Gravely Skidster 200 Owner's/Operator's Manual page 26

WARNING: EXPLOSIVE GASES can result
in serious injury or death. ALWAYS keep open
flames, sparks, or smoking materials away
from battery.
POISONOUS BATTERY FLUID contains
sulfuric acid and its contact with skin, eyes or
clothing can cause severe chemical burns.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective
gear near battery.
DO NOT TIP any battery beyond 45
any direction.
ALWAYS KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF REACH
of children.
WARNING: REVERSE CONNECTIONS may
result in sparks which may cause injury.
ALWAYS connect/disconnect cables in proper
order.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Battery Electrolyte First Aid
• External Contact: Flush with water.
• Eyes: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and
get medical attention immediately!
• Internal Contact: Drink large quantities of water.
Follow with Milk of Magnesia, beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Get medical attention immediately!
IMPORTANT: In case of internal contact, DO NOT
induce vomiting!
Battery Removal and Installation
Always remove battery before checking or servicing.
To remove battery:
1. Turn on engine and raise lift arms. Turn off engine.
2. Engage lift arm cylinder lock.
3. Use a 13 mm wrench and remove capscrews that
fasten the inspection plate over wheel motors.
4. Remove battery bracket and cover.
5. Disconnect the negative cable.
6. Disconnect the positive cable.
7. Remove battery from unit.
8. Place battery on well-ventilated bench where
electrolyte spill will not cause damage.
To install battery:
1. Place battery into unit.
2. Connect positive cable.
3. Connect negative cable.
4. Replace battery bracket and cover.
Positive
(+) Cable
o
angle in
Checking Electrolyte Level
Check the battery electrolyte level every 25 hours.
Always keep the battery fully charged and clean. If the
battery terminals are corroded, clean them with a
solution of water and baking soda. Under normal
operating conditions the battery fluid levels may drop.
To bring the fluid up to the required level, add distilled
water.
1. Clean the top of the battery and remove the filler
caps.
2. Remove cell caps and check the electrolyte level in
each cell. The level should be even with the bottom
of the fill tubes. Interior plates must be covered.
3. Add distilled water as needed to bring each cell up
to full level.
4. When the electrolyte decreases rapidly, check the
charging system for overcharging.
5. Periodically check each cell for correct specific
gravity. After adding distilled water, charge the
battery by operating the engine, and then check
the specific gravity. (See Measuring Specific
Gravity.)
6. Replace filler caps. Clean up spills with water and
paper towels.
Measuring Specific Gravity
Using a hydrometer, measure the specific gravity of the
electrolyte in each cell. When the reading is below 1.2
o
at 68 F (20
GB - 26
Battery Cover
o
C), recharge the battery.
Battery
Bracket
Negative
(-) Cable
OK0840