When your Toro mower refuses to start, a failing battery is often the culprit. A reliable replacement is crucial for getting your lawn care back on track without the frustration of a machine that won’t turn over. With numerous options available, from traditional lead-acid to modern lithium-ion, selecting the right battery can feel overwhelming.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight of the best replacement batteries for Toro mowers. We have considered factors like compatibility, power output (CCA), battery type, and durability to help you find the perfect match for your specific model, whether you own a riding mower, a zero-turn TimeCutter, or a compact walk-behind.
Our Top Picks for Toro Mower Batteries
- UPLUS U1 Riding Lawn Mower Battery, 12V 330CCA
- Mighty Max Battery ML3-12 Replacement for Toro Lawn Mower
- UPLUS 280CCA U1 Riding Lawn Mower Battery, 12V
- Autocessking Lawn Garden AGM Battery Group 1 (U1-320CCA)
- DTK Battery Replacement for Toro 60V Battery 2.5Ah
- Mighty Max Battery ML3-12 Replacement for Toro 12 Volt
- Mighty Max Battery 12V 35Ah SLA for Toro Wheel Horse
- ExpertPower EXP12360 12V 36Ah Deep Cycle Battery
UPLUS U1 Riding Lawn Mower Battery, 12V 330CCA
For riders seeking a powerful and long-lasting starting battery, the UPLUS U1 is a standout option. It delivers a robust 330 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), ensuring reliable starts even in cooler weather. Built as a sealed AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, it is completely maintenance-free, meaning no risk of spills or leaks and no need to ever check the water levels.
UPLUS emphasizes quality by using 99.99% pure primary lead in its construction, which promotes better charging efficiency and prevents the release of toxic fumes. With a design focused on a service life of over five years, this battery is a dependable choice for a wide range of riding mowers and garden tractors from major brands like Toro, John Deere, and Cub Cadet.
Mighty Max Battery ML3-12
This Mighty Max battery is a direct replacement for many smaller Toro mowers, specifically those requiring the #106-8397 battery. Its compact 12V 3Ah design is ideal for walk-behind mowers and other lawn equipment where space is limited. As a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery, it is UL Certified for safety and is entirely maintenance-free.
The battery is engineered with a high discharge rate and is built to perform across a wide range of operating temperatures. This reliability, combined with a long service life, makes it a practical and hassle-free solution for getting your equipment running smoothly again without any complicated installation or upkeep.
UPLUS 280CCA U1 Riding Lawn Mower Battery
A close sibling to our top pick, this UPLUS U1 model offers a slightly different specification that may better match your mower’s requirements. It provides 280 CCA and a 23Ah capacity, making it a strong and efficient power source for many popular riding mower models. It shares the same durable, maintenance-free AGM construction as its counterpart.
You benefit from the same high-quality materials and rigorous testing, including the use of pure primary lead for enhanced performance and safety. If your Toro riding mower or garden tractor calls for a U1 group battery but doesn’t require the highest CCA rating, this model presents a excellent balance of power and value.
Autocessking Lawn Garden AGM Battery Group 1
The Autocessking AGM Battery is a solid U1 group option designed specifically for the demands of lawn and garden equipment. With a 320 CCA rating, it provides ample starting power for Toro and other brand riding mowers and tractors. Its AGM technology ensures a sealed, spill-proof design that can be mounted in various orientations without worry.
This battery is built for reliability, offering a maintenance-free experience so you can focus on your lawn care tasks. It serves as a direct and compatible replacement, engineered to fit perfectly and deliver the consistent performance needed for a smooth start every time you turn the key.
DTK Battery Replacement for Toro 60V Battery
For owners of Toro’s 60V Flex-Force cordless equipment, the DTK battery is a modern lithium-ion solution. This 2.5Ah battery pack is designed to power a range of tools, including cordless mowers, trimmers, and blowers. It is removable and rechargeable, offering the convenience that comes with cordless yard care.
A key feature is the built-in 4-LED fuel gauge, which provides immediate feedback on the remaining charge level. With no memory effect, you can charge the battery at any time without reducing its overall capacity. This makes it a practical and compatible power source for maintaining a full suite of cordless Toro tools.
Mighty Max Battery ML3-12 Replacement for Toro 12 Volt
This is another listing for the reliable Mighty Max ML3-12, confirming its status as a popular and accessible replacement part. It offers the same 12V 3Ah power in a compact, sealed lead acid format. Its dimensions and terminal type are designed to be a direct fit for specific Toro mower models that use this battery size.
As a UL Certified and maintenance-free unit, it guarantees a safe and straightforward user experience. Its spill-proof design and long service life characteristics make it a go-to choice for those needing a simple, effective, and trustworthy battery replacement for their walk-behind mower.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 35Ah SLA for Toro Wheel Horse
For larger Toro mowers, such as certain Wheel Horse models, a bigger battery is necessary. This Mighty Max battery provides a substantial 35Ah capacity, offering extended power and reliability. It is designed as a direct replacement for part number 131-8212, ensuring a correct fit and function for your machine.
As a Sealed Lead Acid battery, it maintains the maintenance-free operation that users appreciate. The higher amp-hour rating means it can handle the electrical demands of larger riding mowers, providing consistent starting power and reliable performance for extensive mowing sessions.
ExpertPower EXP12360 12V 36Ah Deep Cycle Battery
The ExpertPower EXP12360 is a deep cycle battery, which is ideal for applications requiring sustained power over a longer period, not just a starting burst. This makes it a suitable choice for certain Toro TimeCutter models and other equipment where the battery may also power accessories or undergo frequent charging cycles.
With a 36Ah capacity, it is built for durability and repeated discharges. Deep cycle batteries are engineered to be drained and recharged regularly without significant degradation. If your mowing needs align with this type of power usage, the ExpertPower battery is a robust and capable option.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Replacement Battery for Your Toro Mower
When my old Toro mower battery finally gave out, I realized I knew very little about what makes a good replacement. It is not just about finding a box that fits; it is about making sure your mower has the power it needs to start reliably and last for seasons to come. Let me walk you through what I learned so you can make a smart choice.
First, you absolutely must get the right voltage. This is non-negotiable. Most Toro riding mowers use a 12V battery, while some smaller push models might use a different system. Check your old battery or your mower’s manual to be certain. Putting the wrong voltage battery in can seriously damage your mower’s electrical system. Next, look at the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). This rating tells you how much power the battery can deliver to start the engine in cold weather. If you live in a region with chilly springs, a higher CCA rating is a good idea. For most Toro mowers, you will want something in the 200 to 300 CCA range.
Then there is the Amp Hour (Ah) rating. This indicates the battery’s capacity, or how long it can power your mower’s accessories if you have them. A higher Ah rating generally means a longer runtime, which is useful if you have a large property. You also need to think about physical size and terminal placement. Batteries come in group sizes, like U1 or 26R. Your old battery will have this code on it. Matching this ensures the new battery will fit in the compartment and that the positive and negative terminals are on the correct sides for your cables.
Finally, consider the battery type. Standard flooded lead-acid batteries are common and affordable, but they may require occasional maintenance like adding water. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are sealed, maintenance-free, and generally more resistant to vibration and leakage. They often have a longer lifespan and are my personal preference for the rough-and-tumble environment of a mower. While they cost a bit more upfront, the convenience and durability are usually worth it. Taking a few minutes to check these specs will save you a lot of hassle and ensure you get one of the 8 best replacement batteries for Toro mowers this year that is a perfect match for your machine.
FAQ
How long should a Toro mower battery typically last?
You can usually expect a good quality lawn mower battery to last between three and five years. Its lifespan depends on a few factors, like how often you use the mower, how you store it during the off-season, and the climate you live in. Extreme heat can shorten a battery’s life, as can letting it sit for months completely discharged.
Can I use a car battery in my Toro riding mower?
I would not recommend it. While a car battery is also 12V, it is designed for a very different purpose. Car batteries provide a short, high burst of power to start an engine and then are constantly recharged by the alternator. Lawn mower batteries are built for a deeper cycle, meaning they can handle being discharged further and recharged more consistently. Using a car battery could lead to poor performance and a much shorter life for the battery.
What is the best way to store my mower battery for the winter?
Winter storage is critical for battery health. The best practice is to remove the battery from the mower, give it a full charge, and store it in a cool, dry place like a garage or basement. It is a good idea to put it on a smart battery maintainer or tender, which will keep it at an optimal charge level without overcharging. Avoid storing it on a concrete floor, as this is an old wives’ tale; modern battery cases prevent any discharge from that.
Why does my new battery keep dying?
If a new battery is consistently losing its charge, there are a couple of likely culprits. The first is the charging system on your mower. The alternator might not be working correctly and failing to recharge the battery while you mow. The second, and very common, issue is a parasitic drain. Something electrical, like a headlight switch or ignition switch, might be drawing a tiny amount of power even when the mower is off, slowly draining the battery over time.
Are more expensive AGM batteries worth the cost for a Toro mower?
In my experience, yes, they often are. An AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery is completely sealed and maintenance-free, so you never have to check water levels. They are also more resistant to vibration, which is great for a bumpy ride across your lawn, and they tend to hold their charge longer when not in use. If you are looking at the 8 best replacement batteries for Toro mowers this year, you will notice many of the top picks are AGM because of their reliability and longer service life.