Battery Maintenance

Know the Hazards

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE A BATTERY

• Turn the truck OFF and check that all controls are in neutral. Disconnect the battery. Tilt the steering wheel up and raise the battery cover. Remove the side cover and battery retainer.

• Make certain you use the correct size and weight battery. Never operate a truck that has an underweight or undersized battery installed.

• If you use a roller stand to install or remove a battery, make sure the roller stand is the same height as the rollers in your truck's battery compartment. Also make sure the roller stand is at least as long as the battery.

• Never let anything metal touch the top of the cells. You could cause sparks or do damage to the battery. Use an insulator (such as plywood) when necessary.

•Use an approved spreader bar to move a battery to, or from, the battery compartment or stand. Make sure you adjust the spreader bar hooks to fit the battery.

AFTER INSTALLING YOUR BATTERY

• Replace the battery retainer and side cover.

• Lower and latch the battery cover.

• Connect the battery.

• Return the steering wheel to a comfortable position. Turn the truck ON and check truck operation.

DANGER

Batteries produce explosive gas. Do not smoke, use open flame, or create an arc or sparks near this battery. Ventilate well in enclosed areas and when charging.

Batteries contain Sulfuric Acid which causes severe burns. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or clothing. In case of contact, flush immediately. Get medical attention if your eyes are affected.

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WARNING

Minimum battery size allowed

000 mm (00.00 in.) wide

000 mm (00.00 in.) long

Undersize battery can affect truck handling and stability. You could have an accident.

Use U.L. classified Type EO battery.

TRUCK BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS

Your truck battery produces gas that can explode.

It also contains acid that could burn or disfigure you.

•Do not try to install, remove, charge or service your truck battery unless you are trained and authorized.

•Never smoke or use an open flame around batteries.

•Your company should provide an area where it is safe to work on batteries. Use that area for all battery work.

•Use protective equipment such as gloves, eye shields, aprons etc. when working on batteries.

BATTERY RETAINER MUST BE IN PLACE

The battery could slide out if the retainer is not in place. Check that the retainer is installed and secure.

BATTERY SIZE AND WEIGHT IS IMPORTANT

Make certain you use the correct size and weight battery. Never operate a truck that has an underweight or undersized battery installed.

BEFORE CHARGING YOUR TRUCK BATTERY

•See that the battery cells are filled to the proper level. Never use an open flame to check the batteries.

•Check that the charger is the same voltage and amperage as the battery. Read the battery charger instructions.

•Be sure the charger is turned OFF before connecting the battery to the charger. Otherwise a spark could cause the battery to explode. Also, make sure the truck key switch is turned off and all controls are in neutral.

27 Battery Maintenance

Battery Maintenance 28