Factory Cat 29 Operator's Manual & Service Book - About Batteries:
We do not recommend use of anything but deep-cycle batteries, made to run a long time between
recharging. Automotive batteries, designed to be recharged (by the car's alternator) right after short use, will
give poor service.
Your unit came with a "smart" electronic external charger. If for some reason you use another
charger, do not use a "dumb" or dial-type charger. Do not use an external charger of any type
without first disconnecting the batteries from the Central Command unit!
Always leave the battery box open when recharging. Otherwise hydrogen gas could build up inside
the battery box.
ABOUT BATTERIES:
GENERAL RULES FOR BATTERY CARE:
1.
KEEP THE BATTERY CLEAN. Dirt on the battery transmits electricity and can cause quicker
discharge.
2.
KEEP THE BATTERY WATER AT THE CORRECT LEVEL. The correct level is above the plates--
just to the bottom of the "ring" found inside each of the six cell caps.
A low water level can ruin the battery very quickly. Water should always cover the
plates inside the battery. (You see the tops of them when you remove the cap). Many batteries
have "rings" that are visible inside the cell holes. In these batteries, fill to ring. We recommend you
use only distilled water. The minerals in ordinary water can coat the lead plates, shortening
battery life.
3.
CHARGE THE BATTERY WITH THE CAPS IN PLACE. Do not remove the caps for a normal
charge. These caps include proper venting, and will keep the charging process from projecting a thin
layer of acid on surrounding machine parts.
EXCEPTION: Quick-Charging. Follow the instructions that came with the quick charger. You may
be asked to remove the battery caps. Note that quick-charging is not a good idea; it can lower
battery life.
4.
ACID! Batteries contain corrosive sulfuric acid. As mentioned above, leave the vented caps in
place when charging, so acid will not bubble out of the battery. Take care that acid does not fall on
the steel surfaces of the machine; eventually it will cause the machine to rust.
Treat acid spills with water to dilute the acid. To clean up: use solution of water and baking soda,
applied with a small brush. Keep using the solution until the fizzing stops. This will neutralize the
acid.
5.
MAKE SURE CONNECTIONS TO THE BATTERY ARE TIGHT. Loose connections will cause
arcing, which will eat into and destroy the battery terminals.
6.
WATCH THE GREASE. Never put grease on the inside of the connector. The grease will cause
arcing and deterioration of the connector. You can put grease on the outside of the terminal after it
is mounted to the battery.
7.
DO NOT HAMMER ON THE BATTERY OR ITS CONNECTORS: Batteries are heavy but fragile.
Hammering on the posts on the battery can break the connectors inside. Use a puller to remove
connectors, not a hammer or a screwdriver.
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