Can You Jump Start A Lawn Mower Without A Battery? The Answer Is Here!

  • 27 Oct 2022 14:30
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Can You Jump Start A Lawn Mower Without A Battery? The Answer Is Here!

One convenient thing I love about lawnmowers is their ability to operate without an on-spot power supply source. They run on built-in batteries that can be recharged when you don’t use the machine. 

What would happen if the lawn mower’s battery died out? Can you jumpstart a lawn mower without a battery? Wonder about these issues? Don’t skip this post!

I will give you a straightforward answer and provide additional tips to help maintain the machine’s battery in great condition. 

Can You Jump Start A Lawn Mower Without A Battery?

The answer is yes. You can jumpstart a lawn mower’s battery using another vehicle and jumper cables. However, it won’t be possible to jumpstart the device from its battery terminal. 

So, why can’t a lawn mower operate without a properly functioning battery? 

What to do when the device’s battery dies out? Follow the sections below, and I will show you. 

It’s Not Possible Without The Battery Terminals

The battery terminal is a critical part of any modern riding lawn mower. It supplies electricity for the machine’s engine, motor, and blades, ensuring that these components function properly. 

However, the battery will slowly weaken and reduce in capacity after a long usage period. Another cause is bad weather or strong collision, which can potentially damage the battery cell and cause it to malfunction. 

However, some lawnmowers can operate without a battery as they run on the power produced by their built-in alternator charging systems (AC). This component will recharge the battery when the machine is operating. 

You Need A Battery From Another Vehicle To Jumpstart The Lawnmower

You Will Need Another Vehicle And Jumper Cables 

Going back to the main question, you can use another vehicle combined with jumper cables to jumpstart a lawnmower’s dead battery. The power from that vehicle’s battery will supply the lawnmower and start its engine. 

There is another solution if you can’t find a vehicle nearby or the mower doesn’t feature a solenoid. In this case, use an impact wrench or an electric drill.

This method should be the last resort because it has a lower success chance. 

Another thing to note is that you cannot jumpstart the device from its battery terminal. The power supply from your vehicle should be applied directly to the mower’s starter motor, ignoring all safety systems and electronics. 

In addition, the average voltage of lawnmowers’ batteries is 48 volts. Meanwhile, the car’s batteries have around 12 volts or lower.

Therefore, there won’t be sufficient power to supply the mower battery. 

Can Lawn Mowers Operate Without Battery?

It depends on the type of lawnmower you use. Some products require a battery to operate, which supplies power for all of their components, like motors, engines, and blades. 

The battery must be recharged for the next use, or the machine will stop functioning. Meanwhile, some traditional riding lawnmowers can operate without a fully charged battery. 

For example, if their batteries have died out, you can jumpstart their electric starters. Then, the devices’ AC system will automatically recharge the battery when running. 

Yet, dead batteries are not the sole cause that makes lawnmowers stop working. There may be problems with their safety switches or the ignition switch. 

Some Riding Lawn Mowers Can Run With A Dead Battery

How To Jump Start A Lawn Mower With A Dead Battery?

As mentioned above, the safest and most efficient way is to use another vehicle’s battery to jumpstart your lawnmower. All you need to do is connect the jumper cable to the lawnmower’s starter solenoid.

This solenoid will transmit the power supply from the car’s battery to the lawnmower’s motor and run it. Before you begin, please follow all the safety procedures when dealing with electronic devices. 

Steps To Jumpstart A Lawn Mower Using Another Vehicle

Ensure that the vehicle is turned off and you have a basic knowledge of its components to avoid damaging the device’s components.

After gathering the cables and putting your vehicle nearby, follow these steps:

  • Plug the red cable’s end into the positive terminal on your car’s battery. 
  • Plug the other end into the lawnmower battery’s positive terminal. 
  • Repeat the same process with the black cable by plugging its two ends into the negative terminals on both devices. 

After your lawnmower has started, don’t rush to unplug the cables yet. Your lawnmower needs to run for at least 15 minutes so the AC system can produce enough energy to power its battery cell. 

This video will give you clearer instructions on this practice. 

What If The Lawnmower Doesn’t Start? 

If the device doesn’t operate or keeps malfunctioning in the process, you may be dealing with a damaged battery. The only solution left is to unplug the cables and check the machine’s battery first. 

Use a multimeter to test if your mower’s battery still works. Then, ensure that its terminals are not loose or dirty. Clean them with a clean and dry cloth, then tighten the terminals. 

Don’t skip the AC system, which is another potential cause. Check if they are loose or getting rusty. If you spot the damaged wires or components, bring the lawnmower to maintenance stores and have the professionals check it. 

Tips To Maintain Your Lawn Mower In Fine Conditions

No one wants to deal with a malfunctioning land mower with dead batteries.

Though it may sound unnecessary, you should grasp the basics of the owner manuals before operating the machine. 

Due to its working environment, the lawnmowers will get dirty very fast and reduce their efficiency. Therefore, it’s essential to clean and maintain the machine regularly (at least once a week). 

Also, bring your lawn mower to the maintenance store after a few months to have the professionals inspect its components. Some parts like motors, air filters, or engines will wear down and need to be replaced. 

Don’t Forget To Clean The Machine Regularly 

Final Thoughts

In summary, you can use the power supply from another vehicle’s battery to jumpstart lawnmowers or start them with an impact wrench. 

Their AC system slowly recharges the battery when the machines are working. 

Also, be careful with the electric wires and motor when jumpstarting the mowers. You wouldn’t want to damage the device’s motors and battery cells. 

I hope that the instructions and answers provided can help you start the machine successfully. Thank you for reading!


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Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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