14. COLD WEATHER OPERATION 14.1.3 BATTERY ¤ WARNING To avoid gas explosions, do not bring fire or sparks near the battery. Battery electrolyte is dangerous. If it gets in your eyes or on your skin, wash it off with large amounts of water, and consult a doctor. When the ambient temperature drops, the capacity of the battery will also drop. If the battery charge ratio is low, the battery electro- lyte may freeze. Maintain the battery charge as close as possible to 100%, and insulate it against cold temperature so that the machine can be started easily the next morning. Measure the specific gravity and calculate the rate of charge from the following conversion table.
REMARK When adding distilled water in cold weather, add it before starting operations in the morning to prevent the electrolyte from freezing. 2-80 Temp. of fluid Rate of charge 20°C 0°C –10°C –20°C –30°C –50°C 100% 90% 80% 75% 0% (Fully discharged) 1.28 1.26 1.24 1.23 1.08 1.29 1.27 1.25 1.24 1.09 1.30 1.28 1.26 1.25 1.10 1.31 1.29 1.27 1.26 1.11 1.32 1.30 1.28 1.27 1.12 1.33 1.31 1.29 1.28 1.13