How To Prepare the Machine For Operation
Battery Maintenance
The electrical power to operate the machine comes from the storage batteries. Storage batteries need preventativemaintenance.
WARNING: Working with batteries can be dangerous. Always wear eye protection and protective clothing when working near batteries. NO SMOKING!
To maintain the batteries in good condition, follow these instructions:
1.Keep the electrolyte at the correct level. The correct level is between 1/4" (1/2 cm) below the bottom of the tube in each cell and above the tops of the plates. Check the level of the electro- lyte each time you charge the batteries. See figure 10.
NOTE: Check the level of electrolyte prior to charging the batteries. Be sure the plates in each cell are covered with electrolyte before charging. Do not top off the cells prior to charging the battery. Electrolyte expands during charging. As a result, the electrolyte could overflow from the cells. Always top off the cells with distilled water after charging.
CAUTION: Irreversible damage will occur to the batteries if electrolyte does not cover the plates. Keep the electrolyte at the correct level.
CAUTION: Machine damage and discharge across the tops of the batteries can occur if the batteries are over filled. Do not fill the batteries up to the bottom of the tube in each cell. Wipe any acid from the machine or the tops of the batter- ies. Never add acid to a battery after installation.
CAUTION: Batteries must be refilled with distilled water only. Do not use tap water as it may contain contaminants that will damage batteries.
2.Keep the tops of the batteries clean and dry. Keep the terminals and connectors clean. To clean the top of the batteries, use a damp cloth with a weak solution of ammonia or bicarbonate of soda solution. To clean the terminals and connectors, use a terminal and connector cleaning tool. Do not allow ammonia or bicar- bonate of soda to get into batteries.
Correct Level
Figure 10
Figure 11
3.Keep the batteries charged.
4.To drain battery compartment: (See figure 11)
a.Always wear protective eye protection and protective clothing.
b.Add a weak solution of ammonia or bicarbon- ate of soda solution to battery compartment to neutralize any spilled acid.
c. Pull drain hose out from under transaxle.
d.Place hand behind flange and open valve.
e.When empty, close valve.
f.Replace valve and drain hose on top of transaxle.
g.Neutralize any acid spills with ammonia or bicarbonate of soda.
Clarke® Operator's Manual - Encore S30/L30 | Page |