4
Activating the Battery
Purchase bulk electrolyte with 1.260 specific gravity from a
local battery supply outlet.
Danger
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid, a deadly
poison that can cause severe burns.
•
Do not drink electrolyte and avoid contact with
skin, eyes or clothing. Wear safety glasses to
shield your eyes and rubber gloves to protect
your hands.
•
Fill the battery where clean water is always
available for flushing the skin.
•
Follow all instructions and comply with all
safety messages on the electrolyte container.
1. Remove the battery from the tractor and place it on a
level surface; refer to Removing the Battery in the
Operator’s Manual.
Important
Never fill the battery with electrolyte while
the battery is installed in the tractor. You could spill
electrolyte on other parts and cause corrosion.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 10).
1
2
3
m5004
Figure 10
1.
Vent caps
2.
Upper line
3.
Lower line
4. Slowly pour electrolyte into each battery cell until the
electrolyte level is up to the Upper line on the battery
case (Fig. 10).
Important
Do not overfill the battery because
electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can severely corrode and damage
the chassis.
5. Wait 5 to 10 minutes after filling the battery cells, then
add electrolyte, if necessary, until the electrolyte level is
up to the upper line (Fig. 10) on the battery case.
6. Install the battery vent caps.
7. Charge the battery for 1 hour at 25 to 30 amps or
6 hours at 4 to 6 amps. Do not overcharge the battery.
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery and keep sparks and
flames away from battery.
Warning
8. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger
leads from the battery posts (Fig. 11).
4
1
2
3
Figure 11
1.
Positive post
2.
Negative post
3.
Charger red (+) wire
4.
Charger black (–) wire
9. Install the battery in the tractor and connect the battery
cables; refer to Installing the Battery in the Operator’s
Manual.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Before you start the engine and use the tractor, check the oil
level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the Oil
Level in the Operator’s Manual.
Filling the Fuel Tank
Add fuel to the fuel tank; refer to Filling the Fuel Tank in
the Operator’s Manual.
Checking the Tire Pressure
Check the front and rear tires for proper inflation; refer to
Checking the Tire Pressure in the Operator’s Manual.
Testing the Safety System
Test the safety interlock system; refer to The Safety
Interlock System in the Operator’s Manual.
