[jimplan365]

I have a Craftsman LT1000 (Model #917.274400). It is 2 years old. It was working when I stored it for the winter and now it is DEAD. There is no sound... no click, no engine sounds... zero. Might the battery have to be recharged and can that be done from my car battery? Would it be dead after only 2 years? It is stored in a cold attached garage during the winter months here in New Jersey. Any response would be appreciated. I am disabled and would have difficulty having to get down to the ground to look under any parts. Thanks for your time!

[twinkiedooter]

Get a new battery for the mower or have it charged at a dealer. You cannot charge it properly from your car so don't try as you could end up ruining your car's electrical system if done wrong. You also need to use fresh gasoline when you are going to fire it up.

[topladyj]

I have a craftsmen mower and we had the same problem last year. Well our problem wasn't the battery. We had to drain all the old fluids which you are supposed to do this before you store it for the winter we didn't, we refilled the fluids and had to get a new spark plug 2.00 at walmart and it started right up. Good luck

[KISS]

Battery seems entirely likely. The battery should be disconnected and connected to a trickle charger for long-term storage. Batteries should not be placed directly on cement floors. They should never be allowed to deep discharge.

That out of the way, you nned to determine two things:
1) Measure the voltage of the battery or connect a 12 V bulb to it.
2) Get a Hygromter and measure the state of the cells.
If the state is uniform, likely the battery can be salvaged.

Assuming no voltage and bad cells, purchase a new battery and invest in a trickle charger for that sized battery.

It's probably not a good idea to charge the battery from the car, but you could try jumping it.

The other tests are more vital.

[cmrdmshdy]

I also have this model mower. I didn't drain oil before I stored it last year and I have never changed the spark plug but I always change it before the first mow and let it run for 10-15 minutes. All Ive ever had to do is jump start it.
I hope this helped.

[MOWERMAN2468]

A battery does well to last usually a year. So if you are on the second year, have your battery load tested.
Why do you drain your fluids. I would only suggest adding fuel stabilizer to the gas. Then start it up in the spring and let it run for about five minutes, then drain and refill the oil. And of course change the filter if it has one.
And if you will start the mower at least every two weeks (outside if garage kept) and allow it to run for about ten minutes it will keep everything lubed up well and help to maintain the battery's level of charge.