WM 18Ah Premium Power Sport AMG Battery (ES20LBS)

[Gale Hawkins]

When we got the DR Brush mower a couple years ago the battery was shot but I got charged to where it would start and used it some that winter but it has been parked since without charging. After two days it was still only holding at 7v so tonight after watch the new Clint Eastwood baseball movie (awesome) we picked up a new battery for it at WM.

Before the movie we had time to check at TSC to get an idea on motor cycle type batteries that would physically fit. We decided the 18 Ah size would replace the old 12 Ah WM battery that was on it but just for the FLA type it was $100 at TSC and the boxes were very old looking but shelf age is a non issue in batteries that ship dry. At WM the same battery was $53 and the AGM style was $82.

Since the DR brush mower is not used on a regular bases we thought the shelf life was important so we paid a tad over 50% more for the AGM version. Also when that thing is chewing on a 3" tree is really shakes a battery.

You are to let it set for one hour before you seal it and most of the liquid had disappeared. We are going to let it charge overnight on the 1.5 amp automatic charger before we install it. The mats are sucking up the acid for sure we could see before we sealed it. Breaking the seal now means our 90 replacement coverage would be voided.

 

[dmccarty]

Good information!

I think my DR battery is about shot. Last time I used it I had to charge it start. The battery is the original so it has to be 4-5 years old. My tractor battery is going to have to be replace soon as well.....

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I am glad we picked up the DR brush mower yet it sees little usage BUT it sure is nice. I have some property lines the is to rough/steep for a tractor to go and it is nice to have a 30"? bush hog to clean them up about every 3-4 years or where limbs force we back from the edge of fields. We have woods around the the house and we can keep them more open.

AGM batteries really hold up better than FLA batteries on machines like these it seems. I think ours has the 17 HP Kawasaki ?? engine with NO pull start feature so a battery is required. Plus when I am far from the house and kill it hitting big stuff I want a good battery and it sees usage in cold temps so I do not over heat.

Note: 1 hour after adding the acid the volt meter read 12.74 volts and after 5 hours on the 1.5 amp automatic charger the light went green. The chart in the battery owner's manual stated with a 1.5 Ah charger it would take 2-6 hours to get it ready for the first use. Hope to install it later today.

 

[jinman]

I don't want to "rain on your parade" if I can avoid it, but I have to recommend buying from Amazon.com for these batteries. My Kawasaki Mule uses an 18Ah, 12 vdc battery that is exactly the same as the ones they use in the battery jumper packs. They also are common items for many starting applications. My generators use the same batteries. Here's a link to the Amazon site where a sealed battery is only $37.99. They have many models and prices for essentially the same battery. You can easily pay twice this price or more if you aren't careful.

 

[dmccarty]

I am glad we picked up the DR brush mower yet it sees little usage BUT it sure is nice. I have some property lines the is to rough/steep for a tractor to go and it is nice to have a 30"? bush hog to clean them up about every 3-4 years or where limbs force we back from the edge of fields. We have woods around the the house and we can keep them more open.

Note: 1 hour after adding the acid the volt meter read 12.74 volts and after 5 hours on the 1.5 amp automatic charger the light went green. The chart in the battery owner's manual stated with a 1.5 Ah charger it would take 2-6 hours to get it ready for the first use. Hope to install it later today.

AGM batteries really hold up better than FLA batteries on machines like these it seems. I think ours has the 17 HP Kawasaki ?? engine with NO pull start feature so a battery is required. Plus when I am far from the house and kill it hitting big stuff I want a good battery and it sees usage in cold temps so I do not over heat.

Mine has the 17 HP Kawasaki engine. Last time I used it I forgot I had closed the valve from the fuel tank. By the time I remembered to open it the battery was drained. I had to charge it but the charger said the battery was "charged" after a few minutes and the mower did start. But that battery has to be on its last legs. I need to get my fanny in gear and buy some solar trickle chargers for the DR and JD.

Later,
Dan

 

[dmccarty]

I don't want to "rain on your parade" if I can avoid it, but I have to recommend buying from Amazon.com for these batteries. My Kawasaki Mule uses an 18Ah, 12 vdc battery that is exactly the same as the ones they use in the battery jumper packs. They also are common items for many starting applications. My generators use the same batteries. Here's a link to the Amazon site where a sealed battery is only $37.99. They have many models and prices for essentially the same battery. You can easily pay twice this price or more if you aren't careful.

I figured I would check Amazon since I get free shipping.

It also pays to see if their is a coupon for what you are buying as well. :laughing:

How did we live preInternet?

Later,
Dan

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I used Amazon more and more. The UB12180 is similar the the WM battery but is phycially larger and has univeral connectors. I think batteries that ship wet do sell for less because they do not come with the acid funnel kit and all.

We got the DR started this afternoon and used it for about 8 minutes to make sure it is ready to go. The new battery started it well.