Operation

Storage

Temporary Storage (30 Days Or Less)

Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some fuel, so never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also toxic if inhaled, so never store the unit in any structure used for human or animal habitation.

Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your unit temporarily or in between uses:

•Keep the unit in an area away from where children may come into contact with it. If there’s any chance of unauthorized use remove the ignition key.

•If the unit can’t be stored on a reasonable level surface, chock the wheels.

•Clean all grass and dirt from the mower.

•If temperature is expected to drop below 35 degrees, refer to Long Term Storage, Item 2.

WARNING

Never store the unit, with diesel fuel in engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures. Diesel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.

Handle diesel fuel carefully. It is highly flammable and careless use could result in serious fire damage to your person or property.

Drain fuel outdoors into an approved container and away from open flame or sparks.

NOTE: Diesel fuel, if permitted to stand unused for

Long Term Storage (Longer Than 30 Days)

 

extended periods (30 days or more), may develop

Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the

gummy deposits which can adversely affect the fuel

pump and injector tubes and cause engine malfunction.

Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety

 

 

To avoid this condition, add a diesel fuel stabilizer to the

Rules section, then perform the following steps:

 

 

 

 

 

ReproductionDiesel Fuel Recommendations

 

 

 

 

fuel tank and run the engine a few minutes, or drain all

 

 

 

for

1. Drain crankcase oil while engine is hot and refill with

fuel f om the unit before placi g it in storage.

a grade of oil that will be required when unit is used

 

 

again.

 

 

 

Sta ting After L g Term Storage

2. Use an Antifreeze tester to check the cooling

 

Bef

re star ng he un t after it has been stored for a long

system’s level of protection. Read the instructions

 

 

 

Not

peri d of ime, perf rm the following steps.

on the Antifreeze container for the appropria e ra io

 

 

of water to Antifreeze for your geographical area.

 

1. Remove any blocks from under the unit.

3. Prepare the mower deck for storage as f ll

ws:

 

2.

Install the battery if it was removed.

a. Remove mower deck from the unit.

 

 

3. Unpl g the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.

b. Clean underside of mower deck.

 

 

4.

Fill the f el tank with fresh fuel. See engine manual

c. Coat all bare metal surfaces with paint or light c at

 

for recommendations.

5. See engine owner’s manual and follow all

of oil to prevent rusting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

instructions for preparing engine after storage.

4. Clean external surfaces and engine.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Check crankcase oil level and add proper oil if

 

 

 

 

5. Prepare engine for storage. See engine owner’s

 

 

necessary. If any condensation has developed

manual.

 

 

 

 

during storage, drain crankcase oil and refill.

6. Clean any dirt or grass from cylinder h ad,

ngine

7.

Inflate tires to proper pressure. Check fluid levels.

housing and air cleaner element.

 

 

 

8.

Start the engine and let it run slowly. DO NOT run at

7. Cover air cleaner and exhaust outlet tightly with

 

 

high speed immediately after starting. Be sure to run

 

 

engine only outdoors or in well ventilated area.

plastic or other waterproof material to keep out

 

 

 

 

 

moisture, dirt and insects.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Completely grease and oil unit as outlined in the

 

 

 

Regular Maintenance section.

 

 

 

Fuel companies provide fuel tailored to meet the existing

9. Clean up unit and apply paint or rust preventative to

weather conditions. These fuels change at the start of

the predominant season according to regional weather

any areas where paint is chipped or damaged.

 

 

trends.

 

 

 

 

10. Be sure the battery is filled to the proper level

 

Winter fuels are tailored to give ease of starting for cold

with water and is fully charged. Battery life will be

 

weather. Summer fuel may be somewhat heavier than

increased if it is removed, put in a cool, dry place

 

winter fuel resulting in slightly better fuel economy and

and fully charged about once a month. If battery is

power. Spring and fall fuel is an average blend between

left in unit, disconnect the negative cable.

 

 

winter and summer blend.

11. Drain fuel system completely or add a diesel fuel

 

For these reasons an effort should be made to purchase

stabilizer to the fuel system. If you have chosen to

fuels in such quantities that they are not carried over

use a fuel stabilizer and have not drained the fuel

 

into the next season. Using the wrong blend of fuel can

system, follow all safety instructions and storage

 

cause problems with the engine.

precautions in this manual to prevent the possibility

 

 

of fire from the ignition of diesel fumes. Remember,

Refer to the engine manufacturer’s manual for specific

fuel recommendations.

diesel fumes can travel to distant sources of ignition

and ignite, causing risk of explosion and fire.

 

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