Storage
AWARNING
Never store the tractor, with gasoline in engine or fuel tank, in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated 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 tractor 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 tractor in any struc- ture used for human or animal habitation.
Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your tractor temporarily or in between uses:
•Keep the tractor 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 protect- ed from foreign objects with a suitable cover.
•If the tractor can’t be stored on a reasonable level sur- face, chock the wheels.
•Clean all grass and dirt from the mower.
NOTE: lf storing your tractor between winter snow removal jobs in a co/d area, we suggest that you fill the fuel tank at the completion of each job to prevent water condensation in the fuel tank. Wait for engine to cool before filing tank.
LONG TERM STORAGE (LONGER THAN 30 DAYS)
Before you store your tractor for the
1.Drain crankcase oil while engine is hot and refill with a grade of oil that will be required when tractor is used again.
2.Prepare the mower deck for storage as follows:
a.Remove mower deck from the tractor.
b.Clean underside of mower deck. 1.
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 plastic or Other waterproot material to keep out moisture, dirt and insects.
7.Completely grease and oil tractor as outlined in the Normal Care section.
8.Clean up tractor 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 tractor, discon- nect the negative cable.
10.Drain fuel system completely or add a gasoline stabilizer to the fuel system. If you have chosen to use a fuel sta- bilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow all safety instructions and storage precautions in this man- ual 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 extended periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits which can adversely affect the engine carburetor and cause engine malfunction. To avoid this condition, adda gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank or drain a// fuel from the system before placing unit in storage.
STARTING AFTER
LONG TERM STORAGE
Before starting the tractor after it has been stored for a long period of time, perform the following steps.
1. Remove any blocks from under the tractor.
2.Install the battery if it was removed.
3.Unplug the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.
4.Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. See engine manual for recommendations.
5.See engine owner’s manual and follow all instructions for preparing engine after storage.
6.Check crankcase oil level and add proper oil if necessary.
7.Inflate tires to proper pressure. Check fluid levels.
8.Start the engine and let it run slowly. DO NOT run at high speed immediately after starting. Be sure to run engine only outdoors or in well ventilated area.
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