Page -14- Clarke
®
Operator's Manual -FOCUS S17/L17 and S20/L20
EN
Battery Maintenance
The electrical power to operate the machine comes from
the storage batteries. Storage batteries need preventa-
tive maintenance.
To maintain the batteries in good condition, follow these
instructions.
1. Keep the electrolyte at the correct level. The
correct level is between 1/4" (1/2 cm) below the
bottom of the tube in each cell and above the tops
of the plates. Check the level of the electrolyte
each time you charge the batteries. See figure 14.
NOTE: Check the level of electrolyte prior to charging the
batteries. Be sure the plates in each cell are covered
with electrolyte before charging. Do not top off the cells
prior to charging the battery. Electrolyte expands during
charging. As a result, the electrolyte could overflow from
the cells. Always top off the cells with distilled water
after charging.
CAUTION: Irreversible damage will occur to
the batteries if electrolyte does not
cover the plates. Keep the electro-
lyte at the correct level.
CAUTION: Machine damage and discharge
across the tops of the batteries can
occur if the batteries are over filled.
Do not fill the batteries up to the
bottom of the tube in each cell.
Wipe any acid from the machine or
the tops of the batteries. Never add
acid to a battery after installation.
CAUTION: Batteries must be refilled with
distilled water only. Do not use tap
water as it may contain contami-
nants that will damage batteries.
2. Keep the tops of the batteries clean and dry. Keep
the terminals and connectors clean. To clean the
top of the batteries, use a damp cloth with a weak
solution of ammonia or bicarbonate of soda solu-
tion. To clean the terminals and connectors, use a
terminal and connector cleaning tool. Do not allow
ammonia or bicarbonate of soda to get into batter-
ies.
3. Keep the batteries charged.
4. To drain the battery compartment: See Figure 15.
a. Always wear eye protection and protective
clothing.
b. Add a weak solution of ammonia or bicarbonate
of soda solution to the battery compartment to
neutralize any spilled acid.
c. Pull drain hose out from under the transaxle.
d. Place your hand behind flange and open the
valve.
e. When empty, close valve.
f. Replace valve and drain hose on top of
transaxle.
g. Neutralize any acid spills with ammonia or
bicarbonate of soda.
Figure 15
How To Prepare the Machine For Operation
Correct Level
Figure 14