24
5. Wait 5 to 10 minutes after filling the battery cells. Add
distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte level is
up to the Upper line (Fig. 19) on the battery case.
6. Install the battery vent caps.
Charging the Battery
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery. Keep sparks and
flames away from battery.
Warning
Important
Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.260 specific gravity), especially when the temperature is
below 32
°
F (0
°
C) to prevent battery damage.
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing
the Battery on page 22.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level on page 23.
3. Make sure that the vent caps are installed in the battery,
and charge it for 1 hour at 25 to 30 amps or 6 hours at 4
to 6 amps. Do not overcharge the battery.
4. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet.
5. Disconnect the charger leads from the battery posts
(Fig. 20).
4
1
2
3
m-4970
Figure 20
1.
Positive battery post
2.
Negative battery post
3.
Red (+) charger lead
4.
Black (–) charger lead
6. Install the battery in the tractor and connect the battery
cables; refer to Installing the Battery on page 23.
Note: Do not run the tractor with the battery disconnected;
electrical damage may occur.
Servicing the Parking Brake
The parking brake is on the right side of the rear axle,
inside the rear tire (Fig. 21). If the parking brake does not
hold securely, adjust it.
m–4981
1
2
.015 in.
(0.38 mm)
Figure 21
1.
Brake arm spring
2.
Brake adjusting nut
Checking the Parking Brake
1. Park the tractor on a level surface.
2. Disengage the blade (PTO).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
5. Remove the ignition key.
6. Move the drive control wire to the Push position; refer
to Pushing the Tractor Manually on page 17.
7. If the rear wheels lock and skid when you push the
tractor forward, you do not need to adjust the parking
brake. Adjust the parking brake if the wheels turn and
do not lock; refer to Adjusting the Parking Brake on
page 24.
Adjusting the Parking Brake
1. Check the parking brake before you adjust it; refer to
Checking the Brake on page 24.
2. Remove the brake arm spring (Fig. 21).
3. Remove the cotter pin that secures the brake adjusting
nut and slightly loosen the nut (Fig. 21).
4. Insert a 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) feeler gauge between the
brake disc and brake puck (Fig. 21).
5. Tighten the nut until you feel a slight resistance on the
feeler gauge when you slide it in and out.
6. Install a new cotter pin and attach the brake arm spring.
7. Check the parking brake operation again; refer to
Checking the Parking Brake on page 24.
