This video is an actual demonstration of how to jump-start a riding lawn mower with your car on a John Deere S240. I'll run through the steps you need to take to be sure to you are jumping your riding lawn mower safely.

I really did drain my battery on my John Deere S240 by accidently turning the lights on and then leaving them on. Yep, I'm a big dummy for that. That's the sad backstory behind this lawnmower jump start video.

When jumpstarting you lawn mower you should wear safety gloves/glasses, keep your car engine off, make sure both the batteries are 12 volt and check your lawn tractor or mower manual for manufacturer recommendations before you start. Never make the final negative connection at or near the negative battery terminal on the mower. Make sure everything is parked securely and then connect your jumper cables in the following order:

Attach Order:

Red Jumper Cable to Lawn Mower Positive
Red Jumper to Car Battery Positive
Black Jumper to Car Battery Negative
Black Jumper to Lawn Mower Engine Block

Remove Order:

Black Jumper Cable from Mower
Black Jumper Cable from Car
Red Jumper Cable from Car
Red Jumper Cable from Mower

My legal disclaimer.

DIY and Home Improvement involve risk of personal injury and should be done with care. Please adhere to all safety recommendations from material and tool manufacturers and check your local codes. Some work may involve permits and it is your responsibility to comply with your local building officials.

My videos are for entertainment purposes only. Although I hope you learn something, I'm not a professional and you are responsible for making sure you know what you are doing before taking on any home improvement task. If you do something dumb that results in personal injury or property damage, that's on you. I'm in no way responsible for your workmanship and results if they are terrible, or even if they come out great. That said, I wish you much success in your DIY projects.