BASIC SAFETY RULES FOR BATTERY MAINTENANCE
1. Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away from batteries at all times.
2. Never lean over a battery when jump starting or performing any maintenance.
3. Shield your eyes with either safety glasses or a face shield.
4. The sulfuric acid in the battery can cause blindness or severe burns. Handle the battery with care. Do not tip the battery. Even Maintenance-free (sealed) batteries have vents where acid will discharge if the battery is tipped.
5. If you get battery acid (sulfuric) on you or in your eyes, flush immediately with water and get medical help.
6. When removing a battery ALWAYS remove the negative cable first.
7. When installing a battery ALWAYS attach the positive cable first.

BATTERY STORAGE
1. When storing the tractor for extended periods (winter), disconnect the Negative terminal.
2. Clean the top of the battery. A dirty battery will discharge itself more rapidly. Use an acid neutralizer to clean the terminals if they show signs of corrosion.
3. The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery will freeze sooner than a charged battery.
4. Recharge the battery before returning it to service. Even if the tractor starts after being stored, the engine charging system may never bring the battery up to full charge.
5. A fully charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot. So, don’t store the battery in a heated room. If you want to store it on a board to prevent it from discharging and it helps you sleep better at night, then do it. (It won’t make any difference. A battery sitting on the concrete will not discharge.)

Remember, a battery is like your checking account. You can’t keep taking out without putting something back. (Even if you have checks left over in your checkbook.)