Lawnmower battery

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I am going to need a new battery for my lawn tractor. Wally World has 3 quality levels based on the number of cold cranking amps. Does the higher number of CCA have a relation to how long a batter should last. In other words, should I expect a longer life from the one with the higher CCA or only more cranking power?

 

[clemsonfor]

Not really, I say that because the higher the cca does not mean the longer it will last. But better batteries do have higher cranking amps. Best you usually get is a few years out of them anyway, regardless.

 

[RNeumann]

If the weight is equal the lower CCA would last longer- that’s way over simplified. But if the quality is the same that would be true.

 

[CMV]

I'm the world's worst at not pulling batteries. ATV, riding mower, generator, similar size powersport battery for clay thrower - batteries just stay installed over winter and that stuff stays in shed/container in the cold. They do get a conditioning cycle 1x per year with a CTEK charger.

So I opt for the WM batteries, generally least expensive in right size. So with that poor level of care, they still seem to last same ~4 yrs as anything else. WM is literally 1/2 mile away and none of this stuff is critical so I don't worry about it. I'd be mad if I paid a lot more and only got 5 yrs - at least I get what I expect and am fine with that.

Now UPS batteries on the other hand.....ugggghhhhh get so sick of those dying and replaced with really good (expensive) ones last time. Failing just as fast as the generic amazon ones for half the cost..... I do count on that working and it's frustrating how fast it kills a pair of batteries!

 

[Garandman]

The battery with the longest 100% replacement warranty is best.

We favor AGM construction, which costs more but seem to last longer.

 

[CMV]

What L&G battery has more than 90 days warranty? WM, NAPA, Advance Auto, Auto Zone, etc....anywhere I'd think to go get a L&G battery they all have same 90 day warranty I would pay more for a 5 year warranty like an automotive - I'm sure I'd get my $'s worth as they never last that long for me.....

Even a powersports AGM like for a jetski or motorcycle - a lot of those are 90 days even. I think my OEM BMW m/c battery was a lot longer but cost way more too.

 

[jaxs]

Regardless which battery you install on equipment that see's long periods (more than 2 weeks) of non-use,connecting a smart charger for 24 hours (or 24-7-365 for that matter) once per week will drasticly extend battery life,not to mention being more powerful during it's life. The fact is,your daily driver battery would benifit from being on one every night because of desulfication. I highly recommend Deltran brand,I have 3 Deltran Battery Tender JRs hooked up all the time. The trick is (A) never use quick charger,even on dead battery (B) never alow battery to sit partly charged.

 

[Beltzington]

Here is a battery size table to find group size based on your dimensions.

BCI Battery Group Size Chart

If you don't need one today shop around online and search for discounts. Usually you can save 20-30% off retail pricing at part stores just by ordering online and picking up in the store.

Cold Cranking mean something in cold climates and large engines, not an issue with the smaller gas engines. My Jetski is 160HP and it cranks fine with 300CCA battery. As said earlier by cheap and hope you get a couple more years than expected. Only thing I buy expensive batteries for is my watercraft, you can't pull off to the side of the road and wait for a jump.

If you can wait a few days for shipping Lowes has some great pricing on HD and sealed batteries made by DEKA (East Penn) which are high quality batteries.

Good Luck

 

[tomplum]

I put 300 CCA batteries in. They are a better battery, true. Several engine manufactures recommend a minimum 250 for their engines. Yet you still see equipment manufacturers putting in 230s. . . Deka is a great battery.

 

[Zerk]

You could argue a bigger battery will last longer, because as it degrades, it will still start a small engine even at less capacity. I personally wouldn't spend alot on riding mowers. You can get them for $35, and I have a couple few years old.


I have taken Harley batteries that were 7 years old, still working and stuck them in riding mowers for a few more years. Back to the idea about big battery starting small motors, when battery was not at 100%.


Also it is not the cold so much as the heat. Maybe why some southerns go through batteries. Always hard to gauge, cause based on many things. Over around 70 some degrees batteries degrade.