Komatsu PC118MR-8, Operation And Maintenance Manual

Page: 278 / 418

TROUBLESHOOTING
FUNCTIONING
3-194
Charging the battery 3
When charging the battery, always follow the instructions given
in paragraph "IF THE BATTERY IS DOWN (3-192)" and in the
user's manual of the battery charger, and proceed as indicated
below.
q
During recharge the battery produces hydrogen, which is
flammable and may explode, therefore for this operation it
is necessary to remove the battery from the machine,
position it in a well ventilated place and remove the caps
before proceeding.
q
Immediately change any damaged caps.
q
Set the voltage of the battery charger so that it
corresponds to the voltage of the battery to be charged. If
the voltage is not set correctly, the battery charger may
overheat and cause an explosion.
q
Connect the positive clamp (+) of the battery charger to the positive terminal (+) of the battery, then connect
the negative clamp (-) of the battery charger to the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Make sure that the
clamps are secured firmly.
q
Set the recharge current at 1/10 of the value of the rated capacity of the battery; in case of a quick recharge,
set it to a lower value than the rated capacity of the battery.

If the recharge current is too high, there may be an electrolyte leakage or the electrolyte may dry up and the
battery may consequently catch fire and explode.
q
If the battery electrolyte is frozen, do not charge the battery or start the engine with a different power source.
The battery may catch fire and explode.
q
Do not use or charge the battery if the electrolyte level is below the MIN. reference mark, since this may cause
an explosion. Check the electrolyte level periodically and top up with distilled water until reaching the MAX.
reference mark.
q
When using batteries with charge level indicator, charge the battery only when the optical indicator turns gray
See the table applied to the battery.
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