Snorkel AB46JE - Manual (Page 21)

AB46JE – 0260072 17
Chapter 6 – Batteries
The battery trays, located on each side of the chassis,
contains eight, 360 amp, 6 volt batteries to operate the
aerial platform drive and control systems.
To access the batteries, release the latch on each side
of the tray and remove the cover.
For optimal battery performance the battery fluid level
must be maintained and the battery connections must
be kept clean.
General Maintenance
Always keep the batteries clean, free of dirt and corrosion.
A film on top of the battery can accelerate discharge.
A
Warning
Battery acid can damage the skin and eyes. Serious
infection or reaction could result if medical treatment
is not given immediately. Wear face and eye protec-
tion when working near the batteries.
If necessary, clean the batteries, terminals, and cable
ends (refer to Figure 6.1) with a wire brush or terminal
cleaning tool.
Figure 6.1 – Battery Tray
Use distilled water to refill the batteries. Avoid water
containing metallic solids such as iron which can reduce
the life of the batteries.
Consult a battery charger specialist if extreme tempera-
ture use is unavoidable.
Cold reduces battery capacity and retards charging.
Heat increases water usage and can result in over-
charging.
Very high temperatures can cause thermal run away
which may lead to an explosion or fi re.
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Terminals
Caps
Terminals
Caps
Charging
The aerial platform is equipped with a 40 amp automatic
battery charger that will completely recharge the batter-
ies and turn off after the charge cycle is completed. The
battery charger is located at the rear of the chassis.
A
Warning
Batteries give off hydrogen and oxygen that can com-
bine explosively. Death or serious injury can result
from a chemical explosion. Charge the batteries only
in a well ventilated area away from sparks or flame.
It may take from 1½ to 16 hours to recharge the batteries
depending on the amount of discharge. If the charging
cycle exceeds 16 hours without the batteries being fully
recharged, unplug the charger and have the batteries
checked.
Fully recharge the batteries, immediately after use.
One charging cycle per day is preferred.
Fully charged batteries perform best.
The deeper the discharge, the fewer number of cycles
a battery will deliver. Deep discharges deteriorate the
battery quicker than light shallow cycles.
An overly discharged battery may need to be cycled
a few times before it can fully recover.
If a battery begins to heat before becoming fully
charged, it may be necessary to recharge and dis-
charge the battery a few times.
Use the following procedure to charge the batteries.
1. At the lower controls, turn the start switch to the off
position.
2. Release the latch on each side of the battery trays
and remove the cover to access the batteries. Re-
move the caps from each battery (refer to Figure
6.1).
3. Visually check the battery fluid level making sure the
level is within ¼″ (6 mm) of the bottom of the filler neck
inside each hole. If needed, add distilled water.
4. Tightly replace the caps on each battery and replace
and latch the battery tray covers.
5. Plug the battery charger into a properly grounded
outlet (115 volt AC, 60 Hz) using a 3 conductor, 12
gauge (1.5 mm) or larger extension cord. The exten-
sion cord must be as short as possible and in good
electrical condition.
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