MTD 824 - Page 13

4. The battery should be kept clean. Any
deposits of acid should be neutralized with
soda and water. Be careful not to get this solu¬
tion in the cells.
5. Avoid tipping the battery. Even a "sealed” bat¬
tery will leak electrolyte when tipped.
STORAGE OF THE BATTERY
1. When storing battery for extended periods,
disconnect battery cables. Removing battery
from unit is recommended.
2. Keep the exterior of the battery clean,
especially the top. A dirty battery will
discharge itself.
3. Check the battery with a hydrometer. The bat¬
tery must be stored with a full charge. A
discharged battery will freeze.
Specific Gravity
Freezing Point
1.265
-71° F.
1.250
-62° F.
1.200
-16° F.
1.150
5° F.
1.100
16° F.
CAUTION
All batteries
discharge during
storage.
4. R echarge battery whenever the specific gravi¬
ty is less than 1.225, before returning to serv¬
ice or every two months, whichever comes
first.
COMMON CAUSES FOR BATTERY FAILURE
1. Overcharging
2. Undercharging
3. Lack of water
4. Loose hold downs and/or corroded connec¬
tions
5. Excessive loads
6 . Battery electrolyte substitutes
7. Freezing of electrolyte
These failures do not constitute
warranty.
BATTERY REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION
WARNING
\
When removing the battery, follow
this order of disassembly to prevent
your wrench from shorting against
the frame.
1. Remove the Negative cable.
2. Remove the Positive cable.
To install a battery.
1. Attach the Positive cable.
2. Attach the Negative cable.
JUMP STARTING
1. Attach the first jumper cable from the Positive
terminal of the good battery to the Positive
terminal of the dead battery.
2. Attach the second jumper cable from the
Negative terminal of the good battery to the
FRAME OF THE UNIT WITH THE DEAD BAT¬
TERY.
WARNING
Failure to use this starting pro¬
cedure could cause sparking, and
the gases in either battery could ex¬
plode.
INSTALLATION OF TIRE TO RIM
^ WARNING {
The following procedure must be
followed when removing or install¬
ing a tire to the rim.
1 . Lubricate the tire beads and rim flanges.
2. Do not exceed 30 p.s.i. when seating beads.
3. Adjust to recommended pressure after beads
are sealed.
BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
Changing the Front Drive Belt
1. If a cutting deck is attached to your tractor,
remove it. Remove the battery.
2. Raise and block the front wheels of the tractor
so you can work under it.
3. Unscrew the belt guard release next to the
engine pulley. See figure 17.
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