John Deere lawn mower battery life

[jeremytl]

The more I read about these Battery Minders/ Tenders I am seeing a safety alert in regards to temperature. It says do not use a unit without a temp sensor if the battery compartment gets over 90 degrees. I'm confused, are they talking about operating temperature, like when my lawn mower is running (at which point it would not be hooked up to the charger). It gets pretty hot here in the summer in central NC, in my shed where the mower sits can easily reach 100 degrees when the minder / tender would be hooked up to the battery. Should I spend the extra money and get the model with the temp sensor?

 

[stlbill]

Jeremy,

I my opinion I do not think the eBay link you posted is a good deal. The Battery Tender brand name is often more expensive perhaps due to marketing the brand. I don't necessarily think the component itself is superior, but I also don't have any good experience with other brands. I know most "trickle chargers" will not manage the battery as well.

I use one Battery Tender Jr. each on my DR and my 2305. I think you should consider this one if you think $39.95 is a good deal. If the link does not work search eBay for "Battery Tender Jr."

 

[stlbill]

Jeremy,

I have had no temperature issues I am aware of using the tender.

My machines stay in covered, but not always enclosed structures, where the environment is approximately the same as the St. Louis, Missouri climate. I do keep the tender on the machines whenever it is practical. It does not overcharge the battery. The 2305 is used all year long, but the watercraft and DR obviously are not used in the Winter season. When I winterized the watercraft I removed it's battery and took it inside the house, but still kept it on the tender.

I also found the semi-permanent battery connection very convenient. It is slightly faster than alligator clips on the 2305 and a whole lot faster on the watercraft because the watercraft's battery was more difficult to reach on the trailer in the garage. On the DR the tiny battery will not support the semi-permanent connection cable so alligator clips are the only viable solution and even they become disconnected very easily. IF YOU USE THIS CABLE MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT GET TANGLED IN A MOVING PART WHEN USING THE MACHINE(S).