Specifications

OPERATION
Tennant 5400 (04--05)
27
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
W ARNING: Fire Or Explosion Hazard.
Batteries Emit Hydrogen Gas. Keep Sparks And
Open Flame Away. Keep Battery Compartment
Open When Charging.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
protective gloves and eye protection when
handling batteries and battery cables. Avoid
contact with battery acid.
1. Check the specific gravity using a hydrometer to
determine the charge level and the condition of the
batteries (Figure 71). If one or more of the battery
cells read lower than the other battery cells (0.050
or more), the cell is damaged, shorted, or is about
to fail. Check the hydrometer readings against the
following chart to determine the remaining battery
charge level.
NOTE: Do not take readings immediately after adding
distilled water. If the water and acid are not thoroughly
mixed, the readings may not be accurate.
FIG. 71
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
at 27_C(80_F)
BATTERY
CHARGE
1.265 100% CHARGED
1.223 75% CHARGED
1.185 50% CHARGED
1.148 25% CHARGED
1.110 DISCHARGED
NOTE: If the readings are taken when the battery
electrolyte is any temperature other than 27_C(80_F),
the reading must be temperature corrected. Add or
subtract to the specific gravity reading 0.004, 4 points,
for each 6_C(43_ F) above or below 27_C(80_F).
2. Always follow proper charging instructions
(See CHARGING BATTERIES).
3. Check the electrolyte level (A) in each battery cell
after charging batteries. The level should be
approximately 1 cm from the bottom of the fill--port
(B). Add distilled water if needed (Figure 72).
DO NOT OVERFILL.
A
B
FIG. 72
4. Keep the battery tops clean to prevent battery
corrosion.
To clean batteries:
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
protective gloves and eye protection when
handling batteries and battery cables. Avoid
contact with battery acid.
a. Mix a strong solution of baking soda and water
(Figure 73).
FIG. 73
b. Brush the solution sparingly over the battery
tops and cable connectors.
NOTE: Do not allow baking soda solution to enter
battery cells.
c. Use a wire brush to clean the battery terminals
and cable connectors.
d. After cleaning, apply a coating of clear battery
post protectant to the terminals and cable
connectors.
5. Check for loose or worn cables. Replace if worn.
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