S
ection
6 — M
aintenance
& a
djuStMentS
29
4.
Turn on the water supply.
5.
From the tractor operator’s seat, start the engine and
engage the PTO. Allow to run as needed. Disengage the
PTO and stop the engine.
6.
Turn off the water supply.
7.
Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter to disconnect
the adapter from the nozzle.
8.
Repeat the previous steps to clean the deck using the
nozzle at the other end of the deck.
Tractor Storage
If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period
of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor should
be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected
location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (including 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 the engine manual.
WARNING!
Never store the tractor 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 tractor 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 deterioration.
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 recommendations.
•
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 tractor in storage, monitor
fuel consumption with the goal of running
the fuel tank empty.
•
Close the fuel valve. Disconnect the fuel line
from the carburetor and put the end into an
approved fuel container.
•
Open the fuel valve and drain the fuel tank
and line into the approved container. Reinstall
the fuel line on the carburetor.
•
Start the engine and allow it to run out of fuel.
This will prevent gum and varnish deposits
from forming. Replace the fuel filter.
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 tractor thoroughly.
NOTE:
Use of a pressure washer or garden hose is not
recommended to clean your tractor. This may cause
damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys,
bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.
5.
Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use
when needed.
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.
Inspect the hydraulic hoses, lines and fittings. Replace as
necessary.
10.
Jack the mower up and store it on blocks to take the weight
off of the tires.
Removing The Tractor From Storage
1.
Check the battery. Charge if necessary.
2.
Lower tractor 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 tractor without a load to make certain all the
tractor systems are functioning properly.
