Lawnmower ‘standby’ type batteries

[eltax91]

Hi all

I have a Westwood ride on mower. It’s age old and I haven’t changed the battery in the 3 years I’ve had it. Today it started to really struggle and turn the engine slowly, it only just got the old Briggs and Stratton going!

The thing is, I’ve had it on a trickle charger all winter and generally do each time I put it away. The ctek charger was indicating ‘all well’ today when I unhooked it.

When I removed it I discovered it is a ‘standby’ type battery. I’m going to order a new one. The thing is, should I be trickle charging it? Have I slowly killed it with the charger? Is it within design spec for this type of battery?

[Miserablegit]

I’d say you’ve done well to get 3 years out of it.
My experience with Lucas batteries of that type is that they are not the best even when used for golf trolleys etc nevermind starting an engine.

I’d recommend replacing with a proper starter battery - I put one of these in last year and it’s fine

[rxe]

Someone put the wrong battery in before you got the mower. What you have there is a golf cart battery or similar - designed to be flattened pretty regularly, and deliver a reasonable current for the traction motors. What your mower wants is a battery that can deliver a chunky current for a few seconds, then be topped up by the alternator on your mower.

Per the ad above, you want whatever conventional car battery fits in the slot. Cheaper and better. You didn’t kill it with a CTEK.

[eltax91]

Thanks both.

Ordered a hankook as pictured