Yard Works lawn mover batteries have high failure rate

I purchased a Canadian Tire YARDWORKS 24 V battery 17 amp cordless lawn mower model 60-1767-6, in May of 2008. It worked well for 2 summers. Stored over the winter as per instructions in owners manual. This spring lawn mower would not take a charge and would not hold a charge even to cut the lawn. Since my lawn mover was under the 2 year warranty period I called Yardworks toll free line. They said the lawn mover was under warranty but the battery wasn't. It had a 1 year warranty. But they could send a replacement battery at a cost of $120.00.

I tried bringing the lawn mover and receipt into a local Canadian Tire store here in Barrie, Ontario (south end store). The clerk at the returns desk told me that battery die. Pardon! Pardon me! I kept my self calm. I couldn't get her to budge since she said that Canadian Tire wasn't responsible for the battery and there was only a year warranty on it.

So with a few calls I found a machine shop that was very familiar with the problem (go figure) and could order me the battery for $85. Actually there are 2 batteries to replace. This is important to tell who ever you buy the battery from. The store was very helpfull and also offered to install both batteries for $30. I decided since I was probably going to have to remove them each winter I would install the batteries myself.

I encountered 3 problems installing the batteries and the store where I bought it solved both for me over the phone.

Problem 1.

The original battery was 24v 17amp and the replacement YardWorks battery was 24v 20amp. I was told the amps would only make it stronger. Apparently YardWorks had problems with the 17amp batteries (probably why you landed on my page) and discontinued them.

Problem 2.

The replacement YardWorks batteries was 3/4 of an inch taller but they fit in the battery holder. The original straps weren't long enough to hold the batteries firmly in place. Solution: use a long tie wrap to completely surround the batteries and holder. I used a 36 inch tie wrap which easily went underneath the holder and around the battery.

Problem 3.

Since the battery was larger, the green cable to the positive terminal would no longer reach. Loosening a clamp that holds the ignition wiring allowed for another inch of reach for the green wire.

See my video on the location.

CONCLUSION : YARDWORKS is using poor quality batteries in their products which subsequently have a high failure rate. This is not an uncommon problem. This can happen with automotive batteries as well BUT the difference is the automotive battery supplier will stand behind their product and replaced it.

YARDWORKS DOESN'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. THEIR PRODUCTS ARE CHEAPER BECAUSE THEY ARE CHEAPLY BUILT.