33
Cleaning and Storage
1. Disengage the power take off (PTO), set the parking
brake, and turn the ignition key to off. Remove the
ignition and reverse interlock keys.
2. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the entire machine, especially the
engine. Clean dirt and chaff from the outside of the
engine’s cylinder head fins and blower housing.
Important
You can wash the machine with mild
detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine.
Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the control
panel, lights, engine, and the battery.
3. Check the brake; refer to Servicing the Brake, page 25.
4. Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air
Cleaner, page 21.
5. Grease the chassis; refer to Greasing and Lubrication,
page 24.
6. Change the crankcase oil and filter; refer to Servicing
the Engine Oil, page 22.
7. Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the Tire
Pressure, page 25.
8. Prepare the machine for storage when non–use occurs
over 30 days. Prepare machine for storage as follows.
A. Add a petroleum based stabilizer/ conditioner to
fuel in the tank. Follow mixing instructions from
stabilizer manufacture. Do not use an alcohol
based stabilizer (ethanol or methanol).
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when
mixed with fresh gasoline and used at all times.
B. Run engine to distribute conditioned fuel through
the fuel system (5 minutes).
C. Stop engine, allow to cool and drain the fuel tank;
refer to Fuel Tank, page 26.
D. Restart engine and run it until it stops.
E. Choke or prime the engine. Start and run engine
until it will not start. Operate primer, if equipped
on machine, several times to ensure fuel remains in
primer system.
F. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle as per local
codes.
Important
Do not store stabilizer/conditioned gasoline
over 90 days.
9. Remove the spark plug(s) and check its condition;
refer to Servicing the Spark Plug, page 24. With the
spark plug(s) removed from the engine, pour two
tablespoons of engine oil into the spark plug hole.
Now use the electric starter to crank the engine and
distribute the oil inside the cylinder. Install the spark
plug(s) and tighten it to 30 ft–lb (40 Nm). Do not
install the wire on the spark plug(s).
10. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Clean the
battery and battery terminals. Check the electrolyte
level and charge it fully; refer to Servicing the Battery
on page 29. Leave the negative battery cable
disconnected from the battery during storage.
Important
The battery must be fully charged to
prevent it from freezing and being damaged at
temperatures below 32
°
F (0
°
C). A fully charged battery
can be stored one winter season without recharging.
11. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or
replace any part that is damaged or defective.
12. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is
available from your Authorized Service Dealer.
13. Store the machine in a clean, dry garage or storage
area. Remove the keys from the ignition and reverse
interlock switches and keep it in a memorable place.
Cover the machine to protect it and keep it clean.
