Tractor batteries last 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of tractor and how often it is used. Most 12-volt batteries use a lead acid battery, while 6-volt tractors tend to use electric start or lithium-ion batteries. If you can maintain it properly, your tractor battery should last 5 to 8 years.
Tractor Battery Lifespan It can be hard to say precisely how long your tractor battery will last. This article will take you through a few essential tips to ensure you get the most out of your tractor’s lifespan.
Battery Types
1. Lithium-Ion
The lithium-ion battery is a newer type of battery. It works on the basic principle of transferring charges from positive to negative electrodes to charge the battery and reverse order while it gets discharged. Battery life usually lasts up to 3 to 5 years or 500 charging cycles.
2. Lead Acid
The lead-acid battery is the most common battery type found in tractors. These are the oldest types of batteries and last up to 1 to 3 years or 200 to 300 charging cycles. It can be charged with a battery charger.
Battery Life of A Fully Charged Lawnmower
Fully charged fully, electric lawnmowers can operate for about an hour before needing a recharge. Still, once operating for an hour or half an acre, it will need a recharge as the batteries inside need to be recharged within 100 minutes.
Why Does My Riding Mower Battery Keep Dying?
Most Common Cause of Battery Corrosion
Lead acid batteries frequently vent sulfuric acid and hydrogen gas when they are being used. These gasses can react with the heat and metal inside the mower’s engine to produce corrosion, limiting the amount of power that can travel from the battery to the engine and from the charging system back into the battery.
Read more: Are Lawn Mower Batteries Standard or AGM?
How Do You Clean Corrosion Off Battery Terminals?
Check your battery regularly for signs of corrosion. A white, powdery crust around the battery posts or terminals is troubling. If your terminals are corroded, clean them using a wire brush and a solution of baking soda and water. Afterward, apply an anti-corrosion spray on the terminals to help prevent them from corroding again in the future.
How Often Should I Charge My Lawn Mower Battery?
As long as you’re regularly mowing, you shouldn’t worry about using a battery charger. Most modern chargers and battery maintainers feature built-in protection to prevent overcharging, meaning you can connect your battery whenever it’s not in use.
Related post: Can Lawn Mowers Explode? Facts vs Myths
How Do I Know if My Lawn Mower Battery Is Dead?
- Sit on the mower, depress the clutch, and turn the key.
- If the engine does not crank, crank slowly, or make a clicking noise, your battery may die.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the caps if your battery is a wet-cell model, and check if the water level is full.
- Test the battery’s voltage by setting the multimeter to DC and reading the meter. If it has 12.7 DC volts or higher, the battery is good, and something else is causing your starting problem. Otherwise, replace it.
How Can You Prolong Lawn Tractor Battery Life
1. Test Battery Voltage Regularly
A voltmeter is a simple home test device that is safe to use. It should be carried out at each service by a qualified mechanic, and if the reading appears outside the recommended range for your particular battery, it is declining.
2. Charge Regularly
- Leakage leading to a short circuit is a common problem with batteries. Cleaning the battery terminals and lead clamps with a dry cloth monthly will keep your battery in top running order.
- All lawn & garden batteries need a regular charge cycle. A maintenance charger will keep your battery fresh while it is in storage.
3. Keep It Clean
- To prevent corrosion buildup, the terminals should be sealed with anti-corrosion gel.
- Corroded terminals are a guaranteed way to ensure frustration on mow day. Clean them with a wire brush or terminal cleaner to prevent corrosion.
4. Fillup Water
- Some lawn & garden batteries require distilled water to fill.
- If your battery has removable caps, check the water level and refill when necessary.
5. Use Right Size Battery
- Just like cars, there is the right battery for your application.
- If the battery is too big, it won’t work how you want it to, and if it’s too small, it will bounce around while you use it, increasing the chances of disconnecting while using the mower.
6. Check the Terminals
- Loose terminal connections can mimic a faulty battery. Check the terminals regularly to make sure they are tight.
- If your lawn tractor battery is giving you trouble, it’s time to try professional help. A qualified lawn mower mechanic can inspect the battery and replace or fix any problems.
7. Check all Tractor Connections
- Wi-Fi doesn’t work on lawnmowers, you need a solid connection to the battery and starter for it all to work.
- Always change power leads when they are frayed or burned.
- Keep your Lawn and Garden equipment in top condition with a new NAPA battery.
- When the day comes that your battery kicks the bucket, a quick trip to your local NAA Auto Parts Store means that you can get the exact battery your lawn & garden equipment needs.
8. Battery Care in Winters
- When the mowing season ends, remove the battery from the mower. This will retain the charge and keep the battery in good working order.
- Cold temperatures can affect batteries’ life badly, so keep them in-store if you want them to remain unaffected by the cold temperature.
- Do not store your lawnmower batteries where the moisture level is absurd, as they will absorb moisture and decrease lifespan.
Lawn Tractor Battery Test
Final Thoughts
Now you know how long does tractor battery last? The answer to the above question is pretty simple. You just have to use it properly and ensure that you follow the maintenance schedule for your battery.
Otherwise, if not taken care of, the lights on your tractor may go dim soon. In such scenarios, I suggest replacing your battery with a new one as soon as possible. Because if it fails, there will be no other option but to get a replacement from an authorized dealer!
Related post: Convert Corded Lawn Mower to Cordless: Pros & Cons
How Long Do Lawn Tractor Batteries Last (FAQs)
How long does a 40-volt lawn mower battery last?
Lithium-ion batteries last about 40 minutes to an hour on each charge and can be recharged roughly 500 times in their lifespan.
Will a tractor start with a bad alternator?
When your tractor’s alternator is faulty or poor, it cannot recharge the battery, resulting in a weak tractor battery that cannot start the tractor. Replacing the faulty alternator should fix this.
Some simple maintenance checks and routines can go a long way to prolonging your tractor battery’s lifespan with some professional supervision at service time.
Which battery is best for a tractor?
While the lead-acid battery is the most common type found in tractors, AGM and lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular.
How do I know if my tractor battery is bad?
If you are having problems starting your tractor, or if the tractor’s battery is not holding a charge, it might be time to replace it. The best way to test whether your battery needs to be replaced is by taking it in for a diagnostic check. This will allow you to determine the cause of any issues and recommend a course of action that will most likely fix them.
In addition, always keep an eye out for warning signs such as low voltage or overheating. If either of these occurs, don’t hesitate to have your battery replaced as soon as possible!
How long do farm tractor batteries last?
Lead-acid batteries typically last three to four years, but there are exceptions.
AGM and lithium-ion batteries tend to have a longer lifespan because they don’t lose their ability to hold a charge over time as lead-acid batteries do.
How long does a diesel tractor battery last?
A diesel tractor battery typically lasts around 5-6 years. This is based on the average amount of time that a diesel engine will run between full charges.
Some people may get up to 8 or 9 years out of their tractor battery, but this depends largely on how often the machine is used and how it’s maintained.
How do I know when to replace my tractor battery?
Replacing your tractor battery can be a routine maintenance task that you should take care of regularly.
By doing so, you will help to ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your tractor. When it comes to replacing your battery, there are several factors that you need to consider, including age, type of tractor, and capacity.
Chris has 15 years of experience using all the latest technologies, machinery, and equipment available on the market today. His diverse experience allows him to provide homeowners with the best possible results while saving them a lot of time and money. When it comes to Lawn Tractors, Chris knows every model there is – so if you’re looking for advice, he’s your man!
