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 storedfor a
period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove
all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Storein a ctean,
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 inthe
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
3. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
4. Be sure 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.
• Tohelp prevent corrosion and power leak-
age during long periods ofstorage, 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 can not 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 depositsfrom forming in essentialfuel
system partssuch as carburetor,fuel hose,
ortankduringstorage,Also, alcoholblended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or
methanol) can attract moisturewhich leads
to separation andformation of acids during
storage, Acidic gas can damage the rue[
system of an engine while in storage.
, Empty the fuel tank by startingthe 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.
o Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al-
ternative in minimizing the formation of rue!
gumdepositsduring storage. Add stabilizer
to gasoline infuel tank or storage container.
Always foUowthe mixratio found on stabilizer
container. Run engine at least 10 minutes
after addingstabilizertoaliowthe stabilizer to
reachthe carburetor. Do not emptythe 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
o Do not store gasoline from one season to
another.
• Replaceyour gasoline can ifyour can starts
to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline
wi[I cause problems.
• If possible, store your tractor indoors and
coverit to give protection from dustand dirt.
• Cover your tractor with a suitable protec-
tive cover that does not retain moisture.
Do notuse plastic. Plastic cannot breathe
which allowscondensation to form and will
cause your tractor to rust.
IMPORTANT:
Never cover tractor while
engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
31