Tractors are vital for several home chores. Similarly, movers make it easy for garden and lawn enthusiasts. Some users favour batter-based movers over gas-powered ones due to several reasons. Perhaps, the battery based mowers are durable and cost effective. The fact that electronic lawnmowers eventually run out of juice also make the former a better option.
Leaving this type of lawnmowers unattended can significantly affect their functionality. Wondering how long it takes to charge a tractor battery? Generally, a standard 10-amp charger should fully recharge your battery in around an hour. This might take longer if you are using a charger with low output. To enlighten you on the importance of these factors, we will discuss how you can effectively maintain the health of your battery.
However, there are two important factors you should consider when it comes to charging your battery.
- Voltage: It is vital to know the voltage of your battery. Generally, almost every modern battery-powered lawnmower uses the 12V batteries. Keep in mind that some dated models might use 6V batteries. You are encouraged to use a charger that matches the voltage of your machine.
- Amperage: When charging the battery, amps plays an important role in dictating its charging speed. Around 10 amps are the maximum output for these lawnmower chargers. Any significant increase might damage your battery. Therefore, it is vital to remain within its limits.
Know the Useful Features
Some chargers come with additional features that help prolong the battery’s lifespan. It also helps improve its convenience and charging safety. For instance, there are chargers that come with jumpstart settings that help revive dead batteries. Others automatically shut off once they detect that the battery is fully charged. Some of the other features you should check out include;
- Hookup failsafe
- Multiple mode settings, like slow charge, fast charge, and float mode
- Changeable amp rates
- Built-in charging timer
How Long It Takes To Trickle Charge
You are encouraged to trickle charge the current counteract self-discharge rate of your battery to keep it in excellent condition. While it helps maintain the battery level, its low amp output is less suitable for charging purposes. This helps significantly increase the battery to full capacity. It is vital to note that trickle charging runs at two amps, meaning fast charging could be a problem with this set up — it could take up to several hours.
It is also not recommended to keep your battery plugged in for too long because it will eventually start to wear down. Besides, if you leave your battery connected to the charger, it eventually dies. It is essential to note that overheating some batteries could create flammable and poisonous gasses.
Charging a Lawnmower Battery Properly
There are several steps you need to follow to properly charge your lawn mower battery. Here are some of them.
Follow Basic Guidelines
You should start by following basic guidelines. For instance, wear safety goggles and protective clothing when charging your battery. This helps prevent damage in case of electrical mishaps. It is also important to check your mower’s electrical system for any signs of damage. For instance, it could be due to a bloated battery, frayed connections, and other forms of damage.
Locate the Battery
Most lawnmower models have their battery safely hidden under the seat. Therefore, you need to locate the battery first before charging it. To do so, gently lift the seat and look for a negative and positive battery terminal. Keep in mind that not all movers have the same build.
In most cases, specifications vary from one model to another. If you are having challenges using your battery, you can check the user’s manual for clarification. In case you have misplaced the user’s manual, some manufacturer’s have online resources you can get answers.
Connect the Cables
The next thing you should do is connecting the cables. Connect the red charge cable to the positive terminal and the black one to the negative end. You should always start with the positive terminal when connecting the cables.
Rest the Battery Before Disconnecting
When a battery is charging, it tends to produce gases. These gases can significantly damage your machine and your health if you don’t give them time to disperse. It is a good idea to wait for around five minutes before detaching your charger cables.
