Lawn Mower Alternator / Generator

If it's like the ignitions I have seen on small engines, the spark initiator is a magneto. Unfortunately they usually produce a high voltage (thousands of volts), which would be too great for battery charging. You would need to step the voltage down with a transformer and then rectify it to DC. You also have to regulate the current down to a trickle charge so that you don't overcharge the battery.

Don Kansas City

If there is actually an alternator as opposed to just a magneto for ignition, than that's probably what it is there for in the first place for things like electric start or lights.

I think most mowers run the engine spark on magnetos, but the electric starter batteries are recharged using an alternator. I think the batteries are 6 volt, but I don't know if the alternators are stepped up from another voltage or not.

You might check with Toro in Bloomington, MN to get voltage and current, or with a local shop that sells parts to see what voltage battery one of those alternators charges.

Thanks for the info. I did some more research on the magnetos and it does produce a lot of voltage but not much current. But now I have another question. How do I capture the amps from the magneto to the battery or if I need to, a step down device. Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks again for everyones help.

I would not even try to get charge for storage (current) from a magneto - a magneto is designed to give a high voltage small current spike of short duration - a short tall peak and then nothing for a long time means the area under the curve has zip power. use a lawnmower alternator or the like, which is designed to provide constant steady current at a relatively low voltage.

What about relocating a motorcycle charging system to the motor. Even looking at some m/cycle charging systems may give you some ideas. rob