" Maintenance-free" battery gets a charge out of motion

IOw-MAINTENANCE and Lmaintenance-free batteries provide definite advantages over standard designs, but require periodic checkups to insure optimal performance.

"Don't let the names fool you," said Bruce Kraeuter of the J I Case Construction Equipment Division's Technical Experience Center. "There are some important maintenance procedures that need to be followed to insure long life and dependability."

A low-maintenance battery requires the same maintenance procedure as a standard battery, but less frequently. One important difference is that the electrolyte levels of a low-maintenance battery should be checked after every 125 hours of operation, comPared to every 50 hours for a standard battery.

During hot weather this Procedure should be done more frequentlY.

If the electrolyte level is low, add distilled water or other clean water to each cell until the level is even with the ring at the bottom of the cell opening. lf too much water is added, batterY performance could be hamPered and corrosion could form around the case.

"Maintenance-free batteries are not really maintenance-free," Kraeuter said, "in order to keeP them operating efficiently and at full charge, it is important to periodically check them."

o Check the electrolyte level every 1000 hours of operation or every six months. (ln hotter climates the level

(Continued on next Page)

Dute Giiy

MANUFACTURERS OF LUMBER

Ponderosa Pine / Douglas Fir htblicotions lor the Industry since 1921

Crow's Buyer's Guides

Thousondi ol Producers, Wholesolers, qnd Distributors in one ottrqctive volume: Lurnber Guide, $79.50

Plyv.'ood/?<rnel Guide, S6 9. 50

E youre poying aore, you're payiag too much,

Crow's Mcrketing Sen'ices

Crow's Weelly: Morket onolyses ond price reports for the modem wood products compony, Irom monogement to Production

Free Relerrcrl Senrices: Nqtionql exposure {or your personnel needs qnd product promotion' Free to subscribers.

Sead lor a Irce samPle.

White Fir / Engelmann Spruce

Southern Yellow Pine / Aspen

PATTERNS

Channel Rustic and other WWPA

Standard Patterns our specialtY

Cedar / Hemlock Fir

Free Lift Truck Seat Belts

Seat belts which will prevent drivers from falling out of overturned lift trucks are being installed free in vehicles manufactured by Clark Equipment Co. Owners interested in obtaining the Wrap-Around seat attachment developed by the company may call l-800-221-7854.

The toll free number staff will explain the program and send the caller a Clark Safety Seat Program brochure and a questionnaire to determine the type of equipment to be modified. The safety seat will be sent at no cost to the owner's local dealer for free installation. While at present the seat is not compatible with some older model lift trucks, it is expected that all models will be able to be equipped with safety seat equipment in the near future.

Aussies Prepare for 1986 Expo

A 13 minute video introducing the Forest Industries Machinery Exposition to be held in Myrtleford, North Eastern Victoria, Australia, in April, 1986, is available from Vernon S. White, North American and U.S. representative/FlME, 11200 S.W Allen Blvd., Beaverton, Or. 97m5.

The exposition will have a 143 acres static display site and five major dernonstration areas. Study groups from the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and Scandinavia are expected to attend, according to C. A. Lembke, Sydney, chairman of the honorary organizing committee. A number of U.S. manufacturers have indicated that they will have exhibits.

(Contirtued Jrom previous page) should be checked every 200 operating hours.) a Vent holes can be found under the decal on the top of the battery. Like the low-maintenance battery, add distilled water to each cell until the level is just below the ring at the bottom of the cell opening. Make sure caps are correctly sealed. o The battery top should be free of all dirt and moisture since both can permit electricity to flow from the battery to the ground.

Story at a Glance

Upkeep still necessary for socalled maintenance-lree bat. teries. motion needed to maintain charge.. electrolyte level, dirt and moisture free condition are musts.

o Clean all dirt and moisture from the top of the battery with a commercial product or a solution of baking soda and water-one tablespoon soda to one quart water.

o Flush the top with water and make sure the soda does not set into the battery.

o Clean the battery carrier or rack and be sure that the battery is tightened securely.

O Clean battery posts and insides of terminals with sandpaper. After cleaning and reattaching the cables, spray the posts and terminals with a polyurethane paint to help retard corrosion. Do not use grease. It can create an insulating barrier.

Motion and a proper charge also are essential to the life of a maintenance-free battery which cannot reach its full charge unless it has motion. Although motion does not have to be constant, it should be about half the time the battery is being charged. When in use, the motion of the equipment, plus the operation of its charging circuit, effectively recharges the battery.

If the equipment stands idle for a great lengih of time, howevir, this motion must be achieved in other ways to effectively recharge the batterY.

Kraeuter recommends loosening the battery tie-downs and rocking the battery back and forth as it charges, but he cautions against extremes.

Along with motion, the proper charger is essential for recharging the maintenance-free battery. A minimum of 16 volts is required to recharge the battery, when most batteries are fully charged at 14.6 volts. Too much voltage, however, like a 24-volt charge, can destroy battery plates.

To ensure that the battery is operating at maximum efficiency, the following three tests are recommended:

(1) Specific Gravity Test gives an accurate reading on the condition of fluid contained in the battery cells, showing the level of charge in the battery. Using a hydrometer equipped with a thermometer, check each cell's specific gravity. If the specific gravity between the high and low cell is more than .050, charge the battery and test it again. If the difference in specific gravity is still more than .050, discard the battery.

(2) The Three-Minute Charge Test gives a good indication of the battery's internal condition. It is important to put the battery in motion to get a proper reading. Remove the battery from the equipment or loosen the tie-downs. Connect the charger leads to the battery and adjust for the highest charging rates, not exceeding 40 amps for a l2-volt maintenancefree battery.

(3) The Battery Load Test provides a reliable indication of cell condition and determines if there are any internal shorts in the battery. For accurate results, this test must be performed with the battery in motion. Remove the battery or loosen the tie-downs. Connect the voltmeter, selecting a range from 0-16 volts and follow the same procedures used when performing this charge test on standard or low-maintenance batteries.

"There are many maintenance-free batteries operating at only TOVo of their capabilities because equipment owners don't regularly perform the proper tests or charging procedures," Kraeuter said.

Performing these recommended tests could save the life of the maintenance-free battery and save the owner monev at the same time.