STORAGE
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more.
WARNING: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
TRACTOR
Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
•Clean entire tractor (See “CLEANING” in the Mainte- nance section of this manual).
•Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re- placement instructions in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
•Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual.
•Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.
•Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting.
BATTERY
•Fully charge the battery for storage.
•After a period of time in storage, battery may require recharging.
•To help prevent corrosion and power leakage during long periods of storage, battery cables should be dis- connected and battery cleaned thoroughly (see “TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS” in the Mainte- nance section of this manual).
•After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place cables where they cannot come in contact with battery terminals.
•If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANTTO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTUREWHICH LEADSTO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE. ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE.
•Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
•Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
•Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in mini- mizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not empty the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean en- gine oil. (See “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual).
CYLINDER(S)
•Remove spark plug(s).
•Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into cylinder(s).
•Turn ignition key to “START” position for a few seconds to distribute oil.
•Replace with new spark plug(s).
OTHER
•Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
•Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.
•If possible, store your tractor indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt.
•Cover your tractor with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVERTRACTORWHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
26