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RIDING MOWER STORAGE
If your riding mower is not going to be operated for an extended period
of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the riding mower
should be prepared for storage. Store the riding mower in a dry and
protected location. If stored outside, cover the riding mower (including
the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined
below should be performed whenever the riding mower is placed in
storage.
1.
Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided
in the Service and Maintenance section of this manual..
WARNING
Never store the riding mower 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 riding mower 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 deterio-
ration.
WARNING
Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious starting
problems.
b.
Using a fuel stabilizer:
•
Read the product manufacturer's instructions and recom-
mendations.
•
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
2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel into the carburetor.
c.
Emptying the fuel system:
•
Prior to putting the riding mower in storage, monitor fuel
consumption with the goal of running the fuel tank empty.
•
Start the engine and allow it to run out of fuel. This will
prevent gum and varnish deposits from forming.
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 riding mower thoroughly. Refer to
"Using Deck Wash System".
5.
Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use when
needed.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
WARNING
Never store garden riding mower with fuel in tank indoors or in poorly
ventilated areas where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark,
or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, or gas
appliance.
6.
Protect the metal surfaces. Repair scratches with the appropriate
touch-up spray paint. Brush a rust preventive oil on any unpainted
surfaces including the pulleys and blades. (Be careful not to get
any oil on the drive belts.)
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 RIDING MOWER FROM
STORAGE
1.
Check the engine oil.
2.
Fully charge the battery, lower riding mower 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.
Check the level of the engine oil in the crankcase and the
hydraulic reservoir tank.
6.
Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to ensure
engine is operating properly.
7.
Drive the riding mower without a load to make certain all the riding
mower systems are functioning properly.
34
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