Toro 72200 Operator's Manual page 31

Checking the Electrolyte Level
1. With the engine off, open the hood to locate the
battery.
2. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be
up to the upper line (Fig. 34). Do not allow the
electrolyte to get below the lower line (Fig. 34).
3. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of
distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery,
page 31.
1
2
3
Figure 34
1. Filler caps
2. Upper line
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 robber 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 machine. This lets the water mix
thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Remove the battery from the tractor.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
Note: Never fill the battery with distilled water while the
battery installed in the tractor. Electrolyte could be spilled
on other parts and cause corrosion.
3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 34).
4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until
the level is up to the upper line (Fig. 34) on the
battery case.
m–5004
3. Lower line
31
Important Do not overfill the battery because
electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion and
damage to the chassis.
5. Wait five to ten minutes after filling the battery cells.
Add distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte
level is up to the upper line (Fig. 34) on the battery
case.
6. Reinstall 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, page 30.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking
Electrolyte Level, page 31.
3. Make sure the filler caps are installed in battery.
Charge battery for a minimum of 6 to 10 amps for one
hour. If the battery is in the fully discharged condition,
then the charging requirement is 3 amps for 6 hours.
Important Never over charge the battery. Excessive
charging will shorten the battery life.
4. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger
from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger
leads from the battery posts (Fig. 35).
4
2
Figure 35
1. Positive Battery Post
2. Negative Battery Post
3
1
m–4970
3. Red (+) Charger Lead
4. Black (–) Charger Lead