Understanding And Using The Battery System - Toro Workman GTX Operator's Manual

Understanding and Using
the Battery System
Understanding Deep-Cycle
Batteries
The machine contains 8 deep-cycle, lead-acid
batteries that supply power to the motor and
accessories. A deep-cycle battery is not the same
as an automobile battery. An automobile battery
is designed to provide a surge of power to start
the machine and moderate power to run the lights
and accessories when the motor if off or idling.
The alternator then continuously charges as the
automobile runs. As such, an automobile battery
seldom drops below 90% of the maximum charge
level.
A deep-cycle battery is designed to be a primary power
source to provide a sustained output. Deep-cycle
batteries are typically discharged as low as 20 to 30%
of the maximum charge level. A discharge this low is
considered a deep discharge.
Important:
Repeated deep-discharge cycles
reduces the battery life.
Lead-acid batteries produce electricity through a
chemical reaction between lead plates and sulfuric
acid. Charging a battery reverses the chemical
reaction, allowing the battery to once again produce
electricity.
A battery is a perishable item that has a limited
lifetime (Figure 18). When a battery is new, it requires
a break-in period to establish efficient electrical
production. This break in period usually requires 100
to 150 discharge/charge cycles.
Figure 18
Battery-Lifetime Table
1. Battery capacity
2. Discharge/charge cycles
3. Break-in period (100 to
150 cycles)
g004049
4. Prime battery life
5. End of the battery life
After the break-in period, the battery maintains a high
capacity for many cycles. The number of cycles that a
battery performs depends on the following:
•
Battery maintenance—improper maintenance
severely reduces the life of the batteries.
•
Depth of discharge between charge cycles—the
deeper the batteries are discharged on a
regular basis between charges, the shorter the
service life the batteries will have.
•
Charge frequency—fully charge the batteries
whenever possible.
Important:
Fully discharging the batteries
damages them and reduces their life.
•
Low water levels—if the lead plates become
exposed, it may permanently damage the
batteries. Perform the following to maintain the
electrolyte level:
After fully charging the batteries, fill the
batteries with distilled or deionized water; refer to
Checking the Water Level of the Batteries (page
38) and Adding Distilled or Deionized Water to the
Batteries (page
Important:
Fully charge the batteries before
adding the water to the batteries. While
charging, the electrolyte increases in volume,
and filling a low battery before fully charging
the batteries can cause the electrolyte to
overflow and leak out of the vent.
At the end of the battery life, the batteries gradually
lose electric capacity.
21
38).