Operating Instructions
4
01806E
b.
Charging new batteries (batteries with less
than 50 discharge/charge cycles).
c.
Charging cold batteries (ambient tempera-
tures below 65°F). When charging new or
cold batteries, a higher than normal finishing
charge voltage can be expected. This
results in a low finish charge rate (2-5
amps), and additional time is required to
achieve equalization of all battery cells.
Refer to a qualified service agent if the
charger does not turn off within the specified
time.
As batteries age, the charge rate may no longer
decrease to the 6 to 10 amp finish rate. This is
normal. As battery cells wear out, they weaken
resulting in a lower than normal finish voltage.
However, the charger will still determine when
the battery is as charged as it can be and then
turn off. Even though they are properly charged,
older batteries will gradually lose capacity, and
should be replaced when they will no longer
perform as required.
WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE THE CHARGER
DC OUTPUT CONNECTOR CONNECTED WHILE
UNATTENDED FOR TWO OR MORE DAYS IN A
ROW. SEVERE OVERCHARGING AND
POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE BATTERIES WILL
RESULT IF THE CHARGER ELECTRONIC TIMER
KIT SHOULD FAIL AND NOT TURN OFF, OR
TURN BACK ON.
5.
After the charger has turned off, disconnect the
DC output plug from the receptacle by grasping
the plug body and pulling the plug straight out of
the receptacle.
WARNING: TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE DC
OUTPUT PLUG AND CORD, DO NOT PULL ON
THE CORD.
BATTERY STORAGE MAINTENANCE
When the machine is not in use, charge the batteries
once each week. Disconnect the plug at the end of
the charge.
PROPER CARE OF DEEP CYCLE MOTIVE
POWER BATTERIES
Motive power batteries are subjected to severe
deep-cycle duty on a daily basis. Although these
batteries are designed to withstand such duty, the
following precautions must be observed to obtain
good performance and maximum cycle life.
CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
EYE SHIELDS AND CLOTHING WHEN WORKING
WITH BATTERIES. BATTERIES CONTAIN
ACIDS, WHICH CAN CAUSE BODILY HARM. DO
NOT PUT WRENCHES OR OTHER METAL
OBJECTS ACROSS THE BATTERY TERMINAL
OR BATTERY TOP. ARCING OR EXPLOSION OF
THE BATTERY CAN RESULT.
1.
When installing new batteries, be sure the
polarity of each battery and overall battery pack
is correct. Due to the electrical characteristics of
this charger, it is possible to hook up one of the
6-volt batteries reverse polarity and not blow the
fuse when charging. Battery and/or charger
damage can result.
2.
New batteries should be given a full charge
before their first use because it is difficult to
know how long the batteries have been stored.
3.
Limit the use of new batteries for the first 20
cycles. New batteries and older batteries that
have been in storage are not capable of their
rated output until they have been discharged
and charged a number of times.
4.
Do not excessively discharge the batteries.
Excessive discharge can cause polarity reversal
of individual cells resulting in complete failure
shortly thereafter. Heavily discharging (over
60%) new batteries before they have been
broken in (approximately 20 cycles) can cause
permanent cell damage, resulting in reduced
energy capacity and shortened life.
5.
Maintain the proper electrolyte level by adding
water when necessary. Distilled or de-ionized
water is free of contaminants and preferred for
this use. Never allow the electrolyte level to fall
below the top of the battery plates. Electrolyte
levels lower during discharge and rise during
charge. Therefore, to prevent the overflow of
electrolyte when charging, it is mandatory that
water be added to cells after they have been
fully charged; do not overfill. Old batteries
require more frequent additions of water than do
new batteries.
6.
Hard crystalline sulfates form when batteries in
storage are not maintained in a charged active
state. Internal self-discharge can bring about
the start of this condition in as little as three days
in warm temperatures. Batteries allowed to sit in
storage will self-discharge, sulfate to various
degrees, and lose capacity. Repeated charging
without using the batteries between charges
may recover some of the lost power, range, and
life, but some permanent loss should be
expected.
