Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Dead Battery maybe, jumper cable, other vehicles

Question
We have a weed eater ride on lawn mower. When we go to turn it on there is no noise. Can I use a jumper cable to jump it from a car battery?  

Answer
 Hello Dave:

 Yes you can Use your Car Battery. HOWEVER, Disconnect the Cars Ground Cable and Use Just the Battery. The Newer Car Dont Like the Back Voltage from a Mower when it Starts. The Stator on the Mower is Charging Full Voltage (approx 13.0VDC to 14.5VDC and the Car is Charging the Same or Lower. When the Car is Charging 12.8VDC and the Mower is Charging 13.0 the Stator Pushes Current to the Alternator and Pops(Damages) the Diode in the Alternator. This is Rare But I have Seen it More Times than I can Remember. I like to be Safe and Use Just the Battery from the Car. My Alternator Cost $100.00 and Once is Enough for me. I have had People that have Jumped Mowers and Had no Problems and Other Vehicles with No Problems and Others Who Ive had to Replace the Alternators because they Jumpered Another Vehicle or Their Mower. If you Know how to Unplug the Alternator(the 2 Smaller Wires that Plug into the Alternator, then you can Simply Unplug the Alternator and this will Prevent Diode Damage.  But it Does Happen. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John