battery life

[sdk8103]

I bught an LT1042 almost 3 years ago and use it every week for about an hour about 10 months a year. Latley the battery seems not be able to hold a charge for long. I need to get a new battery and was wondering if anyone has any advice on a good brand to buy, but also is less than 3 years normal for a battery or is it just a cheap battery that CC puts in these things?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[ray66v]

In addition to the standard model, Interstate makes a "premium" lawn and garden battery. They have a lot more CCA and last 4-5 years with a trickle charger on them in the months your not using it.

You can order it form any interstate dealer, or see if your Home Depot has it, mine does.

 

[moe1942]

Yes they are bottom end batteries and I change mine out every two years regardless. I can afford $10 a year.

 

[DmansPadge]

I agree with Ray.... if you want a good battery that will last get an Interstate. The initial price will be quite a bit more than a regular no name lawn and garden battery but will last a lot longer. Or you can buy cheap ones and replace them more often... l&g batteries are pretty inexpensive anyway.

 

[OhioGuy]

I work in the service side of the medical field. 20 years ago, it would be uncommon not to get 3 to 5 years out of a battery pack, generally NiCad's at that time. Now you are unlikely to see two years. The new equipment is utilizing Lithium Ion batteries and the manufacturers of the equipment are suggesting a two year life, but only warrantying the batteries for 90 days!

Hmmm, what's wrong with that picture?

Curt

 

[Undercover]

I still have the factory batteries in my 04 3235 & 07 GT1554.I just put the charger on them for the 1st time this winter they both are holding up very well.

But with my luck and after writing this.I will have to replace both this spring

 

[OhioGuy]

My 2000 Mazda Miata still has the original battery. I don't drive it in the winter and every spring I think "I'm going to need to replace that battery this year".

I carry my jumper box in the trunk just in case.

Maybe this spring?

Curt

 

[dqdave1]

Just change them when they go bad with one on sale, sometimes you will get a good one and it will last 3 years but for the 20 or 25 dollar price, who cares.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I still have the factory batteries in my 04 3235 & 07 GT1554.I just put the charger on them for the 1st time this winter they both are holding up very well.

But with my luck and after writing this.I will have to replace both this spring

Same here. I still have the original in my 3235 and have never had a charger on it yet (I almost hate saying this because you know what will happen next). It sits in the barn all winter (NE Ohio) without being charged and has always started in the spring. I don't use any gas stabilizer either. My Toro Personal Pace walk behind mower also has electric start and was purchased in 2000. It started this spring after sitting all winter, not plugged in, but started going dead later in the season so it's time to replace that one.

Bob B.

 

[Rhoderman]

Mine died in about a year.
It seemed slower starting one day. Dead cell.
Battery only measured 10V.
Replaced it and running fine ever since.

Bottom end batteries?! Yeah, I believe that.