Finding the right battery for your Craftsman riding mower is crucial for a smooth and reliable mowing season. A weak or incompatible battery can leave you stranded in the middle of your lawn, turning a simple chore into a frustrating ordeal. With various technologies like AGM and lithium entering the market, choosing the best option requires careful consideration of your mower’s specific needs and your local climate.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best batteries compatible with Craftsman riding mowers in 2025. We’ve compiled a range of options, from high-CCA AGM batteries for powerful starts to versatile deep-cycle models, ensuring you can find the perfect power source to keep your equipment running strong. Our selections focus on reliability, compatibility, and value to help you make an informed decision.
The Best Battery Options for Your Craftsman Riding Mower
- MARXON U1 360CCA Riding Lawn Mower Batteries
- MARXON U1 280CCA Riding Lawn Mower Batteries
- Marxon U1 330CCA Riding Lawn Mower Batteries
- UPLUS 280CCA U1 Riding Lawn Mower Battery
- Mighty Max Battery ML18-12 for Craftsman Black Lawn Mowers
- ML35-12 – 12 Volt 35 AH SLA Battery
- ExpertPower 12 V 35 AH EXP 12350 Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- NOCO Lithium NLP30 Ultra-Light 12V Lithium Powersport Battery
- WEIZE 12V 35AH Deep Cycle Battery Set of 2
- Universal Power Group UB12350 12V 35Ah AGM Battery
MARXON U1 360CCA Riding Lawn Mower Batteries
For those needing maximum starting power, the MARXON U1 360CCA battery is a top contender. Its high 360 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating ensures your Craftsman mower starts reliably, even on colder mornings. This is a maintenance-free AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, so you never have to worry about checking water levels or dealing with acid spills.
Built with shockproof material, this battery offers enhanced heat resistance and durability in high-temperature environments, making it a robust choice for demanding mowing conditions. It is widely compatible with a long list of Craftsman, Toro, and Cub Cadet models, providing a versatile replacement option for many gardeners.
MARXON U1 280CCA Riding Lawn Mower Batteries
The MARXON U1 280CCA battery balances performance with an impressive lifespan. The manufacturer states that its high-purity lead and corrosion-resistant structure contribute to a potential service life of over five years. This makes it a solid investment for those looking for a long-term power solution.
Like its higher-CCA sibling, this battery features a maintenance-free AGM design and is constructed from durable, heat-resistant materials. It fits the standard U1 group size, ensuring a direct replacement for many Craftsman, John Deere, and Troy-Bilt mowers without any modification needed.
Marxon U1 330CCA Riding Lawn Mower Batteries
Offering a middle ground in the MARXON lineup, the U1 330CCA model provides a strong boost for reliable starting power. This 12V sealed AGM battery is engineered for the rigors of garden tractor use, delivering consistent performance season after season.
Its compatibility list is extensive, covering popular Craftsman lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers from other major brands. The shockproof construction ensures it can handle the vibrations and bumps associated with riding mowers, providing peace of mind and dependable operation.
UPLUS 280CCA U1 Riding Lawn Mower Battery
The UPLUS 280CCA battery emphasizes safety and purity in its construction. It uses 99.99% pure primary lead, which the brand claims allows for better charging efficiency and prevents the release of toxic fumes. This focus on quality materials aims to provide a reliable and safe power source for your equipment.
As a maintenance-free AGM battery, it eliminates the hassle of upkeep while offering a stable power output. It is rigorously tested for OEM compatibility and performance, making it a trustworthy option for your Craftsman mower and other compatible garden tractors.
Mighty Max Battery ML18-12 for Craftsman Black Lawn Mowers
The Mighty Max ML18-12 is a UL-Certified, 12V 18AH battery designed as a specific replacement for certain Craftsman Black lawn mowers. Its sealed lead acid (SLA) design is spill-proof and maintenance-free, ensuring safe and simple operation.
This battery is characterized by a high discharge rate and the ability to operate in a wide range of temperatures. It also features good deep discharge recovery, which can be beneficial if the battery is ever accidentally drained completely.
ML35-12 – 12 Volt 35 AH SLA Battery
For users needing more capacity, the Mighty Max ML35-12 offers 35 amp-hours (AH) of power. This higher capacity can be advantageous for mowers with additional electrical demands or for those who want a margin of safety for multiple start attempts.
This deep-cycle AGM battery is versatile, serving not only as a riding mower battery but also for applications like trolling motors and solar energy storage. Its sealed construction makes it safe for use in various positions without risk of leakage.
ExpertPower 12 V 35 AH EXP 12350 Sealed Lead Acid Battery
The ExpertPower EXP 12350 is a highly reviewed and trusted sealed lead acid battery known for its reliability. With 35AH of capacity, it provides substantial power for starting and running your garden tractor’s electrical systems.
Its dimensions make it a compatible fit for many applications, including riding mowers. The brand’s reputation for quality ensures you are getting a product that has been vetted by a large number of users for consistent performance.
NOCO Lithium NLP30 Ultra-Light 12V Lithium Powersport Battery
For a modern, high-performance upgrade, the NOCO NLP30 lithium battery is a standout choice. It is incredibly lightweight and offers over 700 amps of starting power, significantly outperforming traditional lead-acid batteries. It requires no maintenance and will not sulfate over time.
This battery features an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that protects it from overcharging, short-circuits, and extreme temperatures. With a potential lifespan of up to 5 times longer than a standard battery and up to 50,000 starts, it represents a long-term, high-reliability solution.
WEIZE 12V 35AH Deep Cycle Battery Set of 2
This WEIZE offering comes as a set of two 12V 35AH deep-cycle batteries. This is an excellent value if you have multiple pieces of equipment to power or if you need a pair to create a 24V system for other applications, such as a powerful electric wheelchair.
As deep-cycle AGM batteries, they are designed to be discharged and recharged repeatedly, making them durable and long-lasting. They are maintenance-free and provide a safe, spill-proof power source for your Craftsman mower and other tools.
Universal Power Group UB12350 12V 35Ah AGM Battery
The Universal Power Group UB12350 is a well-regarded AGM battery known for its solid performance in various applications. With 35Ah of capacity, it delivers reliable power for starting and running your riding mower’s engine and electrical accessories.
Its AGM technology ensures it is completely maintenance-free and safe from leaks, allowing for flexible mounting. This battery is a popular choice for its balance of performance, reliability, and value, making it a dependable workhorse for your lawn care needs.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Battery for Your Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
Let’s be honest, shopping for a new battery isn’t the most exciting part of owning a riding mower. But getting the right one is what gets the job done. I’ve learned that just grabbing any battery off the shelf is a quick way to end up stranded in the middle of your lawn. So, here’s what I look for when I need one of the 10 best batteries for Craftsman riding lawn mowers in 2025.
First up is battery type. For years, the standard has been the flooded lead-acid battery. They’re affordable and get the job done, but they require a bit of maintenance, like checking the water levels. If you’re like me and prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery is the way to go. They’re sealed, spill-proof, and generally have a longer lifespan. They also provide a more consistent power output, which is great for reliable starts.
Next, you absolutely must check the specifications. The two most important numbers are Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Amp Hours (Ah). CCA is the battery’s ability to start your engine in cold weather. Even though you’re mowing in the warm months, a higher CCA rating means more starting power, which is never a bad thing. I always look for a battery with at least the CCA rating recommended by Craftsman. Amp Hours (Ah) is like the size of the fuel tank; it tells you how much energy the battery can store. A higher Ah rating means it can power your mower’s accessories and hold a charge for longer between uses.
Then there’s physical size and terminal placement. This seems obvious, but it’s a common mistake. You need a battery that physically fits in the battery tray of your Craftsman mower. Also, pay close attention to the terminal configuration. Are the positive and negative posts on the correct sides for your mower’s cables? Getting this wrong means the cables might not reach, and that’s an instant headache.
Finally, consider the warranty. A battery is an investment in your lawn care routine. A longer warranty period often reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. I always lean towards batteries that offer a two or three-year replacement warranty. It gives me peace of mind knowing I’m covered if anything goes wrong prematurely. By focusing on these key areas—type, specs, fit, and warranty—you can confidently choose a battery that will keep your Craftsman mower running smoothly season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size battery does my Craftsman riding mower need?
Most Craftsman riding mowers use a Group U1 battery, but this isn’t universal. The safest way to know is to check your owner’s manual. If you don’t have that, you can look at the existing battery. It will almost always have the group size printed on the label (like U1 or T). You can also measure the battery’s length, width, and height to cross-reference with a sizing chart. Getting the correct group size ensures it will fit perfectly in the battery tray.
Can I use a car battery in my riding lawn mower?
I strongly advise against this. While a car battery might physically fit and have enough power, they are designed for different jobs. A car battery is made for a short, high burst of energy to start an engine and then be continuously recharged by the alternator. A lawn mower battery is a deep-cycle battery, designed to provide a lower, steady amount of power and to be discharged and recharged repeatedly. Using a car battery can lead to a shortened lifespan and poor performance for your mower.
How long should a battery for a Craftsman mower last?
With proper care, you can typically expect a good quality battery to last between three to five years. Factors like how often you use the mower, how you store it during the off-season, and the climate you live in all play a role. For instance, leaving the battery in a discharged state over the winter is one of the quickest ways to kill it. Using a maintenance charger during storage can significantly extend its life.
Why does my new battery keep dying?
This is frustrating. If you’ve confirmed you have one of the correct 10 best batteries for Craftsman riding lawn mowers in 2025, the issue is likely elsewhere. The most common culprit is the charging system on the mower itself. The alternator might not be working properly to recharge the battery while you mow. Another possibility is a “parasitic drain,” where something electrical, like a headlight switch, is slowly draining the battery even when the mower is off. A simple test with a multimeter can help diagnose this.
What is the difference between CCA and CA?
This is a great technical question. CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is measured at 0°F (-18°C), representing the battery’s power in cold weather. CA (Cranking Amps) is measured at 32°F (0°C). Because it’s measured at a warmer temperature, the CA rating will always be a higher number than the CCA for the same battery. When replacing your battery, the CCA rating is the more critical one to pay attention to for ensuring reliable starts.