Snapper RT5 series - BATTERY MAINTENANCE AND CARE; ZERO MAINTENANCE BATTERY CHARGING; SEALED LEAD ACID BATTERY CARE; BATTERY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ZERO-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
The following applies to models having the Snapper
Zero-maintenance 12 Volt DC battery electric start
system. This system is standard equipment on
RT8S models
CHARGING-ON UNIT; If the battery on a RTS S
model has insufficient energy to crank the engine
for starting, rope start the engine and allow it to run
at medium to fast speed to restore charge.
CHARGING-AUTO TYPE CHARGER; If the battery
charge cannot be restored on electric models by run¬
ning the engine, it may be too deeply discharged to
accept charge. In this event, disconnect and remove
the battery from the unit and charge on an
automotive type charger at standard rate only with
chargers rated up to 12 amps. Charge for 8 hours
maximum or until case is warm to touch.DO NOT use
'Boost' buttons or circuits! Let the battery rest for
about 2 hours after disconnecting from charger.
FIG. 1. 16 - ZERO MAINTENANCE BATTERY
STORAGE-OFF SEASON; This battery does not have
to be removed or disconnected prior to off-season
storage. Bring the charge up before a long period of
storage. Store the battery at room temperature
whenever possible. Higher temperatures will ac¬
celerate the self discharge rate.
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS; As the name ZERO
MAINTENANCE implies, the battery requires no ser¬
vice except for an occasional check to insure that
the negative & positive wires are securely tightened.
PRECAUTIONS; Keep cigarettes, sparks, flames
away frorri the battery at all times as it may vent ex¬
plosive gases while being charged. Keep the battery
out of reach of children. Do not puncture the case of
the battery as it contains acid which can burn skin
and injure eyes.
SEALED LEAD ACID BATTERY
This battery can usually be placed in service as
received. However, it may be of benefit to give it a
short (3 hour) charge before use. Use a charger rated
at 2 amps or less unless the charger is an automatic
or voltage regulated charger, in which case the
charger can be rated as high as 6 amps. Do not
charge for more than 24 hours.
When making electrical connections, make sure the
red wire is connected to the positive terminal and
the black to the negative. When tightening the ter¬
minal bolts, be careful not to overtighten and break
the battery terminals. Always connect the positive
terminal first.
MAINTENANCE
Charge the battery before long periods of storage
and every 3 months thereafter. Remove the negative
lead from the battery when the battery is being
FIG. 1.17- SEALED LEAD ACID BATTERY
stored to prevent the battery from discharging. Coat
the terminais and connectors with grease to reduce
corrosion.
CAUTION This battery contains sulfuric acid which
may leak if case is broken. If any acid comes in con¬
tact with skin or clothing, follow these instructions;
EXTERNAL CONTACT -immediately flush
skin or eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Call a physician immediately.
INTERNAL - Drink large quantities of tap
water or milk. Take milk of magnesia or whites of
eggs. Do not give emetics. Call a physician
immediateiy.
1-6