Maintenance
23
Checking Electrolyte Level
1.
Tip the seat forward to see the battery.
2.
Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte
must be up to the “UPPER” line (Fig. 22). Do
not allow the electrolyte to get below the
“LOWER” line (Fig. 22).
3.
If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount
of distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the
Battery, page 23.
Figure 22
1.
Filler caps
2.
UPPER line
3.
LOWER line
1
2
3
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.
Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
2.
Unscrew the filler caps (Fig. 22).
3.
Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell
until the level is up to the “UPPER” line
(Fig. 22) on the battery case.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the battery
because electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause
severe corrosion and damage to the chassis.
4.
Screw the filler caps onto the battery.
Charging the Battery
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, page 22.
2.
Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking
Electrolyte Level, page 23, steps 2–3.
3.
Remove the filler caps from the battery and
connect a 3 to 4 amp battery charger to the
battery posts. Charge the battery at a rate of 4
amperes or less for 4 hours (12 volts). Do not
overcharge the battery. Install the filler caps after
the battery is fully charged.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•
Charging the battery produces gasses.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•
Battery gasses can explode.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•
Keep cigarettes, sparks and flames away
from battery.
4.
Install the battery in the chassis; refer to
Installing the Battery, page 22.
