Bolens 300 Series - Manual (Page 6)

Screwdriver
FIGURE 3.
A
DANGER
Battery contains suifuric acid. Refer to warning
on page 5. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Flush with water.
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water o milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eg
3 s or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EiYES:
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce expiosive gases, ke ep aii
lighted materiais (cigarettes, iighters, matches,
etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery only ir well-
ventilated areas. Make certain venting path ( f bat­
tery (drain tube) is always open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
Do not activate battery (fiii with battery acid) untii
battery is actuaiiy piaced in service. Be certain to
read previous warnings before activating the
battery.
NOTE: On most units the battery will be found inside
the battery box, located under the seat. Some units will
have the battery packed in the same carton as the bat­
tery fluid.
1. Open the battery box (located under the seat) by
pressing in on the end (right hand side) and lifting
up. Remove the battery. The clear plastic drain
tube should be attached to the battery.
2. Open the battery pack. Be careful not to puncture
the box. It contains the battery fluid (acid) in a
plastic container and one short plastic tube.
3. Place the battery on a table or workbench. Make
certain the long plastic drain tube is in place on
the vent elbow.
4. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the bat­
tery with a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage
the fill caps. See figure 2.
5. Place the battery fluid container on the table or
workbench. Carefully cut off tip of the spout and
attach the short plastic tube provided. Do not
squeeze the container when cutting tip.
6 . Fill each battery cell slowly and carefully to the UP­
PER LEVEL line marked on battery. See figure 3.
Use caution as the acid level will rise rapidly after
the bottom of the cell is filled.
7. Allow battery to stand for 30 minutes with the fill
caps removed, while the plates absorb acid.
8 . If acid level has fallen after the 30 minute standing
period, refill each cell with battery acid to the UP­
PER LEVEL line on battery. Replace the fill caps.
9. Before discarding the empty container, neutralize
any residue with baking soda and rinse container
with water. Puncture container several times
before discarding.
10. Charge the battery after the 30 minute standing
period. SLOW CHARGE THE BATTERY (DO NOT
FAST CHARGE) at a maximum bench rate of 1.4
amperes until the specific gravity reading is
1.260-1.280. Charge for a minimum of 2 hours and
a maximum of 8 hours.
NOTE: This engine is equipped with an alternator. The
current for the battery charger alternator is unregulated.
During normal operation, it is only necessary to charge
the battery:
1 . When it is activated for the first time.
2. Before winter storage.
3. Before using the lawn tractor after winter storage.
NOTE: Charging rate after battery has been put into
operation—the battery is to be charged for a period of
14-16 hours. NO LONGER THAN 30 HOURS.
After battery has been charged, add only distilled
water. Do not add acid.