MAINTENANCE
Check Mower Blade Stopping Time
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a com-
plete stop within five seconds after the electric PTO switch
is turned off.
1. With tractor in neutral, PTO disengaged and operator in
seat, start the engine.
2. Look over the left-hand footrest at the mower drive belt.
Engage the PTO and wait several seconds. Disengage
the PTO and check the amount of time it takes for the
mower drive belt to stop.
3. If mower drive belt does not stop within five seconds,
see an authorized dealer.
Battery Maintenance
WARNING
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.
Cleaning the Battery and Cables
1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cables
first (A, Figure 15) then the cover and positive cables
(B).
2. Loosen the wingnut and washer (D).
3. Pivot the hold-down rod (C) up and away from battery.
Secure to steering tower.
4. Remove the battery (E).
20
5. Clean the battery compartment with a solution of bak-
ing soda and water.
6. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire
brush and battery terminal cleaner until shiny.
7. Reinstall the battery (E) in the battery compartment.
Secure with the battery hold-down rod (C) and wingnut
and washer (D).
8. Re-attach the battery cables, positive cables and cover
first (B) then the negative cables (A).
9. Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petro-
leum jelly or non-conducting grease.
Battery Charging
WARNING
Keep open flames and sparks away from
the battery; the gasses coming from it are
highly explosive. Ventilate the battery well
during 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 elec-
trical component. If there is any doubt about the cause of
the problem, see your dealer. If you need to replace the
battery, see the Cleaning the Battery and Cables sec-
tion.
To charge the battery, follow the instructions provided by
the battery charger manufacturer as well as all warnings
included in the Operator Safety section of this manual.
Charge the battery until fully charged. Do not charge at a
rate higher than 10 amps.
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