12
BATTERIES
SABER/STRIDE II 28/34 98570 7/14/98
The batteries provide the power to operate the machine.
The standard are four 6 volt batteries rated at 250 A/h at
a 6-hour rate. The batteries require regular maintenance
to keep them operating at peak efficiency.
The machine batteries will hold their charge for long peri-
ods of time, but they can only be charged a certain num-
ber of times. To get the greatest life from the batteries,
charge them when their charge level reaches 25% of a
full charge. Use a hydrometer to check the charge level.
Do not allow the batteries to remain in a discharged con-
dition for any length of time. Never expose a discharged
battery to temperatures below freezing. Discharged bat-
teries will freeze causing cracked cases. Do not operate
the machine if the batteries are in poor condition or if they
have a charge level below 25% (specific gravity below
1.155).
Keep all metallic objects off the top of the batteries, as
they may cause a short circuit. Replace worn or dam-
aged cables and terminals.
Check the electrolyte level in each battery cell before and
after charging the batteries. Never add acid to the batter-
ies, use water. Do not allow water level to fall below the
battery plates. Portions of plates exposed to air will be
destroyed. Do not overfill. Keep plugs firmly in place at
all times.
When servicing machine, avoid contact with
battery acid.
Batteries emit hydrogen gas. Explosion or fire
can result. Keep sparks and open flame away.
Keep covers open when charging.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing
when working with batteries.
Charge batteries in a well ventilated area.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
1. When cleaning the batteries, use a solution of
baking soda and water. Do not allow the cleaning
fluid to enter the battery cells. Electrolyte will be
neutralized.
2. Maintain the proper electrolyte level in each battery
cell. If a cell should accidentally overflow, clean
immediately.
3. Do not add water until the battery is fully charged.
4. Wipe off the top of the batteries at least once a
week.
5. Test battery condition with a hydrometer at least
once a week.
6. Ensure that all connections are tight and all
corrosion removed.
7. Every 4 to 6 months, remove the batteries from the
machine and clean the battery cases and battery
compartment.
CHECKING BATTERY SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Use a hydrometer to check the battery specific gravity.
NOTE: Do not take readings immediately after adding
water, if the water and acid are not thoroughly mixed, the
reading may not be accurate.
Check the hydrometer readings against this chart
SPECIFIC GRAVITY @80° F(27° C) BATTERY CONDITION
1.265 100% charged
1.225 75% charged
1.190 50% charged
1.155 25% charged
1.120 Discharged
NOTE: If the readings are taken when the battery elec-
trolyte is any temperature other than 80 °F(27° C), the
reading must be temperature corrected.
To find the corrected specific gravity reading when the temper-
ature of the battery electrolyte is other than 80° F(27° C):
Add(+) to the specific gravity reading 0.004(4 points), for each
10 F(6° C) above 80 F(27° C).
Subtract(-) from the specific reading 0.004(4 points), for each
10° F(6° C) below 80° F(27° C).
! WARNING
! CAUTION
! WARNING
! WARNING
CHECKING GRAVITY
A. Hydrometer
B. Battery
Battery Check
A
B