STORAGE
ENGINE
Immediately prepare yourtractorfor storage atthe end ofthe
season or ifthe tractor willnot be used for30 days or more,
CAUTION: Never store the tractor with
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 winterstorage. 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" intheCustomer
Responsibilities section ofthis manual).
• Inspect and replace belts, if necessary (See belt re-
placement instructionsin theService and Adjustments
section of this manual).
• Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely
fastened. Inspect moving partsfor damage, breakage
and wear. Replace ifnecessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand
lightlybefore painting.
BATTERY
• Fully charge the battery for storage.
• After a period of time in storage, battery may require
recharging.
• To help prevent corrosion and power leakage dudng long
pedods of storage, battery cables should be discon-
nected and batterycleaned thoroughly(see "TO CLEAN
BATI'ERYAND TERMINALS" intheCustomer Respon-
sibilities section of this manual).
• After cleaning, leave cables disconnected and place
cables where they cannot come incontact with battery
terminals.
• If battery is removed from tractor for storage, do not
store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces.
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM
DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM
PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL
HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO,
EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED
FUELS (CALLED 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 inthe
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 stor-
age. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage
container. Always follow the mix ratiofound on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizer toallow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do
notdrain the gastank and carburetor ifusingfuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drainoil(withengine warm)and replace withcleanengine oil.
(See "ENGINE" inthe Customer Responsibilitiessection of
this manual).
CYLINDER(S)
• Remove spark plug(s).
• Pour one ounce of oilthrough spark plug hole(s) into
cylinder(s).
• Turn ignitionkeyto =STAR-I-"positionfora 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 willcause problems.
• Ifpossible, storeyourtractor indoorsandcoverit togive
protectionfrom dust and dirt.
• Cover yourtractor with a suitable protectivecover that
does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic
cannot breathe whichallows condensationtoform and
willcause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE ENGINE
AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.
24