CRAFTSMAN 1.5A Car Battery Charger and Maintainer, 3-in-1 Solution, for 6V/12V Power Sport, Automotive, and Marine Batteries, CMXCESM259

What It Is

The Craftsman CMXCESM259 is a 3-in-1 battery charger, maintainer, and desulfator designed for 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries—common in lawn mowers, riding tractors, ATVs, cars, and marine equipment. It delivers 1.5 amps, making it ideal for slow charging and long-term maintenance rather than jump-starting a dead battery.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Battery types: Works with standard flooded, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle lead-acid batteries (6V or 12V). Not for lithium-ion or NiMH batteries.
• Lawn mower use: Fits most riding mowers (e.g., Craftsman, Husqvarna, John Deere, Troy-Bilt) with a 12V battery (typically U1 or group size 22NF). Also works with push mowers using 12V batteries (rare, but some electric-start models).
• Connectors: Includes ring terminals (for permanent connection to battery terminals) and alligator clamps (for temporary use). Check that your mower’s battery posts are accessible; ring terminals require secure, clean connections.
• Voltage check: Confirm your battery is 6V or 12V (most lawn mowers are 12V). The charger auto-detects voltage, but mismatched batteries won’t charge.
• Cable length: 6-foot AC cord and 3-foot DC output cable—adequate for most garage or shed setups, but may need an extension cord for distant outlets.

Key Things to Know

• Charging speed: 1.5A is slow (takes 4–8 hours for a typical lawn mower battery). This is fine for maintenance, but not for a dead battery you need in 30 minutes.
• Desulfator feature: Helps revive sulfated batteries (common from winter storage) by pulsing current. Works best on lightly sulfated batteries; severely dead ones may not recover.
• Installation difficulty: Very easy—clamp/clip to terminals, plug in, and the unit auto-selects voltage and charge mode. No settings to adjust.
• Common gotcha: The charger won’t start if battery voltage is below 1V (completely dead). Use a conventional charger first to bring it above that threshold.
• Weather resistance: Not waterproof—store indoors or under cover when connected to a mower outside.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you need a reliable, low-cost maintainer for a lawn mower, ATV, or car battery that sits idle for months. It’s perfect for seasonal storage, preventing battery drain, and occasional slow charging. Skip it if you frequently need fast charging or have lithium batteries—this is a slow, steady tool for battery health, not emergencies.