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MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid
spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks
away from the battery.
When removing or installing battery cables,
disconnect the negative cable FIRST and
reconnect it LAST. If not done in this order, the
positive terminal can be shorted to the frame by
a tool.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Battery and Cables
1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative
cable first (B, Figure 22).
2. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a
wire brush until shiny.
3. Reinstall the battery and reattach the battery
cables, positive cable first (see A, Figure 22)
4. Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with
petroleum jelly or non-conducting grease.
BATTERY CHARGING
A dead battery or one too weak to start the engine
may be the result of a defect in the charging system or
other electrical component. If there is any doubt about
the cause of the problem, see your dealer. If you need
to replace the battery, follow the steps under Cleaning
the Battery & Cables in the Regular Maintenance
Section.
To charge the battery, follow the instructions provided
by the battery charger manufacturer as well as all
warnings included in the safety rules sections of this
book. Charge the battery until fully charged. Do not
charge at a rate higher than 10 amps.
WARNING
Keep open flames and sparks away from the
battery; the gasses coming from it are highly
explosive. Ventilate the battery well during
charging.
WARNING
Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed,
poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can
travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace,
water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and
animals.
STORAGE
Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety
Rules section, then perform the following steps:
• DisengagethePTO,settheparkingbrake,&
remove the key.
• Performenginemaintenanceandstorage
measures listed in the engine owner’s manual.
This includes draining the fuel system, or adding
stabilizer to the fuel (do not store a fueled unit in
an enclosed structure - see warning).
• Batterylifewillbeincreasedifitisremoved,putin
a cool, dry place and fully charged about once a
month. If the battery is left in the unit, disconnect
the negative cable.
Before starting the unit after it has been stored:
• Checkallfluidlevels.Checkallmaintenance
items.
• Performallrecommendedchecksandprocedures
found in the engine owner’s manual.
• Allowtheenginetowarmupforseveralminutes
before use.
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