Cub Cadet 5000 Series Operator's Manual page 37

TRACTOR STORAGE
If your tractor is not going to be operated for an
extended period of time (thirty days to approxi-
mately six months), the tractor should be prepared
for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected
location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (includ-
ing the tires) to protect it from the elements. The
procedures outlined below should be performed
whenever the tractor is placed in storage.
1. Change the engine oil and filter following the
instructions provided in CHANGING THE
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER in SECTION 5.
WARNING: Never store the tractor with
fuel in the tank indoors or in poorly
ventilated enclosures,
fumes may reach an open flame, spark
or pilot light as on a furnace, water
heater, clothes dryer, etc.
WARNING: Fuel left in the fuel tank
deteriorates and will cause serious
starting problems.
2. If storing the tractor for 30 days or more:
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
deterioration.
Using a fuel stabilizer:
• Read the product manufacturer's instructions
and recommendations.
• Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct
amount of stabilizer
(approximately 6 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.
Emptying the fuel system:
• Prior to putting the tractor in storage, monitor
fuel consumption with the goal of running the
fuel tank empty.
• If a large volume of fuel is left-over, the fuel
line can be disconnected at the fuel filter and
the leftover fuel drained into an approved
container.
• Run the engine until it begins to stall. Use the
choke to keep the engine running until all fuel
in the carburetor has been exhausted.
• Place a small container or rag beneath the
carburetor bowl drain and loosen the drain
screw to completely drain the fuel from the
carburetor. See Figure 49.
where fuel
for the capacity
37
FRONT OF ENGINE
CARBURETOR
BOWL
DRAIN
SCREW
CARBURETOR
BOWL DRAIN
LEFT VALVE
COVER
Figure 49
3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor
thoroughly.
4. Drain and flush the cooling system. Refill with a
minimum 50/50 antifreeze and water coolant
solution. Use a higher percentage of antifreeze
if the tractor will be subjected to temperatures
below minus 30° F.
5. Fully charge the battery, then disconnect the
negative cable at the battery to prevent possi-
ble 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.
6. Lubricate all lubrication points.
7. Jack up and block the tractor to remove the
weight from the tires if stored for a long period.
If not blocked up, reinflate the tires regularly.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of a
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
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.
REMOVING THE TRACTOR FROM STORAGE
• Check the engine oil and coolant levels.
• Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to
the recommended pressure.
• Start the engine and allow to idle for a few
minutes to ensure engine is operating properly.
• Drive the tractor without a load to make certain
all the tractor systems are functioning properly.