Tennant 550, Manual

Page: 41 / 200

MAINTENANCE
3-11
550E MM149 (8--02)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERIES
The machine batteries provide all of the energy
used by the machine. The batteries require
regular maintenance to keep them operating their
best.
Do not allow the batteries to remain in discharged
condition for any length of time.
Do not operate machine if batteries are in poor
condition or with only 25% of the charge left,
specific gravity below 1.160.
Check the battery cables daily for loose
connections on the battery terminals. Inspect the
cables for corrosion or damage.
Clean the top surface and the terminals of the
batteries after every 50 hours of operation, using
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 of each battery cell
after every 50 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 after every 50 hours of operation.
If one or more battery cell 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 BATTERY
at 80
_
F (27
_
C) CONDITION
1.315 100% charged
1.265 75% charged
1.210 50% charged
1.160 25% charged
1.110 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 (5.5
_
C) above
80
_
F (27
_
C).
Subtract from the specific gravity reading
0.004, 4 points, for each 10
_
F (5.5
_
C)
below 80
_
F (27
_
C).