MAINTENANCE
11
TEXTRON TURF CARE AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
a.
When installing the battery, always assemble the
RED, positive (+) battery cable first and the
ground, BLACK, negative (-) cable last.
b.
When removing the battery, always remove the
ground, BLACK, negative (-) cable first and the
RED, positive (+) cable last.
2.
Check the electrolyte level every 100 hours of oper-
ation.
a.
Adjust to the correct level with distilled water only.
Do not expose the plates to air and do not over-
fill.
Never add electrolyte to a
charged battery. The chemical
reaction could cause serious injury.
Note:
The addition of tap water to a battery will reduce
its useful life due to contamination of salts and
other minerals.
b.
When temperatures are below the freezing point
it is important that batteries be fully charged to
prevent the electrolyte from freezing.
3.
Clean the cable ends and battery posts with steel
wool. Use a solution of baking soda and water to
clean the battery. Do not allow the solution to enter
into the battery cells.
4.
Tighten cables securely to battery terminals and
apply a light coat of silicone dielectric grease to
terminals and cable ends to prevent corrosion. Keep
terminal covers in place.
5.
Keep the outside of the battery clean and dry. Dirt
and moisture on the top surface can cause current
to trickle from one post to another causing a
discharge condition.
6.
Do not cover holes in vent plugs. This may allow the
buildup of gases in the battery.
7.
Keep the vent plugs tight to prevent spilling of elec-
trolyte on the top of the battery.
8.
Keep the battery secured firmly in place to help
eliminate excessive vibration which could cause
internal damage and shorten the life of the battery.
3.14 BATTERY – CHARGING _____________________________________________________
Battery acid is very caustic
and fumes are explosive and
can cause serious injury or death.
Charge battery in a well ventilated area.
Batteries generate explosive gases. To prevent
an explosion, keep any device that may create
sparks or flames away from the battery.
To prevent injury, stand away from battery when
the charger is turned on. A damaged battery
could explode.
Always use insulated tools, wear protective
glasses or goggles and protective clothing when
working with batteries. You must read and obey
all battery manufacturer’s instructions.
Make absolutely certain the ignition switch is
“OFF” and the key has been removed before
servicing the battery.
1.
Refer to the Battery and Charger’s manual for spe-
cific instructions.
2.
Whenever possible, remove the battery from the
tractor before charging and make sure the electro-
lyte covers the plates in all the cells.
3.
Make sure the charger is “OFF”, then connect the
charger to the battery terminals as specified in the
charger’s manual.
4.
Always turn the charger “OFF” before disconnecting
the charger from the battery terminals.
3.15 BATTERY - STORAGE ______________________________________________________
1.
Remove, clean and store battery in upright position in
a cool, dry place, fully charged.
Storage above 80°F (26.7°C) greatly increases self-
discharge. If wet batteries are discharged, the
electrolyte will freeze when stored below 20°F (-7°C).
A fully charged battery will have a hydrometer
reading of 1.260.
2.
Check and trickle charge the battery every 60 to 90
days while in storage.
Note:
If the battery must be stored in the equipment,
disconnect the ground cable from the battery’s
negative terminal post.
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WARNING
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WARNING
