Scag Power Equipment STC - Manual (Page 33)

Section 7
29
Electric storage battery fluid contains sulfuric
acid which is POISON and can cause SEVERE
CHEMICAL BURNS. Avoid contact of fluid
with eyes, skin, or clothing. Use proper
protective gear when handling batteries. DO
NOT tip any battery beyond 45° angle in any
direction. If fluid contact does occur, follow
first aid suggestions below.
BATTERY ELECTROLYTE FIRST AID
EXTERNAL CONTACT — Flush with water.
EYES — Flush with water for at least 15
minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
INTERNAL — Drink large quantities of water.
Follow with Milk Of Magnesia, beaten egg,
or vegetable oil. Get medical attention
immediately. In case of internal contact, DO
NOT give fluids that would induce vomiting.
WARNING:
7.7 BATTERY
A. Checking Electrolyte Level and Cleaning
Battery
After every 40 hours of operation or weekly, whichever
occurs first, check the electrolyte level in the battery and
clean the battery and connections. Dirt and fluid on the top
of the battery can cause the battery to discharge. Corrosion
of the battery terminals or loose connections will cause
poor battery performance.
Lead-acid batteries produce flammable and
explosive gases. To avoid personal injury
when checking, testing or charging
batteries, DO NOT use smoking materials
near batteries. Keep arcs, sparks and flames
away from batteries. Provide proper
ventilation and wear safety glasses.
WARNING:
1. Remove the battery cell caps. Visually inspect
electrolyte level in the cells. If electrolyte is
below the bottom of vent well, fill with clean distilled
water to the bottom of vent wells (1/4 to 1/2 inch
above the plates). Install the battery cell caps.
-IMPORTANT-
Do not overfill the battery. Electrolyte will overflow
through the vent tube onto parts of the machine,
resulting in severe corrosion.
2. Clean the cable ends and battery posts with steel
wool. Use a solution of baking soda and water to
clean the battery. Do not allow the solution to enter
the battery cells.
3. Tighten the cable connections securely and apply a
light coat of silicone dielectric grease to the terminal
connections to prevent corrosion.
B. Charging the Battery
Refer to the battery charger’s manual for specific
instructions.
Under normal conditions the engine’s alternator will have
no problem keeping a charge on the battery. If the
battery has been completely discharged for a long period
of time, the alternator may not be able to recharge the
battery, and a battery charger will be required.
DO NOT charge a frozen battery. It may explode and
cause injury. Let the battery warm before attaching a
charger.
Whenever possible, remove the battery from the mower
before charging and make sure the electrolyte covers the
plates in all cells.