Lawn tractors are a great luxury, and even a necessity when you have a large lawn to mow. But if you’ve ever pulled your mower out of storage, only to find that the battery has checked out, then you know you’ll want to replace the battery before your lawn becomes unmanageable.
Finding the right replacement shouldn’t be too difficult, but it will require some patience and knowledge. To help you find the right battery, we’ve put together a list of some great batteries, as well as everything you need to consider when shopping for a new one.
- Things to Consider When Buying Lawn Tractor Batteries
- Top 8 Best Lawn Tractor Batteries 2023
- 1. Best Overall Lawn Tractor Battery: ExpertPower EXP12180 Lead Acid Battery
- 2. Best Premium Lawn Tractor Battery: Mighty Max Battery ML18-12 SLA Battery
- 3. Best Budget Lawn Tractor Battery: CB CHROMEBATTERY YTX5L-BS
- 4. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for Portability: Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 SLA Battery
- 5. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for Mid-Size Tractors: Weize FP12180-12V 18AH Battery
- 6. Best Deep Cycle Lawn Tractor Battery: CB CHROMEBATTERY Deep Cycle SLA Battery
- 7. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for John Deere Tractors: Universal Power Group 12V 35AH Battery
- 8. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for Zero Turn Mowers: Casil Cub Cadet CA12330 Lawn Tractor Battery
- Everything You Need to Know About Lawn Tractor Batteries
- Lawn Tractor Battery FAQ
- Finishing Up
Things to Consider When Buying Lawn Tractor Batteries
Lawn tractor batteries aren’t too different from one another, which makes finding one relatively simple. But before you jump right into buying a new battery for your lawn tractor, you’ll want to make sure you get the right one. As you consider your options, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
Battery Size
When you’re shopping for a new lawn tractor battery, you definitely want to make sure you’re getting the right size. Buying a battery that’s too small may work, provided it has adequate power, but if you end up with a battery that’s too big, then it might not fit on your tractor.
Remember to measure your battery before you buy one, and factor in any clearance your battery might have if necessary.
Terminal Position
Just as matching the size of your old battery is important, make sure to take note of how the terminals are oriented. When accounting for the position of the terminals on your old battery, you’ll want to orient the battery so the terminals are closest to you (typically, tractor batteries also have print on the same side as the terminals).
There are technically a few ways that battery terminals can be oriented, but the most common orientations for lawn tractor batteries are right-hand positive (RHP) and left-hand positive (LHP).
Warranty Duration
While most batteries will last for at least a couple of years, issues can crop up at any time. That’s why you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting a battery that has an adequate warranty. Most batteries have a standard 1-year warranty, but some batteries, such as the CB CHROMEBATTERY YTX5L-BS iGel Lead Acid Battery, feature an even longer warranty.
Cold-Cranking Amps
Cold-cranking amps (CCA) are perhaps the most confusing aspect of lawn tractor batteries. Cold-cranking amps are the number of amps a battery can deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, while also keeping a minimum voltage of 7.2 volts for a 30-second period.
But unless you plan to use your tractor in the winter as a plow, then you might wonder if the CCA rating of a battery matters for you? The truth is, it depends.
You see, some tractors specifically call for deep cycle batteries. But deep cycle batteries typically don’t have a CCR rating, which can be fine for smaller tractors that don’t have a particularly powerful engine.
Larger tractors (such as zero turn mowers,) on the other hand, may have a larger motor that requires more cranking power to get them started. This is where you’d want to find a battery with an adequate CCR rating. And of course, if your lawn tractor doubles as a snow plow in the winter, then you’re going to want a battery with a good CCR rating to handle the cold weather.
Voltage
Matching the voltage to your mower is another important factor when buying a lawn tractor battery. Fortunately, most lawn tractors require 12 volt batteries, which are plentiful. In fact, every battery on our list is a 12-volt battery, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Still, some lawn tractors – particularly older ones – may have different voltage requirements. Make sure that the battery you’re replacing has the same voltage as the battery you’re buying.
Battery Capacity
When buying batteries, going with a battery that has an adequate capacity for your needs is important. A battery with a higher capacity will last longer, and has the ability to take on heavier loads than a lower capacity battery.
So if your tractor requires a high-capacity battery, you’d probably want something like the Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 or the CB CHROMEBATTERY Deep Cycle Battery.
Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a lawn tractor battery, let’s take a look at the best lawn tractor batteries we’ve found.
Top 8 Best Lawn Tractor Batteries 2023
1. Best Overall Lawn Tractor Battery: ExpertPower EXP12180 Lead Acid Battery
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 7.13 x 6.57 x 3.03″ / 11.4 lbs
- Terminal Position: Top (RHP)
- Warranty: 1 year
- CCA: n/a
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 18Ah
Are you replacing an old dead battery in your lawn mower tractor? Then you might consider the ExpertPower EXP12180 Lead Acid Battery. Utilizing a durable non-conductive ABS plastic case and absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology, this battery is safe to use in virtually all orientations.
In addition to its 1-year warranty for quality related issues, ExpertPower also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee. This is a longer initial return period than other batteries we’ve found, and gives you more time to test it before fully committing to it.
One thing that we don’t like about this battery is that it doesn’t feature a CCA rating. That’s because it’s not meant for use in cold weather, unlike other batteries such as the Mighty Max Battery ML18-12. Of course, if you don’t plan to use your battery in the cold, or you value the longer initial return period, then this battery is clearly the superior choice.
Pros
- Non-conductive ABS plastic case
- Safe operation in almost any orientation
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not meant for cold weather
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 7.13 x 6.57 x 3.01″ / 11.9 lbs.
- Terminal Position: Top (RHP)
- Warranty: 1 year
- CCA: 270
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 18Ah
If you’re looking for an affordable lawn tractor battery that’s affordable and provides adequate power, then you can’t go wrong with the Mighty Max Battery ML18-12 12V 18 AH SLA Battery. This battery comes fully charged and includes the necessary nuts, bolts, and washers for terminal connection, making it a great choice if you’re replacing a battery with corroded terminal hardware.
It performs well in low and high temperatures, thanks to its use of AGM technology. It’s also equipped to recover from deep discharges, meaning the occasional deep discharge won’t harm its lifespan.
This battery is great for lawn tractors, but it also works well in portable starter units and battery booster packs. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this battery must be mounted upright, as it may leak if it’s laid on its side.
Pros
- High performance in low and high temperatures
- Deep discharge recover
- Comes with nuts, bolts, and washers
Cons
- Must be mounted upright
3. Best Budget Lawn Tractor Battery: CB CHROMEBATTERY YTX5L-BS
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 4.45 x 4.21 x 2.6″ / 4.73 lbs.
- Terminal Position: Top (RHP)
- Warranty: 18 months
- CCA: 70
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 4Ah
One of the most affordable batteries we’ve found, the CB CHROMEBATTERY YTX5L-BS iGel Lead Acid Battery is a great choice for small tractors. This rechargeable battery comes fully charged and has an 18-month warranty, perhaps the longest of all the batteries we’ve found.
This battery is not only a great affordable option, but it also has some unique features. Chief among them is the built-in LED digital display screen that reads battery and alternator voltage. It also automatically records the working start date, so you can easily keep track of how long you’ve been using it.
The biggest drawback that we can find with this battery is that because it’s so small, it has a much shorter runtime than the other batteries we’ve found. Fortunately, it does have a low capacity and voltage alarm, so you should know when it’s getting low before the battery dies.
Pros
- LED digital display screen
- Low capacity/voltage alarm
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Less runtime than other batteries
4. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for Portability: Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 SLA Battery
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 7.5 x 7.75 x 5″ / 22.15 lbs.
- Terminal Position: Top (LHP)
- Warranty: 1 year
- CCA: N/a
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 35Ah
When you’re looking for a good replacement battery, you’ll want to match or exceed the capacity of your previous battery, and the Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 – 12 Volt 35 AH SLA Battery has plenty of capacity.
With a whopping 35 Ah rating, this battery is great for lawn tractors, as well as other scenarios where portability is a factor. Additionally, it also features a convenient built-in handle that makes lugging it around a bit easier, and makes for easier removal for winter months when your tractor sits idle.
Of course, that high capacity does come at a cost; namely, the weight. In addition to being heavier than other batteries, it also doesn’t come with mounting accessories, so you’ll want to make sure to save the old hardware if you can.
Pros
- Higher capacity than other batteries
- Has a built-in handle for carrying or easy removal
- Won't leak when placed on its side
Cons
- Heavier battery than many others on the list
- Mounting accessories not included
5. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for Mid-Size Tractors: Weize FP12180-12V 18AH Battery
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 7.13 x 6.57 x 3.03″ / 10.56 lbs.
- Terminal Position: Top (RHP)
- Warranty: 1 year
- CCA: N/a
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 18Ah
If you’re looking for a mid-sized lawn tractor battery, then you might consider the Weize FP12180-12V 18AH Battery. Despite its small size, it’s a heavy-duty battery that works well with small and mid-sized lawn tractors, as well as other lawn and garden tools that utilize a battery.
Since it’s rather small, it may be useful for other unrelated applications, such as for use in power wheels, scooters, and wheelchairs. However, if you have a larger tractor or zero turn mower, you’re better off with going with the Casil Cub Cadet CA12330 Lawn Tractor Battery, as this likely won’t provide adequate power.
Despite this, you can rest assured that if this battery doesn’t work for you, you won’t have a hard time getting your money back. Weize offers excellent customer support, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a no-hassle 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Heavy-duty
- Useful for lawn and garden tools
- No-hassle warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for large tractors
6. Best Deep Cycle Lawn Tractor Battery: CB CHROMEBATTERY Deep Cycle SLA Battery
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 7.68 x 6.46 x 5.12″ / 27.1 lbs
- Terminal Position: Top (LHP)
- Warranty: 18 months
- CCA: N/a
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 35Ah
You might not think a deep cycle battery would be a good fit for your lawn tractor, but the CB CHROMEBATTERY Deep Cycle SLA Replacement Battery is here to prove otherwise.
This battery from CB CHROMEBATTERY has a high capacity, making it a versatile option suitable for a variety of applications. It also comes fully charged and includes an 18-month warranty backed by a company that provides excellent customer support.
The battery is specifically compatible with the Husqvarna YTH2448 Lawn Tractor, but it should work with similarly sized tractors. That means that despite not having a CCA rating, it can still turn over larger lawn tractors. You’ll just want to keep it on a float charger over the winter.
Lack of cold-crank amps aside, the only issue we see with this battery is its expense, as it’s one of the more expensive batteries we’ve found.
Pros
- Comes fully charged
- 18-month warranty
- Works good for larger tractor mowers
Cons
- More expensive than many other batteries
7. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for John Deere Tractors: Universal Power Group 12V 35AH Battery
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 7.76 x 6.14 x 5.16″ / 23 lbs.
- Terminal Position: Top (LHP)
- Warranty: 1 year
- CCA: 315
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 35Ah
If you own a John Deere tractor, you probably know that anything with the John Deere name on it is expensive. That includes batteries. But the Universal Power Group 12V 35AH Battery is a good replacement battery for many John Deere tractor models, and comes at a significantly lower price than an OEM battery.
But don’t think that a non-OEM battery automatically means you’re sacrificing quality for savings. Batteries from Universal Power Group are known to last for years when properly maintained, making this an excellent replacement battery.
Just keep in mind this bad boy is quite heavy. Thankfully, the company had the wherewithal to include a carrying handle, so you can at least minimize the risk of dropping it.
Pros
- Cheaper than John Deere OEM batteries
- Lasts for years
- Has a built-in handle
Cons
- It's quite heavy
8. Best Lawn Tractor Battery for Zero Turn Mowers: Casil Cub Cadet CA12330 Lawn Tractor Battery
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Size: (W x H x D): 7.68 x 7.13 x 5.16″ / 23.5 lbs.
- Terminal Position: Top (LHP)
- Warranty: 1 year
- CCA: 320+
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Capacity: 33Ah
Zero turn mowers are great, but you’ll definitely want to make sure you have an adequate battery for them. The Casil Cub Cadet CA12330 Lawn Tractor Battery is one such battery that works great for zero turn mowers.
This high-capacity battery has a high CCA rating, perfect for large and powerful mowers. Additionally, it’s made to last, capable of lasting multiple years and having a deep discharge recovery that ensures it will continue working if you accidentally discharge it fully.
It’s a great battery, but it’s not perfect. Since it’s powerful and has a high capacity, it’s also quite heavy. But unlike other heavy batteries like the Universal Power Group 12V 35AH Battery, it doesn’t include a carrying handle. It also doesn’t come with mounting accessories, meaning you’ll want to save your old ones or source new ones.
Nevertheless, if you’ve got a zero turn mower, this battery is a safe choice.
Pros
- High CCA rating
- Lasts for multiple years
- Deep discharge recovery
Cons
- It's the heavier than other batteries and doesn't have a handle
- Doesn't come with mounting accessories
Everything You Need to Know About Lawn Tractor Batteries
We’ve covered some important information to keep in mind while shopping for batteries. We’ve also gone through some of the best batteries we can find for your lawn tractor. Now let’s get into some tips for changing and maintaining the battery on your lawn tractor, as well as some commonly asked questions.
Changing Your Lawn Tractor Battery
When you finally find it’s time to replace the battery in your lawn tractor, you’ll want to do it right, so you don’t damage your tractor, your battery, or yourself. Fortunately, changing the battery is fairly simple. Here’s a quick how-to on changing the battery out.
- Safety first. Being prudent and wearing safety gear such as rubber gloves and safety glasses will help keep you safe in the rare event that a disastrous accident occurs.
- Start by disconnecting the old battery from the tractor. Make sure to disconnect the negative terminal first, as disconnecting the positive terminal first can create a safety hazard.
- Once you’ve disconnected the old battery, pull it out of your tractor.
- Now place the new battery in your tractor, making sure not to pinch any wires, and secure the battery with any mounting hardware your tractor comes with.
- Remove the caps from the new battery’s terminals, and make sure you correctly identify the positive and negative terminals (sometimes the caps may be incorrectly placed, so it’s better to examine the battery for the positive and negative symbols, rather than relying on the cap placement).
- Connect the positive terminal, and properly tighten it before continuing to avoid a nasty shock later.
- Now connect the negative terminal and tighten it.
- If your tractor has terminal covers, put the terminal covers over the terminals. Close the battery compartment lid, and you’re done!
Tips for Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor Battery
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your battery, you’ll want to make sure to maintain it properly. Here are a few ways you can help extend the life of your battery.
Keep the Battery Clean
When the terminals of the battery are corroded, it can cause power supply issues and even long-term damage. If you notice any corrosion on the terminals, you’ll want to clean and protect them from future corrosion.
Ensure Your Battery Stays Charged
Keeping your battery at optimal health means keeping it charged. Typically, your tractor’s alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged. However, when a tractor sits unused for a long time, the battery will slowly discharge. Cold temperatures can also cause the battery to discharge.
If you’re planning to leave it sitting unused for a lengthy period, such as through winter, you’ll want to disconnect your battery and store it somewhere that’s clean and dry. You’ll also want to connect it to a 12V float charger to keep the battery charged. This will prevent it from deeply discharging, which can lead to a shorter lifespan for non-deep cycle batteries.
You can also use a trickle charger. However, unlike a float charger, it won’t turn itself off when the battery is fully charged. That means that you’ll have to periodically connect and disconnect the charger to avoid overcharging the battery, which can also shorten its lifespan.
Lawn Tractor Battery FAQ
Will a Lawn Tractor Run Without a Battery?
No. A battery is required to provide a spark to turn your engine over when you start it.
But most lawn tractors utilize the battery for more than just cranking the engine. From headlights and onboard electronics to control mechanisms for more advanced features, your tractor’s battery plays an important role keeping the tractor functioning properly.
Can You Use a Car Battery in a Lawn Tractor?
Technically, yes. As long as they’re the same voltage, then it’s possible. However, there’s a couple of things that make this an implausible choice.
First, lawn tractor batteries are typically more durable than car batteries. This is due to the differences in how cars and tractors are used. Since lawn tractors may run across more bumps and changes in terrain, and don’t have comparable suspension systems to cars, tractor batteries are built to withstand a greater level of shock than a car battery.
Car batteries are also bigger than lawn tractor batteries. That means that you probably won’t be able to fit it on your tractor, or you’d have to get creative to make it work.
Can You Jump a Lawn Tractor With a Car?
As long as both batteries are the same voltage, then yes. However, there is one important caveat.
Jumping a car battery using another car is a fairly standard procedure – simply connect the cables between both cars to the same corresponding battery terminals. Jumping a lawn tractor with a car, on the other hand, is a little different.
Particularly, when connecting the negative cable to the mower, you want to connect the negative jumper to the metal frame of the mower, somewhere away from the fuel tank and battery, rather than to the negative post of the battery. This is because batteries generate hydrogen gas while charging, and a spark from the higher amperage of a car battery can cause an explosive reaction with the gas.
Using your car to jump start your tractor is fairly easy and safe, as long as you take the proper precautions. However, if you’re uncomfortable with the risks, we recommend you pick up a 12V battery charger instead.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Dead Lawn Mower Battery?
Generally, the time it will take will depend on the amperage you set your charger to charge at. You’ll want to avoid charging the battery at an amperage higher than 10 amps, as this can cause damage to the battery. At a 10-amp charge rate, it should only take about an hour to fully charge a lawn tractor battery.
However, your battery may take longer to charge if you’re using your charger at a lower setting. Also, if after 8 hours of charging at a 10-amp setting, the battery still isn’t fully charged, your battery is likely dead and you’ll need to replace it.
When Should I Replace My Lawn Tractor Battery?
If you notice that your battery dies frequently, or won’t turn over your tractor’s engine, then it might be time to replace the battery. Keep in mind, however, that the battery might not be at fault here.
After you’ve properly cleaned any possible corrosion from the terminals to ensure a proper connection, you’ll want to pinpoint the issue to ensure it’s not a faulty alternator. You can test this, either by using a multimeter to read the voltage of the battery, or by connecting the battery to a charger and seeing if it will fully charge.
Can I Use a Battery With Higher Cold-Cranking Amps?
Yes you can. In fact, a battery with higher cold-cranking amps than your old battery can improve its ability to start in cold temperatures. This makes having a battery with a high CCA rating especially desirable if your tractor doubles as a snow plow.
Just keep in mind that higher CCA ratings usually correlate with battery size. That means you’ll want to make sure the beefier battery you’re considering will fit.
Finishing Up
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re practically an expert on lawn tractor batteries. Now that you know what to look for, and how to safely change and maintain your battery for optimal performance and longevity, all that’s left for you to do is get out there and mow your lawn.