I've got one of the above on my ride-on lawn mower and as far as I can understand these do not require maintenance.  However this one is not sealed for life and has the normal 6 screw cap access plugs across the top.  When i opened them up there is no sign of water just the plates showing which appear to be covered in a white substance (it doesn't appear to be sulphate).

 

I've tested the battery and it is giving all the correct readings and starts the tractor no problem.

 

The question I need answering is - do i need to top the battery up in the normal way or just leave it (as I've been led to believe is the case).

 

Thanks in advance for any help anyone is able to give.

Put enough distilled water in every hole to make sure the plates are submerged. When the plates are boiled dry, they go bad really quick.

 

Don't add acid, just distilled water. Lead acid batteries last a long time when they have enough water in them and aren't left flat (they go flat over time on their own).

I had a quick Google and it looks like there might be a conflict with TLV's answer.

 

AGM &Gel leisure batteries are designed with

no free flowing liquid content which means they can be stored at any position and are safe to be handled. You can also install an AGM or gel leisure battery inside a motor home because they have very low gassing making them really safe for inside accommodation. The recharge cycle life on this range is much better than wet lead acid

 

Awaits other answers........

Actual AGM and Gel batteries are sealed (no removeable caps for pouring acid/water into).

X19 have you got the exact make, model of the battery?

 

Then someone can give correct info.

 

Until this we are all guessing

2 hours ago, john999boy said:

I had a quick Google and it looks like there might be a conflict with TLV's answer.

Yes that's what I thought.  The battery concerned is described as a GEL battery in the handbook but it definitely has six access/top-up points across the top just like a standard wet car battery, hence my question. 

 

As as you suggest, I'll wait and see if any knowledgeable members respond.

Quote

 

 

 

Awaits other answers........

 

Edited 17 April, 20179 yr by x19

2 minutes ago, Defenderben said:

X19 have you got the exact make, model of the battery?

 

Then someone can give correct info.

 

Until this we are all guessing

Unfortunately no.  The battery is completely unmarked.  The only reference is in the hand book which states it is a GEL 12v battery.

There are GEL batteries which have the screw caps but as they are designed with the gel inside they should not have any liquids added as someone's suggested.

 

To keep costs down they use the same basic outer battery shell but fill them with the GEL, not the normal liquid electrolyte.

Don't dismiss possibly valid information so easily after googling two articles about gel batteries.

 

AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries are often mislabeled as Gel batteries, which they aren't. That comes from their similar seeming low-maintenance nature but their practical uses greatly differ. Thank the marketing people. Actual gel batteries are rarely used as starter batteries for internal combustion engines. They're mostly used for low-maintenance, low-cost (compared to lithium-ion, ) deep cycle power storage. Such batteries don't have much cranking power and are expensive compared to more common designs of starting batteries. They lack in cranking power and are meant to resist damage from being deeply discharged and maintain their charge for a long time (resist self-discharge). If you try to search for a gel starter battery from a reputable company, you'll end up finding AGM batteries. The brandless crap you're offered in all shapes, sizes and shells shouldn't be considered as a valid option by a person capable of reasonable thought.

 

If your no brand lawnmower comes with a no brand battery, you're using it at your own risk. If you're buying chinesium grade products, the contents of the shell often don't match the label. If you want to be safe, use the battery until it fails to start the mower and replace it with a decent one. No pictures or documentation is provided for identifying the battery in question, so all we can do is guess besides give valid safety advice.

 

No decent AGM, gel or sealed wet cell battery has filling holes. If they vent and run low, they'll quickly require replacement. If you're unsure about what you're dealing with, have it recycled and replace it with a decent product.

9 hours ago, TLV said:

 

 

If your no brand lawnmower

 

The actual lawnmower is certainly not unbranded, it is a Westwood mini 1500S.  Westwood is well known and well made kit, also sometimes branded as Countach.  I'll give the dealer a ring and ask them what the position is.  Thanks for your thoughts.

CHECK for the Alkali content of water in your area,BEFORE adding any. I'd be tempted to go out and buy de ionised water ,as any water with an alkaline could cause problems. Mind you ,after it's been through a few hundred folks and cleaned that often, there's often little more than PH neutral water coming out of the tap.