S
ECTION
6 — M
AINTENANCE
& A
DJUSTMENTS
27
Off-Season Storage
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 Engine 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.
Service the engine as instructed in the seperate engine
manual.
3.
Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated
with a gasoline stabilizer such as
STA-BIL®
and engines
stored over 90 days need to be drained 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.
WARNING:
Drain fuel only into anapproved
container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow
engine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition prior to draining fuel.
4.
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.
5.
Clean the engine and the entire riding mower thoroughly.
NOTE:
Use of a pressure washer or garden hose is not
recommended to clean your riding mower. 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.
6.
Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use
when needed.
7.
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.)
8.
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.
9.
Lubricate all lubrication points.
10.
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.
Summary of Contents for RZT L Series
Page 42: ...Notes 42 ...
