Maintenance
Figure 29
1. | Negative battery post | 4. | Positive battery post |
2. | Bolt, washer, and nut | 5. | Battery strap |
3. | Terminal boot | 6. | Battery |
WARNING
Incorrect battery cable routing could damage the machine and cables causing sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in personal injury.
•Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before disconnecting the positive (red) cable.
•Always connect the positive (red) battery cable before connecting the negative (black) cable.
5.Slide the rubber cover up the positive (red) cable. Disconnect the positive (red) cable from the battery post. Retain all fasteners.
6.Remove the battery strap (Figure 29) and lift the battery from the battery tray.
Checking the Battery Charge
1.Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing the Battery.
2.Allowing batteries to stand for an extended period without recharging them will result in reduced performance and service life. To preserve optimum battery performance and life, recharge batteries in storage when the open circuit voltage drops to 12.4 volts.
Note: To prevent damage due to freezing, battery should be fully charged before putting away for winter storage.
3.Check the voltage of the battery with a digital voltmeter. Locate the voltage reading of the battery in the table below and charge the battery for the recommended time interval to bring the charge up to a full charge of 12.6 volts or greater.
Important: Make sure the negative battery cable is disconnected and the battery charger used for charging the battery has an output of 16 volts and 7 amps or less to avoid damaging the battery (see chart below for recommended charger settings).
Voltage | Percent | Maximum | Charging |
Reading | Charge | Charger | Interval |
|
| Settings |
|
12.6 or | 100% | 16 volts/7 | No |
greater |
| amps | Charging |
|
|
| Required |
12.4 – 12.6 | 16 volts/7 | 30 Minutes | |
|
| amps |
|
12.2 – 12.4 | 16 volts/7 | 1 Hour | |
|
| amps |
|
14.4 volts/4 | 2 Hours | ||
|
| amps |
|
14.4 volts/4 | 3 Hours | ||
|
| amps |
|
11.7 or less | 0% | 14.4 volts/2 | 6 Hours or |
|
| amps | More |
Recommended Jump Starting Procedure
1.Check the weak battery for terminal corrosion (white, green, or blue “snow”), it must be cleaned off prior to jump starting. Clean and tighten connections as necessary.
CAUTION
Corrosion or loose connections can cause unwanted electrical voltage spikes at anytime during the jump starting procedure.
Do Not attempt to jump start with loose or corroded battery terminals or damage to the engine may occur.
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