Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a 3YO Snapper RER mower.  For the second year in a row, I left the battery connected and the ignition switch to "on" for the winter.  I need not tell you what happened.  Again.  Is there any hope of recharging the battery?  I manually started the engine and ran it for a half hour.  Just a "click" when I turn over the starter.  Last year when this happened, I took the battery dealer's advice and just got a new battery.  Is the battery toast?  I don't want to waste money on a battery charger if the charge won't hold.

By the end of leaf cleanup in the fall (end of November), it's quite cold and the last thing I want to do is futz around outside.  So, I run the engine till all the gas is gone and push it into the garage.  Fergets to switch it to off or remove the battery (don't go there.....)
You think I would know better.  I have an EE degree to boot.  Double-duh.  Such is life...

Thanks!

Thanks all.

Picked up a $30 slow-trickle automatic charger at Sears.  The battery seems to be holding it's charge, so I'm holding my breath that the patient will be ok.  The charger came with a "quick connect" plug which when fastened to the battery lugs allows for easy charger attachment.  Given this, is there any reason not to leave the battery attached to the mower during the winter months and simply hookup the charger now and then?