Car Talk brothers give tips on jump-starting used tractors

Consumers can use a car battery to jump-start a tractor, provided that they are careful.
Consumers can use a car battery to jump-start a tractor, provided that they are careful.
In a column recently posted by Pennsylvania newspaper the Pocono Record, Tom and Ray Magliozzi noted that people can use their car's battery to jump-start their dead used tractor.

The brothers, known for the Car Talk radio show on National Public Radio, said owners should make sure their car isn't on during the process, as the alternator's output could damage their used tractor. People should follow the same procedure they would when jump-starting a vehicle.

First, attach the positive cable to the car's battery and then do the same for the mower. The negative side should then be clasped onto the auto battery. Next, the final negative cable should be attached to the frame of the used tractor.

"Because the battery on a riding mower often is buried down deep underneath the seat, be especially careful not to allow any part of the positive clamp or the exposed cable to touch the frame," Ray Magliozzi wrote.

Experts note other maintenance duties people should keep up on include making sure mower blades are sharp.