Snapper ZF2501KH, ZF5201M, ZF6101M Battery Testing, NEW Battery Preparation, Do not Overfill

Section 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR

5.7.4.BATTERY TESTING

There are two types of battery tests: Unloaded and Loaded. The unloaded test is the procedure that will be discussed. It’s the simplest and most commonly used. An unloaded test is made on a battery without discharging current. To perform unloaded testing, check charge condition using either a hydrometer or voltmeter.

1. Using a voltmeter, voltage readings appear instantly to show the state of charge. Remember to hook the positive lead to the battery’s positive terminal, and the negative lead to the negative terminal.

2.A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265 to 1.280 indicates full charge. A reading of 1.230 to 1.260 indicates the battery should be charged before testing. The chart on the next page shows the charge level as measured by syringe float hydrometer, digital voltmeter and five ball hydrometer.

Battery Condition Chart

	State of Charge	Syringe Hydrometer	Digital Voltmeter	Five Ball Hydrometer
100%	Charged w/ Sulfate Stop	1.280	12.80v	Five Balls Floating
100%	Charged	1.265	12.60v	Four Balls Floating
75% Charged		1.210	12.40v	Three Balls Floating
50% Charged		1.160	12.10v	Two Balls Floating
25% Charged		1.120	11.90v	One Ball Floating
0% Charged		Less than 1.100	Less than 11.80v	Zero Balls Floating

WARNING

Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover located on battery harness. This prevents metal from touching the positive terminal which could over heat battery and/or battery cable and cause sparks. DO NOT attempt to charge battery while installed on the Zero Turning Radius Mower. DO NOT use “BOOST” chargers on the battery.

5.7.5.NEW BATTERY PREPARATION

1.Remove battery from carton.

2.Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level non-concrete surface.

WARNING

DO NOT OVERFILL!

3.Remove battery cell caps. Fill cells as required with electrolyte (purchased separately) to proper level. Fill to 3/16” above cell plates. Filling battery with electrolyte will bring the battery to 80% charged state.

4.With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to battery terminals; RED to positive

(+) and BLACK to negative (-) terminal.

IMPORTANT: 3/16” above cell plates is the recommended level. DO NOT place anything in battery other than specified electrolyte.

5.Slow charge the battery at 1 amp for 2 hours to bring the battery to full charge.

6.After charging, check level of electrolyte and add as needed to bring level to 3/16” above cell plates.

7.Reinstall cell caps.

8.Install battery into power unit.

9.Connect positive (+) cable (red) first, from wiring harness to the positive terminal

(+) on battery using bolt and nut provided in hardware bag. Connect negative (-) cable (black) last, to negative terminal (-) on battery using bolt and nut. Apply a small amount of grease over terminals to prevent corrosion.

10.Install battery retainer and terminal cover.

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