14. COLD WEATHER OPERATION
14.1.3 BATTERY
A
WARNING
+ To avoid gas explosions, do not bring fire or sparks near the battery.
+ Battery electrolyte is dangerous. If it gets in your eyes or on your
skin, wash it off with large amounts of water, and consult a doctor.
When the ambient temperature drops, the capacity of the battery will also drop.
If the battery charge ratio is low, the battery electrolyte may freeze. Maintain
the battery charge as close as possible to lOO%, and insulate it against cold
temperature so that the machine can be started easily the next morning.
Measure the specific gravity and calculate the rate of charge from the following
conversion table.
Fluid temp m
20°C 0°C
-10°C -20°C
Rate of charge
68°F 32°F 14°F -4°F
100%
1.28 1.29
1.30
1.31
90%
1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29
80%
1.24
1.25 1.26 1.27
75%
1.23 1.24 1.25
1.26
14.2 AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK
To prevent mud, water, or the undercarriage from freezing and making it
impossible for the machine to move on the following morning, always observe
the following precautions.
Mud and water on the machine body should be completely removed. This
is to prevent damage to the seal caused by mud or dirt getting inside the
seal with frozen drops of water.
Park the machine on concrete or hard ground. If this is impossible, park the
machine on wooden boards. The boards help protect the tracks from
freezing in the soil and the machine can start next morning.
Open the drain valve and drain any water collected in the fuel system to
prevent it from freezing.
As the battery capacity drops markedly in low temperatures, cover the
battery or remove it from the machine, keep it in a warm place, and install
it again the next morning.
If electrolyte level is found low, add distilled water in the morning before
beginning work. Do not add the water after the day’s work so as to prevent
fluid in the battery from freezing in the night.
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