Troy-Bilt 15009 - Manual (Page 49)

BATTERY CARE / MAINTENANCE
(IF SO EQUIPPED)
A
DANGER
Follow the battery safety rules given in
Sections 1 and 2 of this Manual. Failure to
carefully follow all Safety Rules may result
in personal injury or property damage from
such causes as an explosion of battery
gases, acid burns, or electrical burns.
Care in Service
1
. Once a month or every 10 operating hours,
whichever occurs first, check the level of the
electrolyte solution. Make certain it is filled to the
“UPPER LEVEL” line that is marked on the bat­
tery case. If necessary, add distilled or deminer­
alized water to restore the electrolyte to the cor­
rect level. Never Use Battery Acid To Refiil
The Battery. Replace the battery caps securely
and wipe the battery top after filling. Then run
the engine outdoors for about 20 minutes at 3/4-
speed to recharge and recirculate the electrolyte
solution. For safety, do not leave the tiller unat­
tended while the engine is running.
A
DANGER
Electrolyte is sulfuric acid solution. Avoid
spillage and contact with skin, eyes, and
clothing. Wear protective clothing and rub­
ber gloves; also shield eyes with safety
goggles when working near the battery.
2. Keep the battery clean at all times. If you find
corrosion on the battery posts or cable terminals,
remove the battery and clean it with a solution of
baking soda and water. (Tighten the battery caps
securely before cleaning the battery and do not
allow any of the baking soda / water solution to
enter any of the battery cells. Be sure to clean
any remaining solution off the battery.)
You can use a wire brush, sandpaper, or steel
wool to clean the posts and terminals. After
cleaning, coat the posts and terminals with
petroleum jelly or silicone grease to prevent new
corrosion from forming.
3. Periodically check the entire electrical system
for loose or dirty connections.
4. Periodically check the battery clamp for tight­
ness. It should hold the battery firmly in place.
However, you should not overtighten the battery
clamp as this could damage the battery case.
5. Periodically check that the vent tube is not
crimped or pinched anywhere along its length.
Battery Storage
The optional electric start engine has a
recharging circuit that will properly maintain the
battery’s state of charge during the regular tilling
season. When the tiller won’t be used for an ex­
tended period of time, we recommend that you
fully charge the battery before placing it in stor­
age. Before reinstalling the battery after storage,
give it a thorough recharge.
A
DANGER
Batteries generate explosive gases. Keep
sparks and flames away from the battery at
all times.
Ventilate the area when charging or using
the battery in an enclosed area.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
The carburetor on your tiller’s engine has
been adjusted at the factory for best operating
speed and air/fuel mixture. Readjustment of the
carburetor should not be necessary.
Operators shall not tamper with the engine-
governor settings on the machine; the governor
controls the maximum safe operating speed and
protects the engine and all moving parts from
damage caused by overspeed. Authorized ser­
vice shall be sought if a problem exists.
Changing the engine governed speed will void
the engine warranty.
A
WARNING
Do not tamper with the engine governor. It
is set for proper engine speed.
Overspeeding the engine above the engine
manufacturer’s recommended high speed
setting could result in property damage or
personal injury.
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