Riding lawn tractor

[Perry]

OK, I just picked up a new-to-me 2007 MTD lawn tractor. It's a 13.5 hp 38" cut machine.
I think I got a decent deal on it and took it in to the shop to be completely serviced (oil, filters, belts, sharpened blades) before I put it away. This time of year is when you look to buy lawn stuff, and look for snowblowers in the spring. 
I figure that it will be a usefull thing to have to drive around once every couple of weeks to keep my outyards looking nice. A couple of them the grass is taller than the hood on my truck and I can't even think about taking the mini-van in.
Anyways, I figured the battery needed to be charged as it wouldn't quite get the rig started unless I used my booster pack.  I hooked it up to my battery charger that has 3 settings on it, 2 amp, 6 amp, and 12 amp. Apparently you shouldn't charge these lawn tractor batteries more than 10 amp. When I set it on 6 amp, it shows as having a full charge right away. When I set it to 2 amp, it is only showing a 50% charge. I know I am not the most technical guy, but what is it I am seeing?
If you need pics I can take 'em.

[iddee]

2 amp, always, except to boost start it.

[Jen]

I wish I had been raised on a farm/ranch, I would love to know how to use and drive farm equipment. I'm a country girl but not a farm girl.

[Alleyyooper]

A slow charge is always best so you don't ruin the battery. I use a string trimmer in front of the hives in out yards where I can not use vinegar or salt water. got a nice troy built 4 stroke straight shaft I like for this.

    Al

[Perry]

4 stroke would do the trick. My Stihl has them out in about a second so I usually don't use it around the hives.

[LazyBkpr]

I have heard other people say their trimmers annoy the bees as well..   I have two trimmers, a larger expensive one and a small walmart special..  neither seem t tick the bees off so I am going to count myself as lucky..  Of course, I spray around the hives now so dont often need to trim around them..

   Slow charge is best Perry..  You may have a shorted cell in your battery.  If you do a gauge will not read a full 12 volts even when the charger says it is fully charged.. then the load test..  some batteries read 12 volts until loaded, they then decide to drop down to 9 volts..

[Riverrat]

Go with 2 amp A few guys around here leave there batteries on a trickle charger over winter.  I myself once they get to the point they need a charger I replace them.