Cub Cadet RZT-S Zero Electric - Manual (Page 113)

Battery Pack and Charger
109
Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries
The Cub Cadet RZT-S Zero uses 4 valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA), absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries.
VRLA is a class of battery commonly referred to as maintenance free batteries consisting of gelled and AGM bat-
tery construction. Battery Council International explains the name of VRLA as:
In the early days of gelled and AGM batteries, the term Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA)
did not exist yet and these battery types were referred to as Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries (more
commonly called SLA). This term was some what misleading to users because these batter-
ies were not TOTALLY sealed in the sense of being hermetically sealed...the term VRLA is
specifically intended to give the user a sense that the battery is operating in essentially a
sealed manner and does not require water addition, but does periodically vent gases
1
AGM is a type of spill proof, sealed lead-acid battery that was developed in the 1970’s. Unlike traditional lead-
acid (flooded cell) batteries, where the battery’s plates sit in a bath of acid, this battery has an absorbent separator
made of glass fibers that holds the acid like a sponge. These batteries don’t require water because they operate on
the principle of oxygen recombination.
Oxygen recombination requires that the battery is sealed, however there is a pressure relief valve that can bleed
off excessive pressure that may build up inside the battery to the atmosphere. When the battery is charged and
approaches a fully charged state, it starts releasing gases that are contained in the cells. With the AGM cell construc-
tion, the plates are exposed to the gases trapped in the battery. The oxygen produced by the positive plates comes
into contact with the negative plates. This causes a reaction with the negative plate’s sponge-lead to form lead oxide.
The lead oxide instantly combines with electrolyte, forming lead sulfate and water. Thus the oxygen is converted
back to water.
NOTE: The batteries used on the RZT-S Zero mowers are a special AGM, deep cycle battery that is made to
be mounted at any angle and can with stand the heavy vibration loads that the mower will impose on
these batteries.
1. Battery Council International. Battery Service Manual, Twelfth Edition. Chicago, IL: Battery Council Inter-
national, 2002. 60. Print.
! CAUTION ! CAUTION
Batteries produce flammable and explosive gases, particularly during charging.
• Do not smoke or allow an open flame or heat source near the battery.
• Charge batteries in an open area
• Wear eye protection and acid resistant gloves when handling batteries.
• Do not allow direct metal contact across the posts. This will produce extreme heat that may cause
direct burns or ignite flammable gas.
California Proposition 65 warning: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. These chemicals are known in the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling
NOTE: The batteries used in Current Cub Cadet equipment are sealed. It is not possible to check, test or
add fluid.
Batteries contain electrolyte, which is highly corrosive. If a battery is ruptured, neutralize the electrolyte
with baking soda, then carefully rinse the effected area with water.
CHAPTER 6: BATTERY PACK AND CHARGER