Regular Maintenance
20
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Battery and Cables
1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative
cable first (C, Figure 19).
2. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a
wire brush until shiny.
3. Reinstall the battery and reattach the battery cables,
positive cable first (A).
4. Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petro-
leum jelly or non-conducting grease.
5. Be sure to replace the terminal cover (B) over the
positive battery terminal.
STORAGE
Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety
Rules section, then perform the following steps:
• Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, & remove
the key.
• Perform engine maintenance and storage measures
listed in the engine owner’s manual. This includes
draining the fuel system, or adding stabilizer to the
fuel (do not store a fueled unit in an enclosed struc-
ture - see warning).
• Battery life will be increased if it is removed, put in a
cool, dry place and fully charged about once a
month. If the battery is left in the unit, disconnect the
negative cable.
Before starting the unit after it has been stored:
• Check all fluid levels. Check all maintenance items.
• Perform all recommended checks and procedures
found in the engine owner’s manual.
• Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes
before use.
Figure 19. Battery Compartment
A. Positive (+) Cable & Terminal
B. Positive Terminal Cover
C. Negative (-) Cable & Terminal
WARNING
Be careful when handling the battery. Keep
flames and sparks away from the battery.
When removing or installing battery cables,
disconnect the negative cable FIRST and reconnect
it LAST. If not done in this order, the positive
terminal can be shorted to the frame by a tool.
A
C
WARNING
Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed,
poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can
travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace,
water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.
B
