Toro DH 220 Operator's Manual page 29

Installing the Battery
1. Place the battery into the chassis with the battery posts
toward the front of the tractor (Fig. 27).
2. Secure the battery in the chassis with the hold down
rod.
3. Using the bolt and wing nut, connect the positive (red)
cable to the positive (+) battery post (Fig. 27). Slide the
rubber cover over the battery post.
4. Using the bolt and wing nut, connect the negative
(black) cable to the negative (–) battery post (Fig. 27).
Slide the rubber cover over the battery post.
Checking the Electrolyte Level
1. Tip the seat forward to see the battery.
2. Remove the filler caps. If the electrolyte is not up to the
lower part of the tube (Fig. 28), add the required
amount of distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the
Battery on page 29.
2
Figure 28
1. Filler caps
2. Lower part of tube
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.
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3
1262
3. Plates
29
Adding Water to the Battery
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just
before you operate the tractor. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
2. Remove the filler caps (Fig. 28).
3. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the level is up to the lower part of the tube (Fig. 28).
Important Do not overfill the battery. Electrolyte
(sulfuric acid) can severely corrode and damage the chassis.
4. Replace the filler caps.
Charging the Battery
Warning
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery and keep sparks and
flames away from the battery.
Important Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.260 specific gravity), especially below 32°F (0°C) to
prevent battery damage.
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing
the Battery on page 28.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level on page 29.
3. Remove the filler caps from the battery and connect a
2 amp battery charger to the battery posts.
4. Charge the battery at a rate of 2 amps or less for 4 hours
(12 volts). Do not overcharge the battery.
5. When the battery is fully charged, install the filler caps.
6. Install the battery in the chassis; refer to Installing the
Battery on page 29.