Help with first startup on old Taylor Dunn?

[barngal]

Ready to start 1983 Taylor Dunn b248 for the first time.

1--do I need to fully charge my new batteries, or can i test with them in their current state as "new" I only want to turn it on and see if forward and back are working...then I planned on fully charging a full set of batteries for the first drive...

2--before starting, should I jack it up? think I remember someone saying that you don't want to try it with the wheels on the ground to avoid frying some part...did I just imagine that?

3--other than making sure all connections are clean and tight, anything else I should do before starting it up?

4--btw, the parking brake works, but the previous owner said the brakes need work-needs master brake cylinder. If I am only moving it 10-20 feet forward and back, slowly, on level ground, will it be safe?

thanks! I;m getting anxious to get started

[simple man]

I would jack up the rear wheels just to be safe! You can test to see if the cart moves the wheels forward and reverse, but then completely charge the batteries before you try and drive it. The parking brake may or may not stop the cart. Once you have charged your batteries, I'd try it out on a flat grassy surface. That will tend to not let the cart roll nearly as far as it would on pavement! Good Luck! It's always a thrill on the first ride!

[barngal]

Thanks Simple Man,
I'm' trying to find a good place to jack it up from underneath. kind of hard to get it all the way under the rear end, its pretty low.
going to try and do it today though.
going to try and post pics! thanks again
Jenni