Toro 71209 Operator's Manual page 23

Installing the Battery
1. Put the battery into the battery box and install it into the
chassis (Fig. 16).
2. Using the bolt and the wing nut, connect the positive
(red) cable to the positive (+) battery post (Fig. 16).
3. Slide the rubber cover over the battery post.
4. Using the bolt and wing nut, connect the negative
(black) cable to the negative (–) battery post (Fig. 16).
Checking the Electrolyte Level
1. Tip the seat forward to see the battery.
2. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be
up to the Upper line (Fig. 17).
1
2
3
Figure 17
1. Vent caps
2. Upper line
Note: Do not allow the electrolyte to fall below the
Lower line (Fig. 17).
3. If the electrolyte is low, add distilled water; refer to
Adding Water to the Battery on page 23.
Danger
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid, a deadly
poison that can severely burn you and others.
• Do not drink electrolyte and avoid contact with
skin, eyes, or clothing. Wear safety glasses to
shield your eyes and rubber gloves to protect
your hands.
• Fill the battery where clean water is always
available for flushing the skin.
m 5004
3. Lower line
23
Adding Water to the Battery
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just
before you operate the tractor. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Remove the battery from the tractor; refer to Removing
the Battery on page 22.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
Important
Never fill the battery with distilled water
while the battery is installed in the tractor. You could spill
electrolyte on other parts and cause corrosion.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 17).
4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the electrolyte level is up to the Upper line (Fig. 17) on
the battery case.
Important
Do not overfill the battery because
electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion and
damage to the chassis.
5. Wait 5 to 10 minutes after filling the battery cells. Add
distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte level is
up to the Upper line (Fig. 17) on the battery case.
6. Install the battery vent caps.
Charging the Battery
Warning
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery. Keep sparks and
flames away from the battery.
Important Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.260 specific gravity), especially when the temperature is
below 32°F (0°C) to prevent battery damage.
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing
the Battery on page 22.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level on page 23.
3. Make sure that the vent caps are installed in the battery
and charge it for 1 hour at 25 to 30 amps or 6 hours at 4
to 6 amps. Do not overcharge the battery.
4. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet.