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- FORM NO. 56043115 - 34 RST
Electrical System
Battery Maintenance
Charging Batteries
Charge the batteries each time the machine is used or when the battery indicator
(1
or
3)
is reading less than full.
Note: Refer to the algorithm chart in Advance Technical Service Bulletin TSBUS2008-984 for the correct charging
algorithm for your battery type and model.
Caution!
• Charge batteries in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not smoke while servicing the batteries.
• Remove all jewelry
• Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and a rubber apron
• Do not allow tools to touch more than one battery terminal at a time
• To avoid damage to floor surfaces, wipe water and acid from the top of the batteries after charging.
If your machine shipped with an onboard battery charger, turn
the Key Switch off. Unwind the electrical cord from the side of the
onboard charger and plug it into a properly grounded outlet. Refer to
the OEM product manual for more detailed operating instructions.
If your machine uses an external battery charger, unplug the battery
connector
(4)
from the machine connector
(5)
, and plug the battery
connector into the charger. Follow the instructions on the battery charger.
Note:
Make sure you plug the battery charger into the connector
(4)
with the
handle attached to it.
Extending Battery Life
Proper maintenance of electric vehicle batteries can greatly extend their life. The following information will help
extend the life of your batteries.
• Your battery will deliver superior performance and life if it is recharged properly. Excessive charging or
discharging will shorten battery life and limit performance. Be sure to follow proper charging instructions.
• Make sure you have an appropriate charger for the type of battery. Use only “voltage-regulated” or “voltage-
limited” chargers. Standard constant-current or taper current chargers must not be used. A temperature-sensing
charger is recommended.
•
Important!
Do not attempt to open sealed gel batteries or add water. Doing so will damage the battery and void
the warranty.
• For wet batteries, maintain proper electrolyte level and check weekly. Use distilled water in batteries whenever
possible. If the batteries are discharged, add just enough water to cover the plates in each cell, and recheck the
level after charging (this prevents over-filling the battery). If batteries are fully charged, fill each cell to the
bottom of the filler tube. Do not over-fill the batteries! Do not add acid to batteries!
• Keep the Batteries Charged. Batteries should be charged each time that a machine is used for more than 1 hour.
Machine operators should open the battery compartment cover for charging, to avoid a concentrated build-up of
hydrogen gas. Operators should follow the instructions provided with their specific battery charger, to determine
how long the batteries should be charged. Even when a machine is stored, the batteries should be charged once
a month to prevent the batteries from “sulfating”. Most battery caps are vented, so there’s no need to loosen or
remove them for charging.
• Keep the Batteries Clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe dirt from the top of the batteries. Battery terminals must be
clean and tight. If the tops of the batteries are wet after charging, the batteries have probably been overfilled or
over-charged.
Note:
If there is acid on the batteries, wash the tops of the batteries with a solution of baking soda
and water (2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water).
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