Mowrator Battery Guide: 12Ah vs 18Ah, Charging, Runtime and Winter Storage

Last updated: November 2026

The Mowrator S1 uses a swappable 56V LiFePO4 battery in two sizes. Per Mowrator, the 12Ah pack runs up to 1.5 hours and 0.75 acre per charge and charges in 70 minutes; the 18Ah pack runs up to 2.25 hours and 1.125 acres per charge and charges in 90 minutes, both with the 600 W charger. Both are rated for 1,500 charge cycles. Charge after use, keep the pack dry and cool, and store it indoors over winter at the charge level the manual recommends.

"How to charge Mowrator battery" is a top autocomplete question. This guide covers charging, sizes, care and storage, using Mowrator's figures.

How do the 12Ah and 18Ah compare?

Both fit the S1 2WD and 4WD, per Mowrator.

Which size should you choose?

• Small to medium yards, or mostly slopes and edges: the 12Ah is lighter and enough for many jobs.
• Larger areas or pasture: the 18Ah covers more ground per charge.
• Long jobs: a second pack lets you keep mowing. Swap the empty one onto the charger and carry on.

How do you charge a Mowrator battery?

1. Remove the pack from the mower, or follow the manual if it charges in place.
2. Let it cool if it has just finished a hard mow.
3. Connect it to the Mowrator 600 W charger indoors or under cover. Mowrator rates the charger IP65 for dust and water, and says it can charge two packs at once.
4. Wait about 70 minutes for the 12Ah or 90 minutes for the 18Ah.
5. Disconnect and store or refit.

One charger comes with each S1, per Mowrator.

Why LiFePO4?

LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) is a lithium chemistry known for long cycle life and thermal stability. Mowrator rates its packs for 1,500 cycles and says they are built for hot summer conditions. Each pack has a battery management system that Mowrator says guards against over-temperature, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit and communication faults.

What makes batteries wear out faster?

• Heat. Charging or storing in direct sun or a hot shed.
• Deep discharge. Leaving a pack empty for weeks.
• Physical damage. Drops, cracked cases, water in the connector.
• Wrong charger. Always use the Mowrator charger.

How do you store the battery for winter?

1. Clean and dry the pack and contacts.
2. Charge to the level the manual recommends for storage; do not store it empty.
3. Store indoors, somewhere cool and dry, above freezing, away from heaters and sun.
4. Check the charge every couple of months and top up if needed.
5. Charge fully before the first spring mow.

If you plow snow with the S1 4WD and the Snow Plow Kit, keep the packs indoors between jobs and let a cold pack warm up before charging.

How do you know a battery is getting old?

Runtime drops gradually over years of cycles. If you see a sudden drop, a pack that will not charge, swelling, damage or unusual heat, stop using it and contact support. Per Mowrator, the battery is covered for 2 years or 2,000 hours of residential use, whichever comes first.

What does the battery cost to run?

Charging uses household electricity. The 18Ah pack stores 921.6 Wh, a little under one kilowatt-hour per full charge, so even frequent mowing adds little to a power bill. Multiply by your local rate to see the cost per charge.

How do you get more from each charge?

• Sharp blades cut with less power; see robot and remote mower blades.
• Dry grass cuts more easily than wet.
• Raise the deck for very tall grass, then mow again lower.
• Plan passes to avoid driving the same slope twice.
• Keep the deck clean for better airflow.

See also remote control mower maintenance.

Is the battery safe to charge in the garage?

Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface, away from fuel and clutter, with the charger's vents clear, and do not leave a charging pack where children can reach it. Do not charge a damaged pack. These are the same habits you would use for any large lithium battery.

What does a typical mowing day look like with two batteries?

Say you have a two-acre property with a steep bank and some pasture:

1. Morning: mow the bank with a full 18Ah pack. Put the empty pack on the charger.
2. About 90 minutes later: the first pack is full again. Swap it in and mow the pasture.
3. Afternoon: finish edges and any second pass with whichever pack has charge left.

With two packs and one charger, you rarely wait. With one pack, plan breaks of 70 to 90 minutes between runs, per Mowrator's charge times.

Can you use the battery for anything else?

The packs are made for the S1 and its accessories. Do not try to power other tools or devices from them, and never open a pack. Any repairs or replacements should go through Mowrator's warranty process, which we help you file.

Still not sure which fits your property?

Tell us about your yard, acres and how long you mow and a Yard Automation Pro will reply by email with a recommendation, or tell you honestly if none of our machines fits. Book a free consultation, or call +1 423-927-3776, 9am to 5pm EST. You can also try the Find Your Robot quiz and cost calculator.