Cub Cadet Challenger MX 550 Camo Operation Manual - Page 20

Battery Note: If you store a battery that is not completely charged, the battery may need to be replaced. WARNING Never remove the battery while the engine is running. Keep electrolyte away from eyes, hands and clothes. If you are spattered with it, wash it away completely with water immediately and get medical attention. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves when working around the battery. Note: The factory installed battery is the nonrefillable type. If the battery is weak, charge or replace it. Charging the Battery WARNING When the battery is being active, hydrogen and oxygen gases in the battery are extremely explosive. Keep open sparks and flames away from the battery at all times, especially when charging the battery. When disconnecting the cable from the battery start with the negative terminal; when connecting the cable to the battery start with the positive terminal. Always check battery charge by using a voltmeter. 1. To slow charge the battery connect the battery positive terminal to the charger positive terminal and the negative to the negative. Then recharge the battery normally. 2. A boost charge is only for emergencies it will partially charge the battery as quickly as possible. 3. When exchanging an old battery for a new one, use a battery of equal specification. The battery type is a 12V32Ah, 12 volt battery. Storing the Battery When storing the vehicle for a long period, remove the battery and store in a dry place out of direct sunlight. The battery will self-discharge while it is stored. Recharge it once every three months in hot seasons and once every six months in cold seasons. Adjusting Toe-In 1. Park utility vehicle on flat surface. 2. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are in the straight position. 3. Lock the parking brake and stop the engine. 4. Measure the distance between the center of the front tires at hub height on the front (a) and rear (b) of the tires. See Figure 5-33. (c) (a) (b) Figure 5-33 20 Section 5 - Product Care 5. The front distance should be shorter than rear distance by 0-.47" (0-12 mm) (c) if not adjust tie rod length. 6. Loosen the lock nut and turn the inner tie rod to adjust the rod length until the proper toe-in measurement is obtained. Retighten the lock nut. Note: Keep the length of the left and right tie-rods equal. Cleaning the Spark Arrester & Muffler WARNING Before touching any part of the exhaust system, be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool. Always wear safety goggles and face mask. The particulate matter contained in the muffler contains chemicals that are harmful to people, animals and marine life. If you are unable to do this work, have it done by your dealer. Spark Arrestor The spark arrester (a) should be removed, inspected and cleaned every 100 hours of use. The spark arrester (a) is located inside of muffler (b) body and fastened with bolts. See Figure 5-34. (a) (b) (c) Figure 5-34 1. Remove the back cover (c) and loosen the bolts and remove the spark arrester (a). 2. Shake loosened particles out of the screen assembly and lightly clean the screen with wire brush. Soak in solvent and clean with wire brush if necessary. 3. If there is any damage, the assembly must be replaced. 4. Return the spark arrester (a) to the muffler (b) and reinstall the bolts. Muffler 1. Visually check the muffler for cracks or holes in the body, weldment or pipes at regular intervals. 2. USDA Forestry Division approval requires clearance between spark arrester sleeve and muffler body to be no larger than 0.023" (0.584 mm). 3. Replace the entire muffler if it is damaged. 4. Do not operate the vehicle with a damaged muffler. Storage WARNING Do not clean the vehicle when the engine is running. To avoid the danger of exhaust fume poisoning, do not operate the engine in a closed building without proper ventilation. When storing, remove the key from the key switch to avoid unauthorized persons from operating the vehicle and getting injured. If you intend to store your vehicle for an extended period of time, follow the procedures outlined below. These procedures will insure that the vehicle is ready to operate with minimum preparation when it is removed from storage. 1. Check the bolts and nuts for looseness and tighten if necessary. 2. Apply grease to vehicle areas where bare metal will rust also to pivot areas. 3. Unload from the cargo bed. 4. Inflate the tire to 20 psi. 5. Change the engine oil and run the engine to circulate oil throughout the engine block and internal moving parts for about 5 minutes. 6. With all implements lowered to the ground, coat any exposed rods with grease (if equipped). 7. Remove the battery from the vehicle. Store the battery following the battery storage procedures. 8. Keep the vehicle in a dry place where the vehicle is sheltered from the elements. Cover the vehicle. 9. Keep the vehicle indoors in a dry area that is protected from sunlight and excessive heat. If the vehicle must be stored outdoors. Cover it with a waterproof tarpaulin. 10. Put boards under the tires to keep dampness away from tire. 11. Keep the tries out of direct sunlight and extreme heat. Important: When washing the vehicle, be sure to stop the engine. Allow sufficient time for the engine to cool before washing. Do not wash with a high-pressure pressure washer. Cover the vehicle after the muffler and the engine have cooled down. Removing the Vehicle from Storage 1. Check the tire air pressure and adjust to recommended pressures indicated on vehicle. 2. Install battery. Before installing the battery, make sure it is fully charged. 3. Check all fluid levels (engine oil, axle case oil, engine coolant and any attached implements). 4. Start the engine. Check to see if the engine cooling fan works. Observe all gauges. 5. If all gauges are functioning properly and reading normal and the cooling fan is working, move the vehicle outside. 6. Once outside, park the vehicle and let the engine idle for at least five minutes. Shut the engine off and work around vehicle and make a visual inspection looking for evidence of oil or water leaks.