Auto battery in Lawn Tractor?

[garry]

I have a JD212 that needs a battery. Would there be any negative affect of using a car battery in a lawn tractor?

 

[aczlan]

Not as long as it fits... 12 volts is 12 volts. We used to have a car battery in a Bolens 1050.

Aaron Z

 

[Bladehauler]

as long as it fits the space and the voltage is the same ( 12volt replacing a 12 volt ) it will work fine ! Probably start faster !

 

[Gary Fowler]

Size and cost would be the only difference. If you can find one that fits, go for it.

 

[sd455dan]

I would probably charge it fully first, just so it doesn't over work the factory alternator /generator.
A car battery can accept a much larger surge charging current when discharged.. than a small mower battery

 

[JerryK]

I put side terminal battery cables/automotive type batteries/GM style hold downs into both of my JD's. One is a 1991 JD420 20hp Onan HST garden tractor, and the other is a 1981 JD2240 51ptohp reverser [ starts on just one battery fine ]. Got the battery cables off old scrap GM cars. Take the time to remove the old battery pans/clean and repaint.. If it fits, you must commit [ to install ]

 

[Oldoak]

When ever the original battery failed that came with any GT that I owned, I always replaced it with a car battery of the highest amps and size that would fit into the battery compartment. They never created any problems and lasts for many years. The initial cost is more, but they are more dependable and cheaper in the long run.

 

[mfreund]

I replace it with the same size....Did not know there was a difference. What is the difference between a lawn mower battery and a car battery. If the size(group #) is the same?

 

[Gary Fowler]

Lawn mower batteries are generally all the same size and about $29 each at most Walmart and auto supply places. As far as differences, not sure but car batteries have more CCA than a lawnmower battery of the same size(if you can find one that size) and for the most part, lawnmower batteries tend to last 1-2 years max and then no longer take a charge for some reason. My Craftsman lawnmower had a Die-hard battery in it and it died after the first season. Sears replaced it free and now I keep a trickle charger on it, now going on second season and all is good (so far) My JD 332 diesel engine garden tractor / mower has a fairly large automotive type battery that is at least 4 years old and still cranks as it should. I keep a 12volt- 15 watt solar charger on it all the time, so far not a problem with overcharging or under charging.

 

[JerryK]

Another thing, an old 'time to be retired' car battery will still crank the bejesus out of a little lawn tractor motor. So, you can recycle your old tired automotive batteries thru your lawn tractor... if it will fit and still holds a charge.

 

[aczlan]

Another thing, an old 'time to be retired' car battery will still crank the bejesus out of a little lawn tractor motor. So, you can recycle your old tired automotive batteries thru your lawn tractor... if it will fit and still holds a charge.

Unless you do like me and put the biggest battery that will fit in your car...

Aaron Z

 

[Carl_NH]

On my cub cadet I get on average 8 years on a battery - diehard gold 340 CCA @ $40 each - as Gary and others say, keep it charged.

I put a trickle charger on during the winter for a few days a month and move the charger between the various machines.

 

[jenkinsph]

I guess it is up to the individual but if I had to keep a trickle charger plugged in on my equipment it would be a pita. Curious how many of the "still good" batteries would crank up equipment if left unplugged for two or three weeks. With 31 batteries to keep up that would be a nightmare for me to keep them all plugged in.

 

[Carl_NH]

Curious how many of the "still good" batteries would crank up equipment if left unplugged for two or three weeks. With 31 batteries to keep up that would be a nightmare for me to keep them all plugged in.

Wow - 31 that's quite a fleet and I agree that would be a nightmare.

I maintain 6 starting in Jan to Mar it goes on one then the next - takes 2 minutes to move. I found especially with the older machines - 89 Cub and 73 Gravely a fresh battery is key to getting them going every spring.