11
Section 2: Assembly
B. To Charge the Battery:
To obtain maximum battery life, charge
the battery using the following method
until all cells are gassing freely. A battery
is gassing freely when the surface of the
electrolyte is covered with tiny bubbles.
Be sure to follow all instructions provided
by the manufacturer of the battery charg-
ing unit that is being used to charge the
battery.
1. Charge the battery approximately
three to five hours at a rate of 1-to-2
amperes. Turn the battery charger off
and disconnect the charger cables from
the battery terminals.
2. Check the electrolyte level in each cell.
If the electrolyte level has fallen, refill the
battery with distilled water until the level
reaches the UPPER LEVEL line.
3. Securely replace all six filler caps.
Use a baking soda and water solution to
rinse of any electrolyte that may have
spilled. Then dry the battery.
STEP 2: Install Battery
1. Reinstall the battery on the battery
mounting base with the two cable mount-
ing posts facing to the rear of the tiller.
Be sure that the positive (+) post is on the
left-side of the tiller and the negative (-)
post is on the right-side (as viewed from
rear of tiller). See Figure 2-17.
2. Reinstall the battery hold-down
bracket over the battery with the ignition
switch (T, Figure 2-17) toward the front
of the unit. Attach the bracket to the
mounting base using the two 1/4-20 x 1-
1/4" carriage screws (insert screws up
from beneath mounting base), 1/4" lock-
washers and 1/4"-20 nuts removed previ-
ously. Tighten the nuts securely, but not
so much as to bend the tabs on the hold-
down bracket.
STEP 3: Attach Battery Cablesand Vent Tube
1. Locate the positive battery cable,
which is connected to the starter solenoid
on the left-side of the battery post (a
rubber boot covers the connection). A
second rubber boot is loosely installed on
the cable. Using the small screw and nut
from the hardware bag, connect the loose
end of the cable to the positive (+) post
on the battery. See Figure 2-18.
2. Slide the rubber boot over the positive
(+) battery post.
3. The negative battery cable is con-
nected to the upper mounting screw that
attaches the starter solenoid to the back
of the battery post. This is the ground for
the negative cable. Using the second
screw and nut, attach the loose end of the
cable to the negative (-) battery post. See
Figure 2-19.
Batteries produce explosive gases!
• Keep sparks, flame and cigarettes
away.
• Ventilate area when charging or using
battery in an enclosed space.
• Make sure venting path of battery is
always open once battery is filled with
acid.
• Follow safety rules and instructions
supplied by manufacturers of battery
and charger unit.
• During charging, do not leave battery
unattended. Charging time need not
be continuous.
• When checking the battery for
gassing, always wear safety goggles
and use a flashlight to look down into
the cells.
DANGER
• Do not touch positive (+) battery
terminal and any surrounding metal
with tools, jewelry or other metal
objects. Failure to comply could cause
a short circuit that could cause electri-
cal burns or an explosion of battery
gases.
• Incorrect installation of the battery
can result in electrical system
damage. Follow installation instruc-
tions carefully to avoid damage.
DANGER
Figure 2-17: Attach hold-down clamp.
(+) T
(–)
Figure 2-18: Attach positive (+) battery
cable. Cover connection with rubber boot.
Rubber Boot
Figure 2-19: Attach negative (-) battery cable.