Alternators are generators of electricity that use mechanical energy to make electrical energy. They are a key component of charging systems that use a battery. In a car, for example, you can thank your alternator for things like keeping your headlights on, and powering your radio while driving. One common misconception is that your battery is used to power most of these things. Your battery’s job is mainly starting your vehicle and providing electricity when the engine is turned off. But do lawn mowers have alternators? The answer to this question varies depending on what kind of lawn mower you have.
Do Lawn Mowers Have Alternators:
Only riding mowers have alternators, push and walk behind mowers do not. The reason for this is because riding lawn mowers have an electrical system that is connected to their gas engines. Powered push lawn mowers rely solely on their combustion engines or rechargeable batteries so they don’t need an alternator to create additional electrical energy.
Lawn mowers generally use one of two types of charging systems: belt-driven alternators, or stators.
Where Are Lawn Mower Alternators Located + What Do They Look Like?
Your lawn mower’s alternator can be found with the rest of the engine components underneath the hood or engine cover of your mower. But the location and appearance will differ between belt-driven alternators and stators. If you have a charging system that uses a stator, you will more than likely need to remove a number of parts to access it.
Where is the Alternator Located on a Lawn Mower?
- Belt-Driven Alternators – Located in the engine compartment attached to the engine. A belt from the engine turns the pulley fixed on the outside of the alternator housing. You will most often find your alternator fixed to the side of the engine, not the top or the bottom.
- Stators – These charging systems are also found in the engine compartment. The stator of a riding lawn mower is usually found underneath the flywheel. Gaining access to the flywheel requires the removal of some or all of these parts: the air filter, blower housing, and flywheel fan. In order to inspect or replace the stator, you also have to remove the flywheel. Still, knowing where to look is one thing but knowing how to identify a lawn mower alternator is another.
How to Identify a Lawn Mower Alternator:
- Belt-Driven Alternators – The easiest way to identify a belt-driven alternator is to look for the belt and pulley centered on its exterior. The alternator will have a round aluminum housing with open ridges all the way around it.
- Stators – Your lawn mower’s stator will be a metal ring (4 or 5 inches in diameter and about an inch thick) that has copper wire wrapped around its edges. Though they have a very unique appearance, another easily identifiable trait is the wiring that will lead away from the alternator. Connected to the stator will be two wires that are joined side by side.
What Do Lawn Mower Alternators Do?
Alternators are what charge the battery on a lawn mower. Riding mowers have many components that require the use of a battery while push mowers do not. Electronic ignition, headlights, and clutches are a few of such components. If there was no alternator or charging system on riding lawn mowers with these features, the battery would die very quickly. The alternator also provides the electricity to the engine via spark plugs. Without working spark plugs, gas can’t be ignited, and the engine can’t function.
How do Lawn Mower Alternators Work?
Alternators generate electricity by taking mechanical energy and converting it into electrical energy. This is done while the engine is running. Typically, a belt turns a pulley which spins a rotor (made of a set of magnets) spinning it around a stator producing a magnetic field. The stator harnesses this magnetic field to create electricity in the form of an alternating current. This current is then divided, with portions of it charging the battery, powering electrical components, and executing functions within the engine.
What Types of Lawn Mowers Have Alternators?
Mowers that have a gas-powered engine along with a battery-powered electrical system have alternators. Gas or electric-powered push mowers do not have alternators. The distinguishing factors when it comes to a riding mower’s charging system are the type of alternator they have, and the layout of the mower. To be more specific, let’s take a look at different styles of mowers.
Do Zero Turn Mowers Have Alternators?
Yes, zero-turn mowers have alternators. The engine on a zero-turn sits at the rear of the mower. To find the alternator on a zero-turn mower you will first need to check and see if you have a belt-driven alternator. If so, you will see it attached to the side of the engine. If you don’t see it, you’ll have to remove the flywheel fan, and the flywheel to access the stator. On most models, the stator will sit directly underneath the flywheel.
Do Riding Lawn Mowers Have Alternators?
All types of riding lawn mowers have alternators. The location and type of alternator can vary depending on the style of the riding mower, but it will always be connected to the engine. So, if you are looking for your alternator, you’ll need to locate the engine first and then determine what style of charging system it uses. Most riding lawn mowers have their engines up front, but some have rear-mounted engines.
Do Lawn Tractors Have Alternators?
Lawn tractors also have alternators. They are contained under the hood covering the large engine compartment in the front of the mower. Just like other riding lawn mowers, you will need to get access to the engine compartment to see if you have a belt-driven alternator attached to the side of your engine, or a stator underneath the flywheel.
Do Push Lawn Mowers Have Alternators?
Push mowers do not have alternators. Rather than use a battery and charging system, gas-powered push mowers use a magneto to start and run. Magnetos are very popular ignition devices and they can be found in your gas-powered trimmers, chain saws, and blowers as well!
If you’re still wondering, do lawn mowers have alternators? determine whether it is a push or riding mower and you’ll have your answer.
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