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During shipment of the baery, low temperatures and/or normal shock and vibraon oen results in a drop in the electrolyte level. If
the level is below the top of the separators, recheck it aer 3 hours of charging. If the level remains below the top of the separators,
add water or electrolyte to the proper level at the end of charging.
Following the rst month of service, the baery should reach its normal operang specic gravity of 1.295 +/- 0.005 at 77° F.
IF BATTERIES ARE NOT IN USE, KEEP THEM CHARGED. CHECK THE SPECIFIC GRAVITIES MONTHLY AND GIVE A FRESHENING
CHARGE (3 OR 4 HOURS AT THE FINISH RATE) IF THE GRAVITIES HAVE FALLEN 0.030 OR MORE; OTHERWISE GIVE A
FRESHENING CHARGE EVERY THREE MONTHS.
4. OPERATION
Baeries are rated in ampere-hours (Ahr) and are selected to perform a specic workload within an established period of me. Increasing
the workload or me period could result in over discharging, thus shortening baery life. Limit discharging of the baery (to 80% or less)
so that specic gravies do not go below 1.180. If truck operaon results in only paral discharges (40% or less) and specic gravies are
1.250 or more at the end of the shi, recharging may be deferred and the baery used for another shi, providing the workload is not
expected to increase. Hydrometer readings and experience will determine the frequency of charge intervals under these circumstances.
A baery should always be recharged immediately following a complete discharge. Never allow it to remain in a discharged
condion; otherwise, permanent damage may result. A baery is designed to be operated as follows:
8 hours discharge
8 hours charge
8 hours cool-down
5. TEMPERATURE
In the operaon of move power lead acid baeries, the electrolyte temperature must not exceed 110°F (43°C). If the baery
is connuously operated at or above this temperature, the service life of the baery will be severely diminished. Under normal
operang condions, baery electrolyte temperature should be maintained between 60-100°F (15-38°C). Following charging, the
baery should be allowed to cool-down or rest approximately 8 hours prior to another discharge cycle.
If a baery is ever hot to the touch, allow it to cool to room temperature before charging or discharging. If a baery consistently
operates at high temperatures greater than 100° F (38° C), contact your local GNB representave for service.
6. CHARGING
When recharging a fully discharged baery, the starng charge rate will be 3 mes higher than the nish charge rate. The charge rate
should taper down to the nish rate by the me the baery is 85% charged and may be even lower when fully charged. High “on
charge” temperatures or frequent need for water addions are indicaons of overcharging. Short running mes and/or low end-of-
charge specic gravies may indicate inadequate recharge. Consult your local GNB representave on specic charging problems.
The ampere-hour rang of the charger applied to the baery should be within 10% of the ampere-hour rang of the baery.
7. MAINTENANCE
KEEP RECORDS… Showing specic gravies, equalizing, charging, temperature, cleaning and voltages on a monthly basis. These
records are required to maintain your warranty.
TEMPERATURE… Under normal operating conditions, the electrolyte temperature should be between 60-100°F (15-
38°C). Operating temperatures above 100°F will reduce the battery’s service life. Operating temperatures below 60°F
result in less capacity and special charging is required.
WATER ADDITIONS… GNB-approved chargers have the capability for equalize charging at specic mes and days of the week
(e.g. Sunday 08:00). Water addions can be made the following day prior to use, provided an equalizaon charge is conrmed to
have been performed.
EQUALIZE… Once a week.
DEPTH OF DISCHARGE… Do not discharge the baery below 80% of the rated capacity. Over discharging shortens the baery
life and voids the warranty
CLEANING… Keep the top of the baery clean and dry. See Item 8.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE…
WEEKLY
• Check electrolyte levels (see water addions).
• Equalize charge.
MONTHLY
• Record electrolyte specic gravies.
• Visual inspecon and conrmaon that the baery-mounted monitor is funconing properly.
• Inspect the cables and charging plugs.
• Clean the top of the cells.
SEMI-ANNUAL
• Inspect the charger. Conrm proper output voltage and current. Check for external damage, frayed cables, or worn connectors.
• Clean the exterior of the baery .
