When the battery has a CCA rating, it means that it offers a good amount of battery and it will work well even under cold temperatures.
Top 5 Best Lawn Tractor Battery Reviews
Husqvarna YTH2448 Lawn Tractor Battery
Via amazon.com
This lawn tractor battery weighs a total of 26 pounds with a dimension of 7.68 x 5.12 x 6.46 inches, which is pretty standard. It is considerably heavy, which is a good indicator of thick and sturdy plates. This does seem well-constructed overall, especially with the inclusion of a handle for easy carrying.
One of the most notable features of this Husqvarna battery is the absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology. Combined with a lead-calcium alloy construction, the AGM technology could reduce the amount of maintenance required. Specifically, it is meant to prevent leaks and to eliminate the need to check for battery water levels.
Installation of the battery was quick, and the company will likely contact you online in case you haven’t registered it for the 18-month warranty. In fact, they will offer to conduct the online registration themselves.
Consequently, the Husqvarna YTH2448 Lawn Tractor Battery is designed to have a long battery life. This is made possible not only due to the fiberglass mat separators but also because of the high cell compression.
In other words, this battery has good vibration resistance even under undesirable conditions. Apart from a warranty lasting 18 months, the Husqvarna YTH2448 Lawn Tractor Battery also comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
What We Liked
- AGM technology to effectively stop leaks and remove the need to check water levels
- Quick installation and great customer service in terms of warranty registration
- Sufficient vibration resistance during extreme conditions
- Lead-calcium alloy construction for superb durability
What We Didn't Like
- Might be too heavy for some
- Does not start up quickly at times
Mighty Max ML35-12 SLA Battery for John Deere Tractor Riding Mower
Via amazon.com
We have another sealed lead acid (SLA) battery – this time from Mighty Max. Like the previous model, this lawn tractor battery is meant to be maintenance-free. It has a dimension of 7.68 x 5.16 x 7.13 inches, which makes it slightly bigger than the Husqvarna battery. It’s a 12-volt and 35-ampere battery with a weight of 23.15 pounds. It’s understandable that this model is near twice as heavy as the original battery of your lawn tractor.
The battery comes with screws to help in installation and hardware for cable attachments. Also, it comes at a complete charge so you can use it as soon as you’ve installed it. Apart from the SLA characteristic, this battery has the AGM technology. Together, these features not only prolong the lifespan of the Mighty Max ML35-12 but also give it a high discharge rate and a good performance even in high and low temperatures.
It will likely have an easy start even with long-term use. Also, the AGM technology uses a valve-regulated design to ensure its leak-free characteristic in indoor locations. This battery should do well in either float applications or cyclic applications due to its extremely sturdy calcium-alloy grid.
Furthermore, you could mount this Mighty Max battery in your desired position without it losing the shock-resistant, spill-proof, and vibration-resistant properties. Lastly, this lawn tractor battery comes with a one-year warranty and a 30-day money guarantee, which are noticeably shorter than the ones provided in the first battery we reviewed.
What We Liked
- Quick installation with screws included
- AGM technology and SLA design eliminates the need for extensive maintenance
- High discharge rate
- Commendable performance even under high or low-temperature conditions
- Resistance to shock and vibration no matter the mounting position
What We Didn't Like
- Almost twice as heavy as most original batteries
- Incompatible with some old lawn tractors
Universal Power Group12V 35Ah Battery For John Deere Lawn and Garden Tractor Riding Mower
Via amazon.com
Similar to the Mighty Max ML35-12 SLA Battery, this battery from Universal Power Group comes with a one-year warranty. Likewise, you can place this 12-volt, 35-ampere rechargeable battery in any position. Regardless, it will sustain its resistance to both shock and vibration. Also, this utilizes both the SLA and AGM technologies to stop spilling and reduce the overall maintenance task.
What makes this lawn tractor battery different from other entries is its size. With a dimension of 7.75 x 5.19 x 7.13 inches, the Universal Power Group 12V 35Ah Battery is slightly bigger than the Mighty Max and the Husqvarna models.
Despite this, the battery is actually lighter than those two batteries at just 22.50 pounds. Some would welcome this relatively lightweight while others might think of this as less durable than the heavier variants.
It is fast to crank the engine. in the long run, the performance of the battery should be good as long as it is charged, even when you are not cutting the lawn grass.
In particular, it helps to have a trickle charger, especially during the winter season. Additionally, we recommend that you look at the terminals properly as they might be in contrast with the terminal position of the original battery. In such case, you should utilize the wires to get correct terminal placements.
What We Liked
- Relatively light at 22.50 pounds despite its size
- SLA and AGM technologies to stop leaks
- Wires are enough to get the right terminal positions
- Shock resistance and vibration resistance
What We Didn't Like
- Metal section where the plugs are attached to is slightly bent
- Does not adequately fit some models of John Deere lawn tractors
Chrome Battery12V 35AH SLA U1 Battery for Kubota Case John Deere Dixie Chopper Riding Mower
Via amazon.com
The fourth rechargeable lawn tractor battery is from Chrome Battery. This has a standard dimension of 7.68 x 5.12 x 6.46 inches. Likewise, the Chrome Battery 12V 35AH SLA U1 Battery weighs at a rather hefty 26 pounds, which is in part due to the sturdy lead calcium alloy. Apart from comprehensive safety tests, Chrome Battery ensures that their SLA U1 battery is examined for Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM compatibility.
The package where this battery comes in is well done, especially with the Styrofoam, the tough cardboard, and the plastic caps to safeguard the terminals. In fact, Chrome Battery provides the stainless steel hardware needed to connect the terminal lugs with the lawn tractor battery. Installation should take less than ten minutes, which includes the time for applying petroleum jelly to make it more corrosion resistant.
This lawn tractor battery has the AGM design to avoid spills, leaks, and the need to check water levels. Consequently, the SLA and AGM technologies help lengthen its life cycle. Still, the information included in the manual about cranking amps could have been improved. As for the warranty, it lasts for a year and a half while a full refund is applicable for the first 60 days.
What We Liked
- Packaged with plastic caps to protect the terminals
- Fast installation process
- AGM and SLA technologies for stopping leaks and spills
- Tough led calcium alloy
What We Didn't Like
- Quite heavy for some people
- Instruction manual could have been written better
ExpertPower EXP12200 Rechargeable Battery
Via amazon.com
Finally, we have the EXP12200 from ExpertPower. This is a 12-volt and 20-amp SLA battery with B1 terminals. To effectively stop spills and help it perform optimally under extreme temperatures, this rechargeable battery has the AGM technology. This also has a valve regulated design, which keeps it from leaking and makes it safe enough for indoor use and storage. You can mount this is any position without worrying about spills.
While replacing batteries is fairly simple, we hoped that the instruction manual could have a detailed section about it. Taking apart the wires and finding the screws to remove from the battery case to place this ExpertPower lawn tractor battery won’t be easy for all people. Also, you must be mindful of where the battery terminals are located.
On the other hand, the performance is good. A single charge is more than enough for the tractor to cover a medium-sized lawn. As for the construction, the battery case uses a non-conductive ABS plastic. The case has a significant amount of impact resistance apart from withstanding vibration, heat, and chemical exposure. This is a durable lawn tractor battery. Maintenance is barely needed apart from sprinkle charging.
What We Liked
- Maintains a good performance even under hot or cold temperatures
- Valve regulated design for spill-proof mounting in any position
- Highly durable construction using ABS plastic
- Single charge is good for several tractor operations
What We Didn't Like
- Information regarding battery replacement could have been detailed
- Does not give an easy start for the machine at times
Read more to know about my reviews on choosing a best electric cordless mower.
Best Lawn Tractor Battery - Winner
All in all, our favorite lawn tractor battery is none other than the Mighty Max ML35-12 SLA Battery. This is practically a maintenance-free rechargeable battery not only due to the SLA innovation but also because of the AGM technology.
You are ensured of a long-lasting and reliable replacement battery. The discharge rate is high, and it will continue performing well at less desirable temperatures.
Via amazon.com
Furthermore, your lawn tractor will have an easy start with this Mighty Max battery, and you will appreciate the toughness of the calcium-alloy grid. In fact, this lawn tractor battery has great resistant not only to shock but also vibration. The warranty and the money back guarantee are fairly average, but we doubt you’ll use them with how well-constructed the Mighty Max ML35-12 SLA Battery is.
