BATTERY REMOVAL
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
The battery is located at the front of the tractor beneath the hood.
To remove the battery:
•Open the tractor hood as described in the previous
•Remove the two wing nuts and the battery holddown strap from the battery holddown rods. See Figure 34.
•Spread the locking clips on the sides of the terminal covers and lift the tops of the covers to expose the battery connections. See Figure 34.
•Loosen the cable clamp of the black negative battery lead, then lift the negative cable and its terminal cover off the negative battery post (marked NEG). Move the cable away from the negative battery post.
•Repeat the above procedure to remove the cable and cover from the positive battery post (marked POS).
•Carefully lift the battery out of the tractor.
Install the battery by repeating the above steps in the reverse order.
WARNING: Always connect the posi- tive lead to the battery before con- necting the negative lead. This will pre- vent sparking or possible injury from an electrical short caused by contact- ing the tractor body with tools being used to connect the cables.
HOLDDOWN STRAP |
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WING NUT |
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| CLAMP |
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BATTERY |
| TERMINAL |
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HOLDDOWN |
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ROD |
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Figure 34
CHARGING THE BATTERY
Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has been stored for a period of time.
•A voltmeter or load tester should read 12.6 volts (DC) or higher across the battery terminals.
•Charge the battery with a
Voltmeter | State of | Charging |
Reading | Charge | Time |
12.7 | 100% | Full Charge |
12.4 | 75% | 90 Min. |
12.2 | 50% | 180 Min. |
12.0 | 25% | 280 Min. |
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BATTERY MAINTENANCE
The battery is filled with battery acid and then sealed at the factory. However, even a “maintenance free” battery requires some maintenance to ensure its proper life cycle.
•Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a battery terminal sealer, or coat the terminals with a thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly, to protect against corrosion.
•Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosion.
•Always keep the terminal covers in place and closed over the battery terminals.
•Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will leak electrolyte when tipped.
BATTERY STORAGE
•When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery.
•All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly.
•The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot.
•Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although the tractor may start, the engine charg- ing system may not fully recharge the battery.
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