33
6.
Reinstall the battery vent caps.
Charging the Battery
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery and keep sparks
and flames away from battery.
Warning
Important
Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.265 specific gravity). This is especially important to
prevent battery damage when the temperature is below
32
°
F (0
°
C).
1.
Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to
Removing the Battery, page 31.
2.
Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level, page 32.
3.
Make sure the vent caps are installed in the battery.
Charge the battery 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, then disconnect the charger
leads from the battery posts (Fig. 56).
4
1
2
3
mĆ4970
Figure 56
1. Positive Battery Post
2. Negative Battery Post
3. Red (+) Charger Lead
4. Black (–) Charger Lead
5.
Install the battery in the tractor and connect the battery
cables; refer to Installing the Battery
Note:
Do not run the tractor with the battery disconnected,
electrical damage may occur.
Installing the Battery
1.
Place the battery onto the chassis (Fig. 54).
Important
Always connect the positive (red) cable
first.
2.
Using the bolt, washer and locknut, connect the
positive (red) cable to the positive (+) battery post
(Fig. 54).
3.
Using the bolt, washer and locknut, connect the
negative (black) cable to the negative (–) battery post
(Fig. 54).
4.
Replace the battery shield and secure to the chassis
with the hold-down rods and wing nuts.
Important
Keep the battery shield in place to protect
the battery from heat.
5.
Replace the grill.
Cleaning and Storage
1.
Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the ignition and KeyChoice keys.
2.
Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the entire machine, especially the
engine.
3.
Clean dirt and chaff from the outside of the engine’s
cylinder head fins and blower housing; refer to Check
for Debris, page 10.
Important
You can wash the machine with mild
detergent and water.
Do not
use
high pressure water
to
wash the machine. Pressure washing may damage the
electrical system or wash away necessary grease at
friction points. Avoid excessive use of water, especially
near the control panel, lights, engine, and the battery.
4.
Check the brake; refer to Servicing the Brake, page 25.
5.
Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air
Cleaner, page 20.
6.
Grease the chassis; refer to Greasing the Tractor,
page 24.
7.
Change the crankcase oil; refer to Servicing Engine
Oil, page 22.
8.
Check the tire pressure; refer to Maintaining the Tire
Pressure, page 25.
9.
For storage over 30 days, prepare the tractor as
follows:
A. Add a petroleum based stabilizer/conditioner to
fuel in the tank.
Follow mixing instructions from stabilizer
manufacturer. (1 oz. per gallon).
Do not use an
alcohol based stabilizer (ethanol or methanol).
