Toro STX-38 Operator's Manual page 29

4. Then install the negative battery cable and ground wire
to the negative (-) battery terminal with a nut, washer
and bolt (Figure 40). Slide the rubber cover over the
post.
Checking the Battery Electrolyte Level
DANGER
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which is a
deadly poison and causes severe burns.
• 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.
1. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must
be up to the upper line (Figure 41). Do not allow the
electrolyte to fall below the Lower line (Figure 41).
1. Vent caps
2. Upper line
2. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of
distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery.
Adding Water to the Battery
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just
before you operate the machine. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Remove the battery from the machine; refer to
Removing the Battery.
Important: Never fill the battery with distilled
water while the battery is installed in the machine.
Electrolyte could be spilled on other parts and
cause corrosion.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Figure 41).
4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the electrolyte level is up to the Upper line (Figure 41)
on the battery case.
Figure 41
3. Lower line
Important: Do not overfill the battery because
electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe
corrosion and damage to the chassis.
5. Wait five to ten minutes after filling the battery cells.
Add distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte
level is up to the Upper line (Figure 41) 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 and keep sparks and
flames away from battery.
Important: Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.265 specific gravity). This is especially important to
prevent battery damage when the temperature is below
32°F (0°C).
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing
the Battery.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level.
3. Make sure the filler caps are installed in battery.
Connect a 3 to 4 amp battery charger to the battery
posts. Charge the battery at a rate of 3 to 4 amperes
for 4 to 8 hours (12 volts). Do not overcharge the
battery.
4. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger
leads from the battery posts (Figure 42).
5. Install the battery onto the machine and connect the
battery cables, refer to Installing the Battery.
Note: Do not run the machine with the battery
disconnected, electrical damage may occur.
1. Positive Battery Post
2. Negative Battery Post
29
Figure 42
3. Red (+) Charger Lead
4. Black (-) Charger Lead