Fixed Load Testing - Cub Cadet 6X4 Shop Handbook

Chapter 9 - Electrical
NOTE: CCA stands for cold cranking amps. The
rating should be on the battery for aftermarket
batteries. For OEM batteries, contact the manu-
facturer for the CCA rating. Most riding mower
batteries are 200-275 CCA. The Cub Cadet 4X4
has a nominal CCA of 500. See Figure 9.64.
OEM batteries do not list the CCA's
Figure 9.64
1f. Record the voltage while the load was
applied. Compare the voltage to the fol-
lowing chart:
Electrolyte
Temperature
>70 deg. f. (21deg. c.)
60 deg. f. (16 deg. c.)
50 deg. f. (10 deg. c.)
40 deg. f. (4 deg. c.)
30 deg. f. (-1 deg. c.)
20 deg. f. (-7 deg. c.)
10 deg. f. (-12 deg. c.)
0 deg. f. (-18 deg. c.)
1g. If the battery voltage is above what is
listed in the chart, the battery is good.
If the battery voltage is below what is
listed in the chart, replace the battery.
Minimum
Required
Voltage
9.6 V
9.5 V
9.4 V
9.3 V
9.1 V
8.9 V
8.7 V
8.5 V
306
2.

Fixed load testing

Fixed load testers (sometimes called toasters) are
inexpensive load testers found at any auto parts store.
See Figure 9.65.
Figure 9.65
CAUTION: It is not recommended to use any
fixed load tester on a battery under 200 CCA. To
do so can boil the water out of the battery and
damage the plates in the battery.
NOTE: Because they have a fixed load value,
they do not give most batteries a reliable and
safe load test. Most fixed load testers have a
load that is more than 50% of the rated CCA of
riding mower batteries. This makes them inap-
propriate to use on smaller pieces of outdoor
power equipment.
2a. Disconnect the battery cables, ground
first.
2b. Measure the temperature of the electrolyte
in the middle cells.
2c. Connect a voltmeter and the load tester to
the appropriate terminals.
2d. Apply the test load for 15 seconds. Moni-
tor the meter on the load tester for the bat-
tery's performance.
2e. Refer to the manufacturer of the test on
how to read the test meter.
2f. The results of this test are not accurate
and should only be relied on if the battery
fails badly.