Not for
Reproduction
31
5. Remove the jack from under the transmission cradle.
6. Remove the jack stands from underneath the machine.
Storage
Temporary Storage (30 Days or Less)
Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so
never store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel
vapor could travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also
toxic if inhaled, so never store the unit in any structure used
for human or animal habitation.
WARNING
Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or fuel tank,
in a heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
enclosures. Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame,
spark or pilot light (such as a furnace, water heater, clothes
dryer, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable and
careless use could result in serious fire damage to your
person or property.
Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from
open flame or sparks.
Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your unit
temporarily or in between uses:
• Keep the unit in an area away from where children
may come into contact with it. If there’s any chance of
unauthorized use, remove the spark plug (s) and put in a
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:
a.) Remove mower deck from the unit.
b.) Clean underside of mower deck.
c.) 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. Clean up unit and apply paint or rust preventative to any
areas where paint is chipped or damaged.
9. Be sure the battery is filled to the proper level with water
and is fully charged. Battery life will be increased if it is
removed, put in a cool, dry place and fully charged about
once a month. If battery is left in unit, disconnect the
negative cable.
10. 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 blocks from under the unit.
2. Install the battery if it was removed.
3. Unplug the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.
4. Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. See engine manual
for recommendations.
5. See engine owner’s manual and follow all instructions for
preparing engine after storage.
6. Check crankcase oil level and add proper oil if necessary.
If any condensation has developed during storage, drain
crankcase oil and refill.
7. Inflate tires to proper pressure. Check fluid levels.
8. 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 normal care
of your unit. You will need to keep a record of your operating
time. Determining operating time is easily accomplished by
observing the hour meter.
If your unit is equipped with a dual function hour meter that
displays both engine hours and PTO hours, the maintenance
intervals are based on the engine hours as displayed by the
hour meter.
UNIT MAINTENANCE
Before Each Use
Check safety interlock system.
Check unit's brakes.
Check unit for loose hardware.
