A battery tenders monitors and maintains the 12V battery at its optimal charge level. Battery tenders avoid over-charging the 12V battery and can protect the life of the battery. Many battery tenders also have jump start features.
Due to the demands placed on the 12V in the MK-V, Monarch recommends a battery tender with at least 1500A of power. Using a battery tender with insufficient capacity won’t provide sufficient charge.
IMPORTANT: Trickle chargers can also be used with the 12V battery with caution. Trickle chargers are prone to damaging a 12V if connected for an extended period but are effective for short-term charging.
Before you begin, gather the following:
- Safety gear as required by your job site
- Battery tender (refer to the documentation that came with your battery tender for details)
To connect the 12V battery to a battery tender:
- Make sure the MK-V is powered off.
- Open the top cover and remove the tool tray to access the battery.
- Turn off the main switch to cut power from the 12V to the MK-V. This step prevents electrical surges from damaging the tractor’s wiring and circuit boards.
- Inspect the 12V battery for any leaks, cracks, or bulges. If you see any damage to the 12V do not jump the battery. Instead replace it.
- Check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Clean or repair the terminals if necessary.
- Connect the red (positive) clamp of the battery tender to the positive terminal (+) of the 12V battery in the MK-V.
- Connect the black (negative) clamp of the jump starter cables to the ground lug of the tractor’s 12V battery enclosure.
A. 12V battery C. Positive (+) terminal B. Main Switch in ON position D. Ground lug; used for negative (-) terminal - Follow the instructions included with your battery tender to plug it in and start the charging process.
- Once the 12V is fully charged, first unplug the battery tender, then disconnect the negative (-) from the ground lug and from the positive (+) battery terminal.