Storage
WARNING
Never store the rider, with gasoline in engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly venti- lated enclosures. Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable and careless use could result in serious fire damage to your person or property.
Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from open flame or sparks.
TEMPORARY STORAGE (30 Days Or Less)
Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so never store the rider 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 rider in any structure used for human or animal habitation.
Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your rider temporarily or in between uses:
•Keep the rider in an area away from where children may come into contact with it. If there’s any chance of unauthorized use, remove the spark plug (s) and put in a safe place. Be sure the spark plug opening is protected from foreign objects with a suitable cover.
•If the rider can’t be stored on a reasonable level sur- face, chock the wheels.
•Clean all grass and dirt from the mower.
NOTE: If storing your rider between winter snow removal jobs in a cold area, we suggest that you fill the fuel tank at the completion of each job to prevent water condensa- tion in the fuel tank. Wait for engine to cool before filling tank.
LONG TERM STORAGE (Longer Than 30 Days)
Before you store your rider for the
1.Drain crankcase oil while engine is hot and refill with a grade of oil that will be required when rider is used again.
2.Prepare the mower deck for storage as follows: a. Remove mower deck from the rider.
b. Clean underside of mower deck.
c. Coat all bare metal surfaces with paint or light coat of oil to prevent rusting.
3.Clean external surfaces and engine.
4.Prepare engine for storage. See engine owner’s manual.
5.Clean any dirt or grass from cylinder head cooling fins,engine housing and air cleaner element.
6.Cover air cleaner and exhaust outlet tightly with plas- tic or other waterproof material to keep out moisture, dirt and insects.
7.Completely grease and oil rider as outlined in the Normal Care section.
8.Clean up rider and apply paint or rust preventative to any areas where paint is chipped or damaged.
9.Be sure the battery is filled to the proper level with water and is fully charged. Battery life will be increased if it is removed, put in a cool, dry place and fully charged about once a month. If battery is left in rider, disconnect the negative cable.
10.Drain fuel system completely or add a gasoline stabi- lizer to the fuel system. If you have chosen to use a fuel stabilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow all safety instructions and storage precautions in this manual to prevent the possibility of fire from the ignition of gasoline fumes. Remember, gasoline fumes can travel to distant sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk of explosion and fire.
NOTE: Gasoline, if permitted to stand unused for extend- ed periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits which can adversely affect the engine carbure- tor and cause engine malfunction. To avoid this condi- tion, add a gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank or drain all fuel from the system before placing unit in storage.
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