Battery Maintenance 32; 31 Battery Maintenance; Battery Maintenance- Page 17

Battery Maintenance   32

31  Battery Maintenance

Battery Maintenance

Know the Hazards

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF.  Brake applies automatically   

  when truck is turned OFF.  Check that all controls are  

  in neutral and disconnect the battery. Press the    

  button on the side of the steer column and pivot the  

  handle out of the way before removing the battery.

• Make certain you use the correct size and weight  

  battery. Never operate a truck that has an  

  underweight or undersize 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.

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.

DANGER