Are Lawn Mower Batteries Deep Cycle? What professionals say

There are several different types of batteries on the market. Some are suited for a short high power burst, like a car battery that helps to start your engine. Others are better suited for equipment that need a lot of power, but run for a long time. This is what deep cycle batteries are good at. When you have an cordless electric lawn mower it is important that it can run as long as possible so you can finish your whole lawn before it needs to be recharged.

Are Lawn Mower Batteries Deep Cycle?

Electric lawn mowers can use both Litium Ion and Lead-Acid Batteries, depening on the model and brand. Both are Deep cycle batteries, and are designed to be regularly deeply discharged using most of its capacity. Those are a different type than the battery that is used to crank the engine.

Many deep cycle batteries can be discharged up to 80%, but most manufacturers recommend that you never pass the 45% mark. If you have a big lawn, these batteries are suitable for such applications as they provide the machine with sustainable energy to help you mow your lawn. Investing in such batteries when replacing your lawn mower battery helps you achieve the right results and keep your machine running.

If you wonder whether the lawn mowers use deep cycle batteries, keep going to read all about it here, and find out more information about these batteries.

What Is The Difference Between Deep Cycle And Regular Batteries?

A normal battery, such as a car battery, is also referred to as a lead-acid battery and is different from a deep cycle battery. Although both deep cycle and regular batteries tend to have similar chemistry in their operation, there are a couple of differences, as shown here:

• Regular batteries: Regular batteries are made to provide a lot of power for a short moment. In regular batteries, once you start the machine, the alternator processes the power needed, for instance, in a car, and it can go for a long time without draining. That explains why a car battery can last for years without getting replaced. The car will only end up draining about 20% of its total capacity, contributing to its durability.
• Deep cycle batteries: The deep cycle battery is made to provide a steady amount of current for a long time. It is also designed to discharge repeatedly, something that could affect a regular battery if done consistently. If you want to achieve that, these batteries use thicker blades than those used in the regular batteries.
• Bursts: Regular batteries produce bursts of electricity, whereas deep cycle batteries provide low but consistent power levels, which keeps the machine running.
• Maintenance: The maintenance of these batteries is also different since a deep cycle battery should run until it discharges. With a regular battery, the alternator recharges it regularly, not to lose more than 20% of the charge, affecting its lifespan.

Can The Batteries Be Interchanged?

It is all based on which machine you need the batteries on and whether it can do the job. For instance, interchanging the batteries in a lawn mower is not recommended since you will not get the tasks done as expected. The regular battery is needed for short term high power use; therefore, using it on your lawn mower, for instance, might not be the best strategy if you want ideal results. Furthermore, changing batteries can only be done when the battery is compatible with the machine. Using non-compatible batteries should always be avoided.

However, with the rapid growth in technology, innovators have created a battery that can act as a regular battery and deep cycle battery. That makes it a dual-purpose and a great choice for your machine. However, the discovery does not spell an end to the different types available. Each has a different design, making it impossible to have a single design that can function efficiently in the two batteries. That is why it is recommended you purchase either the deep cycle or the regular battery, to harness the power needed for your machine.

Types of Deep Cycle Batteries

When you decide to invest in deep cycle batteries for your lawn mowers, you have to differentiate among the models available. They include:

● Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

These are also referred to as wet cells, and the oldest rechargeable batteries available. The batteries are cheap but are constantly being phased out, with the newer models being introduced into the stores. However, they are still a favorable deal if you are working on a limited budget.

– Pros

• The batteries are cheap.
• Have an uncomplicated design that makes it possible to use them and troubleshoot in case of any problems.

– Cons

• Require regular maintenance services.
• Emits hydrogen gas while charging, which is explosive, and it needs to be in a room with enough ventilation.

● Sealed Gel Batteries

If you decide to use these batteries, ensure the semisolid gel electrolyte is not leaking, and keep the batteries well-charged to avoid damages.

– Pros

• The batteries are robust and do not require regular maintenance.
• The sealed case ensures the batteries are stored, transported, and kept in any orientation.
• Resist shock, temperature, and other vibrations.
• Have a low self-discharge rate making them suitable for long storage purposes.

– Cons

• The batteries are more expensive than the flooded lead-acid batteries.
• If incorrectly charged, you will experience permanent damage.
• Hard to diagnose any problems.

Understanding the Battery Ratings

No matter how durable the battery is, at one point, it will be replaced. Since many of these deep cycle batteries are expensive, it is best to understand how each of them is rated for the next time you are about to buy one for your lawn mower.

• Voltage: You should know the amount of current being supplied by the battery. Most batteries are set to operate within a given voltage; therefore, look at the manual; to know the right voltage for your mower. Checking the voltage is also important to ensure that it does not have too much voltage to damage your machine.
• Amp-Hours: Find out how long the battery can operate before getting recharged, to see if it works for your lawn mower depending on your lawn’s size.
• The C-Rating: This represents the duration in which the battery can be discharged for it to work as expected. Most of the deep cycle batteries have a discharge rate of about 80% so, confirm before buying.

How Many Years Does A Deep Cycle Battery Last?

Many deep cycle batteries can serve you for up to six years provided you are taking care of them, and depenging on how frequently you charge them. You are expected to ensure your battery does not get damaged during your charging routine, and when using your machine, to serve you for all those years.

How to Maintain Deep Cycle Batteries

When using deep cycle batteries, these are a few simple maintenance procedures that can help:

• Fully Charge: Ensure that your battery charges each day after use, to prevent damaging that plates. Avoid opportunity charging, which involves plugging your battery and removing it when you need to use it without completing a full cycle. Such a habit leads to a deterioration in your machine’s battery.
• Storage: When your battery is not in use, ensure it is fully charged and check it constantly to see if it has discharged. Also, ensure that the batteries are not stored in freezing temperatures and that the batteries are in a cool, dry area to prevent damages.
• What Is The Level Of Discharge? Understanding the depth of your battery’s discharge helps to figure out ways you can protect the battery. Look at the discharge specifications since most deep cycle batteries have a discharge depth of up to 80% depending on the brand. However, ensure you do not constantly discharge the battery as it affects its lifespan.
• Slow Charge Your Battery: Charge your battery at night since it offers a slow charging environment, which is kind to your battery’s internal parts.
• Self-discharge: Since the batteries self-discharge while stored, you should constantly top them up to ensure they do not go flat as that is damaging to the battery.
• Charge correctly: When using lead-acid batteries, ensure they are charged correctly, such that they do not overcharge or charge too quickly, as it can cause an acid leak.

FAQs

● Is It Alright To Use Regular Batteries On Lawn Mowers?

You can use them only if the size specifications are compatible with your machine. However, to avoid any problems, ensure the batteries you choose are specifically made for the lawn mowers.

● How Do Deep Cycle Batteries Last?

The duration your batteries last is dependent on how well you maintain them. Overcharging and undercharging have a serious impact on your battery’s life so, ensure you are following the standard guideline to take care of your battery. Roughly, these batteries can serve you for about six years, depending on the type and the manufacturer. The main thing is to keep your batteries well maintained to get the most out of them. So, routinely clean the batteries and have them fully charged before storing them.

Final remarks

Lawn mowers use deep cycle batteries since they provide your mower with the power needed to finish the task. Again, they have a fast-charging period and allows a fast turnaround time when using them. Since there are different types of deep cycle batteries available, it is best to learn more about your machine and which type is suitable for your lawn mower. If you get more information about these types of batteries, you will know how to purchase the right ones and the best tactics to increase their durability.