Battery Maintenance 34; 33 Battery Maintenance; Battery Maintenance- Page 18

Battery Maintenance   34

33  Battery Maintenance

Battery Maintenance

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF. Check that all controls are in   

  neutral. Disconnect the battery. 
• Make certain you use the correct size and weight  

  battery. Never operate a truck that has an  

  underweight or undersized battery installed.
• Never let anything metal touch the top of the  

  cells. You could cause sparks or do damage to  

  the battery. Use an an insulator (such as plywood)  

  when necessary.
• Use an approved spreader bar to place a battery in,  

  or remove it from, the battery compartment or a  

  stand. Make sure you adjust the spreader bar hooks  

  to fit the battery.

USING A ROLLER STAND

• If you use a roller stand to install or remove a battery 

  make sure the roller stand is the same height as the  

  rollers in the truck's battery compartment. Also  

  make sure the roller stand is at least as long as  

  your battery.

AFTER INSTALLING YOUR BATTERY

• Replace the battery retainers. Make certain the    

  retainers on both sides of the truck are in place. 
 • Connect the battery. Turn the truck ON and check 

  truck operation.

Know the Hazards

TRUCK BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS

Your truck battery produces gas that can explode.  

It also contains acid that could burn or disfigure you.
• Do not try to install, remove, charge or service your      

  truck battery unless you are trained and authorized.
• Never smoke or use an open flame around batteries.
• Your company should provide an area where it is

  safe to work on batteries. Use that area for all 

  battery work.
• Use protective equipment such as gloves, eye     

  shields, aprons etc.

BATTERY RETAINERS MUST BE IN PLACE

The battery could slide out if retainers are not in place. 

Check that both retainers are installed before operating 

your truck.

Batteries produce explosive gas.  

Do not smoke, use open flame, or create an 

arc or sparks near this battery. Ventilate well 

in enclosed areas and when charging.

Batteries contain Sulfuric Acid which 

causes severe burns. Do not get in  

eyes, on skin, or clothing. In  case of contact, 

flush immediately. Get medical attention if 

your eyes are affected.