MAINTENANCE Check electrolyte specific gravity CAUTION: Battery gas can explode. Keep sparks and flames away from batteries. Use a flashlight to check the battery electrolyte level. Sulfuric acid in battery electrolyte is poisonous. It is strong enough to burn skin, eat holes in clothing, and cause blindness if splashed into the eyes. Never check the battery charge by placing a metal object across the posts. Use a voltmeter or hydrom- eter. Always remove the grounded (−) battery clamp first and replace it last. If you spill acid on yourself: 1. Flush your skin with water. 2. Apply baking soda or lime to help neutralize the acid. 3. If splashed in eyes, flush with water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Get medical attention immedi- ately. If acid is swallowed: 1. Drink large amounts of water or milk. 2. Then drink milk of magnesia, beaten eggs, or vegetable oil. 3. Get medical attention immediately. Avoid hazard by: 1. Filling batteries in a well-ventilated area. 2. Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves. 3. Avoiding breathing fumes when electrolyte is add- ed. 4. Avoiding spilling or dripping electrolyte. 5. Using proper booster battery starting procedures. IMPORTANT: Check the specific gravity of the elec- trolyte after it is cooled, not immedi- ately after operation. Check the electrolyte specific gravity in each battery cell.
The lowest limit of the specific gravity for the elec- trolyte varies depending on electrolyte temperature. The specific gravity should be kept within the range shown below. Charge the battery if the specific grav- ity is below the limit. Recommended range of specific gravity by electrolyte temperature 40°C (104°F) 20°C (68°F) Fluid temp. 0°C (32°F) (–40°F) 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 Specific gravity of battery fluid M104-07-054 REPLACE BATTERIES Your machine has two 12-volt batteries with negative (−) ground. If one battery in a 24-volt system has failed but the other is still good, replace the failed battery with one of the same type.
For example, replace a failed maintenance-free battery with a new maintenance-free battery. Different types of batteries may have different rates of charge. This difference could overload one of the batteries and cause it to fail. 7-74 Working Range