Ransomes CT325 Operator Instructions Manual - Lubrication And Maintenance
44
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Never attach chains,
ropes, or cables to the ROPS or Cab
for pulling purposes ; this will cause the
tractor to tip backward. Always pull
from the tractor drawbar.
WARNING: If the ROPS or cab is
removed or replaced, make certain that
the proper hardware is used and the
recommended torque values are
applied to the attaching bolts.
WARNING: Always wear your seat
belt. Never wear the seat belt if the
tractor is not equipped with a ROPS or
Safety Cab.
FALLING OBJECT PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES
(FOPS)
When tractors are equipped with front-end loaders
and are not equipped with safety cabs, it is
recommended the tractor be equipped with a FOPS
canopy to protect the operator from falling objects.
BATTERY
Keep the battery connections tight and free of
corrosion. An ammonia or baking soda-water
solution is good for washing the outside surface and
terminals of the battery. Make sure the solution does
not enter the battery. After cleaning, wash the
battery with clean water. Apply a small amount of
petroleum jelly to the terminals to protect them from
corrosion.
In freezing temperatures, the battery must be
maintained in a good state of charge. When a
battery is discharged or run down, the electrolyte is
weak and may freeze, causing damage to the case.
If it becomes necessary to add water (distilled), it
should be done just before using the tractor so the
charging will mix the water with the electrolyte and
prevent the water from freezing.
Determine the battery charge by checking the
specific gravity of the electrolyte.
Checking Electrolyte Level: Check the electrolyte
level in the battery every 50 hours.
WARNING: When the alternator is
charging, an explosive gas is produced
inside the battery. Therefore, always
check the electrolyte level with the
engine stopped. Do not use an exposed
flame and do not smoke when checking
the battery electrolyte level.
1
Clean the top of the battery, then remove the
vent plugs.
2.
If the electrolyte level is low, add distilled
water. The level is correct when the liquid is
1/4 inch (6.35 mm) above the plates.
NOTE:
Keep distilled water in a clean, well-
covered, non-metallic container.
3.
Install the vent plug after making sure the
vent holes are not blocked. At below freezing
temperatures, be sure to run the engine for a
period of time, after adding water, so the
battery will charge and prevent the water from
freezing.
ALTERNATOR
The alternator, Figure 59, is belt-driven from the
engine crankshaft pulley. It is important that belt
slippage does not occur, otherwise, the charging
rate will be affected. Details of belt adjustment are
given on page 41.
Other than belt adjustment, the only maintenance
required on the alternator is to periodically inspect
the terminals and keep them clean and tight. The
alternator cooling fan should also be cleaned
periodically.
When working on or checking the alternator, comply
with the following precautions to prevent alternator
damage.
•
DO NOT, under any circumstances, short the
FIELD terminal of the alternator to ground.
•
DO NOT disconnect the alternator output lead
or battery cables while the alternator is
operating.
•
DO NOT remove the alternator from the
tractor without first disconnecting the negative
(-) battery cable. If the battery is to be
removed, disconnect the negative cable first.