How to Replace the Battery in a John Deere Lawn Tractor

A well-maintained lawn requires a well-maintained lawnmower.

John Deere is a highly respected name among riding lawnmower owners. It's a reliable machine, but as with all mowers, the battery will eventually wear down. Thankfully even the least accomplished home mechanic can feel confident about changing a dead battery in a John Deere riding lawn mower. It's not a difficult job to do. All you'll need are some basic tools, about 10 minutes and the strength to lift a 12-volt automotive battery.

Things You'll Need

• Operator's manual
• Rags
• Wrench
• Wire brush
• 12-volt automotive battery

Instructions

1. Check your John Deere operator's manual for the location of the battery (probably under the hood). Park the riding mower on a level surface. Open the hood.

2. Clean any grease or oil off the battery with a rag. Remove the negative (-) terminal of the battery with a wrench.

3. Push the red plastic cover off the positive (+) terminal of the battery. Remove the positive terminal of the battery.

4. Lift the old battery out of the battery tray. Clean the battery connections with a wire brush if they are corroded.

5. Put the new battery in the battery tray, facing the same way as the old battery. Connect the positive terminal, and replace the plastic cover. Connect the negative terminal.

6. Close the hood, and test the new battery by starting your lawnmower. Recycle the old battery.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to short out the terminals of the battery with a tool or other metal objects. The strong charge can cause bodily injury.

References

• John Deere: Riding Lawn Mower page (includes links to service manuals)