Eastman Heavy Machinery
21
Warning
Batteries give off hydrogen and oxygen that can combine explosively. Death or serious injury can result
from a chemical explosion. Charge the batteries only in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flame.
Caution
The batteries can be overcharged and/or damaged if the charger fails to shut off automatically. Do not leave
the battery charger on for more than two days.
It may take 16 hours to recharge the batteries depending on the amount of discharge. If the charging cycle
exceeds 16 hours without the batteries being fully recharged, shut off the charger and have the batteries
checked.
Use the following procedure to charge the batteries.
1.
Turn the battery disconnect switch off. The switch is next to the latch on the battery tray.
2.
Check the battery water level. Add water to individual cells only if the plates are exposed. Replace the
battery caps.
3.
Plug the charger into a properly grounded AC outlet using a 3 conductor, 14 gauge or larger extension
cord. The extension cord must be as short as possible and in good electrical condition. Make sure the AC
voltage selector switch on the charger is set to the same voltage as the outlet voltage. The charger will turn
on three to five seconds after a complete electrical connection is made. The ammeter (refer to Figure 6.1)
will indicate near 40 amps initially then taper off to 5 to 10 amps as the batteries charge.
Note
If the batteries are fully charged when the charger is plugged in, the ammeter will initially read 35 to 40
amps then quickly read zero.
4.
Leave the charger plugged in until it shuts itself off.
5.
Unplug the extension cord after the battery charger turns itself off. Allow the batteries to cool off after
charging.
6.
Check the battery water level. Add water to individual cells only if the plates are exposed. Replace the
battery caps.
