RZT-S
90
Battery Testers
There are four major ways to check a battery:
• Electrolyte test using a specific gravity tester (hydrometer) to compare the density of the electrolyte in a
fully charged battery to the density of water (water = 1.0 s.g.).
• Electrolyte test using a refractometer to check the density of the electrolyte by measuring the degree to
which light waves bend when passing through the electrolyte.
• Load test that checks the output of the battery after the fully charged battery has done a certain amount of
work. Fixed load testers are commonly available. Variable load testers are not generally found in outdoor
power equipment repair shops.
• Capacitance test that checks the ability of the battery plates to hold a charge.
Adjustable load testers
Adjustable load testing is used if an adjustable load tester is available. Follow the procedures specified by the
manufacturer of the tester to connect to the battery.
1. Disconnect the battery cables.
IMPORTANT: Disconnect the negative cable first to
help prevent a shorting hazard.
2. Measure the temperature of the electrolyte.
3. Connect a voltmeter and the load tester to the appro-
priate terminals.
4. Hook an amp probe onto the ground lead of the load
tester.
NOTE: A shunt can be used in place of the amp probe, but
a second voltmeter will be needed to get a mea-
surement from the shunt.
5. Apply a load equal to 50% of the battery’s rated CCA
for 15 seconds.
NOTE: CCA stands for cold cranking amps. The rating
should be on the battery for aftermarket batteries.
For OEM batteries, contact the manufacturer for
the CCA rating. Most riding mower batteries are
200-275 CCA.
6. Record the voltage while the load was applied. Compare the voltage to the above chart:
7. If the battery voltage is above what is listed in the chart, the battery is good.
8. If the battery voltage is below what is listed in the chart, replace the battery.
Load Test Results
Electrolyte
Temperature
Minimum
Required
Voltage
>70 deg. f. (21 deg. c.)
9.6 V
60 deg. f. (16 deg. c.)
9.5 V
50 deg. f. (10 deg. c.)
9.4 V
40 deg. f. (4 deg. c.)
9.3 V
30 deg. f. (-1 deg. c.)
9.1 V
20 deg. f. (-7 deg. c.)
8.9 V
10 deg. f. (-12 deg. c.)
8.7 V
0 deg. f. (-18 deg. c.)
8.5 V
www.mymowerparts.com
For Discount Cub Cadet Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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