Tennant 215E, Operator'S Manual

Page: 34 / 62

MAINTENANCE
215E MM158 (11--91)
3-10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERIES
The six 6-volt machine batteries provide all of the
energy used by the machine. The standard
batteries are rated at 220 A/h at a 20-hour rate.
The heavy duty batteries are rated at 305 A/h at a
20-hour rate. The maximum allowable battery
weight is 625 lb (285 kg). They require regular
maintenance to keep them operating their best.
Do not allow batteries to remain in discharged
condition for any length of time.
Do not operate machine if batteries are in poor
condition or only 25% of the charge is left.
Periodically check the battery cables for loose
connections and corrosion.
Clean the top surface and the terminals of the
batteries after every 100 hours of operation. Use
a strong solution of baking soda and water. Brush
the solution sparingly over the battery top,
terminals, and cable clamps. Do not allow any
baking soda solution to enter the battery. Use a
wire brush to clean the terminal posts and the
cable connectors. After cleaning, apply a coating
of clear petroleum jelly to the terminals and the
cable connectors. Keep the tops of the batteries
clean and dry.
Keep all metallic objects off the top of the
batteries, as they may cause a short circuit.
Replace worn or damaged wires.
Check the electrolyte level in each battery cell
after every 25 hours of operation. The electrolyte
level must always be above the battery plates.
Add distilled water to maintain solution at the
correct level above the plates, but do not overfill.
Never add acid to batteries, only water. Keep vent
plugs firmly in place at all times, except when
adding water or taking hydrometer readings.
FOR SAFETY: When Servicing Machine,
Avoid Contact With Battery Acid.
Use a hydrometer to check the electrolyte specific
gravity.
A
B
01373
CHECKING BATTERY SPECIFIC GRAVITY
A. Hydrometer
B. Battery
If one or more battery cells tests lower than the
other battery cells, (0.050 or more) the cell is
damaged, shorted, or is about to fail.
NOTE: Do not take readings immediately after
adding water--- ---if the water and acid are not
thoroughly mixed, the readings may not be
accurate. Check the hydrometer readings against
this chart:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
at 80
_
F (27
_
C)
BATTERY
CONDITION
1.265 100% charged
1.225 75% charged
1.190 50% charged
1.155 25% charged
1.120 Discharged
NOTE: If the readings are taken when the battery
electrolyte is any temperature other than 80
_
F
(27
_
C), the reading must be temperature
corrected.
To determine the corrected specific gravity
reading when the temperature of the battery
electrolyte is other than 80
_
F (27
_
C):
Add to the specific gravity reading 0.004, 4
points, for each 10
_
F (6
_
C) above 80
_
F
(27
_
C).
Subtract from the specific gravity reading
0.004, 4 points, for each 10
_
F (6
_
C) below
80
_
F (27
_
C).