MTD 824 - Battery Information

ASSEMBLY
NOTE
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GAS¬
OLINE or OIL. After assembly, see
operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and engine oii recom¬
mendations.
KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHIL¬
DREN.
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
If your battery is activated (elec¬
trolyte in the battery) and instailed
in the unit, go directly to step 9.
The garden tractor is packed and shipped in one
container and is fully assembled except for the
steering wheel, seat and battery.
BATTERY INFORMATION
(D
^ WARNING \
A. B attery acid must be handled with great care
as contact with it can burn and blister the skin.
It is also advisable to wear protective clothing
(goggles, rubber gloves and apron) when work¬
ing with it.*
B. S hould battery acid accidentally splatter into
the eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected
area immediately with clean cold water. If
there is any further discomfort, seek prompt
medical attention.
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with
clean water, then neutralize with a solution of
ammonia/water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it
into any sink or drain. Before discarding empty
electrolyte containers, rinse them with a
neutralizing solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on as it can
cause sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes,
matches, lighters) away from the battery as the
hydrogen gas generated during charging can
be combustible.
G. A s a further precaution, only charge the battery
in a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
DANGER
t
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLO¬
SIVE GASES (when electrolyte has
been added).
1. Place the battery to be filled on a workbench.
Never activate a battery in the unit.
2. Slip one end of battery drain tube on the bat¬
tery manifold.
3. Remove the fill caps from all cells.
4. Fill each cell carefully using 1.265 specific
gravity electrolyte. Fill each cell to the top of
the separators. Do not overfill.
5. Let the battery sit for 20 minutes to allow the
chemical reaction to take place.
6 .
Charge the battery at a MAXIMUM RATE OF 5
AMPS, until the specific gravity reads 1.265.
Use a hydrometer to check the specific gravi¬
ty.
CAUTION
An excessive rate of charge will
damage the battery.
7. Check the level of electrolyte. Adjust level to
bottom of split ring if necessary with elec¬
trolyte.
8 .
Replace fill caps.
CAUTION
Once the battery has been activated,
never add anything except distilled
water or pure drinking water.
9. If your battery has been installed in your unit
at the factory;
A. Use a hydrometer to check the specific
gravity. The specific gravity should be
1.265 at 80° F.
B. If it is less, remove the fill caps and use a
battery charger to bring the specific gravi¬
ty up to 1.265. NEVER CHARGE AT MORE
THAN 5 AMPS.
C. Replace the fill caps.
D. The positive cable has been attached to
the positive terminal of the battery at the
factory. You only have to attach the
negative cable (grounded) to the negative
(Neg., N or -) terminal of the battery with
a hex head bolt, lock washer and nut.
5