Little Lawn Tractor won't start -- help?

[strokerduster]

Re: Little Lawn Tractor won\'t start -- help?

most lawn tractor batteries are bci group U1L and can be identified by the flat strap/ thru bolt post setup. they all look the same but differ internally. lot of people figure the cheapest you can find is the best deal. 15.00 battery looks exactly like 50.00 one. the cheaper priced ones are intended for 12hp and less single cyl tractors. if you put it in a larger unit it is at it's limits when new and good condition. buy a good one and it will work better and last longer. there is a gel cell version and i have had good luck with them. also if a battery ever encounters freezing weather when discharged it is almost always killed by it. take em out and keep em inside and charged during long winters will help them to last. make sure the acid is at proper level also.

 

[FordTruckGuy]

Re: Little Lawn Tractor won\'t start -- help?

Will most likely try to swap out the battery and see if that is it. When I turn the ignition, the battery voltage drops to about 5.5, so some suggest that it is evidence that the starter is picking up the load and the problem is not the solenoid.

Final question: in replacing the battery, the manual reads to install drain hose on battery cap using a small drain hose and clamp. It then suggests you see "your local John Deere dealer" for the hose & clamp.

is this necessary, and can I pick up such items at a Tractor Supply store or other?

Matt

 

[bczoom]

Re: Little Lawn Tractor won\'t start -- help?

Hmmm. I don't recall having a drain hose on any of my tractor batteries but if there is a vent, the hose will (should) come with the battery.

 

[slowrev]

Re: Little Lawn Tractor won\'t start -- help?

Perhaps you machine has a motorcycly style battery instead of the generic lawn mower battery. If so most of them have a vent hose or can be hooked to a vent hose on the machine. Most vent hoses just push onto a nipple on the battery. I suppose a small stainless clamp could be used though.

Ben

 

[DmansPadge]

Re: Little Lawn Tractor won\'t start -- help?

Does the battery in the tractor have a vent right now? If so... use the hose and clamp off of it. If not.. don't worry about it.

Also make sure you check your grounds! (battery, frame, engine, etc.)