Charging - Gravely Promaster 100 Service Manual

If using a constant current charger, charge at 1 to 2
amperes for the time given on the table above or until
full specific gravity is reached.
IMPORTANT: Charging at higher rates will damage the
battery and cause excessive gassing and acid
spewing.

13.4 CHARGING

Under normal conditions the engine alternator will keep
the battery charged. When unit has set for an extended
period of time without operation and the battery has
been completely discharged, a battery charger will be
required for recharging.
Before using a charger, an attempt can be made to
recharge the battery using the engine alternator by
jump starting the unit and allowing the engine to run.
ALWAYS follow information provided on battery by
battery manufacturer. Contact battery manufacturer for
extensive instructions to charge battery.
Place unit on a level surface, shut off engine and open
battery compartment to gain access to battery.
Disconnect negative (-) cable first, then positive (+)
cable.
To charge battery:
1. Loosen strap and remove battery from unit.
2. Place battery on bench or other well ventilated
place where electrolyte spill will not create
damage.
3. Remove caps and fill each cell to level indicated
with electrolyte at 1.230 specific gravity and 80
o
(27 C).
4. Let battery stand for one half hour.
5. Check electrolyte level and add more if necessary.
6. Connect positive (+) lead of charger to positive (+)
terminal, and negative (-) lead to negative (-)
terminal.
Charge the battery at two and a half amps for ten hours
or until all cells are gassing freely and the specific
gravity is constant over three 30 minute intervals.
Jump Starting
Jump starting, battery charging, or replacement is
required when the starter motor will not crank the
engine.
The unit used for jump starting should have a 12 volt
battery with at least 500 cold cranking amperes, and a
negatively grounded system.
WARNING: FROZEN BATTERIES CAN
EXPLODE and result in death or serious
injury. DO NOT charge a frozen battery. Let
the battery thaw out before putting on a
charger.
UNIT MOVEMENT can result in death or
serious injury. NEVER jump start unit directly
to the starter or starter solenoid. Unit can
move forward or backward and injure the
person jump starting unit.
To jump start the battery:
1. Ensure battery is not frozen. If the fluid is frozen,
remove battery from unit and allow to thaw before
charging.
2. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.
3. Connect the other end of the same jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
4. Connect one end of the second jumper cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the booster battery.
5. Make the final jumper cable connection to the
engine block or the furthest ground point away
from the discharged battery.
WARNING: Make sure cables are clear of any
o
F
moving engine parts before starting engine.
6. Start engine (refer to Owner's Manual). If engine
will not start after several tries, unit or battery may
need service.
7. After engine starts, leave cables connected for one
to two minutes.
8. Disconnect cables in reverse order.
9. Operate unit as normal to charge battery.
Storage
The battery is a perishable item and it should be stored
properly to obtain a long, useful life. Batteries not in
use will self discharge.
If the battery will not be used for more than three
months, it should be removed and stored in a cool, dry
place.
Any collection of dirt, grease, or electrolyte should be
removed from the top of the battery.
The battery must be recharged monthly or when the
cell specific gravity reads less than 1.255 specific
gravity. Before reinstalling the battery in the spring, it
should always be fully recharged.
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