Battery Service; Battery - Simplicity Legacy Series Service & Repair Manual

6 Common Service Procedures

Battery Service

BATTERY SERVICE
WARNING
Certain precautions must be followed when
checking and servicing the battery. Hydrogen gas,
which is highly flammable, is always present in the
battery cells, so keep lighted tobacco and all
other open flames and sparks away from the
battery. The electrolyte inside the battery is
actually diluted sulfuric acid, which will cause
injury if splashed in the eyes or on the skin. It will
also ruin clothes and painted surfaces. When
removing the battery cables, always detach the
negative cable first and hook it up last!

Battery

For many service procedures, disconnecting the
negative battery cable is recommended. This prevents
accidental starting and accidental short-circuit of
electrical components. If desired, the positive cable may
also be disconnected; however, for normal service this is
not necessary.
WARNING
When removing, installing, or servicing the
battery, use proper safety equipment such as
safety goggles, gloves, and clothing.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Battery check and maintenance should be done every 50
hours of operation or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Battery maintenance is an important procedure that will
help ensure you aren't stranded because of a dead
battery. Several tools and materials are required for
battery maintenance.
1. Face shield or safety goggles – When removing cor-
rosion with a brush, the acidic particles can easily fly
up into your eyes.
2. Rubber gloves – Another safety item to consider
when servicing the battery, remember that's acid
inside the battery!
3. Battery terminal cable cleaner – This wire brush-
cleaning tool will remove all traces of corrosion from
the battery and cable.
4. Baking soda – A solution of baking soda and water
can be used to neutralize corrosion.
5. "Simplicity Dielectric Gel" – A layer of this on the bat-
tery terminal bolts will help prevent corrosion.
NOTE: Always replace with the Simplicity recommended
part. It is not standard for a sealed battery to be installed
on the tractor. A sealed battery may not require the addi-
tion of water, it should still be routinely maintained
according to the procedures that follow.
ROUTINE INSPECTION
1. The exterior of the battery should be inspected peri-
odically for damage such as a cracked case or cover.
2. Check the tightness of the battery cable terminals
and connections to ensure good electrical connec-
tions.
3. Check the entire length of each cable for cracks and
frayed conductors.
4. If corrosion (visible as white, fluffy deposits) is evi-
dent, remove the cables from the terminals, clean
them with a battery brush, and reinstall the cables.
Apply a layer of Simplicity Dielectric Gel or petroleum
jelly to the terminals and cables after they are assem-
bled.
5. Make sure that the battery tray is in good condition
and the hold-down clamp bolt is tight (see Figure 15
and 18). If the battery is removed from the tray, make
sure no parts remain in the bottom of the tray when
the battery is reinstalled. When reinstalling the hold-
down clamp bolt, do not over tighten it.
CLEANING
1. Corrosion on the hold-down components, battery
case and surrounding areas can be removed with a
solution of water and baking soda. Thoroughly rinse
all cleaned areas with plain water.
2. Any metal parts of the vehicle damaged by corrosion
should be covered with Simplicity touch-up paint.
6 - 8