Information Release Memo

BAT08-02

June 2008

Cat Batteries
BATTERY GENSET USAGE
Caterpillar recommends the use of accessible type batteries in all Genset applications.
Genset applications commonly use a constant charge such as a trickle charge or float
charge during operation and the use of this type of constant charge shortens the life of
the battery (if the battery is not maintained properly). The use of accessible type
batteries allows for proper maintenance (electrolyte level check) and service to the
batteries, maximizing the life of the batteries.
If you are currently using the maintenance free, non-accessible type battery, replace
this battery with an accessible type battery after 3 years. For warmer geographical
regions, it is recommended to replace the non-accessible battery within 2 years;
warmer temperatures shorten the battery life. The ideal operating temperature range
for Caterpillar batteries is 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).

Caterpillar Accessible Batteries

Accessible batteries are batteries where the caps can be removed to allow access to
check the electrolyte level or top off the electrolyte (use de-ionized or de-mineralized
water only) within the cells of the battery. Gel and AGM batteries are non-accessible
type batteries.
Table 1.0 lists the accessible batteries along with the non-accessible counterpart.
Table 1.0
Group size Accessible
8D
101-4000
4D
9X-9730
4D
9X-9720

Non-accessible
153-5720
153-5710
153-5700

For Dealer Sales Personnel

The information contained herein is intended for circulation only to Caterpillar and dealer employees whose duties require knowledge of such reports and is intended exclusively
for their information and training. Any reproduction of this release without the foregoing explanation is prohibited.

PELJ0910

Printed in USA

2008 Caterpillar
All Rights Reserved

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If an accessible maintenance free design is not available, use an equivalent group size
battery and replace after 3 years. In warm climate regions, replace the non-accessible
battery within 2 years.
Cat Battery Charging Parameters
Maximum charging volts for 12-volt battery vs. temperature for lead acid batteries,
utilizing an alternator. For a 24-volt system, you will need to double the charge
settings.
Table 2.0

*MAINT.

*LOW
ANTI-MONY

*HYBRID

AGM

GEL

Max. Voltage
12.64

Max.
Voltage
12.64

Max.
Voltage
12.64

Max.
Voltage
12.64

>52

>126

FREE
CA/CA
Max.
Voltage
12.94

41-52

105-126

13.32

13.02

13.02

12.90

12.80

26-40

78-104

13.80

13.50

13.50

13.02

13.02

20-25
0-19

68-77
32-67

14.10
14.46

14.10
14.16

14.10
14.16

13.50
14.16

13.50
14.16

<0

<32

15.90

15.60

15.60

15.60

15.60

Temp C

Temp F

Optimum charging volts for 12-volt battery vs. temperature for lead acid batteries,
utilizing a charger. For a 24-volt system, you will need to double the charge settings.
Table 3.0
TEMP
C

TEMP
F

80
60
40
20
0
-30

176
140
104
68
32
-22

*MF CA/CA
Float Equalize
Volts
Volts
12.90
14.70
12.94
14.74
13.32
15.12
13.80
15.60
14.46
16.26
15.90
17.70

*Low Antimony
Float Equalize
Volts
Volts
12.60
13.20
12.64
13.24
13.02
13.62
13.50
14.10
14.16
14.76
15.60
16.20

*HYBRID
Float Equalize
Volts
Volts
12.60
13.80
12.64
13.84
13.02
14.22
13.50
14.70
14.16
15.36
15.60
16.80

AGM
Float Equalize
Volts
Volts
12.90
13.50
12.90
13.54
13.02
13.92
13.50
14.40
14.16
15.06
15.60
16.50

GEL
Float Equalize
Volts
Volts
12.80
12.90
12.80
12.94
13.02
13.32
13.50
13.80
14.16
14.46
15.60
15.90

* Use Caterpillar Data Sheet, PEHJ-0073 to identify chemical construction of Caterpillar batteries to
determine recommended charging voltages in previous tables.

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Page 3

Maintenance for Accessible Batteries

Accessible batteries require periodic checks for proper electrolyte level. The electrolyte
level should be covering the plates/grids ( inch (13mm)) within the battery to maximize
full charge transfer. If the liquid level is below the plates/grids, add only de-ionized
water or mineral free water; never add battery acid to top off the volume, as the addition
of extra acid will destroy the grids.
It is recommended to check the electrolyte level in the accessible batteries every 1000
hours. In warmer climates, check more frequently, such as every 500 hours to make
sure the electrolyte level is inch (13mm) above the top of the separators.
Battery types should never be mixed if more than one is used. If battery types are
mixed, some batteries may be overcharged, while others are not charged sufficiently,
since the alternator responds to the average load and voltage. Also, a battery system
where there is a battery pack of more than one battery and one of the batteries needs to
be replaced, the best practice should be to replace all batteries.

Caution during battery maintenance of batteries

Always wear proper eye, face and hand protection

Keep all sparks, flames and cigarettes away from the battery
Never try to open a battery with non-removable vents
Keep removable vents tight and level except when servicing electrolyte
Make sure work area is well ventilated
Never lean over battery while boosting, testing or charging
Never service battery while charging
Exercise caution when working with metallic tools or conductors to prevent short
circuits and sparks

Cleaning the Battery

DO NOT use compressed air to clean the battery compartment. The use of compressed
air could increase the risk of static electric spark and cause a hazardous event.
Make sure cables are tight and secure on the terminal posts. This will provide
continuous contact with no power interruption and a tight connection will eliminate a
spark created with loose terminals.

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Page 4

The battery terminal post(s) may be corroded. If a corroded terminal post has a
nonconductive coating, you cannot clean the terminal with a cleaning solution or with a
cleaning brush. Use a fine grit sandpaper to remove the nonconductive coating if the
terminal posts are corroded.
Clean the battery terminal post(s) surface until the surface has a bright, shiny
appearance.
DO NOT remove any more material than necessary, or the cable terminal may not fit
properly.
Batteries can be cleaned with one of the following solutions:
Baking Soda Combine 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) of baking soda with 1 L (1.1 qt) of clean water.
Ammonia Combine 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) of ammonia soda with 1 L (1.1 qt) of clean water.
Remove the cleaning solution from the battery and neutralize the battery by rinsing the
battery with clean water.

Rapid air movement from compressed

air combined with dust, dirt, etc. could
create static electricity. This may lead
to a battery outburst , resulting in
personal injury. Never use compressed
air for cleaning in the vicinity of a battery.

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E-Mail
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