Weed Eater WE261 warranty Storage, Mower, Battery, Engine, Other

STORAGE

RIDING MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing

CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM

Immediately prepare your riding mower for storage at the end of the season or if the riding mower will not be used for 30 days or more.

WARNING: Never store the riding mower 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.

MOWER

Remove deck from mower for winter stor- age. 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.

1.Clean entire riding mower (See “CLEAN- ING” in the Maintenance section of this manual).

2.Inspect and replace belt, if necessary (See belt replacement instructions in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

3.Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual.

4.Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.

5.Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting.

BATTERY

•Fully charge the battery for storage.

•If battery is removed from riding mower for storage, do not store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

•Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting 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 al- ternative in minimizing 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 engine oil. (See “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER(S)

1.Remove spark plug(s).

2.Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole(s) into cylinder(s).

3.Turn ignition key to “START” position for a few seconds to distribute oil.

4.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 riding mower indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt.

•Cover your riding mower with a suitable

protective cover that does not retain mois-

any maintenance.

BRAKE OPERATION

If riding mower requires more than four (4) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be serviced. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

TIRES

•Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See PSI on tires).

•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion.

AXLE AND SPINDLES

•Front wheel axles and front spindles should be properly lubricated.

•Wheel Axles should be lubricated with a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant.

•Spindles should be lubricated with a spray type silicone base lubricant.

Spindle

•When the engine is running, any at- tempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake should shut off the engine.

•When the engine is running and the deck clutch lever is engaged, any at- tempt by the operator to leave the seat should shut off the engine.

•The deck clutch lever should never operate unless the operator is in the seat.

CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM

•When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the engine "ON" posi- tion and the deck clutch lever engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should shut off the engine.

•When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the ROS "ON" posi- tion and the deck clutch lever engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be sharp. Replace worn, bent or damaged blades.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your riding mower. Using a blade not ap- proved by the manufacturer of your riding mower is hazardous, could damage your riding mower and void your warranty.

ROS "ON" Position	Engine "ON" Position
	(Normal Operating)

IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

ture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your riding mower to rust.

IMPORTANT: Never cover riding mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm.

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Wheel Axle

OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM AND

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)

Be sure operator presence and reverse operation systems are working properly. If your riding mower does not function as described, repair the problem immediately.

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• The engine should not start unless the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the deck clutch lever is in the disengaged position.

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