Chapter 9 - electrical – Cub Cadet 4 x 4 Volunteer User Manual

Page 310

Chapter 9 - Electrical

306

NOTE: CCA stands for cold cranking amps. The
rating should be on the battery for aftermarket
batteries. For OEM batteries, contact the manu-
facturer for the CCA rating. Most riding mower
batteries are 200-275 CCA. The Cub Cadet 4X4
has a nominal CCA of 500. See Figure 9.64.

1f. Record the voltage while the load was

applied. Compare the voltage to the fol-
lowing chart:

1g. If the battery voltage is above what is

listed in the chart, the battery is good.
If the battery voltage is below what is
listed in the chart, replace the battery.

Fixed load testing

Fixed load testers (sometimes called toasters) are
inexpensive load testers found at any auto parts store.
See Figure 9.65.

CAUTION: It is not recommended to use any
fixed load tester on a battery under 200 CCA. To
do so can boil the water out of the battery and
damage the plates in the battery.

NOTE: Because they have a fixed load value,
they do not give most batteries a reliable and
safe load test. Most fixed load testers have a
load that is more than 50% of the rated CCA of
riding mower batteries. This makes them inap-
propriate to use on smaller pieces of outdoor
power equipment.

2a. Disconnect the battery cables, ground

first.

2b. Measure the temperature of the electrolyte

in the middle cells.

2c. Connect a voltmeter and the load tester to

the appropriate terminals.

2d. Apply the test load for 15 seconds. Moni-

tor the meter on the load tester for the bat-
tery’s performance.

2e. Refer to the manufacturer of the test on

how to read the test meter.

2f. The results of this test are not accurate

and should only be relied on if the battery
fails badly.

Electrolyte

Temperature

Minimum

Required

Voltage

>70 deg. f. (21deg. c.)

9.6 V

60 deg. f. (16 deg. c.)

9.5 V

50 deg. f. (10 deg. c.)

9.4 V

40 deg. f. (4 deg. c.)

9.3 V

30 deg. f. (-1 deg. c.)

9.1 V

20 deg. f. (-7 deg. c.)

8.9 V

10 deg. f. (-12 deg. c.)

8.7 V

0 deg. f. (-18 deg. c.)

8.5 V

Figure 9.64

OEM batteries do not list the CCA’s

Figure 9.65