USING A BATTERY CHARGER

HOSTA Task Sheet 4.6.3

NATIONAL SAFE TRACTOR AND MACHINERY OPERATION PROGRAM

Introduction Battery Charging Procedures

If batteries are not cared for
properly (see Task Sheet 4.6.2.), or
if they are nearing the end of their
useful life expectancy, (a 60-month
guaranteed battery, which has 54
months of use), you can expect that
the battery may fail to start the
tractor. Many times that failure
will come at the onset of cold
weather when greater current
demands are placed on the battery.
Batteries can also lose a charge Figure 4.6.3.a. Battery Polarity: A battery has two poles or posts. The positive battery post is usually
when not used for extended time marked POS, P, or (+ ) and is larger than the negative post which is usually marked NEG, N, or (-).
periods.
Often the battery can be
recharged to prolong its usefulness.
Tools You Will Need:
This task sheet discusses the • Safety glasses
correct procedure to charge a 6- or • Approved battery
12-volt battery. For other voltage charger
situations, consult the battery • Wrenches to remove
manufacturer’s recommendations battery cables
or your tractor Operator’s Manual. • Battery terminal cleaner
Some chargers can also be used to • Rubber gloves
jumpstart a battery.

Battery Charging: Learning Goals

•
The red cable goes to the
To safely use a battery charger to
charge a weak battery

POSITIVE (+) battery terminal, • To use all safety procedures to prevent

and the black cable goes to chemical burn, explosion or fire, and
electrical shock
the NEGATIVE (-) battery Related Task Sheets:

terminal. Lead Acid Batteries 4.6.2

Using Jumper Cables 4.6.4

© The Pennsylvania State University 2004 Cooperation provided by The Ohio State University and National Safety Council.
 Page 2 USING A BATTERY CHARGER

Steps in Charging battery during a rapid charging

STEP 3. TURNING THE
situation.
a Battery CHARGER OFF:
• STEP 2. TURNING THE • Set the selector switch to OFF.
If the tractor has a negative
CHARGER ON: • Unplug the AC power cord
ground (most tractors do, but if
• If equipped with a voltage from the outlet.
you are not sure have it checked).
switch, set the switch to the • Remove black charger clip
voltage of the battery (normally connected to frame. If charging
STEP 1. CONNECTING THE
6 to 12 volts). a battery outside of a vehicle,
CHARGER TO BATTERY:
• If equipped with a rate switch, remove clip connected away
set the switch for the desired from battery.
• If the charger has a switch with
charge rate: normally 2, 6, 12, • Remove clip connected to
an OFF position, it MUST be
30 amps. positive battery post.
set to OFF.
• If equipped with a timer, set the
• The AC power cord to the
timer to the charge time desired.
charger MUST be unplugged.
• Plug the AC cord into a
• Connect the POSITIVE (RED)
grounded outlet. Stand away
charger clip to the POSITIVE
from the battery.
post of the battery.
• Do not touch the charger clips
• Next connect the NEGATIVE Connect the
when the charger is on.
(BLACK) charger clip to the battery charger
• The charger should now be on
frame or engine block away
and the ammeter showing the
from the battery. using the correct
rate at which the battery is
CAUTION: Do not connect clip to
charging. The initial rate may be procedure to
carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet
somewhat higher or lower than
metal body parts. Connect to a avoid sparks and
the charger's nameplate rating
heavy gauge metal part of the
depending on battery condition possible
frame or engine block. This
and AC voltage at the outlet.
prevents sparks at the battery explosions.
terminals, which can ignite
hydrogen gas produced by the

Safety Activities
1. With the help of an adult mentor, use a battery charger to charge a weak battery as described in this task
sheet.
2. Use the Internet site www.autoeducation.com to ask questions about charging a battery.
3. Identify all the ways a battery’s posts may be labeled to identify the positive and negative battery poles.

References Contact Information

National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program
The Pennsylvania State University
1. www.ask.com Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department
246 Agricultural Engineering Building
2. www.autoeducation.com University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-7685
Fax: 814-863-1031
3. www.battery-chargers.com Email: NSTMOP@psu.edu

4. www.autobatteries.com
Credits
Developed, written and edited by WC Harshman, AM Yoder, JW Hilton and D J Murphy,
The Pennsylvania State University. Reviewed by TL Bean and D Jepsen, The Ohio State
University and S Steel, National Safety Council. Version 4/2004
This material is based upon work supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2001-41521-01263. Any opinions, findings,
conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

© The Pennsylvania State University 2004 Cooperation provided by The Ohio State University and National Safety Council.