37
9.
Install the grass collector; refer to Installing the Grass
Collector on page 36.
Note:
Allow the bag to dry thoroughly before installing it.
Cleaning and Storing the
Tractor
1.
Disengage the blades (PTO).
2.
Set the parking brake.
3.
Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
4.
Remove the ignition key.
5.
Remove the grass collector and clean it; refer to Grass
Collector on page 36.
6.
Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the entire tractor, especially the engine.
Clean the dirt and chaff from the outside of the engine
cylinder head fins and blower housing.
Important
You can wash the tractor with a mild
detergent and water. Do not use pressurized liquids to wash
the tractor. Pressurized liquids may damage the electrical
system or wash away necessary grease at the friction
points. Avoid using water excessively, especially near the
control panel, lights, engine, and battery.
7.
Check the brake; refer to Brake on page 24.
8.
Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air
Cleaner on page 32.
9.
Grease the chassis; refer to Greasing and Lubricating
the Tractor on page 25.
10.
Change the engine oil and filter; refer to Servicing the
Engine Oil on page 23.
11.
Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the Tire
Pressure on page 25.
12.
When storing the tractor over 30 days, prepare it as
follows:
A. Add a petroleum-based stabilizer/conditioner to the
fuel in the tank according to the instructions from
the stabilizer manufacturer.
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 the engine for 5 minutes to distribute the
conditioned fuel through the fuel system.
C. Stop the engine, allow it to cool, and drain the fuel
tank; refer to Draining the Fuel Tank on page 31.
D. Start the engine and run it until it stops.
E. Choke or prime the engine.
F. Start and run the engine until it will not start again.
G. Recycle the old fuel according to local codes.
H. Close the fuel shut-off valve.
Important
Do not store stabilizer/conditioned gasoline
over 90 days.
13.
Remove and inspect the spark plug; refer to Servicing
the Spark Plug on page 30. With the spark plug
removed from the engine, pour 2 tablespoons of engine
oil into the spark plug hole. Use the electric starter to
crank the engine and distribute the oil inside the
cylinder. Install the spark plug, but do not connect the
wire to the spark plug.
14.
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 28. 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). You can store a fully charged battery during the
winter without recharging.
15.
Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or
replace any part that is worn or damaged.
16.
Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces with paint
available from an Authorized Service Dealer.
17.
Store the tractor in a clean, dry garage or storage area.
Remove the ignition and KeyChoice keys from the
mower and keep them in a memorable place. Cover the
tractor to protect it and keep it clean.
