MAINTENANCE
17
Scout
t
37B (3--01)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERIES
The two 12-volt machine batteries provide all of
the energy used by the machine. The standard
batteries are rated at 530 CCA. They require
regular maintenance to keep them operating their
best.
Do not allow batteries to remain in discharged
condition for any length of time. Do not operate
machine if batteries are in poor condition or
discharged beyond 75%, specific gravity below
1.170.
Check the battery cables for loose connections on
the battery terminals daily. Inspect the cables for
corrosion or damage.
Clean the top surface and the terminals of the
batteries after every 80 hours of operation. Use 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 in each battery cell
before and after charging, and after every 50
hours of operation. Do not charge the batteries
unless the fluid is slightly above the battery plates.
If needed, add just enough distilled water to cover
the plates. Never add acid to the batteries. Do not
overfill. Always keep the battery caps on, except
when adding water or taking hydrometer readings.
BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Use a hydrometer to check the electrolyte specific
gravity after every 20 hours of operation.
If one or more battery cells 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
at 80
_
F (27
_
C)
BATTERY
CONDITION
1.260 -- 1.280
100% charged
1.230 -- 1.250
75% charged
1.200 -- 1.220
50% charged
1.170 -- 1.190
25% charged
1.110 -- 1.160
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 (6
_
C) above 80
_
F
(27
_
C).
Subtract from the specific gravity reading
0.004, 4 points for each 10
_
F (6
_
C) below
80
_
F (27
_
C).
BATTERY CHARGING
The machine batteries are specifically made for
this machine application. They are unique in that
they hold their power for long periods of time, but
they can only be recharged a certain number of
times. To get the most life from the batteries,
charge them when 75% of the battery power has
been used, so the battery specific gravity is
between 1.190 and 1.170.
Do not charge the batteries for more than eight
hours. If batteries are not fully discharged, reduce
charging time proportionally.
Do not expose the battery charger to water. Do
not touch uninsulated battery terminals or
unnecessarily expose any portion of your body to
the batteries when making electrical connections.
