Immediately
prepare
your tractor
for storage
at the end of the season
or if the tractor
will
not be used for 30 days or more.
_WARNING:
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
winter
storage.
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.
1.
Clean
entire
tractor
(See "CLEANING"
in
the
Maintenance
section
of
this
manual).
2.
Inspect
and replace
belts,
if necessary
(See belt replacement
instructions
in the
Service
and Adjustments
section
of this
manual).
3.
Lubricate
as shown
in the Maintenance
section
of this manual.
4.
Ensure
that all nuts,
bolts
and
screws
are securely
fastened.
Inspect
moving
parts
for damage,
breakage
and wear.
Replace
if necessary.
5.
Touch
up all rusted
or chipped
paint
surfaces;
sand lightly
before
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
leak-
age during long periods
of storage,
battery
cables
should
be disconnected
and bat-
tery cleaned
thoroughly
(see "TO CLEAN
BATTERY
AND
TERMINALS"
in the
Maintenance
section
of this manual).
• After cleaning,
leave cables disconnected
and place cables where
they cannot come
in contact
with battery
terminals.
• If battery
is removed
from
tractor
for
storage,
do not store
battery
directly
on
concrete
or damp
surfaces.
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT:
It is important
to
prevent
gum deposits
from forming
in essential
fuel
system
parts such as carburetor,
fuel hose,
ortank
during storage.
Also, 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.
• Empty
the fuel tank by starting
the engine
and letting
it run until the fuel
lines
and
carburetor
are empty.
• Never
use engine
or carburetor
cleaner
products
in the fuel
tank
or permanent
damage
may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE:
Fuel stabilizer
is an acceptable
a!-
ternative
in minimizing
the formation
of fuel
gum deposits
during storage.
Add stabilizer
to gasoline
in fuel tank or storage
container.
Always
followthe
mix ratio found on stabilizer
container.
Run engine
at least
10 minutes
after adding stabilizer
to allowthe
stabilizer
to
reach the carburetor.
Do not empty
the gas
tank
and carburetor
if using
fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE
OIL
Drain
oil (with
engine
warm)
and replace
with clean
engine
oil.
(See "ENGINE"
in the
Maintenance
section
of this manual).
CYLINDER(S)
1,
Remove
spark
plug(s).
2.
Pour one ounce
of oil through
spark plug
hole(s)
into cylinder(s).
3.
Turn ignition key to "START"
position
for
a few seconds
to distribute
oil,
4.
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
will cause
problems.
• If possible,
store your tractor
indoors
and
cover itto give protection
from dust and dirt.
• Cover
your tractor
with a suitable
protec-
tive cover that does
not
retain
moisture.
Do not use plastic.
Plastic
cannot
breathe
which allows condensation
to form and will
cause
your tractor
to rust.
IMPORTANT:
Never
cover
tractor
while
engine
and exhaust
areas
are still warm.
27