Choice of a Battery Operated Lawnmower and Why?



Gasoline operated lawn mowers are disadvantageous while being fuel guzzlers, noise makers and are not environment friendly too. While in the case of an electric operated lawn mower, the long cord is a hindrance and also a safety hazard for the person mowing and his family. Ideal for lawn under 1 acre radius.

Lawnmower batteries and Types http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/lawnmowers.html">lawnmowers and lawnmower batteries.

Batteries installed on a lawnmower are generally of the rechargeable type. Work on the principle of electricity storage and chemical generation. These batteries have been in the vogue for quite some time now. While the nickel cadmium batteries although are advantageous of being maintenance free over the lead acid type. Some of the common types are,

1. Lithium and other types: Low storage capacity and expensive, not used in lawnmowers right now due to cost factors.

2. Lead Acid Batteries: Presently used in lawnmowers which are slowly being replaced by the Nickel Cadmium type. Still are being used in cars.

3. Alkaline Batteries: Generally not used for lawnmowers. Used for electric devices of small capacity.

4. Nickel Cadmium Batteries: Practically replacing the lead acid battery in all aspects and low on maintenance.

Batteries in Lawnmowers ? Details

While into the discussion of the types of batteries, two types are primarily used, the Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) and the Lead acid batteries. Even though a Nickel Cadmium battery does not contain any dangerous chemicals, they have the tendency to explode when disposed in fire. Plus Nickel Cadmium batteries are environment friendly and are also good performers. Whereas, the Lead batteries are dangerous and are known for lead poisoning. Lead batteries have to be recycled and cannot be dumped in a garbage pit. It is for this reason Lead batteries have to be returned back to the dealer.

Lead Acid Batteries ? Care

In a battery compartment of a Lead acid, electrolytes are present. The following few guidelines are listed towards good and prolonged life of the battery.

1. Make sure that the hole with plug for addition of water is clear and the passage is not obstructed. This hole facilitates escape of hydrogen.

2. Hydrochloric acid is the main chemical in the battery. Proper care has to be ensured to avoid any leakage or spilling on your clothes and person. In case such an event, great amount of water has to be used to wash it away.

3. Distilled water has to be used to top up the water level. Tap water should be avoided. Water level in the battery should be topped up in such a way that the lead plates are just submerged in the electrolyte. Excess topping to the maximum could lead to the acid being spilled.

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) Batteries ? Care

Since we have already discussed that Nickel Cadmium batteries are maintenance free. The singular fact that has to be paid attention is that they are not charged till they are discharged completely. In case of such an event, it would lower the life of the battery. However, you could possibly run the lawnmowers until the batteries are discharged completely and the process of charging could be done. This will definitely increase the life of the battery.