Are Lawnmower Batteries The Same As Car Batteries? [What's The Difference?]

Nothing is more aggravating than having your battery die while you’re in the middle of mowing your lawn and on a tight schedule. Unfortunately, buying a replaceable battery isn’t always the most convenient option.

So perhaps the most practical solution is to use your car’s battery. This begs the question, are lawn mower batteries the same as car batteries?

Are Lawn Mower and Car Batteries the Same?

The batteries in a lawnmower and a car are not the same. Lawnmower batteries are often smaller and have a lower CCA rating (cold cranking ampere). Both batteries, however, have a similar voltage of 12 volts.

are lawn mower batteries the same as car batteries

In addition, their structures are similar, so a car battery can be used in a lawnmower. However, because a lawn mower’s battery is smaller, you’ll need to ensure enough space.

So, if you can fit a car battery inside a mower, it could easily start the lawnmower, perhaps even more smoothly. Not only that, but it will extend the life of your existing battery.

This post will go through the differences and similarities between the mower and car batteries. Additionally, we’ll discuss the different types of batteries you can use.

Differences Between Lawn Mower and Car Batteries

As previously stated, lawnmowers and car batteries are not the same. While they may be similar in some aspects, they’re pretty different in other aspects.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences.

Voltage

12-volt batteries power almost every lawnmower. Most equipment uses 12-volts to protect you from electrocution.

There are, however, batteries that can operate at a higher voltage level. These batteries are used in walk-behind mowers. These high-capacity batteries have a voltage range of 36 to 40 volts and are intended mainly for large-scale mowers.

Car batteries, like lawnmower batteries, can operate at 12 volts. There’s, of course, a more comprehensive range of car batteries with higher voltage. However, for years, 12-volts has been the standard voltage.

Even with today’s technology, a 12-volt battery may always be found as a backup power source. Producers add this to guarantee that safety-critical equipment continues to function in the event of a battery failure.

Battery Type

Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most used batteries in most mowers since they’re economical and more easily rechargeable than other batteries.

In cars, most batteries are manufactured with a standard flooded lead-acid battery. Producers use standard flooded lead-acid batteries to provide a quick boost to boot up the car.

Size and Durability

The size of lawn mower batteries is smaller than that of car batteries. They’re also less costly than a car. Note that the electrical capacity on a lawnmower is lower, so it can charge the housed battery more efficiently.

The battery durability of both vehicles is similar. They should last for roughly three to four years.

CCA Rating

A CCA rating is applied for both batteries. CCA is a battery rating that explains how well the battery can start the engine in cooler conditions.

A CCA rating of 315 is suitable for a mower, and 650 and above is good for a car.

How to Jump-Start a Lawn Mower Using a Car Battery

Did you know that you may use the batteries from a car not just to power your mower but also to jump-start it? Keep in mind, though, that your car battery should only be used if your mower has a 12-volt battery.

This is because mower batteries have a lower capacity than cars, and so you might potentially overcharge the mower if you applied a bigger volt.

When jump-starting your mower, exercise caution. Wear gloves and avoid touching any metal if you don’t want electricity to flow.

That being said, follow these steps to jump-start your lawnmower:

Position your lawnmower near your car so that the cables can reach it.
Set your mower so that it’s leveled with the ground.
Turn off the engine and disconnect the mowing blades.
Remove the top cover on your mower to gain access to the battery terminals.
Remove any rust from both vehicles’ battery terminals with a battery terminal cleaner.
Now connect the batteries. Please note that a specific order must be followed. That said, be sure to follow this sequence:
1. Attach the terminal of the mower to one end of the red cord. Attach the other end of the cable to the positive terminal of your car’s battery.
2. Attach one end of the black cable to the car battery’s negative terminal. Attach the other end to the unpainted far side of the mower’s engine. Make sure the black clamp isn’t connected to a dead battery.
Run your car and let your mower’s battery charge for a few minutes.
Start the mower after turning off the car when the battery is charged. When the mower is charging, never run it. The car may overload the mower’s battery that way.
Finally, unplug the cords in the reverse sequence. Remove the mower’s black cable, followed by the car’s black cable, then the car’s red cable, followed by the mower’s red cable.

What Batteries Can I Use for My Lawn Mower?

There are many different types of lawnmower batteries. Lawnmowers require a battery that can handle being recharged often.

With that in mind, here are the different types of batteries you can use for your lawnmower:

Lead-Acid Battery

The majority of mowers use lead-acid batteries. They’re popular because they’re inexpensive as well as fairly efficient.

Not only that, but lead-acid batteries can withstand overcharging. Regardless, refrain from doing so as it has the potential to shorten the battery’s lifespan.

Lead-acid batteries can also deliver a lot of power. As a result, they’re helpful in situations where a lot of power is required. The batteries come in 2V, 6V, 12V, and 24V models. Of course, for lawn mowers, 12-volt is preferred.

Lithium-Ion Battery

The distinction between lithium and lithium-ion is often misunderstood.

Lithium batteries are one-time use only and can’t be recharged. However, they have a high charge density and are mostly used in fire alarm systems.

Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are rechargeable rather than disposable. As a result, they’re extraordinarily sustainable and eco-friendly.

Tesla vehicles commonly employ lithium-ion batteries. As a result, those vehicles can charge their batteries to 80% power in just half an hour.

Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery

Nickel-metal hydride batteries have a high power and energy density. Additionally, they have a long life cycle. Therefore, these batteries can also provide energy for an extended duration.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are also secure. As a result, the percentage of charge on the battery has no bearing on the energy output.

The downside of this form of battery is that it’s costly. It comes in a wide variety of sizes, and purchasing the wrong size can be a problem as it might be incompatible with your mower.

So before buying this type of battery, make sure you know exactly what you need.

Deep-Cycle Battery

The benefits of deep-cycle batteries are many. First, they have a lower peak current but can maintain a constant current for an extended period. Furthermore, they’re long-lasting, which is always a plus.

Most other batteries create a brief pulse of energy. However, deep-cycle batteries generate a steady stream of reduced but consistent power.

Deep-cycle batteries come in a variety of forms. These types include flooded lead acid, AGM, gel cell, and lithium-ion.

Conclusion

The batteries in a lawnmower and a car are not the same. They do, however, share some similarities.

You can use a car battery to power a lawnmower. Not only that, but you can jump-start the mower with a car battery. Take care not to overcharge the battery, though.

You can use different sorts of batteries that operate well in a lawnmower. Lead-acid batteries are the most popular, and lithium-ion batteries are the most eco-friendly.

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