Toro 17-44HXLE Wheel Horse 71283 Operator's Manual

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2212345m–4965Figure 171. Negative cable (black)2. Rubber cover3. Positive cable (red)4. Battery box5. Bolt and wing nutInstalling the Battery1. Put the battery into the battery box and install it into thechassis (Fig. 17).2. Using the bolt and wing nut, connect the positive (red)cable to the positive (+) battery post (Fig. 17). Slide therubber cover over the battery post.3. Using the bolt and wing nut, connect the negative(black) cable to the negative (–) battery post (Fig. 17).Checking the Electrolyte Level1. Tip the seat forward to see the battery.2. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must beup to the Upper line (Fig. 18). Do not allow theelectrolyte to fall below the Lower line (Fig. 18).3. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount ofdistilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery,page 22.123m–5004Figure 181. Vent caps2. Upper line3. Lower lineDangerBattery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which is adeadly poison and causes severe burns.• Do not drink electrolyte and avoid contact withskin, eyes or clothing. Wear safety glasses toshield your eyes and rubber gloves to protectyour hands.• Fill the battery where clean water is alwaysavailable for flushing the skin.Adding Water to the BatteryThe best time to add distilled water to the battery is justbefore you operate the machine. This lets the water mixthoroughly with the electrolyte solution.1. Remove the battery from the tractor; refer to Removingthe Battery, page 21.2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.Important Never fill the battery with distilled waterwhile the battery is installed in the tractor. Electrolyte couldbe spilled on other parts and cause corrosion.3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Fig. 18).4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell untilthe electrolyte level is up to the Upper line (Fig. 18) onthe battery case.Important Do not overfill the battery becauseelectrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion anddamage to the chassis.5. Wait five to ten minutes after filling the battery cells.Add distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolytelevel is up to the Upper line (Fig. 18) on the batterycase.6. Install the battery vent caps.