COLD WEATHER OPERATION 3.5.1.3 BATTERY The battery generates flammable gas, so 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 a large amount of water and consult a doctor. Battery electrolyte dissolves paint. If it gets on the bodywork, wash it off immediately with water. If the battery electrolyte is frozen, do not charge the battery or start the engine with a different power source. There is danger that the battery may explode. Battery electrolyte is toxic, so do not let it flow into drainage ditches or spray it on to the ground surface.
When the ambient temperature drops, the capacity of the battery will also drop. If the battery charge ratio is low, the battery electrolyte 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. NOTE Measure the specific gravity and calculate the rate of charge from the following conversion table. As the battery capacity drops markedly in low temperatures, cover the battery or remove it from the machine, keep it in a warm place, and install it again the next morning. If the electrolyte level is low, add distilled water in the morning before beginning work.
Do not add the water after the day's work so as to prevent fluid in the battery from freezing during the night. 3.5.2 CAB HEATER IN COLD WEATHER (Machines equipped with cab) If the ambient temperature drops, use the operator's cab heat- er. When using the heater, turn valve (1) on the water manifold counterclockwise to open it. When leaving the heater unused for a long time, turn valve (1) clockwise to close it. 143 WARNING Charging Rate (%) Temperature (°C) 20 0 -10 -20 100 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 90 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 80 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 75 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26