Whether you've got a ride-on mower for a lifestyle block or an electric push mower for a suburban lawn, a dead battery means the grass wins. Here's how to find the right replacement and keep it lasting.
Ride-On Mower Batteries
Most ride-on mowers sold in NZ (Husqvarna, John Deere, MTD, Cox) use a 12V U1 size battery. This is a compact, standardised group size designed specifically for garden equipment.
U1 Battery Specs
- Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 24–35AH
- Terminal: Left positive (U1L) or right positive (U1R) — check yours before ordering
- Dimensions: ~196mm × 131mm × 184mm
Price: From around $120 for a U1 ride-on mower battery.
Left or Right Terminal?
This catches people out. U1 batteries come in two terminal configurations:
- U1L — positive terminal on the LEFT (facing the front of the battery)
- U1R — positive terminal on the RIGHT
The wrong one won't fit your cable reach. Check your old battery or mower manual before buying.
Electric Push Mower Batteries
Battery-powered push mowers (Makita, Ryobi, EGO, Stihl) use proprietary lithium-ion packs — typically 18V, 36V, or 56V. These must be replaced with the same brand's battery pack.
BBT doesn't stock proprietary tool packs — head to your local Bunnings, Mitre 10, or the brand's NZ distributor for those. We're the people to call for ride-on mower, tractor, and garden equipment batteries.
Petrol Push Mowers
Older petrol push mowers with electric start use a small 12V sealed battery — usually 2.5–5AH. These are similar to alarm/UPS batteries. Browse our alarm & UPS range from $35 for a suitable replacement.
Lawn Mower Battery Prices NZ 2026
| Mower Type | Battery Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ride-on mower | U1 12V 24–35AH | $120–$160 |
| Garden tractor | U1 or Group 22 | $120–$180 |
| Petrol push (electric start) | 12V 2.5–5AH SLA | $35–$55 |
| Zero-turn (commercial) | Group 22–24 | $150–$220 |
Seasonal Care: Getting Through Winter
Mower batteries sit idle for months over NZ winter. That's the #1 killer.
- Charge before storing — a fully charged battery survives winter. A half-flat one dies.
- Disconnect the terminals — prevents slow parasitic drain from the mower's electronics
- Store somewhere dry — a shelf in the garage beats leaving it in the mower in a damp shed
- Top-up charge in July — a 30-minute charge mid-winter can save the battery
- Test before spring — if it won't hold charge after a full charge cycle, it's time to replace
When to Replace vs Recharge
Replace if:
- Battery is 3+ years old and cranks slowly
- Swollen or cracked case
- Won't hold charge after 24 hours on the charger
- Corroded terminals that keep coming back
Recharge if:
- It's been sitting unused (flat ≠ dead)
- Mower cranks but slowly — could just need a full charge
- Battery is under 2 years old
Shop Lawn Mower Batteries
Browse the ride-on mower battery collection for U1 batteries ready to ship. For anything larger — zero-turn commercial mowers, tractors, or garden equipment — check our deep cycle range or Contact us.
Free same-day delivery across Auckland.
