My Sears tractor eats batteries

[nitrofish46]

Just replaced the battery again yesterday. This one lasted 15 months. I noticed that the ammeter is reading -0- at full throttle. Do I need a new solenoid or something? Sears 15.5 hp model #917.271051.

[hillbilly_lawnboy]

sounds about right for a lawn and garden battery if it was a cheap one. they are only designed to last 1 year

[White Gardens]

sounds about right for a lawn and garden battery if it was a cheap one. they are only designed to last 1 year

Unfortunately Hillbilly is right. Lawn and garden batteries don't stand a chance against vibration and the cells tend to crack and short out in about a year.

Now, if your going through a battery once a week then I would say your stator under the flywheel might have some issues.

In the winter time too, take the battery out and if you can, put it in the basement so it won't take the punishment of the temp changes.

If you want to make a little better investment, try finding an interstate battery center, and get one of theirs.

[TLS]

Put a battery tender on it over the winter.....charged batteries cant freeze.

[Jay Ray]

I've noticed that the same basic frame is often used for a series of riders going from a small deck to large deck, and single cylinder to large twins. I have wanted to put in a larger battery on twins but the compartment is the same as on a 12hp single, and not easy to modify. Back in the day when consumer riders were 10-12 hp it seemed like batteries lasted longer.

[jkingrph]

sounds about right for a lawn and garden battery if it was a cheap one. they are only designed to last 1 year
It probably is not a cheap one, but my JD lawn tractor, purchased new in spring of 2000 is still using the original battery. I do have one of the little battery "mainteners" mounted to the frame and use it when the mower is not in use.