Cub Cadet RZT 54 - Manual (Page 22)

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• Keep all sources of ignition (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery. The gas gener-
ated during charging can be combustible.
• As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well ventilated area.
• Always shield eyes and protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid
and may emit explosive gases. Use
extreme caution when handling batteries.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
BATTERY REMOVAL
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
The battery is located on the right/rear of the tractor
beneath the seat box frame. To remove the battery:
• Remove the two hex tapping screws from the bat-
tery holddown bracket and remove the bracket.
Use care to avoid losing the trim strip from the
bottom of the bracket. See Figure 24.
Figure 24
• Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut secur-
ing the black negative battery lead to the negative
battery post (marked NEG). Move the cable away
from the negative battery post.
• Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut secur-
ing the red positive battery lead to 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 positive
lead to the battery before connecting the
negative lead. This will prevent sparking
or possible injury from an electrical short
caused by contacting the tractor body with
tools being used to connect the cables.
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.
• 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 charging
system may not fully recharge the battery.
SERVICING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A fuse is installed to protect the tractor’s electrical
system from damage caused by excessive amper-
age. Always use the same capacity fuse for
replacement. If the electrical system does not func-
tion, check for a blown fuse. See Figure 25
Figure 25
Hex Tapp Screw
Battery Holddown
Bracket
Trim Strip
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.
GOOD BAD