Cadet CLT-180, Operator'S Manual

Page: 23 / 30

23
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade
with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a
part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
BATTERY
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid
levels cannot be checked.
WARNING:
Shield eyes (e.g. goggles, face
shield) and protect skin and clothing when
handling battery acid or a battery containing
acid.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean
and free of corrosive build-up.
• After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a
light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both
terminals
• Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the
positive terminal to prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT:
If removing the battery for any reason,
disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s
terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire.
When re-installing the battery, always connect the
POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the
NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are
connected to the correct terminals; reversing them
could change the polarity and cause damage to your
engine’s alternating system.
IMPORTANT:
1. Battery wires must be connected to the correct
terminals. Reversing them could change the
polarity and damage engine’s alternating system.
2. Do not jump-start a damaged battery.
3. When storing the battery, disconnect the negative
terminal and store with full charge.
Charging
If the unit has not been put into use for an extended
period of time, charge the battery with an automotive-
type 12-volt charger for a minimum of one hour at six
amps.
WARNING:
Batteries give off an explosive
gas while charging. Charge battery in a well
ventilated area and keep away from an open
flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space
heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING:
When removing or installing
the battery, follow these instructions to
prevent the screwdriver from shorting against
the frame.
IMPORTANT:
Never jump your tractor’s dead battery
with the battery of a running vehicle.
• Connect end of one jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the good battery, then the other end to
the positive terminal of the dead battery.
• Connect the other jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the good battery, then to the frame of the
unit with the dead battery.
WARNING:
Failure to use this procedure
could cause sparking, and the gas in either
battery could explode.
WARNING:
Do not use the tractor battery
to start other vehicles.
Cleaning the battery
Keep the terminals and the top of the battery clean and
free from corrosion. Clean the battery with baking soda
or a commercial battery cleaner. If necessary, scrape
the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove
deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with
grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
CAUTION:
Do not allow any cleaning solution to get
inside the battery.
Battery failures
Some common causes for battery failure are:
• incorrect initial activation
• undercharging
• overcharging
• corroded connections
• freezing
These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s
warranty.
FUSES
Two fuses are installed in your tractor’s wiring harness
to protect the tractor’s electrical system from damage
caused by excessive amperage.
If the electrical system does not function, or your
tractor’s engine will not crank, first check to be certain
that the fuse has not blown. See Figure 25.
Figure 25
One can be found under the hood mounted behind the
top of the dash panel on the support bar.
The other can be found under the seat mounted to the
inside of the tractor frame next to the battery tray. Pull
the fuse out and inspect it to determine if it is good or
blown.
GOOD
BAD