It’s that time of year again when you start thinking about what you need to do to get your lawn and garden in tip-top shape for the warmer months. And one of the most important things on your list is making sure you have a good quality lawn tractor battery. Lawn tractors make maintaining a large yard much easier than using a push mower.
However, like all battery-powered tools, they require regular maintenance and occasionally, a new battery. And with all the different brands and types on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
In this blog post, we’ll show you the 8 best lawn tractor batteries for 2023, so you can keep your tractor running like new. We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the exact right battery for your needs. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply need an upgrade, this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ve got you covered!
Lawn Tractor Batteries
Lawn tractors are a great investment for anyone with a large yard. They are essentially just like large riding lawn mowers, but they are specifically their own type because the cutting deck on a lawn tractor is located in the middle of the mower, rather than at the front, which is the case with other riding lawn mowers.
Lawn tractors can be powered by a gasoline engine or by a battery. These batteries are rechargeable and we recommend charging them after every lawn mowing session. You can even just leave the battery on the charger and only put it in the lawn tractor when you need to use it; this way, you won’t have to worry about running out of charge while mowing.
Size
As you will already know, batteries come in many different shapes and sizes, from small button batteries to those used in large machinery like cars. They are grouped into different categories based on their size and voltage, according to the Battery Council International.
A lawn tractor battery is part of the group U1. These are also used in power generators. These batteries are typically 7 3/4 x 5 3/16 x 7 5/16 inches ( or 197 x 132 x 186 mm) in size, and can provide at least 300-350 Amps for 5-10 seconds and at least 20 amps for 60 minutes or more.
There are U1 and U1R batteries, with the only difference being the U1 has the positive node on the left and the U1R has it on the right side (hence the R).
Lead-Acid Composition
The vast majority of lawn tractor batteries are what are known as lead-acid batteries. These are the most common type of battery and are made of lead plates and an acid electrolyte. They were first invented in 1859 by Gaston Plante and have been used ever since in motorized vehicles.
Lead-acid batteries have a low manufacturing cost and are very durable, meaning they can last for years with proper maintenance. However, they also have a low energy density, meaning they don’t hold a lot of power in a small space. This is why they are often large and bulky.
These batteries are rechargeable, meaning you can keep them for a long time. However, they also have a high self-discharge rate, meaning they lose their charge quickly when not in use. For this reason, it’s important to always keep your lawn tractor battery fully charged when not riding it.
Difference to Lawn Mower Batteries
Batteries that are designed to be used by lawn tractors are actually quite similar to those used in lawn mowers. In fact, they are often interchangeable, particularly riding lawn mowers.
The main difference is that lawn tractor batteries are usually a bit bigger and have a higher power output. This is because lawn tractors generally have larger engines than lawn mowers and require more power to operate.
Lawn mower batteries can theoretically be used in lawn tractors, but they may not last as long or provide as much power, so we don’t recommend it.
How To Tell If Your Lawn Tractor Needs a New Battery
Most people desire a battery with a long lifespan, but batteries will eventually reach the end of their useful lives or become unreliable over time, no matter how much attention you pay.
If you’re wondering when you should replace your battery, there are a few things to look for, like slow starting, losing charge, and general wear and tear. Wear and tear indications include terminals thinning out, an outdated, cracked case, and poor mowing performance. Another issue is that the battery has exceeded its warranty period. It’s better to get a new one right away rather than waiting for something to go wrong.
Typically new and well-functioning batteries start right away; if your battery takes a while to start, this could be a reason to look into getting a replacement battery. The problem might also be caused by the fuel or ignition, however, so your best option is to get your battery checked. Testing will reveal the internal condition and chemical composition of the battery, allowing you to assess whether or not it needs to be changed.
Secondly, if your battery’s charge is rapidly draining when in use, or if it starts with less charge, it’s time to consider replacing the battery. Internal components like plates and electrolytes are likely the root of these problems. Although the battery seems to be charged, it might not be entirely charged due to internal component problems.
Thirdly, check for a corroded battery terminal. Over time, terminals corrode and lose material, which might interrupt their connection. This can also cause a fire if the sparks are not dealt with immediately. Terminal problems may be caused by poor use, incorrect tightening, or unclean cleaning.
Lastly, check to see if the case your battery is in is cracked in any way. The casing should be air tight, ensuring that no electricity is lost. Check it for cracks and check the connection between the upper and lower sections. This might have an impact on charging capability and the spillage may erode the metal, causing corrosion. If this is the case, replace the battery as soon as possible.
Is My Lawn Tractor Battery Dead?
During cold months, a battery’s charge can fade after being in storage for a long time, and some of them could even die. In most cases, a few hours of charging will resolve the issue. However, if charging it doesn’t work, you should get the battery tested with a multimeter. This way, you’ll know whether the battery is dead or if there’s any other issue with your lawn tractor.
Batteries work best when they read 12.7 DC volts or more on the multimeter. If it’s still not working even though the range is correct, there might be something else wrong.
The lawn tractor itself could also be the problem, such as interlock problems. They are most often seen in the vicinity of the handle or seat. Corrosion, broken contact, and cracks in the interlock switches are all typical faults that prevent the motor from starting; something could even go wrong with the wiring, which would be the worst case. Use a multimeter to trace the interlock unit and identify the issue; from there it should be simple to repair.
How to Charge a Lawn Tractor Battery
It’s critical to charge any battery-operated device from time to time for optimal performance. For lawn tractors, it’s crucial to charge the mower battery before your first mowing session because, if you forget to unplug all of the battery leads before storing it, the mower’s battery will quickly run out in the winter.
Remove the battery by hand using a crescent wrench or pliers. During the process, remember to avoid touching the terminals with your bare hands or connecting the terminals with a tool; this may result in damage to your tractor and yourself.
Choose a suitable open-air location for charging the battery. Firstly, verify its voltage and use a charger that’s appropriate for that voltage. Then, simply connect the charger cables to the battery by placing the red positive cable on the + symbol and black negative cable on the – sign, then plug in the charger to begin charging.
Lawn tractor batteries usually take 4-6 hours to charge completely. Once it’s finished, switch it off and unplug the charger from the outlet. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool everything down, then remove the black negative cable first and then the red positive cable. After that, you’re ready to reconnect the battery to your tractor.
Maintenance Tips
To get the most out of your lawn tractor and its battery, you should maintain it regularly. For example, you should clean the terminals, apply some protective oil, and store it in a dry location when not using your lawn tractor. Here are some more tips on how to maintain your lawn tractor battery.
The most important thing is to keep your battery charged. The life of a lawn tractor battery can be extended by up to four to five years if it is charged on a regular basis. Also, never store a battery in a discharged state. If they don’t get charged regularly, the crystals will begin to form on the lead-acid components and the battery’s ability to hold a charge will deteriorate.
Another of our battery maintenance suggestions is to clean it on a regular basis. To clean the battery, use a terminal cleaner or a large brush. After thorough cleaning, apply anti-rust gel to seal the terminals to prevent corrosion buildup and extend its life.
Check the terminal connections on a regular basis to ensure that they are secure and that they are not corroding. Additionally, if you discover that the power cables have been burned, rusted, or frayed, get them replaced as soon as possible. You should also check the water levels in the battery and add distilled water as needed to keep it operating properly.
Buyer’s Guide For Lawn Tractor Batteries
Voltage
The performance of the battery is determined by its voltage, which shows the amount of current flowing in the battery at any one moment. The majority of the time, the optimum voltage for lawn tractors is 12 volts. However, if you want your tractor to perform more powerfully, special batteries with 36 to 40 volts are required.
Size
As mentioned above, the majority of the batteries you will be looking for are going to be the same size. Lawn tractors use U1 model batteries, which have dimensions of approximately 7.75 x 5.1875 x 7.3125 inches.
Some models will be slightly smaller or larger than this exact measurement, but they should all fit within the battery port of your lawn tractor. To ensure your new battery fits, however, it would be best to check the measurements of the replaced battery and get a model with those measurements. You don’t want to force your tractor to try and fit a battery that is too big or too small.
Capacity
The capacity of a battery is measured in Amp Hours. Basically, the larger the AH, the better the capacity. You may already know how much power your lawn tractor requires. If you don’t, call your brand’s customer support line. They will help you choose a battery with adequate voltage for your needs and tractor.
Most lawn tractor batteries come with an AH rating between 18 and 35.
Compatibility
It is very important to check out whether the battery you purchase will properly fit into the tractor compartment or not. The battery compartment can overheat when the battery is too small for a large compartment.
However, too big of a battery will reduce air circulation around it, causing the compartment to overheat as well. The battery compartment’s position, width, and height varies from one manufacturer to another, so make sure your battery is compatible with the tractor’s compartment.
The connectors are also another crucial aspect to consider. They should be appropriate for the compartment thickness. If you’re unsure about the size or weight, contact the brand’s hotline and get specific recommendations for your device.
Forcing the wrong battery into your lawn tractor can cause serious damage, particularly to fragile equipment parts, such as spillage, corrosion, and rusting. As a result, it’s critical to select a model that is compatible and meets the tractor’s requirements.
Weather Resistance
A lawn tractor is an outdoor machine, and as such is subjected to the elements. So, the battery must be capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold. It should not become heated up even if it is in use for long periods of time.
CCA
A battery’s cold-cranking ability (CCA) is determined by how much current it can generate in subfreezing temperatures. This test is primarily concerned with determining whether the battery will start up on a chilly morning.
If you’re looking for a new battery, make sure the tractor model you have specifies how much cold-cranking amps it needs. Your tractor might not be able to start your tractor in some weather conditions if you get a battery with low CCA. A battery with a high CCA is more expensive, however, and it might be unnecessary, so be sure to research what your tractor needs beforehand.
Age
One big error you’ll want to avoid when shopping for a lawn tractor battery is purchasing an old one. When shopping, look for a battery that is less than six months old. The age of the battery may be found by referring to the serial number on it.
Material
You should choose a battery that is composed of long-lasting materials for improved performance and longevity, especially if you have to operate your tractor in cold weather. Higher quality materials will cost more, but they will last a lot longer, saving you money over time.
Heavy-duty casing will safeguard the battery’s internal components from harm and reduce the risk of spills. The outer casing should be constructed of high-quality materials like metal plates or heavy-duty aluminum.
In most cases, metal plates are immersed in a sulfuric acid solution contained in the batteries. Batteries with lead plates are the least expensive since they cause charge loss and accelerate battery deterioration. Modern batteries include calcium within the plates, which has self-discharge, less corrosion, and reduces the risk of damage and vibration.
Additionally, go for gel cell batteries and absorbed glass, if you don’t want liquids to spill out when the battery changes over. Because these batteries have a limited amount of liquid acid, this is extremely crucial. Batteries with AGM (absorbed glass mat) technology are the clear choice since they prevent spills from happening.
Safety Tips
When dealing with large, battery-powered machinery, safety is paramount. For example, be careful not to overcharge your battery. If it gets overcharged, the AGM safety technology may be overwhelmed and begin to sizzle or even erupt, especially if the battery is regularly being overcharged. Here are some other safety tips:
A sealed lead acid battery must be recycled or disposed of correctly when it is no longer being used. Avoid short circuits and do not short the battery terminals. Do not charge the battery in a sealed container. Keep sparks or flames away from the battery.
Top 8 Lawn Tractor Batteries Reviewed
#1. Mighty Max Battery ML 35-12 12V Deep Cycle Solar Battery
- ML35-12 SLA is a 12V 35AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) rechargeable maintenance free battery - UL Certified
- Dimensions: 7.76 inches x 5.12 inches x 7.01 inches. Listing is for the Battery and Screws only. No wire harness or mounting accessories included.
- SLA / AGM spill proof battery has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperatures, long service life and deep discharge recover.
- Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration. Long lasting high performance in high and low temperatures.
- Backed by a 30 day refund policy and full 1 year warranty.
The Mighty Max Battery ML 35-12 12V Deep Cycle Solar Battery comes in at #1 on our list of the best batteries for your lawn tractor. This is a sealed lead-acid battery with fairly standard dimensions of 7.68 inches x 5.16 inches x 7.13 inches, so it can fit comfortably in most lawn tractors.
The ML 35-12 is a rechargeable battery that may be placed in the compartment in any position, and it withstands shocks and vibration well during use. It boasts a high performance in both high and low temperatures. This AGM/SLA spill-proof battery has a rapid discharge rate, broad usage temperatures, long service life, and deep discharge recovery.
MightyMax even provide a 30-day refund guarantee with a full one-year warranty, so try it out and you’ll see that it is effective, efficient, and powerful. It is also maintenance free, so you’ll spend less time maintaining it than you would with comparable models.
#2. ExpertPower 12 Volt 20 AH EXP12200 Rechargeable SLA Battery
- Genuine ExpertPower Battery - The Most Trusted And Highest Reviewed Sealed Lead Acid Batteries On Amazon
- Battery Type - 12 Volt 20 Amp / 20 Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- Ease Of Mind -All Of Our Batteries Are MAINTENANCE FREE and VALVE REGULATED
- AGM Tech - Utilizes Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Technology And Has A Wide Temperature Range
- User Friendly - Easy Installation With a Very Durable And Rugged Construction
The ExpertPower 12 Volt 20 AH EXP12200 Rechargeable SLA Battery is another top-quality lawn tractor battery, with ExpertPower being the highest-rated battery provider on Amazon. This battery produces 12 volts and has a 20 AH rating, which will be perfectly suitable for your lawn tractor and help to get your mowing done quickly and efficiently.
All of ExpertPower’s batteries, including this one, are hassle-free – they require no maintenance and are valve regulated. The EXP12200 is a sealed lead acid battery as well, so it won’t leak or spill. It also utilizes AGM technology, and has a wide range of temperature that it can operate in.
Additionally, this battery is user friendly. It is easy to install, easy to recharge, and has a durable and long-lasting construction that will help it to remain your battery of choice for years. It is on the small side, with its dimensions reading 7.1 x 6.6 x 3 inches.
#3. Weize 12V 35AH Rechargeable SLA Deep Cycle Battery
- LFP1235 Sealed Lead Acid Rechargeable Maintenance Free Battery, Size: 7.68 x 5.12 x 7.09 inches. Quantity: 1 x Battery ( with Screws, but No wire harness or mounting). Terminal： Left : Positive (+)-Red, Right: Negative (-)-Black.
- Compatible with 24 Volt Electric Wheelchair, if Put 2 Battery in Series, It Could Get 24V Voltage. Replaces 31Ah 32Ah 33Ah 34Ah 36Ah MX-123 MX-12310 ES33-12 PS33-12D CSB GP12340 BP35-12 CLTXPA1235C TR35-12 U1-35.
- Depend on the Devices, It May Need to Put More Together to Get Enough Voltage or Capacity, to Used For Wheelchair, Scooter, Solar Panel Wind Energy Storage, Trolling Motor, Industrial and Medical Equipment, Golf Cart, Hunting, Lawn and Garden Tools, Portable Tools, Emergency Lighting, UPS, Computer Power Backup, Leisure, RV House, Camping, etc.
- 12 Volt 35 amp hour batteries are typically used for mobility scooters and power chairs, homemade lightweight electric vehicles such as scooters, bicycles, go karts, and pedal cars. Since the 35AH battery is so big and heavy it stores a lot of energy and can offer extended run times on most lightweight electric vehicles. Because of this scooter batteries hefty weight it is primarily used on 3-wheel and 4-wheel electric vehicles which are self balancing.
- This battery fits many different electric scooters, electric power chairs, and electric wheel chairs however it does not fit all scooter or chair types so we always suggest to look at the marking and measure the size of your old batteries before ordering new ones. Weize support team is on standby for YOU.
The Weize 12V 35AH Rechargeable SLA Deep Cycle Battery is a state of the art sealed led acid battery that can provide extended operating times on lawn tractors because its 35 AH capacity stores a lot of extra energy, in addition to the 12 volt rating. The size of this battery is 7.68 x 5.12 x 7.09 inches.
This model is maintenance-free, leak-proof, and gas-free because it contains thick absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators and cutting-edge valve regulated technology. It features a state of the art, heavy-duty calcium alloy grid that provides exceptional performance and service life in both float and cyclic applications.
The SLA/AGM battery is made of vibration-resistant and long-lasting ABS container material, which prevents sparks and air from getting inside it. It also has superior battery charging technology and thicker plates, which are utilized to extend the battery standby life and decrease plate grid corrosion speed by utilizing oxygen recombination technologies.
#4. Chrome Battery SLA Replacement Battery 12V 35AH AGM Battery
- Battery Type: 12V35AH Absorbent Glass Mat battery is a rechargeable AGM battery that fits in a variety of applications.
- Top Technology: Featuring state-of-the-art Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology, Chrome batteries deliver spill-proof, low-maintenance power, with sealed posts ensuring prolonged durability.
- EASY APPLICATION: Chrome Batteries come fully charged and ready to go once delivered. Simply connect your battery to the application and you are ready to go.
- BEST POWER SOURCE: Chrome brand batteries are heavier than our other brands; Zipp and Pirate, thus an extended longevity.
- BEST POWER SOURCE: Chrome brand batteries are heavier than our other brands; Zipp and Pirate, thus an extended longevity.
Next on our list we have the Chrome Battery SLA Replacement Battery 12V 35AH AGM Battery. This battery has 12 volts and 35 Amp Hours, so it packs plenty of electric power to get your lawn tractor moving and mowing. It measures 7.68 x 5.12 x 6.46 inches in its dimensions and weighs 21.71 pounds.
This model is very durable and resistant to shock, vibration, and extreme weather conditions such as heat and cold. It is versatile and compatible with many lawn tractor makes and models. This sealed lead acid battery is made on the inside with AGM technology, which allows for a low-maintenance operation and ensures the battery is spill proof.
The Chrome Battery SLA is rechargeable and can be recharged up to 2,000 times, and it comes sealed and charged and ready to use. It also can be mounted in any position within the battery compartment on your tractor, and it is constructed with an alloy of lead and calcium, meaning less charge lost over time. Chrome Battery put their batteries through a series of tests to ensure that they can handle any scenario with ease.
#5. Universal Power Group 12V 35AH Battery
- Upg # D5722 Ub12350 12V 35ah
- Dimensions: 7.75 inches x 5.19 inches x 7.13 inches. Weight: 22.50 lbs
- Sla/agm maintenance free, spill proof battery
- Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration
- 1 year warranty
The Universal Power Group 12V 35AH Battery is a great lawn tractor battery for those with a John Deere tractor, as it fits many Deere models. The dimensions are 7.75 inches x 5.19 inches x 7.13 inches and the weight of the battery is 22.5 pounds.
This 12 volt, 35 Amp Hour, 315 CCA battery can be mounted in any position on your tractor, and is durable and capable of resisting shocks and vibrations when you’re mowing your lawn. It uses SLA/AGM technology, so it is spill proof and maintenance free. In addition, it comes with a 1 year warranty from Universal Power Group.
#6. ExpertPower EXP12180 12V 18AH Lead Acid Battery
- Genuine ExpertPower Battery - The Most Trusted And Highest Reviewed Sealed Lead Acid Batteries On Amazon
- Battery Type - 12 Volt 18 Amp 20 Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery With "L" Style Terminals
- Ease Of Mind -All Of Our Batteries Are MAINTENANCE FREE and VALVE REGULATED
- AGM Tech - Utilizes Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Technology And Has A Wide Temperature Range
- User Friendly - Easy Installation With a Very Durable And Rugged Construction
The ExpertPower EXP12180 12V 18AH Lead Acid Battery is another state-of-the-art lawn tractor battery from one of the best manufacturers on the market in ExpertPower. This battery has dimensions of 7.13 x 3.03 x 6.57 inches and a weight of 11.2 pounds, and it has 12 volts and 18 AH.
The battery casing on the EXP12180 is made of a non-conductive ABS plastic. This material is resistant to shock, vibration, chemicals, and heat. The acid within the AGM sealed battery is immobilized between the plates by a very fine fiberglass mat. This, together with the battery’s valve-regulated, spill-proof design, ensures hassle-free, safe operation in any position.
This battery is simple and hassle-free to install into your tractor, it is rechargeable due to its sealed lead-acid components, and it can withstand extremes in local weather conditions like heatwaves or cold months.
#7. Toro Lawn Mower 106-8397 12 Volt Battery
- 2 Year Free Replacement Warranty
- Voltage: 12 Volts | Capacity: 3.3Ah | L- 5.28" W- 2.64" H- 2.62"
- Applications: UPS, Emergency lighting, Fire alarm and security systems, Telecommunication systems, Backup power for testing and measuring instruments, Alarm and security system, Electronic apparatus and equipment, Communication power supply, DC power supply, Auto control systems
- Replaces: PS-1230, BP3-12, BP3.6-12, CF12V2.6, CFM12V3, CP1232, NP2.6-12, NP3-12, NPH3.2-12, PE12V3AF1, UB1234, WP3-12, SLA1042, SLA1035, SLA1041
- Fits UPS Batteries and More: RBC Battery Cartridges - RBC35 | APC BACK-UPS - ES BE325-FR, ES BE350, ES BE350C, ES BE350ES, ES BE350G, ES BE350U, ES ES 325, APC RBC35, APC RBC47 | Cyber Power - 325SL, CPS300SL, CPS320SL, CPS325SL | Conext - CNB325
The next lawn tractor battery on our list of the top 8 lawn tractor batteries is the Toro Lawn Mower 106-8397 12 Volt Battery. This model has L- 5.28″ W- 2.64″ H- 2.40″ dimensions, 12 volts, and 3.3 AH.
The proprietary engineering and sealing process implemented by PowerStars ensures that no electrolyte seepage can take place from the terminals or case of this battery. This feature guarantees reliable and efficient operation in every orientation, and the battery is “Non-Spillable” and complies with all IATA standards for air transport.
This battery utilizes fine mat separators (glass fiber) to absorb enough electrolyte to ensure the longest life and consistent performance. This technique prevents the escape of electrolytes from the separator, which results in leakage.
It can be operated in any position, as well as in all weather conditions, without loss of capacity, electrolytes, or service life thanks to the sealed construction and absorptive mat separators.
There is no need to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte or add water during the expected floating service life of PowerStar batteries, so they don’t require any maintenance service. In fact, very little to no maintenance is needed whatsoever.
#8. Mighty Max Battery 12V 5AH SLA Battery
- ML5-12 SLA is a 12V 5AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) rechargeable maintenance free battery - UL Certified
- Dimensions: 3.58 inches x 2.76 inches x 4.21 inches. Terminal: F1. Listing is for the Battery only. No wire harness or mounting accessories included.
- SLA / AGM spill proof battery has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperatures, long service life and deep discharge recover.
- Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration. Long lasting high performance in high and low temperatures
- Backed by a full 1 year warranty.
The Mighty Max Battery 12V 5AH SLA Battery is another great lawn tractor battery from MightyMax. This battery has less capacity than most of the batteries listed above, with 12 volts and 5 Amp Hours. It is also smaller – its dimensions are 3.58 inches x 2.76 inches x 4.21 inches and it only weighs 3.09 pounds.
However, this battery delivers power when you need it. The state-of-the-art, heavy-duty, calcium alloy grid in this system offers excellent performance and service life in both float and cyclic applications.
Additionally, it uses AGM technology with a valve controlled design, that can work in enclosed and indoor settings without leaking or maintenance, providing a better performance for a wide variety of appliances.
Summary – Which is the Best Lawn Tractor Battery For You?
It’s important to have the right lawn tractor battery for your needs in order to get the most out of your machine. But it’s important to remember that when it comes time to buy a new battery for your lawn tractor that not all batteries are created equal. With all the different types and sizes of batteries available on the market today, it can be confusing to know which one is right for your tractor.
So, what are the best lawn tractor batteries in 2023? We’ve looked at a variety of factors including voltage, size, capacity, compatibility, condition resistance and more to come up with our top 8 list. Our recommendation is the Mighty Max Battery ML 35-12 12V Deep Cycle Solar Battery, but any models on this list would work wonders for you!
We hope that this article has helped clear up some of the questions you may have had about lawn tractor batteries and given you a better understanding of what to look for when making your purchase. And as always, be sure to read the safety tips before installing or using your new battery! Thanks for reading!
