Best Lawn Mower Batteries in 2020 – Reviews & Buying Tips

Some individuals might falsely believe that a lawn mower battery is similar to the standard vehicle battery. Although they are very similar, they are not the same. Lawn mower batteries compromise of large plates made out of lead that are submerged in an acidic electrolyte.

When the lawn mower is turned on and the battery starts discharging, the lead plates begin to cover in sulfate while the acidic electrolyte turns into an alkaline one. Similarly, once the lawn mower battery charges, the alkaline electrolyte turns back into an acidic one because the sulfate from the lead plates goes back into the electrolyte.

Here comes the similarity between the lawn mower battery and the vehicle battery The process of charging and using the battery can lead it to corrode. The problem might seem for many to be old as time and it is not surprising because the electrolyte battery design had been invented over a century ago.

In addition to being very likely to corrode, lead batteries can be hazardous to handle as the electrolyte can cause serious skin burns if it leaks. Plus, such batteries are not eco-friendly because if they are discarded the wrong way then they could contaminate soil and water.

Furthermore, lead-acid lawn mower batteries are more exposed to the vibrations of the engine thus they are much more likely to leak. To reduce this possibility, some manufacturers of lawn mower batteries have included glass mats or even gel body in their designs. Sadly, such lawn mower batteries cost much more.

Comparison of 9 Best Lawn Mower Batteries in 2020

Top 9 Best Lawn Mower Battery Reviews in 2020

1. Mighty Max ML35-12 Sealed Lead Acid Battery

Mighty Max Lawn Mower Battery is made with a sealed lead acid battery that is reliable and long lasting. Moreover, this battery comes with a new design that features a gel mat lining so as to prevent any leakages.

Plus, customers have reported this model of Mighty Max Lawn Mower Battery having a wide working temperature range as well as great vibration and shock insulation.

Furthermore, it can be recharged pretty quickly while its compact size will allow it to be mounted in a number of safe ways.

Lastly, the manufacturer offers a 60-day money back guarantee and good customer support that was reported to be friendly and very helpful.

2. Chrome Sealed Lead Acid Lawnmower Battery

Another great option of an affordable lawn mower battery is being manufactured locally thus it costs cheaper than imported ones. This model of Chrome Battery comes in 2 different sizes and has a gel layer on all sides to prevent any potential leaks.

Moreover, customers have reported it is really easy to install and connect the terminals to the electrical cables. Plus, the customer support is great just in case you are going to need to contact them for more information, instructions or any other help.

Lastly, the manufacturer of these lawn mower batteries offers a 30-day money back guarantee hence you can be assured of the quality.

3. Mighty Max ML35-12 Gel Series Battery

Another great lawn mower battery that offers customers long lasting and maintenance free experience. It comes in two different sizes and does require an acid pack, unlike other models.

Moreover, it quickly recharges and has a protective mechanism in place to prevent overcharging and thus ruining the battery itself.

Furthermore, if you would like to prolong the batteries life once it will serve its time, you could just change the electrolytes instead of changing the whole lawn mower battery.

Also, this model can work in a wide span of temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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4. Mighty Max ML10-12 Lawn Mower Battery

A great option for customers looking to buy lawn mower batteries on a budget as this combo pack will stock you up for a long time.

However, the size of the batteries is rather small as just a little over 5 inches in length and 4 inches in height.

Also, the batteries come in a packaging box without any cables or mounting harnesses, therefore, think about how you are going to mount it and with what prior to the actual installation.

5. ExpertPower Lead Acid Battery

Expert Power Lawn Mower Battery has been on the market for decades, it has since gained a large and loyal customer base thanks to its reliability, safety and 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.

The battery case is made from rugged plastic that will withstand scratches, scuffs, and other impact damages. Moreover, this plastic body makes the battery highly resistant to heat, shock, and vibrations that could potentially cause a leak.

Plus, it works at a wide range of temperatures and has a glass mat for added protection from potential electrolyte leakages. The packaging box contains a clear instruction booklet on how to install and connect the terminals yourself.

6. Shotgun Sealed Lead Acid AGM Battery

This fully rechargeable lawn mower battery can be mounted in a number of ways plus it has been reported to perfectly resist shock and vibration emitted by the engine thanks to the thick layer of gel insulation.

Moreover, customers can choose from 3 different sizes depending on their lawn mower and its specifications.

All Universal Power batteries have been tested and CCA rated thus you can be assured that this battery will work flawlessly even in cold weather.

7. Mighty Max ML-U1 Lawn Mower Battery

ML-U1 model of Mighty Max lawn mower battery is made to be 100% spill proof and has been reported to be quick to recharge and work great at different temperatures. Moreover, it is well insulated so as to resist shocks, vibrations, and heat.

Plus, these batteries are available in several sizes thus you can be sure that you will find the one that will fit your lawn mower. Also, the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty and great customer support at all times.

8. Universal Power Group Sealed Lead Acid Battery

Another great lawn mower battery from Universal Power that offers customers long lasting and maintenance free experience. It comes in two different sizes and does require an acid pack, unlike other models.

Moreover, it quickly recharges and has a protective mechanism in place to prevent overcharging and thus ruining the battery itself.

Furthermore, if you would like to prolong the batteries life once it will serve its time, you could just change the electrolytes instead of changing the whole lawn mower battery.

Also, this model can work in a wide span of temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. PowerStar AGM Lawn Mower Battery

Power Star 12V 22AH Lead Acid Lawn Mower Battery is an affordable option that is being manufactured under strict quality control. This model of Power Star lawn mower battery comes in 2 different sizes and has a gel layer on all sides to prevent any potential leaks.

Moreover, customers have reported it being really easy to install and connect the terminals to the electrical cables. Plus, the customer support is great just in case you are going to need to contact them for more information, instructions or any other help.

Lastly, the manufacturer of these lawn mower batteries offers a 30-day money back guarantee hence you can be assured of the quality.

What Ratings Are Given to Lawn Mower Batteries?

Lawn mower batteries are also rated on the CCA, which stands for Cold Cranking Amps, just like vehicle batteries are plus these ratings are a good indicator of how much current the lawn mower battery will be able to deliver when the outside temperature is around 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, keep in mind that this is just a rating to indicate how robust a certain battery is and not whether it will work in winter because you are very unlikely to actually mow your lawn when the outside temperature will be 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another type of rating is based on the size of the lawn mower battery, these ratings are assigned according to the American Battery Council. Nowadays, most lawn mower batteries are assigned a rating of U1 which means that they are about 8 inches long and 5 inches wide.

Such dimensions are important because different lawn mowers have different sized battery trays. Plus, the battery must also be connected to the battery cables thus buying the right sized lawn mower battery is crucial. But, this does not have to be very hard because all lawn mowers come with clear specifications and instructions.

What is the Terminal Position and It is Important?

The terminal position will dictate where and how the lawn mower battery is installed. Nowadays, there are mainly two terminal positions; U1L and U1R.

With U1L lawn mower batteries, the positive terminal is located in the left corner at the top of the lawn mower battery. Whereas, U1R batteries have the terminal located towards the right corner. Apart from these differences, both batteries are constructed the same way.

Hence, the only difference is the way they are installed and connected to the electrical system with cables. For example, if you were to install a U1L battery into a lawn mower that required a U1R battery, you would risk not having enough cable length to reach the terminal.

Moreover, stretching the cables is strictly forbidden because such a connection could lead to potential damage in the cable insulation thus leading to short circuit troubles.

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Why CCA Rating Matters?

The output of the battery might not be of concern to you when you have a small lawn mower however it will become an important factor in choosing the best lawn mower battery if you have a larger lawn mower. Thus, check the recommended rating of CCA that the manufacturer of your lawn mower has specified.

Choosing a lawn mower battery with a very low CCA rating can lead to your lawn mower not starting at all. On the other hand, a higher CCA than your mower can take could lead to your battery wearing out.

Conclusion

Lead acid batteries are made out of an acid and water solution that makes up the electrolyte. This electrolyte can potentially cause chemical burns to the skin and the eyes if the battery leaks. The water from the electrolyte can evaporate during the batteries work while hydrogen and oxygen get released when the lead plates are heated.

These gases are very dangerous because they are combustible have the potential to blow up hence it is crucial for you to take all the safety precautions when dealing with lead acid lawn mower batteries. Most scientists believe that a large number of explosions occur when the electrolyte level drops thus allowing for oxygen and hydrogen to accumulate.

To protect yourself, always install and connect the battery in a well-ventilated area plus never smoke around the battery. Furthermore, always properly dispose of damaged batteries or keep in a tightly closed container until you will have the chance to take them to a recycling center.

Also, think about wearing gloves and maybe even an apron when you will be handling the battery, charging or installing it. Lastly, never forget to wash your hands thoroughly after lead-acid battery handling and check for battery leaks every once in a while.