Locating the Battery

• The battery on a power riding mower is usually located under the driver's seat. Lift up on the back of the seat and rotate it forward until it rests on the steering wheel. The top of the battery should be visible. Some riding mower batteries are in the engine compartment. Access the engine by lifting the hood up by its rearward edge and rotating it forward.
  
  

Verify Battery Voltage

• Read the label on the top of the battery that should indicate the voltage. The dead or weak battery and the one that will be used for the jump start must be the same voltage. Most automobiles and riding mowers have 12- volt batteries, though some older lawnmowers may have a 6-volt battery. Check your owner's manual if the battery is not labeled and you're not sure of the voltage.
  
  

Car Battery

• A car battery, uninstalled or in a vehicle, can be used to jump start a mower. Make sure the vehicle is not running during the jump-starting process; you can damage the mower.
  
  

Jump Start Procedure

• Carry the standalone battery to within a few feet of the mower, or roll the mower to within a few feet of the vehicle. Place the red clip on one end of a set of jumper cables onto the positive terminal of the mower battery. Place the red clip on the opposite end of the cable to the positive terminal on the donor battery. Place the black clip onto the negative terminal of the donor battery and the black clip on the other end of the cable to a bare metal piece on the mower's frame or engine. Start the mower engine. Remove the cables in the reverse order of installation.