How Often Should You Charge the Battery on a Cub Cadet Mower With an Electric Start?

How a Lead-acid Battery Works

• Lead-acid batteries provide power by means of an electrochemical reaction inside the battery. A lead-acid battery contains an electrolyte solution of water and sulfuric acid. This electrolyte reacts with the lead and lead oxide electrodes within a battery. The chemical reaction creates a voltage differential between the electrodes, and the battery can provide electric current to turn a starter motor, operate headlights, and provide electricity to the engine.

Why a Lead-acid Battery Loses Power

• Over time, the lead and lead oxide plates combine with the electrolyte to form lead sulfate crystals. These crystals begin to line the battery electrodes, and can even cause a short-circuit between electrodes. When the electrolyte no longer comes in contact with the electrodes-–due to the lead sulfate crystals lining the electrodes–-the battery can no longer provide enough electric current for the lawn mower.

How Battery Charging Works

• When voltage is applied across a battery’s electrodes, the lead sulfate crystals break down into sulfuric acid and lead. These materials recombine with the electrolyte and electrodes, respectively. This allows the battery to again provide electric current.

How Often a Lead-acid Battery Should Be Charged

• If a lawn mower is not being used regularly, the battery should be disconnected from the lawn mower. This battery should be charged at least once a month to maintain the level of charge. If the lawn mower is being used regularly, the mower’s generator or alternator charges the battery; therefore, there is no need for additional charging.