One Of The Biggest Problems With Riding Lawn Mowers And How To Fix It

A riding lawn mower is about as close as yardwork gets to sitting down on the job. It's what many would consider a luxury and makes an annoying chore almost enjoyable — until you turn the key and hear nothing but a click. Of course, following a regular maintenance routine is one simple way to extend a lawn mower's life, but it can still malfunction. 

For gas-powered riding mowers, a dead starter battery is one of the most common reasons a mower won't start — and a total headache. The problem most often appears in spring after the mower has spent several months sitting unused, but sometimes it happens out of the blue. Another culprit could be the battery's age. Riding mower batteries usually last around three to five years, but that depends on their type and how often they're used.

Fortunately, a dead battery doesn't always mean you need a replacement. Begin by checking for loose or corroded terminal connections, then recharge the battery with a compatible charger or give it a jump. If it won't hold a charge, a replacement may be necessary. And if the battery dies over and over even after being charged, you've got a bigger problem than the battery.

Confirm the battery type and charging instructions in your mower's manual first before you start tinkering away. Look at the condition of the battery, and don't charge or jump-start one that has any damage or leaks because it could explode. Check that all the connections are clean and tight, and if they're corroded, disconnect the battery (negative cable first) and clean the terminals with a wire battery brush. Then connect a low-amperage charger — you can get one at stores like AutoZone or Harbor Freight — and follow its directions. 

If you want to jump a lawn mower battery, start by checking the manual and confirming that the other power source uses the same voltage (most riding mowers are 12 volts). It is a good idea to wear eye protection and safety gloves, and do not stand directly over the battery when connecting the cables. Make sure the donor vehicle engine is turned off before proceeding. Connect the red cable to the positive terminal on the mower battery, then the other end to the donor battery's red terminal. Next, connect black to the donor battery's negative terminal, and attach the final black clamp to an unpainted section of the mower's chassis. Start the mower from the operator's seat. Once the mower starts, remove the cables in reverse order, starting with the black (negative) cable connected to the unpainted section of the mower's chassis. If the battery does not start, it may be time to learn how to install a battery in a lawn mower or have a repair shop handle the replacement. And if a new battery doesn't do it, there could be an issue with your mower's charging system.

There are some things you can do to prevent another dead battery in the future. Cleaning the terminals regularly or using an automatic battery maintainer during periods of inactivity can help prolong its life. For winter, you can remove the entire battery and store it somewhere cool and dry, charging it every few weeks.