MacDon M1240, Operator'S Manual

Page: 319 / 488

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
Charging a Battery
CAUTION
• Ventilate the area where batteries are
being charged.
• Do NOT charge a frozen battery. Warm to 16°C
(60°F) before charging.
• Do NOT connect or disconnect live circuits. To
prevent sparks, turn off charger and connect
positive cable
fi rst. PROTECT YOUR EYES.
• If charging battery in windrower, disconnect
POSITIVE battery cable before connecting charger
cable, then connect ground cable last, away
from battery.
• Stop or cut back charging rate if battery feels hot,
or is venting electrolyte. Battery temperature must
NOT exceed 52°C (125°F).
• The maximum charge rate in amperes should be
NO MORE than 1/3 of the battery’s reserve capacity
minute rating. If the terminal voltage exceeds 16.0
volts while charging, reduce the charge rate.
• Continue charging and reduce the rate as needed
until a two hour period results in no increase in
voltage or decrease in current.
Figure 5.113: Battery Charging
WARNING
• Gel and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries
require a voltage-limited charger. Charging a Gel
or AGM battery on a typical shop charger—even
one time—may greatly shorten its life.
• If the electrolyte is accessible, verify that plates
are covered before beginning to charge. At the
end of charge, add distilled water as needed
to bring levels to the proper height. If water is
added, charge for an additional 30 minutes to
mix. If electrolyte levels are low, but battery is not
accessible, remove battery from service.
Table 5.7 Voltage Chart
Voltage
State of
Charge
(%)
Approximate Battery
Charging Time
19
to Full
Charge at 27°C/80°F.
(Minutes)
Standard
Battery
Maximum Rate at
(Amps)
12 Volts 50 30 20 10
12.6 100 — FULL CHARGE —
12.4 75 20 35 48 90
12.2 50 45 75 95 180
12.0 25 65 115 145 280
11.8 0 85 150 195 370
19. Charging time depends upon battery capacity, condition, age, temperature, and ef fi ciency of charger.
214053
307
Revision A