Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to come to a
complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on elec-
tric start models. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE Battery Care in Service
1. Once a month or every 10 operating
hours, whichever occurs first, check the
electrolyte level. If the electrolyte level is
not at the UPPER LEVEL line marked on
the battery case, add distilled or deminer-
alized water. NEVER USE BATTERY ACID
TO REFILL THE BATTERY. Replace the
battery caps securely and wipe the battery
top. Run the engine outdoors for about
20 minutes at 3/4 throttle speed to
recharge and recirculate the electrolyte
solution. For safety, do not leave the tiller
unattended while the engine is running.
2. Keep the battery clean. Any acid
deposits should be neutralized with a
baking soda and water solution (remove
battery from unit and tighten the battery
caps to prevent any solution from enter-
ing the cells). Clean any remaining solu-
tion off the battery.
Clean the posts and terminals with a wire
brush, sandpaper or steel wool. After
cleaning, coat the terminals with a thin
coat of petroleum jelly or silicone grease
to protect against corrosion.
3. Periodically check the electrical system
for loose or dirty connections.
4. Periodically check that the battery
clamp is tight. However, do not over-
tighten the clamp as doing so could
damage the battery case.
5. Periodically check that the vent tube on
the side of the battery is not crimped or
pinched anywhere along its length.
Battery Storage
The electric start system has a recharging
circuit that will maintain the battery’s state
of charge during the tilling season. When
storing the tiller for extended periods, it is
recommended that the battery be fully
charged before placing it in storage.
(Before reinstalling the battery after
storage, give it a thorough recharge.)
Battery Removal and Installation
When removing and installing the battery,
disconnect and connect the cables in this
order to avoid sparking:
1. To remove the battery, first disconnect
the negative (-) cable from the grounding
screw on the back of the battery bracket
post. Bend the cable away from any metal
parts.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) cable from
the negative (-) battery post.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) cable from
the positive (+) battery post and bend it
away from any metal parts. Cover the
cable terminal with its rubber boot.
4. Remove the battery clamp.
5. To install the battery, reverse the above
steps. Be sure that the battery posts face
to the rear of the tiller and that the posi-
tive (+) post is on the left side as you face
forward from the handlebars.
6. Insert the vent tube into the vent tube
shield. Make sure the vent tube is not
crimped, pinched or folded anywhere
along its length.
Use extreme caution when working on
or near batteries. To help prevent per-
sonal injury or property damage:
• Follow the battery safety rules in Sec-
tions 1 and 2 of this Manual. Failure
to follow all safety rules may result in
personal injury or property damage
from such causes as an explosion of
battery gases, acid burns or electrical
burns.
• Electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution.
Avoid spillage and contact with skin,
eyes and clothing. Wear protective
clothing, rubber gloves and shield
eyes with safety goggles when
working near the battery.
• Batteries generate explosive gases.
Keep sparks and flames away from the
battery at all times. Ventilate the area
when charging or using the battery in
an enclosed area.
DANGER
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