Cub Cadet GT 2544 Operator's Manual page 31

STORAGE OF THE BATTERY
1. When storing the tractor for extended periods,
disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not
necessary to remove the battery.
2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the
exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A
dirty battery will discharge more rapidly.
3. The battery must be stored with a full charge. A
discharged battery can freeze sooner than a
charged battery. A fully charged battery will store
longer in cold temperatures than hot.
4. Recharge the battery before returning to service.
Although the tractor may start, the engine charging
system may not fully recharge the battery.
COMMON CAUSES FOR BATTERY FAILURE
1. Overcharging
2. Undercharging
3. Loose and/or corroded connections
4. Excessive loads
5. Freezing of electrolyte
* These causes do not constitute warranty in
the event of a battery failure.
BATTERY REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash Hands after handling.
When removing the battery, disconnect the battery
cables in the following order to avoid arcing and the
resulting sparks:
Battery Removal:
1. Disconnect the Negative cable.
2. Disconnect the Positive cable.
When installing the battery, connect the battery cables
in the following order:
Battery Installation:
1. Connect the Positive cable.
2. Connect the Negative cable.
To replace the battery, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the negative cable from the negative
terminal of the battery, then remove the positive
cable from the positive terminal.
2. Remove the hex screw securing the LH side of the
holddown rod to the battery tray (Refer to Figure
27).
3. Note which battery tray hole the RH side of the
holddown rod is hooked into.
HEX
SCREW
BATTERY TRAY
4. Rotate the holddown rod upward, over and around
the battery to unhook from the battery tray.
5. Loosen the hose clamp and pull the drain tube
from the battery.
6. Lift the battery out off the battery tray and remove
from the tractor.
7. Position the new battery and lower into the battery
tray.
8. Install the drain tube onto the battery and secure
with the hose clamp.
9. Hook the holddown rod into the previously noted
battery tray hole, then rotate the rod around and
over the battery.
10. Align the LH side of the holddown rod with the hole
in the battery tray and secure with hex screw
remove earlier.
11. Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal
of the battery, then connect the negative cable to
the negative terminal.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the
tractor has been stored for a period of time.
• A voltmeter or load tester should read 12.6 volts
(DC) or higher across the battery terminals.
• Charge the battery with a 12-volt battery charger
at a MAXIMUM rate of 10 amps.
Voltmeter
Reading
12.7
12.4
12.2
12.0
31
HOLDDOWN
ROD
ROTATE
UPWARD
Figure 27
State of Charging
Charge Time
100% Full Charge
75% 90 Min.
50% 180 Min.
25% 280 Min.