Snapper MP216518B, MRP216518B, Safety Instructions & Operator'S Manual, Page: 21 / 32

21
Section 4 - REPAIR & ADJUSTMENTS
4.5. BATTERY SERVICE
4.5.1. NEW BATTERY PREPARATION
1.
Remove battery from carton.
2. Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level
non-concrete surface.
3. Remove battery cell caps. Fill cells with electrolyte
to proper level. Filling battery with electrolyte will bring
the battery to 80% charged state.
4. With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to
battery terminals; RED to positive (+) and BLACK to
negative (-) terminal.
IMPORTANT:
Never place anything in battery other than
specified electrolyte.
5. Slow charge the battery at 1 amp for 2 hours to
bring the battery to full charge.
6. After charging, check level of electrolyte and add
as needed to bring to proper level.
7. Reinstall cell caps.
8. Install battery into power unit.
9. Connect positive (+) cable (red) first, from wiring
harness to the positive terminal (+) on battery using
bolt and nut provided in hardware bag. Connect
negative (-) cable (black) last, to negative terminal (-)
on battery using bolt and nut. Apply a small amount of
grease over terminals to prevent corrosion.
WARNING
DO NOT over fill battery with electrolyte. Shield the
positive terminal with terminal cover located on battery
harness. This prevents metal from touching the
positive terminal, which could cause sparks. The
electrolyte (acid) produces a highly explosive gas.
Keep all sparks, flame and fire away from area when
charging battery or when handling electrolyte or
battery. Electrolyte (acid) is a highly corrosive liquid.
Wear eye protection. Wash affected areas immediately
after having eye or skin contact with electrolyte (acid).
Battery acid is corrosive. Rinse empty acid containers
with water and mutilate before discarding. If acid is
spilled on battery, bench, or clothing, etc., Flush with
clear water and neutralize with baking soda. Never
attempt to charge battery while installed on the walk
behind. Never use “BOOST” chargers on the battery.
4.5.2. BATTERY SERVICE
1. Remove battery.
2. Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level
surface.
3. Using distilled water, refill cells as required to bring
fluid to proper level.
4. With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to
battery terminals. Red to positive (+) terminal and
black to negative (-) terminal.
5. Slow charge battery at 1 amp for 10 hours.
6. If battery will not accept charge or is partially
charged after 10 hours of charging at 1 amp, replace
with new battery.
4.5.3. BATTERY STORAGE
If Walk Behind is to be stored out of season on its rear
bumper, it is recommended the battery be removed,
charged and stored.
1. Remove battery.
2. Perform battery service.
3. Bring battery to full charge, if required.
4. Store battery in an area away from the Walk
Behind on a wood surface. DO NOT STORE
BATTERY ON A CONCRETE SURFACE.
4.5.4. BATTERY TESTING
There are two types of battery tests: Unloaded and
Loaded. The unloaded test is the procedure that will
be discussed. It’s the simplest and most commonly
used. An unloaded test is made on a battery without
discharging current. To perform unloaded testing,
check charge condition using either a hydrometer or
voltmeter.
1. Using a voltmeter, voltage readings appear
instantly to show the state of charge. Remember to
hook the positive lead to the battery’s positive
terminal, and the negative lead to the negative
terminal.
2. A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of
each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of
charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265 to
1.280 indicates full charge. A reading of 1.230 to
1.260 indicates the battery should be charged. The
chart on the next page shows the charge level as
measured by syringe float hydrometer, digital
voltmeter and five ball hydrometer.
4.5.4. BATTERY TESTING
Methods of Checking Battery Condition
State of Charge Syringe Hydrometer Digital Voltmeter Five Ball Hydrometer
100% Charged w/ Sulfate Stop 1.280 12.80v Five Balls Floating
100% Charged 1.265 12.60v Four Balls Floating
75% Charged 1.210 12.40v Three Balls Floating
50% Charged 1.160 12.10v Two Balls Floating
25% Charged 1.120 11.90v One Ball Floating
0% Charged Less than 1.100 Less than 11.80v Zero Balls Floating