Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): battery wont keep a charge, bad hope, stator

Question
I have a John Deere LT 150. I think its a 2002 model. The battery will not keep a charge. My son left the key on for a couple of days and finished killing the original battery last September. I replaced the battery and it was dead again in mid January when I went to vacuum leaves. It probably sat 2 months without use. It did slowly crank after a day of trickle charging. I chalked that up to a bad battery and put in a new one. That one lasted until July and then it wouldn't charge up with the charger and I had to jump it a couple times. I just put in the third one in a year. When I do cut grass it is idled all the way up. I assume whatever charges it is bad. Is that the solenoid? I have traced the wire between starter and battery, just don't know the technical name for that. How do I test it? Sorry so long winded, just wanted you to know all the details. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Roy:

No Worries. The More Detail the Better. From your Description, it Sounds like the Stator/Alternator is Bad. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Select Electrical. Now Select Flywheel, Ign Coil and Stator File. You need to Check the Voltage from the Stator to the Regulator. If there is Voltage to the Regulator from the Stator, then Check the Voltage Out of the Regulator. Either the Regulator or the Stator is Bad. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John