Lithium Ion Batteries

[dennis]

Has anyone had any experience using lithium ion batteries for starting power equipment, such as lawn tractors, chippers, splitters etc? They are smaller and lighter than lead-acid. Lots of motorcycles use them. Is the charging system of lawn tractors, etc. suitable, or would changes have to be made?

[KE4AVB]

First the system must regulated (must charge) between between 13.4v and 14.6v. Under 13.4v the battery will never charge. Over 14.6v is likely trip the over voltage protection circuit in the battery. Also at freezing the battery must woken up. Just press the starter, let the battery sit for 30 seconds and you should have all the cranking power you need.

The only other downside is if you let the voltage drop below a certain threshold (which varies depending on the construction and brand), the battery could be toast. Otherwords they don't like being heavily discharged.

So far this all I have found.

Wording corrected...

[dennis]

Thanks, KE4AVB. I think you meant they DON'T like being heavily discharged. I am hanging a battery off the end of my woodsplitter, and the reduced weight and vibration resistance of a lithium battery are appealing....as long as they work ok.

[KE4AVB]

Yes that's what I meant to type. I will correct the post.