Battery charging is simple and
trouble-free providing a few basic procedures are followed.
First and foremost is safety. Charging batteries emit fumes which are
explosive. Do not expose to flame, spark or do not smoke. Do not attempt to turn on
the machine while the batteries are being charged. Also make sure there is
sufficient ventilation around the machine and in the area the batteries are
being charged in. Battery acid is corrosive and can cause burns, use
personal protective equipment as prescribed in your owner manual.
1. After use clean your machine and tilt
the solution tank back to access the charger plug
Note: For safety reasons you must tilt the tank in order to
provide the battery compartment with sufficient ventilation while charging,
otherwise
an explosion hazard will be present. Also, the recovery and solution tank must
be clean and empty before accessing the battery compartment or
spillage may occur. Tilted tank = good machine housekeeping & good ventilation. 2. Check the cables for tightness and check water level
at least once per week Note: Do not overfill batteries before charging, the
electrolyte will expand and spill over the top of the batteries. Batteries are
75% water and
25% acid. Losing electrolyte and replacing with plain water will affect the
water to acid ratio, thereby reducing battery life and run times.
Distilled water should always be used. Cables require frequent checking as any
looseness will affect voltage into the battery pack from the charger
and also to the motors and controllers while in use.
The battery charger may not shut off as it cannot achieve the high voltage
ratings, boiling or
overheating will occur causing permanent damage to your batteries. Loose
connections will cause damage the components of the machine.
Battery life for deep-cycle batteries is measured in terms of charge-discharge
cycles and not months or years. See your dealer for details.
Make sure your terminal posts are clean and free of any accumulations or
corrosion. Gel cell battery packs do not require electrolyte fluid checks. 3. Plug the charger into the battery pack
plug, observe if the amperage needle moves to the right Note: If the amperage needle on the face
of your charger doesn't move your batteries are not charging. If the needle does
not move to the right,
check the connection again, you may be connected to the incorrect side of the
plug. Also, the charger requires a minimal amount of voltage in
the battery pack in order to activate. If the battery pack has been depleted
beyond this point the charger cannot start the charge. This is not a
a charger defect . Click here for advice how to bring your batteries up
to enough voltage to begin the charging process. 4. Let the charge finish! Note: It is normal that wet cell
batteries require 12+ hours and gel cells 16+ hours to fully charge. Do not
unplug from the charger until you
observe the amperage needle down to the "0" or very close to it. If you do not
let the charge finish you will have battery and run time problems. 5. Deep cycle batteries developing a
"memory", or "first time use" theories After you use your machine, plug it into
the charger. Most trouble arises when the charge is not allowed to finish before
the cleaning machine
is put back into use. If you want to use your machine multiple times during a 24
hour period such as split shift cleaning operations consult your dealer for
specific recommendations as there exists a possibility the battery pack may not
be allowed sufficient time to fully recharge.
