Snapper WRPS216517B, WRPS216517BE, Safety Instructions & Operator'S Manual

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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 as required with
electrolyte (purchased separately) to proper level. Fill to
3/16” above cell plates. 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: 3/16” above cell plates is the recommended
level. However do not try to measure this dimension. 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 level to 3/16” above cell plates.
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 cover
cell plates of which can also be visualized through the
plastic battery case.
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