Snapper SERIES 16 250816B Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual page 50

Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
CAUTION
The electrolyte (acid) produces a highly explosive gas.
Keep all sparks, flame and fire away from area when
charging battery or when handling electrolyte or
battery. Electrolyte (acid) is a highly corrosive liquid.
Wear eye protection. Wash affected areas immediately
after having eye or skin contact with electrolyte (acid).
Battery acid is corrosive. Rinse empty acid containers
with water and mutilate before discarding. If acid is
spilled on battery, bench, or clothing, etc., Flush with
clear water and neutralize with baking soda. Never
attempt to charge battery while installed on the
RIDER. Never use "BOOST" chargers on the battery.
4.6.3. BATTERY SERVICE
1. Remove battery. See Section on Battery Removal
2. Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level
surface.
3. Using distilled water, refill cells as required to
cover cell plates of which can also be visualized
through the plastic battery case.
4. With cell caps removed, connect battery
charger to battery terminals. Red to positive (+)
terminal and black to negative (-) terminal.
5. Slow charge battery at 1 amp for 10 hours.
6. If battery will not accept charge or is partially
charged after 10 hours of charging at 1 amp,
replace with new battery.
4.6.4. BATTERY STORAGE
If mower is to be stored out of season on its rear
bumper, it is recommended the battery be
removed, charged and stored.
1. Remove battery. (See Section on Battery
Removal)
2. Perform battery service.
3. Bring battery to full charge, if required.
4. Store battery in an area away from the RIDER on a
wood surface. DO NOT STORE BATTERY ON A
CONCRETE SURFACE.
4.6.5. BATTERY TESTING
There are two types of battery tests: Unloaded and
Loaded. The unloaded test is the procedure that
will be discussed. It's the simplest and most
commonly used. An unloaded test is made on a
battery without discharging current. To perform
unloaded testing, check charge condition using
either a hydrometer or voltmeter.
1. Using a voltmeter, voltage readings appear
instantly to show the state of charge. Remember to
hook the positive lead to the battery's positive
terminal, and the negative lead to the negative
terminal.
22
2. A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of
each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of
charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265
to 1.280 indicates full charge. A reading of 1.230 to
1.260 indicates the battery should be charged. The
chart on the next page shows the charge level as
measured by syringe float hydrometer, digital
voltmeter and five ball hydrometer.
4.6.6. NEW BATTERY PREPARATION
t. Remove battery from carton.
2. Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level
non-concrete surface.
3. Remove battery cell caps. Fill cells as required
with electrolyte (purchased separately) to proper
level. Fill to 3/16" above cell plates. Filling battery
with electrolyte will bring the battery to 80%
charged state.
4. With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to
battery terminals; RED to positive (+) and BLACK to
negative (-) terminal.
IMPORTANT: 3/16" above cell plates is the recommended
level. However do not try to measure this dimension.
Never place anything in battery other than specified
electrolyte.
i
CAUTION I
Never attempt to charge battery while installed on the I
Riding Mower. Never use "BOOST" chargers on the J
battery. DO NOT OVERFILL! I
• 6, Slow charge the battery at 1 amp for 2 hours to
bring the battery to full charge.
6, After charging, check level of electrolyte and
add as needed to bring level to 3/16" above cell
plates.
7, Reinstall cell caps.
8, Remove the hair pin and swivel from the deck
support to allow clearance for battery installation.
9, Slide battery partially into battery housing.
10. Connect positive (+) cable (red) first, from wiring
harness to the positive terminal (+) on battery using
bolt and nut provided in hardware bag. Connect
negative (-) cable (black) last, to negative terminal (-)
on battery using bolt and nut. Apply a small amount
of grease over terminals to prevent corrosion.
11. Insert battery completely into battery housing.
12. Reinstall battery cover. Refer to Figure 4.26.
13. Reinstall swivel and hair pin for deck support.
CAUTION
Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover
located on battery harness. This prevents metal
from touching the positive terminal which could
cause sparks.
(Battery Testing Chart on Next Page)