Quck answer
If your lawn mower battery is dead and you need to jump-start it, here are the steps you can follow:
1. Find a working vehicle with a similar battery voltage.
2. Position the vehicles so that the batteries are close enough for the jumper cables to reach both batteries.
3. Turn off both vehicles and make sure the ignition is off.
4. Connect the positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
5. Connect the other end of the positive jumper cable clamp to the positive terminal of the working battery.
6. Connect the negative (black) jumper cable clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery.
7. Connect the other end of the negative jumper cable clamp to a metal part of the dead mower’s engine, away from the battery.
8. Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
9. Attempt to start the lawn mower. If it doesn’t start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
10. Once the lawn mower starts, disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order: negative from the dead mower, negative from the working vehicle, positive from the working vehicle, and finally positive from the dead mower.
Remember to always follow the safety precautions and consult your lawn mower’s manual for specific instructions.
If your push or riding mower has been sitting in the garage all winter, the battery may be too weak to start the engine.
You have two options for jumpstarting the mower: using the battery in your car or using a portable jump-starter. However, keep in mind that you can only use your car battery if your mower has a 12-volt battery. Additionally, if your mower has a 6-volt battery and you don’t have a 6-volt jump-starter, your only options are to trickle-charge the battery or buy a new one.
Important Precautions to Take
Jump-starting a mower battery is slightly different from jump-starting a car battery. Mower batteries have smaller capacities and can be easily overloaded. It’s also important to be cautious when connecting cables, as the battery may be buried deep within the mower machinery. Be sure to follow these precautions:
- Wear protective gloves and goggles. Mower batteries contain strong acid, and jump-starting them can be dangerous. Protect yourself by wearing gloves and goggles.
- Avoid standing directly over the battery when attaching the cables. Sparks may fly when the cables make contact, which could lead to an explosion.
- Turn off the car’s engine before starting the mower. If the car engine is running, the alternator can overload the mower battery and cause damage or an explosion.
Jump-Starting a 12-Volt Mower Battery Using Your Car
Always connect the red clips to the positive terminals first.
Image Credit:
Samuel M. Livingston
Step 1
Park the mower on a level surface. Turn off the ignition, engage the brake, and disengage the mowing rotors. Uncover the battery terminals, which may require removing a protective cover. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct procedure.
Step 2
Park your car close enough to the mower so that the jumper cables can reach. Turn off the car engine and open the hood.
Step 3
Connect the jumper cables in the following order:
- Attach one end of the red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the mower battery.
- Attach the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the car battery.
- Attach one end of the black cable to the negative (-) terminal of the car battery.
- Attach the other end of the black cable to the metal frame of the mower, far away from the fuel tank and battery.
Step 4
Start the mower engine, ensuring that the car engine remains off.
Step 5
Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order: black from the mower, then from the vehicle; red from the vehicle, then from the mower.
How to Use a Portable Jump-Starter
When using a portable power pack to jump-start the mower, attach the red clip to the positive terminal on the mower battery and the black clip to either the negative terminal or the metal frame of the mower. Make sure the power pack is in the off position when connecting the clips. Then, switch it on and start the mower. Once the mower is running, turn off the power pack and remove the cables, starting with the black one.
