Operator's Manual

28
Important Do not overfill the battery because
electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion and
damage to the chassis.
5. Wait five to ten minutes after filling the battery cells.
Add distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte
level is up to the Upper line (Fig. 35) on the battery
case.
6. Reinstall the battery vent caps.
Charging the Battery
Important Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.260 specific gravity). This is especially important to
prevent battery damage when the temperature is below
32°F (0°C).
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing
the Battery, page 26.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level, page 27.
3. Make sure that the vent caps are installed in the battery.
Charge the battery for 1 hour at 25 to 30 amps or
6 hours at 4–6 amps. Do not overcharge the battery.
4. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger
leads from the battery posts (Fig. 36).
4
1
2
3
m–4970
Figure 36
1. Positive battery post
2. Negative battery post
3. Red (+) charger lead
4. Black (–) charger lead
5. Install the battery in the tractor and connect the battery
cables; refer to Installing the Battery, page 27.
Note: Do not run the tractor with the battery disconnected,
electrical damage may occur.
Draining the Fuel Tank
Danger
In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and others
and can damage property.
• Drain gasoline from the fuel tank when the
engine is cold. Do this outdoors in an open area.
Wipe up any gasoline that spills.
• Never smoke when draining gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where a spark may
ignite the gasoline fumes.
1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the
blade control (PTO).
2. Move the motion control levers to the brake position,
stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving
parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
3. Close the fuel shut-off valve located under the front of
the fuel tank.
4. Loosen the hose clamp at the fuel filter and slide it up
the fuel line away from the fuel filter (Fig. 37).
5. Pull the fuel line off of the fuel filter (Fig. 37).
1
3
2
Figure 37
1. Hose clamp
2. Fuel line
3. Filter
6. Open the fuel shut-off valve. Allow gasoline to drain
into a gas can or drain pan.
Note: Now is the best time to install a new fuel filter
because the fuel tank is empty.
7. Install the fuel line onto the fuel filter. Slide the hose
clamp close to the fuel filter to secure the fuel line
(Fig. 37).