Removing The Battery; Adding Water To The Battery; Charging The Battery - Toro 74246TE Operator's Manual

Removing the Battery

Warning
Battery terminals or metal tools could short
against metal machine components causing
sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to
explode, resulting in personal injury.
• When removing or installing the battery, do not
allow the battery terminals to touch any metal
parts of the machine.
• Do not allow metal tools to short between the
battery terminals and metal parts of the
machine.
Warning
Incorrect battery cable routing could damage the
machine and cables causing sparks. Sparks can
cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in
personal injury.
• Always Disconnect the negative (black) battery
cable before disconnecting the positive (red)
cable.
• Always Reconnect the positive (red) battery
cable before reconnecting the negative (black)
cable.
1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion control levers to
the neutral locked position and set the parking brake.
2. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
3. Unlatch the seat and tilt the seat up.
4. First disconnect the negative battery cable and ground
wire from the negative (–) battery terminal (Fig. 64).
5. Slide the red terminal boot off the positive (red)
battery terminal. Then remove the positive (red)
battery cable (Fig. 64).
6. Remove both wing nuts (1/4 inch) securing the battery
clamp (Fig. 64).
7. Remove the battery.

Adding Water to the Battery

Note: Never fill the battery with distilled water while the
battery installed in the machine. Electrolyte could be
spilled on other parts and cause corrosion.
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just
before you operate the machine. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Remove the battery from the machine.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 63).
4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the level is up to the upper line (Fig. 63) on the
battery case.
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. 63) on the battery
case.
6. Reinstall battery vent 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 battery.
Important
Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.265 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 46.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking
Electrolyte Level, page 45.
3. Make sure the filler caps are installed in battery.
Charge battery for 10 to 15 minutes at 25 to 30 amps
or 30 minutes at 4–6 amps.
4. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger
leads from the battery posts (Fig. 65).
46