With the popularity of home gardening activities, electric lawnmowers are gradually becoming the first choice for many families due to their environmental friendliness and convenience. However, as the core component of an electric lawn mower, the performance and life span of the battery directly affects its working efficiency and usage experience. In this article, we will detail the service life of lawn mower batteries and its influencing factors to help you better understand and use lawn mower batteries.
Types of lawn mower batteries
There are two main types of lawnmower batteries: lead acid and lithium.
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries have long been a trusted source of power in the lawnmower world. When properly maintained, these batteries typically last between three and five years, although their actual lifespan can be significantly affected by usage habits and storage environments. Although lead-acid batteries may only be able to provide a lawn mower with about 1 to 2 hours of continuous operation after an initial charge, and their battery capacity tends to gradually decrease after a year of use, they are still an affordable option for the cost-conscious homeowner.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are superior in efficiency and require little maintenance. When properly cared for, lithium-ion batteries can maintain their excellent performance for up to 7 to 10 years, far outlasting lead-acid batteries. A fully charged lithium-ion battery can also provide one to two hours of operation for a lawn mower, but unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries maintain consistent performance throughout their life span until near the end of their life. Although lithium-ion batteries have a higher initial acquisition cost, their longer life and reliable performance often make them more economical in the long run.
Of the many types of lithium batteries available, for lawnmowers we particularly recommend LiFePO4 batteries. These batteries last longer than most other lithium types and typically have a lower energy density, which ensures greater safety and stability.
Factors affecting mower battery life
There are several factors that affect the life of a lawn mower battery, here are some of the main aspects:
1. Charging habits
Charging frequency: Too frequent charging (especially charging after deep discharging) can lead to a shorter battery life. It is recommended to charge the battery when it is below 20% rather than fully depleted.
Charging time: Charging for too long can lead to overcharging, especially with lead-acid batteries, which can damage their internal structure. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging times.
2. Temperature
High temperatures: Extremely high temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions within the battery, which can shorten battery life. Avoid exposing the battery to direct sunlight or high temperatures for long periods of time.
Low temperature environment: Battery performance will be degraded and reduced in low temperatures, and may cause permanent damage to the battery at very low temperatures.
3. Frequency of use and workload
Frequency of use: The higher the frequency of use of the battery, the higher the number of charge/discharge cycles, which will directly affect the service life.
Working load: If the mower is working under heavy load for a long period of time, the battery will consume energy faster, leading to heat generation and premature aging.
4. Maintenance and care
Cleaning: Dirt and corrosion on the battery terminals and connections can lead to poor current transfer and affect performance. Regular cleaning of the battery case and terminals will help improve its life.
Condition check: Regularly check the battery's cosmetic condition (e.g. swelling, leakage, etc.) to deal with potential problems in a timely manner.
5. Battery Quality and Brand
Manufacturer and quality: Batteries of different brands and models vary in quality and safety. Choosing a high quality battery can significantly improve service life and performance.
6. Storage conditions
Long period of non-use: If the battery is not used for a long period of time, it should be stored in a dry, cool place and regularly charged to avoid excessive self-discharge.
Storage charge: Charge the battery to 50%-70% before storing, too low or too high a charge may lead to battery damage.
7. Use Environment
Humidity: High humidity environments may cause the battery to short-circuit or corrode, affecting its performance.
Vibration and Shock: The vibration and shock of the mower during operation may have an effect on the internal structure of the battery, especially the lithium battery.
By understanding these factors and taking appropriate measures, you can significantly extend the service life of your lawn mower battery and improve its efficiency.
Tips for Extending Mower Battery Life
Extending the life of your lawn mower battery is key to ensuring that your lawn mower runs efficiently and lasts a long time. Here are some practical tips to help you extend the life of your lawnmower battery:
Charge correctly
- Use a compatible charger: Ensure that the charger you are using is compatible with your lawnmower battery and avoid using incompatible or poor quality chargers that may cause damage to the battery.
- Follow charging guidelines: Follow the instructions for the battery and charger and do not overcharge or discharge. Overcharging may cause the battery to overheat and shorten its life, while overdischarging may cause the battery's performance to deteriorate.
- Regular charging: Even when the mower is not in use, the battery should be charged regularly to keep it active. It is recommended that the battery be charged at regular intervals (e.g. monthly) to avoid self-discharge that could lead to performance degradation.
Reasonable use
- Avoid heavy load use: Try to avoid subjecting the mower to excessive loads during the mowing process, so as not to put too much pressure on the battery.
- Pay attention to the working environment: When using the mower under high temperature or humid environment, special attention should be paid to the working condition of the battery. Avoid using the mower for a long time under extreme weather conditions to avoid damage to the battery.
- Timely cleaning: Clean the connection parts of the battery and the mower regularly to ensure a good connection between the battery and the mower. It is also important to keep the mower as a whole clean to avoid dust and debris from adversely affecting the battery.
Proper storage
- Choose a dry environment: Store the battery in a dry, cool environment to avoid damage to the battery from heat and humidity.
- Avoid prolonged inactivity: If the mower is not to be used for a long time, it is recommended that the battery be removed and stored properly. At the same time, perform a charge/discharge cycle on the battery every once in a while to maintain its activity.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
- Checking the battery status: Check the parts of the battery such as the casing, connecting cables and plugs regularly to make sure there is no damage or corrosion. If any abnormalities are found in the battery, it should be replaced or repaired in time.
- Keep the battery clean: Clean the battery surface and connecting parts regularly to avoid the accumulation of dust and debris that may cause the battery performance to deteriorate.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for battery care and maintenance to ensure that the battery is always in the best working condition.
Signs that your lawn mower battery needs replacing
Signs that your lawn mower battery needs to be replaced are usually indicated when the battery performance has declined or is not adequate for the normal operation of your lawn mower. Here are some specific signs that a lawn mower battery may need to be replaced or upgraded:
Reduced battery life
- Description of the sign: After a period of use, the battery life of the mower is significantly shortened and it is not able to meet the demand of continuous mowing.
- Cause analysis: Battery ageing, reduced efficiency of internal chemical reactions, and reduced battery capacity may all contribute to shorter battery life.
Slower charging speed
- Signs Description: Battery charging time increases significantly and cannot be fully charged in a short period of time, even when using the appropriate charger.
- Cause analysis: The chemicals inside the battery may have changed, resulting in less efficient charging. In addition, battery aging may also cause slower charging.
Unstable Battery Performance
- Signs Description: Battery performance fluctuates during use, such as sudden power cuts and inaccurate battery level indication.
- Cause analysis: The electronic components inside the battery may be damaged or aged, resulting in unstable battery performance. In addition, the battery connection parts may also be loose or corroded, affecting the battery performance.
Battery Appearance Damage
- Signs: Cracks, dents or corrosion on the battery case.
- Cause Analysis: The battery may have been physically damaged or chemically corroded during use, resulting in damage to the casing. These damages may further affect the internal structure and performance of the battery.
Unable to meet mower power requirements
- Signs Description: The mower does not have enough power to operate normally during startup or operation.
- Cause analysis: An aging or insufficient capacity battery may not be able to provide sufficient power support for the mower. In addition, if the power demand of the mower increases (e.g. by replacing the motor with a more powerful one) and the battery performance is not improved accordingly, this may also lead to failure to meet the power demand.
Battery safety issues
- Description of Signs: Safety issues such as the battery overheating, swelling or emitting an odour during use.
- Cause analysis: These problems usually indicate that there are safety hazards such as short-circuiting, over-charging or over-discharging inside the battery. If not dealt with in time, it may lead to serious consequences such as battery damage or even fire.
Advantages of Lithium Mower Batteries
In addition to their long life, lithium lawn mower batteries have several other advantages over lead-acid batteries.
- There is no cool down period after charging because lithium batteries have a built-in battery management system (BMS). As a result, they do not overcharge or overheat on the charger like lead-acid batteries.
- Lithium batteries have a 15 times lower discharge rate. They hold a charge longer than other batteries. They also charge 4 to 6 times faster than lead-acid batteries.
- They are non-toxic and you can store them indoors.
- They require no maintenance compared to lead-acid batteries.
- Lithium batteries are more resistant to extreme high and low temperatures.
- They have a built-in emergency start function! Simply press a button and your battery will start up again thanks to a full battery reserve.
- Lithium batteries are 70% lighter than lead-acid batteries.
Best Lithium Battery Recommendations for Lawn Mowers
12V 10AH 700CCA LiFePO4 Lithium Battery for Lawn Mower
Features of 12.8V 10Ah LiFePO4 Battery
- Longer Life: 5x longer life, 20x longer cycle life than lead-acid battery. Cost-saving in long terms.
- Less Weight: Only 40% of comparable lead-acid batteries.
- More Power: Featured with 700+ amps , 50,000+ starts and 2,000 charge cycles. Our LiFePO4 battery is designed with 2x more power and 10x more starts than comparable lead-acid battery.
- Wider Temperature Range: -20 ~+60 ℃.
- Dynamic BMS- Active Protection: It has an auto-enabled, advanced battery management system that provides maximum protection, performance, and bi-directional cell equalization for long-lasting stability.
- IP67 Waterproof: Suitable for different scenarios, such as Motorcycle, ATV, Scooter, UTV, Dirt Bike, Snowmobile, Personal Watercraft, and mower.
FAQs
Why do lawnmower batteries swell?
Batteries usually swell due to overcharging, short circuits or manufacturing defects. Replacement is recommended.
Can I mix lithium batteries with lead-acid batteries?
It is not recommended to mix different types of batteries as they have different charging and discharging characteristics which may lead to damage.
Does the mower battery need regular maintenance?
Yes, regular checks and maintenance will ensure good performance and prolong the life of the battery.
Can lawn mower batteries be used in winter?
Whilst lithium batteries can work in cold weather, the cold can affect the performance and range of the battery. Try to avoid extreme cold temperatures and store your battery indoors to keep it warm.
Is it possible to charge a lawnmower battery from a normal power supply?
It is not recommended to use a non-dedicated charger to charge lithium batteries, it is best to use the manufacturer's recommended charger to ensure safe charging and prevent overcharging.
Can I use the mower while charging?
It is generally not recommended to use a lawnmower whilst charging, as it may pose a safety risk and damage the equipment. Please wait until the battery is fully charged before using it.
How do I dispose of my old batteries?
Please follow your local battery recycling policy and do not dispose of old batteries. Many shops and recycling centres offer battery recycling services.
