Battery Maintenance; Battery Inspection & Cleaning; Battery Charging - Snorkel A38E Parts & Service Manual

4.2 Battery Maintenance

Electrical energy for the motor is supplied by eight 6
volt batteries wired in series to give a 48 volts DC
supply. Each of these batteries consist of three cells
which can supply a maximum voltage of 2.1V ea
=>6.3V per battery =>50.4V per battery pack. Proper
care and maintenance of the batteries and motor will
ensure maximum performance from the work
platform.
WARNING
Hazard of explosive gas mixture. Keep
sparks, flames and smoking materials away
from batteries
Always wear safety glasses when working
with batteries.
Battery fluid is highly corrosive. Rinse away
any spilled fluid thoroughly with clean water.
BATTERY INSPECTION AND
CLEANING
Check battery fluid level daily, especially if work
platform is being used in a warm, dry climate. If
required, add distilled water; use of tap water with a
high mineral content will shorten battery life.
WARNING
If battery water level is not maintained,
batteries will not fully charge, creating a low
discharge rate which will damage Motor/Pump
unit and void warranty.
Batteries should be inspected periodically for signs of
cracks in the cases, electrolyte leakage and
corrosion of the terminals. Inspect cables for worn
spots or breaks in the insulation and for broken cable
terminals.
Clean batteries that show signs of corrosion at the
terminals or onto which electrolyte has overflowed
during charging. Use a baking soda solution to clean
the batteries, taking care not to get the solution inside
the cells. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water.
Clean battery and cable contact surfaces to a bright
metal finish whenever a cable is removed.
AB38 Work Platform
Maintenance
Basic Rule for maximum duty cycle of deep cycle
traction batteries
Use the machine until it shows signs of weak /
l
slow performance.
Allow the charger to charge the batteries until it
l
automatically shuts off.
Avoid intermittent charging as the batteries
l
develop a memory effect similar to Nicad batteries.

BATTERY CHARGING

Batteries do not reach full potential until they have
been through 50 charge/discharge cycles (however
the rate at which the potential increases is exponen-
tial, and the batteries will normally have 95% potential
after 15 charge/discharge cycles). Hence do not use
a new battery in a battery pack that already has more
than 15 cycles Charge batteries at the end of each
work shift or sooner if batteries have been
discharged. A battery is considered to have a faulty
cell if it has less than 80% of the potential of the other
batteries in the pack while measured under load.
DO charge batteries in a well-ventilated area.
DO NOT charge batteries in the vicinity of
sparks or flames.
NEVER leave charger operating unattended
for more than two days.
NEVER disconnect cables from batteries
when charger is operating.
Permanent damage to batteries will result if
they are not immediately recharged after
discharging.
Keep charger dry.
To ensure a proper charge several items must first be
checked.
1. Correct voltage and current are available to the
charger.
2. Extension cord in good condition, is no longer
than 8 m (26 ft.) and is 1.5 mm (12g a) or
larger.
3. Charger will have an adequate time to allow a
full charge i.e. ensure that power supply will not
be switched off overnight.
4. AC Voltage Selector Switch (110/220V) is in the
correct position.
WARNING
Section
4.2
4-3