Not for
Reproduction
17
safe place. Be sure the spark plug opening is protected
from foreign objects with a suitable cover.
• If the unit can’t be stored on a reasonable level surface,
chock the wheels.
• Clean all grass and dirt from the mower.
Long Term Storage (Longer Than 30 Days)
Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety Rules
section, then perform the following steps:
1. Drain crankcase oil while engine is hot and refill with a
grade of oil that will be required when unit is used again.
2. Prepare the mower deck for storage as follows: Clean
underside of mower deck. Coat all bare metal surfaces
with paint or light coat of oil to prevent rusting.
3. Clean external surfaces and engine.
4. Prepare engine for storage. See engine owner’s manual.
5. Clean any dirt or grass from cylinder head cooling fins,
engine housing and air cleaner element.
6. Cover air cleaner and exhaust outlet tightly with plastic or
other waterproof material to keep out moisture, dirt and
insects.
7. Completely grease and oil unit as outlined in
the
Lubrication
section.
8. Drain fuel system completely or add a gasoline stabilizer
to the fuel system. If you have chosen to use a fuel
stabilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow
all safety instructions and storage precautions in this
manual to prevent the possibility of fire from the ignition
of gasoline fumes. Remember, gasoline fumes can travel
to distant sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk of
explosion and fire.
Note:
Gasoline, if permitted to stand unused for extended
periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits
which can adversely affect the engine carburetor and cause
engine malfunction. To avoid this condition, add a gasoline
stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the engine a few minutes, or
drain all fuel from the unit before placing it in storage.
Starting After Long Term Storage
Before starting the unit after it has been stored for a long
period of time, perform the following steps:
1. Remove any blocking from under the unit.
2. Unplug the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.
3. Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. See engine manual
for recommendations.
4. See engine owner’s manual and follow all instructions for
preparing engine after storage.
5. Check crankcase oil level and add proper oil if necessary.
If any condensation has developed during storage, drain
crankcase oil and refill.
6. Inflate tires to proper pressure.
7. Start the engine and let it run slowly. DO NOT run at high
speed immediately after starting. Be sure to run engine
only outdoors or in well ventilated area.
Maintenance Schedule
The following schedule should be followed for the normal care
of your unit. You will need to keep a record of your operating
time.
UNIT MAINTENANCE
Before Each Use
Check the safety interlock system
Check the unit for loose hardware.
Check the tire pressures.
Every 25 Hours
Clean mower deck and check / replace mower blades.*
Lubricate unit and mower deck.*
Every 100 Hours
Check mower blade stopping time.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Before Each Use
Check engine oil level.
Clean visible debris from engine compartment.
Every 50 Hours
Inspect / clean spark arrester.**
Every 100 Hours
Check fuel filter.
Refer To Engine Operator's Manual
Service air filter.
Change engine oil and filter.
Check / replace spark plugs.
*More often in hot (over 85°F; 30°C) weather or dusty operating
conditions.
**If equipped. Replace if damaged.
Maintenance Procedures
Service and Maintenance Safety
WARNING
Amputation and crushing hazard
Specific steps must be taken in order to perform service and
maintenance procedures safely.
Read and follow all the applicable safety and instructional
messages in this manual.
Always disengage the mower blades, turn the engine OFF,
and wait for all movement to stop prior to performing service
and maintenance procedures.
Always disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and fasten it away
from the plug(s) before beginning any maintenance or
service procedures in order to prevent accidental ignition.
