561M Pipelayer Caterpillar

Tighten all the battery retainers at every 1000 hours. Tighten the retainers to a torque of 12 ± 4 N·m (9 ± 3 lb ft).

Check the following items at every 1000 hours. If necessary, check the items more often.

• Clean the top of the batteries with a clean cloth.

• Clean the battery terminals. As needed, coat the battery terminals with petroleum jelly.

In a moderate climate at the proper charging rate, a battery should not require more than 30 cc (1 ounce) of water per cell per week.

In extreme temperatures, check the water in the cells weekly.

1. Open the battery access cover.

2. Clean the battery surface with a clean cloth. Keep the terminals clean and keep the terminals coated with petroleum jelly. Install the post cover after you coat the post with petroleum jelly.

3. Inspect the electrolyte level in each battery cell. A maintenance free battery does not require inspection. Maintain the electrolyte level to the bottom of the filler openings. Use distilled water. If distilled water is not available, use clean drinking water.

4. Close the battery access cover.