24
Installing the Battery
1. Put the battery into the battery box in the chassis.
2. Using the bolt, washers, and nut, connect the positive
(red) cable to the positive (+) battery post.
3. Slide the rubber cover over the battery post.
4. Using the bolt, washers, and nut, connect the negative
(black) cable to the negative (–) battery post.
5. Install the engine cover.
Checking the Electrolyte Level
1. Remove the engine cover.
2. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be
up to the Upper line (Fig. 19).
1
2
3
m5004
Figure 19
1.
Vent caps
2.
Upper line
3.
Lower line
Note: Do not allow the electrolyte to fall below the
Lower line (Fig. 19).
3. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of
distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery on
page 24.
Danger
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid, a deadly
poison that can severely burn you and others.
•
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.
Adding Water to the Battery
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just
before you operate the machine. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Remove the battery from the machine; refer to
Removing the Battery on page 23.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
Important
Never fill the battery with distilled water
while the battery is installed in the machine. Electrolyte
could be spilled on other parts and cause corrosion.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 19).
4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the electrolyte level is up to the Upper line (Fig. 19) on
the battery case.
Important
Do not overfill the battery because
electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion and
damage to the chassis.
5. Wait 5 to 10 minutes after filling the battery cells. Add
distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte level is
up to the Upper line (Fig. 19) on the battery case.
6. Install the battery vent caps.
Charging the Battery
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery and keep sparks and
flames away from battery.
Warning
Important
Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.260 specific gravity). This is especially important to
prevent battery damage when the temperature is below
32
°
F (0
°
C).
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing
the Battery on page 23.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level on page 24.
3. Ensure that the vent caps are installed in the battery.
Charge the battery for 1 hour at 25 to 30 amps or 6
hours at 4 to 6 amps. Do not overcharge the battery.
