Troy-Bilt Bronco Operation Manual - Page 19

Deck Wash System™ A hex bolt and washer can be found on your tractor's deck surface. See Fig. 6-2. • Set your battery charger to deliver a maximum of 10 amperes. If your battery charger is automatic, charge the battery until the charger indicates that charging is complete. NOTE: If the charger is not automatic, charge for no fewer than eight hours. WARNING! Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging. Charge battery in a well ventilated area and keep away from an open flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. Jump Starting Deck Wash Plug Figure 6-2 This bolt and washer can be replaced with a water port to be used as part of a separately-available deck wash system. The Deck Wash System™ is used to rinse grass clippings from the deck's underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. NOTE: Refer to the Attachments & Accessories section of this manual for information regarding this and other separatelyavailable attachments and accessories for your tractor. Battery The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked. • Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive build-up. • After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals. • Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent shorting. IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it's terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and result in damage to your engine's alternating system. WARNING! When removing or installing the battery, follow these instructions to prevent the screwdriver from shorting against the frame. IMPORTANT: Never jump your tractor's dead battery with the battery of a running vehicle. 1. Connect end of one jumper cable to the positive terminal of the good battery, then the other end to the positive terminal of the dead battery. 2. Connect the other jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery, then to the frame of the unit with the dead battery. 3. Start the tractor as instructed in the Operation section. WARNING! Failure to use this procedure could cause sparking, and the gas in either battery could explode. Cleaning Battery Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. Battery Failures Some common causes for battery failure are: • Incorrect initial activation • Overcharging • Freezing • Undercharging • Corroded connections These failures are NOT covered by your tractor's warranty. Charging IMPORTANT: When charging your tractor's battery, use only a charger designed for 12V lead-acid batteries. Read your battery charger's Owner's Manual prior to charging your tractor's battery. Always follow its instructions and heed its warnings. If your tractor has not been put into use for an extended period of time, charge the battery as follows: Section 6 - Maintenance & Adjustments 19