You shouldn't need any special tools to remove the two bolts. If I recall correctly, the nut is a 19mm. The other end is secured by the frame, so you only need to remove the nut. However, you'll need to lift the mast and block it to keep it from falling, as you'll be working underneath the suspended carriage.
When you do need to replace them it's worth checking Sam's Club. It's been a while since I've replaced them but Sam's has always been competitive on GC-2 batts.
Just in case someone else has the problem, I ended up removing all 4 batteries and charged them one at a time, re-assembled, and it worked. Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it.
Ok, I guess I'll start with the top 2 batteries then and see how it goes, thanks
There is not without using a different lift or overhead lifting device.
Is there a way to lift the mast without battery power?
You should not need anything special to remove the 2 bolts. If I remember correctly the nut is a 19mm, and the other end is held in place by the frame so all you need to do is remove the nut. This does require you to lift the mast and block it to prevent it from falling as you will be working under the suspended carriage.
Awesome, thanks. One last question before I attempt this. For the plate bolts, are those removable with a wrench or do you need a socket and extensions? The lift is an hr away and want to make sure I have the tools I need before attempting
Typically the battery cables get torqued to 10ftlbs. The 2 bolts for the plate is tourqed to 50-60ftlbs typically. I recommend going through Crown to get batteries as the weight and size does matter. Their part number is 156131. Last I saw the crown batteries go for $350 per and are stocked at almost any crown dealer/branch. If you dont want to go through crown, the lift requires 4, 6v sealed batteries. You can use the part number above to get the specs of the batteries.
Thank you. Is there a good place to get batteries at a reasonable price if I need to?
Ok, thanks. I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for the info on the bottom plate. Do you know if there's a torque spec for the battery fasteners?
You can try and jump the batteries to start the charger. I perosnally use a 12v car jumper and place it over 2 batteries. That should be enough to allow the charger to start.
To removed the bottom 2 batteries you need to remove the top 2 batteries, then unbolt the plate that holds to 2 top batteries. The bolt is in between the mast channels. There should only be 2 bolts, then that plate can come out giving you acess to the bottom batteries.
If the batteries are more than 2 years old i'd recommend replacing all 4.
If you charge the top two individually there is a chance it'll raise voltage enough to allow the onboard charger to kick on. Sounds like you're going to need new batteries either way though.