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Maintenance Instructions

CHECKING/SERVICING

Battery

NOTE: For initial battery service during setup, refer to Battery Service in Assembly Instructions.

IMPORTANT: Make sure battery is securely mounted in the frame. A loose battery may cause damage to the case resulting in acid leakage and severe damage to the machine. A hazard may be created by damage to critical working parts and safety systems.

CAUTION

Important Battery Service, Installation, and Changing Tips for MTEFI/MTLEFI:

∙Do not allow the battery cables to touch opposing terminals. When connecting battery cables attach the positive (+) cable to positive (+) battery terminal first, followed by negative (-) cable to negative (-) battery terminal.

∙Never start the engine when the cables are loose or poorly connected to the battery terminals.

∙Never disconnect battery while engine is running.

∙Never use a quick battery charger to start the engine.

∙Never "jump start" the engine using another source. Electricity fluctuations can damage the ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

∙Always disconnect negative (-) battery cable lead before charging battery, and also unplug harness from ECU before per- forming any welding on equipment.

Electrolyte Level

The battery electrolyte level should be checked after every 25 hours of operation. To check electrolyte level:

1.Remove battery cell filler caps.

2.Check the electrolyte level. If the level is below the bottom of the vent well, fill with drinking wa- ter to the bottom of the vent wells [1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) above the plates].

3.Replace filler caps.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill the battery. Electrolyte will overflow through the vented caps onto parts of the machine and WILL result in severe corrosion.

Cleaning the Terminals

If battery terminals are corroded, remove battery from the mower. Using a wire brush, remove corrosion with a solution of one part baking soda and four parts water. Rinse with clean water. Coat the terminals with petroleum jelly or terminal protector spray to retard further corrosion.

Charging the Battery

Check the battery charge by measuring the specific gravity of electrolyte; if specific gravity is less than 1.225, the battery will need to be charged as follows:

IMPORTANT: On MTEFI and MTLEFI models, always disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before charging. Failure to do so can result in damage to the ECU.

1.Charge the battery at 15 amps for 10 minutes. DO NOT exceed 20 amps maximum recom- mended charging rate. Charge until specific gravity is at least 1.250. Total charging time should not exceed one (1) hour.

2.After charging the battery, use distilled water to adjust the electrolyte level to the bottom of the vent wells [1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) above the plates].

DANGER

BATTERIES PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE

GASES

∙Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area, so that gases produced while charg- ing can dissipate.

∙Keep sparks, flames, and smoking ma- terials away from the battery at all times.

∙Make sure the battery cap vents are open (check manifold vent on each cap).

∙Make sure the battery charger is un- plugged before connecting or discon- necting cables to the battery.