Troy-Bilt 12204-10HP - Manual (Page 10)

Section 2: Assembly
ASSEMBLING THE ELECTRIC START SYSTEM
The following steps explain how to activate, charge, and install the battery on electric start tillers. For your safety, follow all steps
and observe all accompanying safety messages. Section 5 contains other general battery maintenance and recharging instructions.
STEP 1: Activating and
Charging the Battery
IMPORTANT: The battery is shipped dry.
It needs battery electrolytic fluid (battery-
grade sulfuric acid). It must then be fully
charged with a battery charger before
use.
Adding electrolytic fluid to the battery and
charging the battery can be dangerous.
Electrolytic fluid contains acid that can
burn or blind you. Battery charging also
produces explosive gases.
To ensure that the battery is properly
activated and charged, you should review
these instructions with your battery
technician.
IMPORTANT: It is strongly recom­
mended that you have the battery
activated and charged by a trained profes­
sional (Troy-Bilt Dealer, service station,
farm equipment dealer, etc.), if you are
not experienced with these procedures.
A DANGER
Battery electrolytic tluid is
poisonous and burns severely.
Electrolytic fluid is a sulfuric acid
solution. Avoid spills or contact with
skin, eyes, clothing.
• To prevent accidents, wear protective
clothes, rubber gloves and shield
eyes with safety goggles when
working on or near the battery.
• Neutralize acid spills with a baking
soda and water solution. Neutralize
electrolyte
container with same
solution. Then rinse with clear water.
• Antidote: External- Flush with water;
Eyes- Flush with water for 15 minutes
and get immediate medical attention.
•Antidote: Internal- Drink large
quantity of water or milk. Follow with
milk of magnesia, beaten eggs, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immedi­
ately.
A
DANGER
Battery produces explosive gases.
•Keep away sparks, flames, and
cigarettes.
• Ventilate area when charging or using
battery in an enclosed space.
• Make sure battery vent tube is always
open after battery is filled with acid.
TO ACTIVATE THE BATTERY:
A
WARNING
Remove metal jewelry before working
near the battery or near the electrical
system. Failure to comply may cause a
short
circuit, resulting in electrical
burns, a shock, or battery gas
explosion.
For shipping purposes, the battery and its
hold-down clamp (A, Figure 2-16) were
installed backwards at the factory. When
reinstalling the battery and hold-down
clamp, be sure to face them in the
opposite direction from which they were
shipped.
Figure 2-16: Battery shown installed
backwards for shipping purposes only.
1. Remove the two 1-1/2“ long screws
and the two 1/4" whiz nuts that secure the
front and rear hold-down clamp legs to
the battery bracket (C, Figure 2-16).
Lift off the clamp and remove battery.
Save the hardware.
2. If installed, remove and discard the
short, plastic tubing (B, Figure 2-16) that
covers the vent fitting on the negative-
side of the battery.
3. Place the battery on a level work
surface, far away from heat or flame
sources like stoves, water heaters, dryers,
and furnaces.
4. Remove the six filler caps (D, Figure
2-17) on top of the battery.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to wearing protec­
tive clothes, rubber gloves, and eye
protection.
5. Fill each cell to the Upper Level line
printed on the battery case (E, Figure 2-
17) using battery-grade electrolytic
solution. (This is 1.265 specific gravity
sulfuric acid.) Temperature of battery and
electrolytic fluid is ideal when between
60°F and 80°F. Do not add water or any
other liquid to the battery during this
initial activation.
Figure 2-17: Illustration shows filler
caps (D) and Upper Level fill line (E).
6 . Let battery stand for 30 minutes.
Check electrolytic fluid level in each cell.
Add more fluid, if needed. Do not overfill
battery - this could lead to flooding from
the cells during charging.
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