Maintenance
35
Cleaning and Storage
1.
Disengage the power take off (PTO), set the
parking brake, and turn the ignition key to
“OFF” to stop the engine. Remove the ignition
and “Key Choice” 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.
Pressure washing may damage the electrical
system or wash away necessary grease at
friction points. Avoid excessive use of water,
especially near the control panel, lights,
engine, and the battery.
3.
Check the brake; refer to Brake, page 23.
4.
Service the air cleaner; refer to Air Cleaner,
page 30.
5.
Grease the chassis; refer to Greasing and
Lubrication, page 22.
6.
Change the crankcase oil; refer to Engine Oil,
page 32.
7.
Remove the spark plug(s) and check its
condition; refer to Spark Plug, page 28. 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); refer to Spark Plug,
page 28. Do not install the wire on the spark
plug(s).
8.
Remove the battery from the chassis, check the
electrolyte level, and charge it fully; refer to
Battery, page 26. Do not connect the battery
cables to the battery posts 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 maintains its charge
for about 50 days at temperatures lower than
40
°
F (4
°
C). If the temperatures will be above
40
°
F (4
°
C), check the water level in the
battery and charge it every 30 days.
9.
Check the tire pressure; refer to Tire Pressure,
page 22.
10. For long-term storage (more than 90 days) add
stabilizer/conditioner additive to fuel in the tank
(1 oz. per gallon) (8 ml per liter).
A.
Run the engine to distribute conditioned
fuel through the fuel system (5 minutes).
B.
Stop the engine, allow it to cool and drain
the fuel tank; refer to Fuel Tank, page 29, or
operate engine until it stops.
C.
Restart the engine and run until it stops.
Repeat, with the “CHOKE” on, until the
engine will not restart.
D.
Dispose of fuel properly or use within 90
days for other applications. Recycle in
accordance with local codes.
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 ignition and “Key
Choice” keys and keep them in a memorable
place. Cover the machine to protect it and keep it
clean.
Summary of Contents for Wheel Horse 17-44 HXLE
Page 7: ...Safety 5 Slope Chart Read all safety instructions on pages 2 8...
Page 8: ...6...
Page 40: ......
