CLEANING THE BATTERY AND CABLES
WARNING
Corrosion hazard.
Batteries contain acid. Always keep the battery upright and do not spill the electrolyte. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Explosion hazard.
Changing the battery produces explosive hydrogen gas. Only charge the battery in a well ventilated area, away from any ignition source such as a water heater, electric motor, or a lit cigarette.
Wear Protective Equipment
Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling the battery and battery cables.
Service Interval: 100 Hours
. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cable first (B, Figure 27).
2.Remove the rubber strap securing the battery, and remove the battery.
3.Clean the battery and battery compartment with a solution of baking soda and water.
4.Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush until shiny.
5.Reinstall the battery and secure with the rubber strap.
6.Reattach the battery cables: first attach the positive cable (see A, Figure 27), then attach the negative cable (B).
. Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petro- leum jelly or
CHECK RIDER SAFETY
SYSTEM
Service Interval: Every 100 hours, every spring/fall, and after storage of 30 days or longer.
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches. These safety systems are present for your safety. Do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamp- er with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
TEST 1 -- ENGINE SHOULD NOT CRANK IF:
•Mower blades switch is ON, OR
•Ground speed control levers are not in their START/PARK positions, OR
•Parking brake lever is in DISENGAGE position.
TEST 2 -- ENGINE SHOULD CRANK IF:
•Mower blade switch is OFE AND
•Ground speed control levers are in their START/PARK positions, AND
•Parking brake lever is in ENGAGE position.
TEST 3 -- ENGINE SHOULD SHUT OFF IF:
•Operator rises off seat with the mower blade switch ON, OR
•Operator rises off seat with the ground speed levers in DRIVE positions, OR
•Operator rises off seat with the parking brake in DISENGAGE position, OR
•Operator moves the left and/or right ground speed control lever out of its START/PARK position with the parking brake lever in ENGAGE position.
TEST 4 -- BLADE BRAKE CHECK
The mower blades and mower drive belt should come
to a complete stop within five seconds after the mower blade switch is turned OFE If mower drive belt does
not stop within five seconds, contact your local author- ized dealer.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, the mower blade switch must be turned OFF, the ground speed control levers must be locked in their START/PARK positions, and the parking brake lever must be in the ENGAGE position in order to start the engine.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not oper- ate it. See your local authorized dealer. Under no circumstance should you attempt to defeat the pur- pose of the safety interlock system.
Figure 27. Engine Compartment
A. Positive (+) Battery Cable
B. Negative (-) Battery Cable
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