How to Disconnect a Lawn Tractor Battery
Removing the battery from a riding mower is as simple as removing the battery from a car. The main reasons to remove the battery are to change or charge it. However, in colder areas it may be necessary to remove the battery when storing it for the winter. In such areas, it is a good practice to remove the battery before the first freeze to ensure the battery will not burst during the winter. No matter the reason, removing the battery is an easy process.
Locate the battery on the mower. Some mowers place the battery under the seat. In others, it is under the hood. If the battery is in another area, check the owner's manual for the proper location.
- Removing the battery from a riding mower is as simple as removing the battery from a car.
- However, in colder areas it may be necessary to remove the battery when storing it for the winter.
Remove the positive (red) cable from the battery. Most mower batteries have through-bolted cable ends; thus, you'll use two adjustable wrenches.
Remove the negative (black) cable from the battery terminal. Some mowers have a different-size negative terminal, another reason for the adjustable wrench.
Remove the battery hold-down. Some mowers use a rubber band-type hold-down similar to a bungee cord. Others use a metal hold-down similar to those in a car. Metal hold-downs may require a ratchet and extension to remove.
- Remove the positive (red) cable from the battery.
- Remove the negative (black) cable from the battery terminal.
Remove the battery from the tray.
Test A Lawn Tractor Battery
Put the lawn tractor in neutral and push it to an area with a hard surface such as a driveway or garage. The most common areas are under the seat or in the engine compartment. Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes. Fill each battery cell to cover the plates inside with distilled water and press the caps back onto the battery. A sealed battery will not have removable caps. Place an automotive battery charger near the lawn mower. Keep as far away from the battery as possible while clamping the terminals. Clamp the red, positive alligator clip onto the positive battery terminal. Move the battery type selector to 12 volts and the charge rate selector to 10 amps. Read the display on the battery charger to determine how much charge the battery has. If the needle points to 0 amps and the charge percentage is 100, the battery is fully charged.
- Remove the battery from the tray.
- Fill each battery cell to cover the plates inside with distilled water and press the caps back onto the battery.
Tip
If storing the battery for the season, store on a piece of cardboard on an elevated warm location. Storing a battery directly on a concrete floor will cause the battery to lose charge over time.
Warning
Do not touch both the positive and negative terminals on the battery at the same time. This will cause a shock.
Related Articles
References
- Clarence White, Toro Certified Mechanic; Berlin, MD
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Mow Like a Pro
- West Virginia University Extension Service: Lawn Mower Safety
- Schumacher: Pro-Series Battery Charger Instruction Manual
Tips
- If storing the battery for the season, store on a piece of cardboard on an elevated warm location.
- Storing a battery directly on a concrete floor will cause the battery to lose charge over time.
Warnings
- Do not touch both the positive and negative terminals on the battery at the same time. This will cause a shock.
Writer Bio
Michael Rippetoe has been writing for 15 years, and has recently decided to make it his career. He has been a journeyman carpenter, ASE Master Mechanic, certified irrigation professional and currently writes for this site, designs websites, and does professional photography. Rippetoe's articles appear on eHow, Garden Guides, AnswerBag and others.
