Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Battery for riding mower, old dog new tricks, excess acid

Question
Hi Eric,
In the past I have purchased batteries for my riding mower with them being ready for installation.  This time the only batteries available are not ready for use.  Would appreciate it you would walk me through the steps of preparing the battery for use including filling with acid, waiting period before use, charging if necessary, and disposal of extra acid, and any other thoughts or suggestions you might share with me..  Guess it is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.
Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Ernest

Answer
The new batteries you mention generally come with just enough acid to fill the battery so there should not be any acid to dispose of.  If you have extra, call you local trash company and they can direct you to a Hazmat faciltiy where you can drop off the excess acid.

Fill the battery.  Let it sit for for 15-20 minutes and then charge the battery with a very small charger for 24 hours.  I would try to use a charger with less than 1 amp.  The goal is to slowly charge the battery.

With all that said, I have had several customers just fill their batteries with acid and install right away without charging.  Their batterys lasted several years.  

Did you new battery come with a user's guide?

Eric