Cushman AC TUG Owner's Manual page 37

Battery Maintenance
Tool List
• Insulated Wrench, 9/16"
• Battery Carrier
• Hydrometer
• Battery Maintenance Kit P/N 25587-G01
• Battery Protective Spray
• Torque Wrench, in. lbs
• Socket, 9/16"
At Each Charging Cycle
To reduce the possibility of fire, never attach a battery charger to a vehicle that is to be unattended beyond
the normal charging cycle. Overcharging could cause damage to the vehicle batteries and result in extreme
overheating. The charger should be checked after 24 hours and unplugged after the charge cycle is complete.
Before charging the batteries, inspect the cord of the battery charger for missing or cracked insulation, inspect the
plug to be sure the grounding prong is intact.
Charge the batteries after each day's use.
Monthly
• Inspect all wiring for fraying, loose terminations, corrosion or deterioration of insulation.
• Check that the electrolyte level is correct and add suitable water as required.
• Clean the batteries and wire terminations.
• Coat battery terminals with commercially available protectant.
Electrolyte Level and Water
The correct level of the electrolyte is 1/2" (13 mm) above the plates in each cell.
This level will leave approximately 1/4" - 3/8" (6 - 10 mm)
of space between the electrolyte and the vent tube. The
electrolyte level is important since any portion of the
plates exposed to air will be ruined beyond repair. Also
avoid filling with too much water, which will result in elec-
trolyte being forced out of the battery due to gassing and
a decrease in volume of the electrolyte that results from
the charging cycle.
DO NOT overfill batteries. The charging cycle will
expel electrolyte and result in component damage.
A battery being charged will gas with the majority of the
gassing taking place at the end of the charging cycle.
This gas is hydrogen which is lighter than air. Water and
sulphuric acid droplets will be carried out of the battery
vents by the hydrogen gas, however, this loss is minimal.
If the battery electrolyte level is too high, the electrolyte
will block the vent tube and the gas will force it out of the
vent tube and battery cap. The water will evaporate but
the sulphuric acid will remain where it can damage vehi-
cle components and the storage facility floor. Sulphuric
acid loss will weaken the concentration of acid within the
electrolyte and reduce the life of the battery.
Over the life of the battery, a considerable amount of
water is consumed. It is important that the water used be
pure and free of contaminants that could reduce the life
of the battery by reducing the chemical reaction. The
water must be distilled or purified by an efficient filtration
Expansion
Space
1/4" to 3/8"
(6 mm to 10mm)
Plates
Electrolyte level should be at least 1/2" (13mm) above the
plates and 1/4" to 3/8" (6 to 10 mm) below vent
Correct Electrolyte Level
M
AINTENANCE
Vent Cap
Gas Vent
Vent
1/2" (13 mm)
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