4-3
Section
4.2 Battery Maintenance
Electrical energy for the motor is supplied by four 6 volt
batteries wired in series for 24 volts DC. Proper care and
maintenance of the batteries and motor will ensure
maximum performance from the work platform.
Hazard of explosive gas mixture. Keep sparks,
flame and smoking materials away from batteries
Always wear safety glasses when working with
batteries.
Battery fluid is highly corrosive. Rinse away any
spilled fluid thoroughly with clean water.
BATTERY INSPECTION AND CLEANING
Check battery fluid level daily, especially if work platform
is being used in a warm, dry climate. If required, add
distilled water only; use of tap water with a high mineral
content will shorten battery life.
If battery water level is not maintained, batteries
will not fully charge, creating a low discharge rate
which will damage Motor/Pump unit and void
warranty.
Batteries should be inspected periodically for signs of
cracks in the cases, electrolyte leakage and corrosion of
the terminals. Inspect cables for worn spots or breaks in
the insulation and for broken cable terminals.
Clean batteries that show signs of corrosion at the
terminals or onto which electrolyte has overflowed during
charging. Use a baking soda solution to clean the
batteries, taking care not to get the solution inside the
cells. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water. Clean
battery and cable contact surfaces to a bright metal finish
whenever a cable is removed.
BASIC RULE FOR MAX. DUTY CYCLE OF DEEP
CYCLE TRACTION BATTERIES
• Use the machine until it shows signs of weak / slow
performance.
• Allow the charger to charge the batteries until it
automatically shuts off.
• Avoid intermittent charging as the batteries develope a
memory effect similar to Nicad batteries.
BATTERY CHARGING
Charge batteries at the end of each work shift or sooner if
batteries have been discharged.
Charge batteries in a well-ventilated area.
Do not charge batteries in the vicinity of sparks or
flames.
Permanent damage to batteries will result if they
are not immediately recharged after discharging.
Never leave charger operating unattended for
more than two days.
Never disconnect cables from batteries when
charger is operating.
Keep charger dry.
When ambient temperatures fall below 18ºC (65ºF)
batteries in unheated areas should be placed on charge as
soon after use as possible. Under such conditions a 4 hour
equalize charge once a week in the early afternoon will
improve state of charge and battery life.
1. Check battery fluid level. If electrolyte level is lower
than 10mm(3/8in.) above plates add distilled water
only.
2. Connect battery charger lead to properly earthed outlet
3. Charger turns on automatically after a short delay. The
ammeter will indicate the rate of charging.
4. Charger turns off automatically when batteries are fully
charged.
BATTERY CELL EQUALIZATION
The specific gravity of the electrolyte in the battery cells
should be equalized monthly. To do this,charge batteries
as described above. After this initial charge, check the
electrolyte level in all cells and add distilled water as
necessary, and turn the charger on for an additional eight
hours. During this time, the charging current will be low
(four amps) as cells are equalizing.
After equalization, the specific gravity of each cell should
be checked with a hydrometer. The temperature
corrected specific gravity in this state should be 1.280. If
any corrected readings are below 1.230, the batteries
containing such cells should be replaced.
Do not check the specific gravity in a cell to which water
has just been added. If there is not enough electrolyte in a
fully charged cell to obtain a sample for the hydrometer,
add water and continue charging for one to two hours
before checking again.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
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