| Section 5: Maintenance | 25 |
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WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove the key from the keyswitch on units so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
DANGER
Use extreme caution when working on or near batteries. To help prevent per- sonal injury or property damage:.
•Batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks and flames away from the battery at all times. Ventilate the area when charging or using the battery in an enclosed area.
Battery Care in Service
The battery is sealed and is maintenance- free. Acid levels cannot be checked.
•Always keep the battery cables and ter minals clean and free of corrosive
•After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals
•Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent
shorting.
Charging
If the tractor has not been put into use for an extended period of time, charge the battery with an
Jump Starting
IMPORTANT: Never jump your tiller’s dead battery with the battery of a running vehicle.
1.Connect end of one jumper cable to the positive terminal of the good battery, then the other end to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
2.Connect the other jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery, then to the frame of the unit with the dead battery.
Failure to use this procedure could cause sparking, and the gas in either battery could explode.
Cleaning
Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
Battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are:
•incorrect initial activation
•undercharging
•overcharging
•corroded connections
•freezing
IMPORTANT: These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s warranty.
Battery Removal and Installation
When removing and installing the battery, disconnect and connect the cables in this order to avoid sparking:
1.To remove the battery, first disconnect the negative
2.Disconnect the negative
3.Disconnect the positive (+) cable from the positive (+) battery post and bend it away from any metal parts. Cover the cable terminal with its rubber boot.
4.Remove the battery clamp.
5.To install the battery, reverse the above steps. Be sure that the battery posts face to the rear of the tiller and that the posi- tive (+) post is on the left side as you face forward from the handlebars.
Battery Storage
Charge battery fully. The battery loses some of its charge each day when the unit is not used.
IMPORTANT: NEVER store battery without a full charge. Recharge battery before returning to service or every two months, whichever occurs first.
When storing unit for extended periods, disconnect battery cables. Removing battery from unit is recommended.