Hitachi EX1900-5, Operator'S Manual

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MAINTENANCE
7-91
Check electrolyte specific gravity
CAUTION: Battery gas can explode. Keep sparks
and flames away from batteries. Use a flashlight
to check the battery electrolyte level.
Sulfuric acid in battery electrolyte is poisonous. It
is strong enough to burn skin, eat holes in cloth-
ing, and cause blindness if splashed into the
eyes.
Never check the battery charge by placing a metal
object across the posts. Use a voltmeter or hy-
drometer.
Always remove the grounded (
−−−−
) battery clamp
first and replace it last.
Avoid hazard by:
1. Filling batteries in a well-ventilated area.
2. Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves.
3. Avoiding breathing fumes when electrolyte is
added.
4. Avoiding spilling or dripping electrolyte.
5. Using proper booster battery starting proce-
dures.
If you spill acid on yourself:
1. Flush your skin with water.
2. Apply baking soda or lime to help neu-
tralize the acid.
3. If splashed in eyes, flush with water for
10 to 15 minutes. Get medical attention
immediately.
If acid is swallowed:
1. Drink large amounts of water or milk.
2. Then drink milk of magnesia, beaten
eggs, or vegetable oil.
3. Get medical attention immediately.
IMPORTANT: Check the specific gravity of the
electrolyte after it is cooled, not
immediately after operation.
Check the electrolyte specific gravity in each bat-
tery cell.
The lowest limit of the specific gravity for the elec-
trolyte varies depending on electrolyte tempera-
ture. The specific gravity should be kept within the
range shown below. Charge the battery if the spe-
cific gravity is below the limit.
REPLACE BATTERIES
Your machine has four 12-volt batteries with negative (
−
)
ground.
If one of four batteries in a 24-volt system has failed but the
other are still good, replace all the batteries together with
new ones of the same type. For example, replace a failed
maintenance-free battery with a new maintenance-free bat-
tery. Different types of batteries may have different rates of
charge. This difference could overload one of the batteries
and cause it to fail.
Working range
Fluid temp.
Specific gravity of battery fluid
(68°F)
1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32
Recommended range of specific gravity by electrolyte temperature
(104°F)
(–40°F)
–40°C
20°C
40°C
(–4°F)
(32°F)
0°C
–20°C