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.
_ CAUTION: Never store the tractor w_th 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 Maintenance section of this
manual).
•Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt replacement instructions in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
•Lubricate as shown in the Mainte- nance 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.
BA'I-rERY
•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 disconnected and battery cleaned
thoroughly (see ='1"OCLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS" in the Maintenance
section of this manual).
•After cleaning, leave cables discon- nected 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 important to prevent
_luUmdeposits from forming in essential el system parts such as carburetor, fuel
filter fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also, experience indicates that alcoho blended fuels 9called 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.
•Drain the fuel tank.
•Start 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 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 drain the gas tank
and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINEOIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine 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 conden- sation to form and will cause your
tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover tractor while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
26
