Operator's Manual

27
4. Disconnect the negative (black) ground cable from the
battery post (Fig. 34).
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
5. Slide the rubber cover up the positive (red) cable.
Disconnect the positive (red) cable from the battery post
(Fig. 34).
6. Remove the battery hold-down (Fig. 34) and lift the
battery from the battery tray.
m–6414
1
23
4
5
6
Figure 34
1. Battery
2. Terminal boot
3. Positive battery cable
4. Negative battery cable
5. Battery hold-down
6. Bolt, nut, and washer
Installing the Battery
1. Position the battery in the tray with the terminal posts
away from the control panel (Fig. 34).
2. Install the positive (red) battery cable to the positive (+)
battery terminal.
3. Install the negative battery cable to the negative (–)
battery terminal.
4. Secure the cables with 2 bolts (1/4 x 3/4 inch), washers
(1/4 inch), and nuts (1/4 inch) (Fig. 34).
5. Slide the red terminal boot onto the positive (red)
battery post.
6. Secure the battery with the hold-down (Fig. 34).
Checking the Electrolyte Level
Danger
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which is a
deadly poison and causes severe burns.
Do not drink electrolyte and avoid contact with
skin, eyes or clothing. Wear safety glasses to
shield your eyes and rubber gloves to protect
your hands.
Fill the battery where clean water is always
available for flushing the skin.
1. Tip the seat forward to see the battery.
2. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be
up to the Upper line (Fig. 35). Do not allow the
electrolyte to fall below the Lower line (Fig. 35).
1
2
3
m–5004
Figure 35
1. Vent caps
2. Upper line
3. Lower line
3. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of
distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery,
page 27.
Adding Water to the Battery
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just
before you operate the machine. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Remove the battery from the tractor; refer to Removing
the Battery, page 26.
Important Never fill the battery with distilled water
while the battery is installed in the tractor. Electrolyte could
be spilled on other parts and cause corrosion.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 35).
4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the electrolyte level is up to the Upper line (Fig. 35) on
the battery case.