Cub Cadet 5254 Series - Manual (Page 29)

29
BATTERY REMOVAL
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
The battery is located at the front of the tractor
beneath the hood.
To remove the battery:
• Open the tractor hood as described in the
previous sub-section.
• Remove the two wing nuts and the battery
holddown strap from the battery holddown rods.
See Figure 34.
• Spread the locking clips on the sides of the
terminal covers and lift the tops of the covers to
expose the battery connections. See Figure 34.
• Loosen the cable clamp of the black negative
battery lead, then lift the negative cable and its
terminal cover off the negative battery post
(marked NEG). Move the cable away from the
negative battery post.
• Repeat the above procedure to remove the
cable and cover from the positive battery post
(marked POS).
• Carefully lift the battery out of the tractor.
Install the battery by repeating the above steps in
the reverse order.
WARNING: Always connect the posi-
tive lead to the battery before con-
necting the negative lead. This will pre-
vent sparking or possible injury from
an electrical short caused by contact-
ing the tractor body with tools being
used to connect the cables.
Figure 34
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.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
The battery is filled with battery acid and then
sealed at the factory. However, even a
“maintenance free” battery requires some
maintenance to ensure its proper life cycle.
• Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a
battery terminal sealer, or coat the terminals
with a thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly, to
protect against corrosion.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals
clean and free of corrosion.
• Always keep the terminal covers in place and
closed over the battery terminals.
• Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will leak
electrolyte when tipped.
BATTERY STORAGE
• When storing the tractor for extended periods,
disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not
necessary to remove the battery.
• All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the
exterior of the battery clean, especially the top.
A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly.
• 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.
• Recharge the battery before returning to service.
Although the tractor may start, the engine charg-
ing system may not fully recharge the battery.
BATTERY
HOLDDOWN
ROD
HOLDDOWN STRAP
TERMINAL
COVER
WING NUT
CABLE
CLAMP
Voltmeter
Reading
State of
Charge
Charging
Time
12.7 100% Full Charge
12.4 75% 90 Min.
12.2 50% 180 Min.
12.0 25% 280 Min.