Toro 71233 Operator's Manual page 25

Checking the Electrolyte Level
1. Tip the seat forward to see the battery.
2. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be
up to the Upper line (Fig. 25).
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2
3
Figure 25
1. Vent caps
2. Upper line
Important
Do not allow the electrolyte to fall below
the Lower line (Fig. 25).
3. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of
distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery on
page 25.
Danger
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which is a
deadly poison and causes severe burns.
Do not drink electrolyte and avoid contact with
skin, eyes or clothing. Wear safety glasses to
shield your eyes and rubber gloves to protect
your hands.
Fill the battery where clean water is always
available for flushing the skin.
Follow all instructions and comply with all
safety messages on the electrolyte container.
Adding Water to the Battery
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just
before you operate the tractor. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Remove the battery from the tractor; refer to Removing
the Battery on page 24.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
Important Never fill the battery with distilled water
while the battery is installed in the tractor. Electrolyte could
be spilled on other parts and cause corrosion.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 25).
m-5004
3. Lower line
25
4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the electrolyte level is up to the Upper line (Fig. 25) on
the battery case.
Important
Do not overfill the battery because
electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion and
damage to the chassis.
5. Wait 5 to 10 minutes after filling the battery cells. Add
distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte level is
up to the Upper line (Fig. 25) on the battery case.
6. Install the battery vent caps.
Charging the Battery
Warning
Charging the battery produces gasses that can
explode.
Never smoke near the battery and keep sparks and
flames away from battery.
Important
Always keep the battery fully charged
(1.265 specific gravity). This is especially important to
prevent battery damage when the temperature is below
32 F (0 C).
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing
the Battery on page 24.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the
Electrolyte Level on page 25.
3. Make sure that the vent caps are installed in the battery.
Charge the battery for 1 hour at 25 to 30 amps or
6 hours at 4 to 6 amps. Do not overcharge the battery.
4. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger
leads from the battery posts (Fig. 26).
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2
Figure 26
1. Positive Battery Post
2. Negative Battery Post
3
1
3. Red (+) Charger Lead
4. Black (–) Charger Lead