Section 7
WARNING:
BATTERY ELECTROLYTE FIRST AID
EXTERNAL CONTACT — Flush with water.
EYES — Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
INTERNAL — Drink large quantities of water. Follow with Milk Of Magnesia, beaten egg, or vegetable oil. Get medical attention immediately. In case of internal contact, DO NOT give fluids that would induce vomiting.
1.Tilt the seat forward to access the battery.
2.Remove the battery cell caps. Visually inspect electrolyte level in the cells. If electrolyte is below the bottom of vent well, fill with clean distilled water to the bottom of vent wells (1/4 to 1/2 inch above the plates). Install the battery cell caps.
Do not overfill the battery. Electrolyte will overflow through the vent tube onto parts of the machine, resulting in severe corrosion.
3.Clean the cable ends and battery posts with steel wool or a wire brush. Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean the battery. Do not allow the solution to enter the battery cells.
B. Charging the Battery
Refer to the battery charger’s manual for specific instructions.
Under normal conditions the engine’s alternator will have no problem keeping a charge on the battery. If the battery has been completely discharged for a long period of time, the alternator may not be able to recharge the battery, and a battery charger will be required.
DO NOT charge a frozen battery. It may explode and cause injury. Let the battery warm before attaching a charger.
Whenever possible, remove the battery from the mower before charging and make sure the electrolyte covers the plates in all cells.
WARNING:
BATTERIES PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES. Charge the battery in a well ventilated space so gases produced while charging can dissipate.
Charging rates between 3 and 50 amperes are satisfactory if excessive gassing or spewing of electrolyte does not occur or the battery does not feel excessively hot (over 125°F). If spewing or gassing occurs or the temperature exceeds 125°F, the charging rate must be reduced or temporarily stopped to permit cooling.
4.Tighten the cable connections securely and apply a light coat of silicone dielectric grease to the terminal connections to prevent corrosion.
C. Jump Starting
1.The booster battery must be a 12 volt type. If a vehicle is used for jump starting, it must have a negative ground system.
2.When connecting the jumper cables, connect the positive cable to the positive battery post, then connect the negative cable to the negative battery post.
34
