Find Your Battery Size by Model Number
The battery size your Craftsman riding mower needs depends on the engine type and year of manufacture. Most Craftsman mowers use either a 12-volt or 24-volt battery, and the correct size is printed in your owner's manual or on a label under the seat. If you have lost the manual, you can find the model number on the frame near the engine and search it on the Craftsman website or call their parts line at 1-800-381-1046.
Do not guess at battery size. Installing the wrong voltage will damage the electrical system or fail to turn the engine over. The model number is usually a six-digit code starting with 917 or 247, and it takes five minutes to locate and verify the correct specification.
Key Takeaways
- Your Craftsman mower's model number, found on the frame or under the seat, tells you whether you need a 12-volt or 24-volt battery and the exact amp-hour rating.
- Most residential Craftsman riding mowers built after 2000 use a 12-volt battery rated between 18 and 26 amp-hours, but some commercial or older models use 24-volt systems.
- The battery terminal configuration (top-post or side-post) and physical dimensions matter as much as voltage and amp-hours, because the battery must fit in the tray under your seat.
- Replacement batteries are sold at Sears Parts Direct, Amazon, Tractor Supply, and local auto parts stores, and prices range from $60 to $150 depending on brand and amp-hour rating.
- A battery that is too small will not crank the engine reliably in cold weather; a battery that is too large may not fit the battery box or may overload the charging system.
12-Volt Batteries: The Most Common Size
The vast majority of Craftsman residential riding mowers manufactured in the last 20 years use a 12-volt battery. Within that category, the amp-hour rating typically falls between 18 and 26 amp-hours. A 20 amp-hour battery is the most common replacement size and will work in most Craftsman models from the 1990s onward.
The amp-hour rating tells you how long the battery can deliver current before it is depleted. A higher amp-hour rating means more starting power in cold weather and a longer time between charges. For a riding mower that sits idle for months, a 24 or 26 amp-hour battery is more forgiving than an 18 amp-hour battery, because it holds a charge longer and cranks the engine more reliably after storage.
Check your manual or the old battery itself for the exact amp-hour number. If the old battery is still readable, the rating is printed on the top or side. If you cannot find it, a 20 amp-hour 12-volt battery will start most Craftsman mowers, but verify the terminal type and physical size before you buy.
24-Volt Systems and Older Models
Some Craftsman commercial mowers and models built before the 1990s use a 24-volt battery system, which consists of two 12-volt batteries wired in series. If your mower has a 24-volt system, you cannot straightforward replace it with a single 12-volt battery. The electrical system will not function, and you risk damaging the alternator and starter.
If you own an older Craftsman mower or a commercial-grade model, the model number will tell you the voltage. Call Craftsman parts support or check the wiring diagram in your manual. A 24-volt system is rare in residential mowers sold after 2005, so if you are unsure, a 12-volt battery is the safer assumption — but verify before you purchase.
Terminal Type and Physical Dimensions
A battery's voltage and amp-hour rating are only half the story. The terminal configuration must also match. Craftsman mowers use either top-post terminals (the posts stick up from the top of the battery) or side-post terminals (the posts are on the side). The cables on your mower are designed for one or the other, and mixing them requires an adapter or new cables.
The physical size also matters. Craftsman mowers have a battery box under the seat with fixed dimensions. A battery that is too tall or too wide will not fit, even if the voltage and amp-hours are correct. Before you order, measure the length, width, and height of your current battery or the space in the battery box. Most Craftsman mowers use a Group 24 or Group 26 battery, which are standard sizes sold at auto parts stores, but some models use smaller or larger cases.
If you are buying online, search for "Craftsman [your model number] battery" to see the exact part that fits. Sears Parts Direct and Amazon both show the physical dimensions and terminal type in the product photos.
Cold Cranking Amps and Starting Power
The cold cranking amps (CCA) rating tells you how much current the battery can deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher CCA rating means the battery will turn the engine over more reliably in winter or after the mower has sat idle for weeks. Craftsman mowers typically need a battery with 300 to 400 CCA, depending on the engine size.
If you live in a cold climate or store your mower outdoors, choose a battery with a higher CCA rating — 400 or more. If you store your mower indoors or in a warm climate, a 300 CCA battery is sufficient. The CCA rating is printed on the battery label and is listed in the product description when you shop online.
Where to Buy and What to Expect to Pay
Craftsman replacement batteries are sold at Sears Parts Direct (the official Craftsman parts retailer), Amazon, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, and local auto parts chains like AutoZone and O'Reilly. Prices vary by brand and amp-hour rating. A basic 12-volt 20 amp-hour battery costs $60 to $90, while a premium brand or higher amp-hour rating can run $120 to $150.
Sears Parts Direct often has the exact OEM (original equipment manufacturer) battery for your model, which guarantees fit and compatibility. Amazon and Tractor Supply carry aftermarket batteries that are cheaper but may require you to verify the terminal type and dimensions yourself. Local auto parts stores can cross-reference your model number and pull up the correct battery in their system, which takes the guesswork out of ordering.
Many retailers offer core charges — a refund when you return your old battery — which can reduce the net cost by $10 to $20. Ask about this when you order or at checkout.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once you have the correct battery, installation is straightforward. Disconnect the negative (black) cable first, then the positive (red) cable. Remove the battery hold-down bracket, lift out the old battery, and set the new one in place. Reconnect the positive cable first, then the negative cable. Tighten the hold-down bracket so the battery does not shift when the mower moves.
After installation, run the mower for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the new battery. If the mower does not start or starts slowly, the battery may not be fully charged yet, or the alternator may not be working. Let it charge for another 30 minutes and try again.
To extend battery life, disconnect the negative cable if you store the mower for more than a month. This prevents the charging system from slowly draining the battery. In fall, before you store the mower for winter, charge the battery fully and check it every month during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a higher amp-hour battery than the original?
Yes, a higher amp-hour battery will work as long as the voltage, terminal type, and physical size are the same. A 26 amp-hour battery will fit in a space designed for a 20 amp-hour battery and will give you more starting power and longer charge retention. The charging system will not be overloaded because the alternator regulates the charge rate, not the battery capacity.
What if I cannot find my model number?
Call Craftsman parts support at 1-800-381-1046 with the year and model name of your mower (for example, "Craftsman T1000"). They can look up the correct battery size in their database. You can also take a photo of the mower and bring it to a local Sears or Tractor Supply, and the staff can identify the model and cross-reference the battery.
How long does a Craftsman mower battery last?
A well-maintained battery typically lasts three to five years. If you store the mower indoors, disconnect the battery in winter, and charge it every few months, it may last longer. Batteries stored outdoors or left connected to a mower that sits unused will fail sooner, often within two to three years.
Will a car battery work in my riding mower?
A car battery has the same voltage and terminal type as a mower battery, but it is usually too large to fit in the battery box under the seat. If the physical dimensions match, a car battery will work, but it is not worth the hassle. Mower batteries are cheaper and designed to fit the space.
What does "Group 24" or "Group 26" mean?
These are standardized battery case sizes set by the Battery Council International. A Group 24 battery is smaller than a Group 26, and they are not interchangeable unless the battery box is large enough to hold both. Your manual or the old battery will tell you which group size your mower uses.