How to Charge a 12 Volt Mower Battery
12-volt mower batteries are almost identical to 12-volt car batteries except that they are physically smaller. They both run on the same type of electrical system, but on a lawn mower the setup is much simpler, which is why the battery can be smaller yet still keep a lawn tractor up and running for years. The size of these batteries is what makes the real difference here, and you'll need the right battery charger for the correct job.
Locate a battery charger that charges in the 2-amp range with a charging meter. This can be an automotive battery charger with a variable charging feature or even a motorcycle battery charger. Make sure it is rated at 12 volts.
Find the positive battery post on your mower. They are generally marked in red, but every battery post is marked with either a positive or negative symbol.
- 12-volt mower batteries are almost identical to 12-volt car batteries except that they are physically smaller.
- They both run on the same type of electrical system, but on a lawn mower the setup is much simpler, which is why the battery can be smaller yet still keep a lawn tractor up and running for years.
Attach the positive or red cable from your charger to the positive battery post.
Attach the black or negative cable from your charger to the negative battery post.
Turn your charger on and if this is a variable charger, make sure the switch is set at the 2 amp charging position. Higher amperage might overcharge your battery and could do catastrophic damage.
Check the charging meter every hour or so; once it reaches "zero" your battery is fully charged. You can now unplug the charger and remove the cables.
Charge A Homelite Cordless Mower Battery
Remove the switch key from the mower and place it in a safe area out of the reach of children. Plug the charger connector into the receptacle on the back of the mower, and then plug the other end of the charger into an electrical outlet. The light on the charger should be red. Unplug the charger from the wall and the mower when the charger light turns green. Remove the battery from the compartment. Place the battery in the battery compartment and lower the handle to lock the battery into place.
- Attach the positive or red cable from your charger to the positive battery post.
- Place the battery in the battery compartment and lower the handle to lock the battery into place.
Tip
Take the time to clean off your battery poles with a stiff brush. This will remove all corrosion and assure positive starts.
Warning
Always attach the cables from the charger first before turning the power on to the charger. Although only dealing with 12 volts, if you are not careful in this respect, you could get a shock.
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References
Tips
- Take the time to clean off your battery poles with a stiff brush. This will remove all corrosion and assure positive starts.
Warnings
- Always attach the cables from the charger first before turning the power on to the charger. Although only dealing with 12 volts, if you are not careful in this respect, you could get a shock.
Writer Bio
Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice.
