If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor should be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed whenever the tractor is placed in storage.
1.Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in the engine manual packed with this manual.
WARNING! Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank indoors or in poorly ventilated enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.
2.If storing the tractor for 30 days or more:
a.To prevent gum deposits from forming inside the engine’s carburetor and causing possible malfunction of the engine, the fuel system must be either completely emptied, or the gasoline must be treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration.
WARNING! Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems.
b.Using a fuel stabilizer such as
•Read the product manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
•Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct amount of stabilizer for the capacity
(approximately 3 gallons) of the fuel system.
•Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the engine for
c.Emptying the fuel system for storage of more than
90 days:
•Prior to putting the tractor in storage, monitor fuel consumption with the goal of running the fuel tank empty.
•Run the engine until it begins to stall. Use the choke to keep the engine running until all fuel in the carburetor has been exhausted.
•Referring to the engine manual, drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl.
3.Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.
4.Fully charge the battery, then disconnect the negative cable at the battery to prevent possible discharge. Recharge the battery periodically when in storage.
NOTE: Remove the battery if exposed to prolonged periods of
5.Lubricate all lubrication points.
NOTE: Using a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended for cleaning your tractor. It may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
1.Check the engine oil.
2.Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure.
3.Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4.Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to ensure engine is operating properly.
5.Drive the tractor without a load to make certain all the tractor systems are functioning properly.
AdjustmentsWARNING! Shut the engine off, remove the ignition key and engage the parking brake before making adjustments. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades.
Adjusting RH & LH Drive Control LeversThe RH and LH drive control levers can be adjusted up or down and forward or backward for the comfort of the operator.
The drive control levers can be placed in either of two height positions, and/or can be moved forward or rearward within the
range of the slot in each lower arm..
To adjust the drive control lever height, proceed as follows:
1.Remove the upper hex screw and flat washer securing the lever to the pivot bracket.
2.While supporting the control lever to keep it from falling, remove the hex screw and flat washer from the bottom of the control lever and lower arm. Refer to Figure
Control Lever
Lower Arm
Height
Adjustment
Holes
Flat Washer
Hex Screw
Figure
3.Reposition the control lever to align with the other set of holes in the lower arm and insert the hex screw through the flat washer and into the lower arm. Tighten the hex screw until snug.
4.Insert the hex screw through the flat washer and through the control lever slot and the lower arm. Do not tighten now.
5.If you are going to adjust the control levers forward or rearward, proceed to the next step. If not, fully tighten the hex screw.
24Section 6— Maintenance & Adjustments