Perhaps you recently purchased a new lawn mower or invested in a replacement battery. But after you purchase it, you might wonder if you need to charge it before using it. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on the type of battery your lawn mower uses.
Key Points:
- Whether or not a new lawn mower battery needs to be charged before use depends on the specific type of battery.
- Charging a new lawn mower battery before first use ensures optimal performance and can help identify any potential issues with the battery or mower.
- Different types of lawn mower batteries include 12-volt batteries and lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in riding and push mowers, respectively.
For example, some batteries come pre-charged and are ready for use right out of the box, but others require charging before use. So, before using it, check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether charging is necessary.
Charging a new lawn mower battery can help ensure it has a full charge and is ready to use when needed. It’s also a good idea to periodically charge your lawn mower battery throughout the season to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Types of Lawn Mower Batteries
Like other battery-using products, lawn mowers don’t all use the same exact type of battery. Instead, specific models utilize varying batteries that best fit the particular need. Here are a few common types of batteries used in lawn mowers:
- 12-volt batteries: These batteries are often used for riding lawnmowers and are similar to those found in cars.
- Lithium-ion batteries (or li-ion batteries): These batteries are standard in push mowers as they house an impressive amount of power in a small space and offer short charging times.
Why You Need to Charge a New Lawn Mower Battery
When you purchase a new lawn mower, you might assume the battery is fully charged and ready to go. However, while this might be true in some cases, it isn’t always accurate. It’s usually recommended to charge your new lawn mower’s battery before using it for the first time.
Here’s why:
Understanding the Battery’s Condition
When you purchase a new lawn mower or battery, it’s important to note that it might have been sitting on a shelf for months before you bought it. During this time, the battery might have lost some of its charge, so even though it’s brand new, it might not be at full capacity the first time you use it.
Charging the battery before you use it ensures it’s at maximum capacity and ready to provide optimal performance.
Aside from this, the battery’s condition can affect its lifespan. If you use the new battery without charging it first, you might reduce its overall lifespan.
This is because the battery will need to work harder to supply the necessary power to the lawn mower. So, in addition to providing optimal performance, a quick charge before use helps ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Ensuring Optimal Performance
As mentioned, charging a new lawn mower is essential to ensuring you get the best performance from your lawn mower. A fully charged battery will supply more power to the lawn mower than a partially charged one, allowing the system to operate more efficiently.
This translates to better performance, as the mower will be able to cut through the grass more efficiently, and you’ll be able to blaze through your lawn work much faster.
On top of that, charging the battery before using it can help you identify issues with the battery or lawn more. For example, if the battery doesn’t hold a charge, you might need to replace it.
Since you haven’t used the mower, the issue falls to the battery and not to a circ*mstance that may have arisen during use. By identifying these issues before you start using the mower, you can save yourself time and frustration down the road.
When to Charge a New Lawn Mower Battery
If you recently bought a new lawn mower or battery, you might question when you should charge it. Here are a few helpful guidelines to help you determine when its time to charge your new lawn mower battery:
Before First Use
Before you start using your lawn mower battery for the first time, don’t forget to charge it fully! The initial charge before using it will ensure the battery has plenty of power to operate the mower and will help extend the battery’s lifespan.
You can find specific charging times and procedures in the manufacturer’s instructions, so read through those for information surrounding your particular model.
After a Long Storage Period
When your lawn mower battery sits for an extended period, like during the winter months, it might lose some or all of its charge. This isn’t abnormal, especially over long periods of no use, as batteries can lose their charge over time.
By charging the battery before you start the mower in the spring (or after the storage period), you can ensure the mower starts easily and runs smoothly.
When the Battery Shows Signs of Weakness
You might also need to charge your battery when it begins to show signs of weakness. For example, you might notice slow cranking or a weak spark, which could indicate a charge is necessary for the near future.
A fully charged battery will provide the power your lawn mower needs to operate smoothly and effectively, so a partially charged battery can result in issues like these. However, if your battery continues to show signs of weakness after charging, it might need to be replaced altogether.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and maintaining your lawn mower battery. This will give it the best chance at a long life and ensure it provides reliable power for years to come.
How to Charge a New Lawn Mower Battery
Charging your new lawn mower battery is pretty simple. While we recommend consulting the manufacturer’s instructions for specific information pertaining to your battery, here are a few tips to send you in the right direction:
Preparing the Battery and Charger
Before you start charging your new lawn mower battery, it’s essential to ensure the battery and charger are ready for the process. Here are a few things to check:
- Ensure that the battery charger is compatible with your specific battery model. You should be able to find this information in the owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer if you’re unsure.
- Verify the battery is completely disconnected from the lawn mower before attempting to charge it.
- Examine the battery for signs of damage or leakage. If you notice any problems, do not attempt to charge the battery. Instead, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner to ensure a good connection with the charger.
Charging the Battery
Once the battery and charger are ready to go, it’s time to start the charging process by following these steps:
- Connect the battery charger to a power source and plug it in.
- Connect the positive charger lead to the positive battery terminal and the negative charger lead to the negative battery terminal.
- Set the charger to the appropriate voltage and amperage for your battery. You can find this information in the owner’s manual or on the battery’s label.
- Give the battery time to charge fully. This might take several hours, but the exact length of charge time hinges on the size and type of battery.
- Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect the charger leads and remove the battery from the charger.
Storing the Battery
With a fully charged battery, you can start using your lawn mower. When you’re done with it, ensure you store it properly, as proper storage of your lawn mower battery can help extend the battery life and ensure it’s ready to use when needed.
After all, it’s kind of a nuisance when you’re all ready to mow your lawn but then realize you’re dealing with a dead battery.
Here are a few storage tips to ensure the best results:
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Ensure the battery is fully charged before storing it.
- Check the battery periodically and recharge it as necessary to prevent it from fully discharging.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for long-term storage, if available.
