Operator's Manual

13
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery and keep sparks
and flames away from battery.
Warning
6. Connect a 3 to 4 amp battery charger to the battery
posts. Charge the battery at a rate of 3 to 4 amps until
the specific gravity is 1.250 or higher and the
temperature is at least 60_ F (16_ C) with all cells
gassing freely.
7. When the battery is charged, disconnect the charger
from the electrical outlet and battery posts.
Note: After the battery has been activated, add only
distilled water to replace normal loss, although
maintenance–free batteries should not require water under
normal operating conditions.
Battery terminals or metal tools could short
against metal tractor components causing sparks.
Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode,
resulting in personal injury.
• When removing or installing the battery, do not
allow the battery terminals to touch any metal
parts of the tractor.
• Do not allow metal tools to short between the
battery terminals and metal parts of the
tractor.
Warning
8. Insert the battery into the tray in the battery
compartment (Fig. 5) Position the battery so the
terminals are to the outside.
9. Secure battery to compartment base with a battery rod,
(2) hold down rods, (2) flat washers and (2) wing nuts
(Fig. 5).
10. First, secure the positive cable (red) to the positive (+)
battery terminal with a carriage bolt and nut (Fig. 5),
then the negative cable (black) to the negative (–)
terminal of the battery with a carriage bolt and nut
(Fig. 5). Slide the rubber boot over the positive
terminal to prevent a possible short from occurring.
1
2
3
5
4
Figure 5
1. Battery tray
2. Battery hold down
3. Hold down rod
4. Positive terminal (+)
5. Negative terminal (–)
Important Make sure there is clearance between the
battery cables and the speed selector lever. Verify that the
speed selector lever does not come within 1 inch of either
battery cable when it is moved through its entire range of
motion. Do not wire tie or tape the negative and positive
battery cables together.
Incorrect battery cable routing could damage the
tractor and cables causing sparks. Sparks can
cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in
personal injury.
• Always disconnect the negative (black) battery
cable before disconnecting the positive (red)
cable.
• Always connect the positive (red) battery cable
before connecting the negative (black) cable.
Warning
11. Close and latch battery compartment cover.