Off-Season Storage - Craftsman T100 Series Instruction Manual

2. The brush guard assembly may now be removed. See Figure 56.
Note: The FastAttach™ brackets may be left in place for use with other
FastAttach™ attachments. Contact your authorized service dealer for a
complete list of products and availability.
Changing the Transmission Drive Belt
Several components must be removed and special tools used in order to change the
tractor's transmission drive belt. See your authorized dealer to have the transmission
drive belt replaced.
Troubleshooting
Excessive Vibration
1. Cutting blade loose.
• Tighten cutting blade and deck spindle.
2. Cutting blade damaged, unbalanced or bent.
• Replace the cutting blade.
Uneven Cut
1. Deck not properly leveled.
• Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
2. Cutting blade dull or damaged.
• Sharpen or replace cutting blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
• Check and correct tire pressure in all four tires.

Off-Season Storage

If your lawn tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty
days to approximately six months), the lawn tractor should be prepared for storage.
Store the lawn tractor in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the lawn
tractor (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined
below should be performed whenever the lawn tractor is placed in storage.
1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in the
Engine Operator's Manual.
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.Service the engine as
instructed in the separate Engine Operator's Manual.
2. Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer
and engines stored over 90 days need to be run empty of fuel to prevent deterioration
and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline
in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and
other fuel system components, serviced or replaced.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Figure 56
WARNING
3. Remove the spark plugs and pour approximately one ounce of oil into each
cylinder. Crank the engine one or two turns to spread the oil evenly on the
cylinder walls. Replace the spark plugs.
4. Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly.
NOTE: Use of a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended to clean
your lawn tractor. They may cause damage to electrical components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life
and reduce serviceability.
5. Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use when needed.
6. Protect the metal surfaces. Repair scratches with the appropriate touch-up
spray paint.
7. Clean and 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 sub-freezing
temperatures. Store in a cool, dry location where temperatures are above
freezing.
8. Lubricate all lubrication points.
9. Jack the mower up and store it on blocks to take the weight off of the tires.
Removing the Lawn Tractor from Storage
1. Check the engine oil.
2. Fully charge the battery, lower lawn tractor off blocks, and inflate the tires to
the recommended pressure.
3. Remove the spark plugs and wipe them off. Using the starter, crank the engine to
pump the excess oil out of the spark plug holes. Replace the spark plugs and the
ignition leads.
4. If drained before storing, fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
5. Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to ensure engine is operating
properly.
6. Drive the lawn tractor without a load to make certain all the lawn tractor
systems are functioning properly.
33