Page 50
B5-440-36 / B5-440-48 / B5-540-48XL / BF-030-48 Operator Manual
MB-440-07
To Obtain the Maximum Battery Life
Charge the battery only after it reaches a normal discharge (20%) as indicated on the Battery
Status Indicator (BSI). Failure to follow this guideline could result in the battery entering an
overcharge state, which will reduce the life of the battery. If you find it necessary to charge the
battery before it is completely discharged, we recommend waiting until it is discharged a minimum
of 30% to reduce the possibility of overcharging. Refer to Vehicle Controls in this section for
information on how to read the BSI.
Do not discharge the battery beyond a normal discharge as indicated on the BSI. Discharging
your battery too deep will result in premature failure of the battery. Refer to Vehicle Controls in
this section for information on how to read the BSI.
Check the battery electrolyte level once a week. Do not charge the battery if the battery
electrolyte is low. Charging when the electrolyte is low will damage the batteries and shorten
the life-span of the battery. Only authorized personnel should perform battery maintenance
including maintaining the battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Battery Maintenance Section for
battery maintenance information.
It is not recommended to interrupt the charging cycle. Allow the charger to turn off before
disconnecting the AC plug. Interrupting the charging cycle could lead to overcharging or
discharging the batteries too deep. Both circumstances will result in premature failure of the
battery.
Charging Time
Average charging time is typically 8 to 10 hours.
The time required to fully charge your batteries will
vary depending on:
•
Capacity of the batteries: Higher capacity
battery requires longer charge time.
•
Output of the charger: Higher charger output requires less charge time.
•
Depth of discharge: The deeper a battery is discharged, the longer it takes to charge.
•
Temperature: Low temperatures require longer charge time.
It is not unusual for charge times to exceed 15 hours, especially with new batteries.
New Battery Break-In
New batteries (except AEM) require a break-in period of up to 40 cycles. The batteries will not
have their full capacity during this break-in period and may result in longer charging times.
AC Power Source
The AC power source required by the charger
will vary depending on the charger installed in
the vehicle. Refer to the specifications printed
on the charger for details.
Use of extension cords is not recommended. If
you find it necessary to use an extension cord,
make sure the extension cord power rating exceeds the power requirements of the charger.
The United States Federal, State or local regulations may require the use of a Ground Fault
Interrupter (GFI) cable or AC outlet equipped with a GFI for charging your vehicle. A charger
cord with an integral GFI is available through your Taylor-Dunn dealer.
U s e o f e x t e n s i o n c o r d s i s n o t
recommended. Improper use of an
extension cord may result in fire.
WARNING
NOTICE
The charger originally supplied with the vehicle is for use with the batteries originally
supplied with the vehicle. If installing a different charger or batteries, consult the charger
and/or battery manufacturer to confirm that the charger used is compatible with the
batteries. Use of an incorrect charger will result in damage and premature failure of
the batteries.
NOTICE
Charging batteries emit hydrogen.
Hydrogen is known to cause false
alarms in carbon monoxide detectors.