Makita Batteries Help. Lawn mower related, but batteries can be used in their power tools line…
I purchased a Makita 36V 21 inch metal self prop mower. It used two 18V batteries. It came with four of them. Bought it a few months ago, brand new. I’m noticing huge degradation of performance. Have to chare batteries multiple times, when before didn’t have to.
When I first used the lawn mower, it was great. I mow my whole 3/4 acre lawn mower on one two set of batteries. The second time I mowed my lawn, I had to switch over to the other set about 4/5 of the way there. Third time, it got worse and it was about 3/5 of the way there before I had to switch over. I decided to turn off the self propulsion part of the lawn mower and just pushed it, seemed to help.
Now, however, I have to switch over to the other set, about 1/4 of the way there, charge the discharged batteries and continue on the second set of batteries. Stop at about 1/2 way, and wait for the other set to fully charge. Once it’s charged switched them out from the charger and continue charging the other set, then I can finish mowing the lawn without having to stop again.
It seems that if I charge my batteries right before using them, they lost longer. Where if I don’t use them for a few days, they don’t last as long. I’m wondering if this is a common issue or if I should possibly try and return them? I like the mower a lot, but the batteries don’t seem to be working as good as when they were brand new. Maybe it’s possible to get the batteries replaced under warranty?
I’ve never had this issue with my Milwaukee batteries for impact wrench, or my DeWalt batteries for my other tools.
I don’t think that’s right. My Ryobi mower used about 3/4 of one battery when it was new two years ago. It still uses about 3/4 of one battery, give or take.
LiON batteries like to be charged before use. They can do OK if left in a charged state but don’t expect full service if used that way. One sure way to kill them is to run them hard and immediately, while they are still quite hot, slap them in the charger. They need to cool down before you attempt to charge them again. Don’t run them down completely either. Once they start to show signs of being exhausted, let them cool and place on the charger. They do not exhibit any memory issues so shallow discharge and recharge is not an issue for them. Once charged, remove them from the charger- don’t leave them connected to the charger indefinitely.
I have several Ryobi 40V lawn mower-outdoor items, and have (4) batteries. I can usually mow my whole yard on about 2 to 3 batteries. It’s been this way ever since I first got the equipment 4 years ago or so. Of course, one factor is if the grass it tall, thick, or wet. I think the blade sharpness plays a role, too.
Here’s a question, which someone else kind of touched on. Do you keep your batteries on the charger all the time, or take them off when fully charged, let them sit for week until you mow again, and then use? I keep mine on the charger all the time, even in the winter. It occurred to me that if you’re charging the batteries after use, removing them from the charger, and then using them to mow a week later, that could be a factor here.
Overall I’m a huge fan of the battery powered lawn equipment. It’s so much easier to deal with than gas powered stuff.
No Makita Li Ion battery experience, but I only had to replace the NiCads for the Makita driver-drill once in 30 years. I’m not a heavy duty construction worker , but use it some most every week. IMO battery power for a lawnmower isn’t a good choice if you have to mow 3/4 acre. Either purchase a gasoline lawnmower, or just replace the batteries when they won’t take a charge.
Your problem might not be the batteries. Occasionally a charger will sense a full charge before the battery is even partially charged. I had this issue with one of my Ryobi chargers once. But every time you buy a new tool during one of their sales, you get a new battery and charger so I just tossed the bad charger, still have two in the wings waiting for one of the others to fail.
Most Lion battery chargers will not over charge. They are designed to bring the battery to full charge and stop. Which is when you see the green light.
Of course. A properly designed charger AND battery are safe to leave attached. But do you know if they were properly designed and are safe? Even you mentioned most. The hazard is real and more pronounced than any other preceding battery technology. I only buy products, packs and chargers with the appropriate certifications and regulatory compliance but I will not leave them plugged in for extended periods, unattended.
A smart plug with a timer function is nice for this. When I plug in our cordless vacuum to charge, I set the plug to shut off in a few hours so that I don’t have to remember to unplug it.
The hazard is real and more pronounced than any other preceding battery technology. I only buy products, packs and chargers with the appropriate certifications and regulatory compliance but I will not leave them plugged in for extended periods, unattended.