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As the weather warms and daylight lingers longer each day, homeowners start preparing for the active spring and summer lawn and garden season. An often overlooked, but essential task is servicing the batteries that power your lawn mowers, trimmers, tillers, and other outdoor power equipment. Proper battery maintenance and care will ensure your garden tools start up reliably and operate efficiently as you take on tasks like mowing, pruning, and digging.
Battery failure is one of the most common causes of equipment issues each spring. Batteries that are improperly maintained can lose charge over the winter months. Corrosion and sediment buildup can reduce performance. And batteries that are older than a few seasons may simply reach the end of their lifespan. Thankfully, there are some key battery care tips that you can follow as part of your spring equipment tune-up to avoid headaches later in the season.
This article will cover the battery basics that every homeowner should know to keep their lawn and garden gear running smoothly. We’ll review when to test, recharge, or replace batteries. You’ll learn proper charging and storage methods. We’ll also outline best practices for safe battery installation and disposal. Follow these battery maintenance tips, and your equipment will be primed for reliable operation all season long.
Testing and Charging Batteries
The first step in spring battery maintenance is thoroughly testing each battery and determining which ones need to be recharged or replaced. There are a few different ways to test your batteries:
Using a Voltmeter
A voltmeter allows you to measure the state of charge of your battery. Fully charged lead-acid batteries should have a voltage reading of 12.6 to 12.8 volts. Anything under 12.4 volts indicates the battery is discharged and needs recharging.
Conducting a Load Test
You can also load test your battery using a dedicated load testing device. This applies a controlled load to the battery to simulate real-world conditions and determine if the battery can hold a charge. Load testers are the most accurate way to assess battery capacity.
Checking the Age
In addition to testing, also check the age and history of your batteries. Most lead-acid batteries only last 3-5 years with regular use. If your battery is more than 3 years old, plan to replace it even if it passes voltage and load tests.
Signs a Battery Needs Replacement
Some clear signs a battery should be replaced include case damage like cracks or leaks, corrosion on the terminals, and failure to hold a charge. Swollen or warped cases indicate a battery has reached the end of its service life.
Battery Charging Tips
If your battery tests show it still has life left, proper charging is key. Always disconnect the battery from equipment before charging. Use a smart charger that prevents overcharging. And make sure to clean terminal corrosion prior to charging using a wire brush and baking soda solution.
Following safe charging practices and testing battery condition annually will keep your garden tool batteries in prime operating condition. Next we’ll review critical steps for storing batteries over the winter off-season.
Battery Storage Tips
Proper storage during the winter off-season is crucial to ensure your lawn and garden batteries maintain their charge and are protected from damage. Follow these key steps for ideal battery storage:
Choose the Right Location
Store batteries in a cool, dry place indoors. Temperatures should be stable between 32°F and 70°F. Avoid locations prone to extreme temperature swings. And do not store batteries directly on a concrete floor, as this can drain charge.
Maintain a Full Charge
Check the charge monthly and recharge as needed to keep batteries at least 80% charged. This prevents sulfation buildup which damages battery plates. Use a maintenance-style charger for safe long-term charging.
Clean Terminals
Clean battery terminals prior to storage using a wire brush and baking soda solution. This prevents corrosion which can drain battery power. Apply dielectric grease or petroleum jelly to protect terminals.
Check Water Level
For flooded lead-acid batteries, make sure water levels are correct prior to storage. Low water levels can damage battery plates. Only use distilled water for topping off.
Protect Against Freezing
Fully charged batteries are less prone to freezing damage. But in extremely cold climates, store batteries above freezing when possible or insulate the storage space. Freezing temps can crack the case.
Following proper off-season storage guidelines will prime your batteries for peak performance once equipment is taken out of storage in spring. Now let’s look at the process of safely installing batteries in garden tools at the start of the season.
Spring Battery Installation
Once your equipment is taken out of storage, batteries that are freshly charged and maintained are ready to be installed. Follow these steps for safe and proper spring battery installation:
Review Safety Precautions
Batteries contain corrosive acid so wear protective gloves and eyewear. Only install batteries in a well-ventilated area and have baking soda on hand to neutralize any spilled acid.
Verify Correct Fit
Before installing, check that the battery is the proper size and type for your specific equipment model. Confirm the battery terminals line up with the connectors.
Clean Terminals and Connections
Use a wire brush and baking soda solution to clean battery terminals and the equipment connections they will attach to. This ensures a solid connection.
Securely Connect Terminals
Double check that the positive and negative battery cables are matched up properly with the connectors. Then securely tighten the terminal bolts to complete the connection.
Check Fit and Stability
Once connected, verify the battery fits properly in the equipment housing and is stable and secure when tilted. Jiggling or loose batteries can disconnect.
Reinstall Battery Housing
Replace any protective battery caps and reinstall the battery housing. This protects the terminals from accidental sparks or short circuits when operating the equipment.
Following proper installation procedures will ensure your freshly charged batteries are securely connected and ready to reliably power equipment. Finally, let’s look at responsible battery disposal options.
Proper Battery Disposal
When batteries reach the end of their lifespan and can no longer be recharged, it’s important to responsibly dispose of them. Here are some key guidelines for safe and eco-friendly battery disposal:
Look for Recycling Options
Many retailers and auto parts stores will accept old lead-acid batteries for recycling. This recovers the plastic and lead for new batteries. Contact your local recycling center to find the closest drop-off location.
Follow Hazardous Waste Rules
If no recycling options are available, old batteries must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Contact your local waste management authority for specifics on allowable disposal methods.
Protect Yourself and Others
Wear gloves and goggles when handling old batteries. Make sure battery terminals are wrapped or capped so they don’t come in contact with other metals while transporting.
Neutralize Any Spills
If any battery acid leaks out, contain it immediately with baking soda. Avoid direct contact and properly dispose of the neutralized liquid. Never put batteries with cracked cases in the trash.
With proper handling and disposal, old batteries don’t have to harm the environment. Just be sure to take safety precautions.
Conclusion
Caring for the batteries that power your lawn tools is an essential part of equipment maintenance as warmer weather arrives. Take time to test, charge, and replace batteries as needed before the season starts. Store them properly over winter for maximum battery life. And utilize safe installation and disposal methods to get the most value from your investment while protecting yourself and the planet. Follow these battery care tips each spring, and your garden gear will run smoothly all season long!
