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OPERATION AND SERVICE INFORMATION
Read all of manual to become familiar with vehicle. Pay attention to all NOTICES, CAUTIONS, WARNINGS and DANGERS.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and
sides of the battery with a solution of sodium bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) and water. This solution is best
applied with a garden type sprayer equipped with a non
metallic spray wand or a plastic spray bottle. The
solution should consist of the amounts of sodium bicar-
bonate (baking soda) and clear water shown below. In
addition to the battery, special attention should be paid
to metal components adjacent to the battery which
should also be sprayed with the sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) solution.
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes; use a
soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the battery
to remove any residue that could contribute to the self
discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low
pressure clear water. Do not use a pressure washer.
BRAKES
To reduce the possibility of severe injury or
death, always evaluate pedal travel before
operating a vehicle to verify some braking
function is present.
All driving brake tests must be done in a safe
location with regard for the safety of all per-
sonnel.
Over time, a subtle loss of performance may take place; there-
fore, it is important to establish the standard with a new vehi-
cle.
The Periodic Brake Performance Test should be per-
formed regularly as an evaluation of braking system
performance. It is useful as a method of identifying sub-
tle loss of performance over time.
Periodic Brake Test For Mechanical Brakes
The purpose of this test is to compare the braking per-
formance of the vehicle to the braking performance of
new or 'known to be good' vehicles or to an established
acceptable stopping distance. Actual stopping dis-
tances will be influenced by weather conditions, terrain,
road surface condition, actual vehicle weight (accesso-
ries installed) and vehicle speed. No specific braking
distance can be reliably specified. The test is conducted
by latching the park brake to eliminate different pedal
pressures and to include the affects of linkage mis-
adjustment.
Page 24
Establish the acceptable stopping distance by testing a
new or 'known to be good' vehicle and recording the
stopping location or stopping distance. For fleets of
vehicles, several vehicles should be tested when new
and the range of stopping locations or distances
recorded.
Dry, Level, Clean, Paved Surface
Accelerate to
Maximum Speed
Latch
Parking Brake
and Take Foot
Offf Pedal
Acceptable
4 ft. (1.2 m)
Stopping
Distance
Fig. 40 Typical Brake Performance Test
Drive the vehicle at maximum speed on a flat, dry,
clean, paved surface (Ref Fig. 40 on page 24). Quickly
depress the brake pedal to latch the parking brake at
Line or Marker
Line or Marker
Normal Range of
Stopping Distance
Any vehicles that stop
more than 4 ft. (1.3 m)
beyond the Acceptable
Stopping Distance or
pulls to one side should
be removed from service
and inspected by a qualified
mechanic.
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