51
Cleaning and Storage
1. Disengage the power take off (PTO), set the parking
brake and turn the ignition key to off. Remove spark
plug wire. Remove the key.
2. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the entire machine, especially the
engine and hydraulic system. 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, engine, hydraulic pumps and motors.
3. Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air
Cleaner, page 30.
4. Grease and oil the machine; refer to Greasing and
Lubrication, page 34.
5. Change the crankcase oil and filter; refer to Servicing
the Engine Oil, page 31.
6. Change the hydraulic filter; refer to Servicing the
Hydraulic System, page 36.
7. Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the Tire
Pressure, page 35.
8. Charge the battery; refer to Servicing the Battery
page 46.
9. Scrape any heavy buildup of grass and dirt from the
underside of the mower, then wash the mower with a
garden hose.
Note: Run the machine with the PTO engaged and the
engine at high idle for 2 to 5 minutes after washing.
10. Check the condition of the blades. Refer to Servicing
the Cutting Blades on page 28.
11. 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 Servicing the Fuel Tank, page 34.
D. Restart engine and run it until it stops.
E. Choke the engine. Start and run engine until it will
not start.
F. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle as per local codes.
Important
Do not store stabilizer/conditioned gasoline
over 90 days.
12. Remove the spark plug(s) and check its condition; refer
to Servicing the Spark Plug, page 33. With the spark
plug(s) removed from the engine, pour two tablespoons
of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Now use the
starter to crank the engine and distribute the oil inside
the cylinder. Install the spark plug(s). Do not install the
wire on the spark plug(s).
13. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or
replace any part that is damaged or defective.
14. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is
available from your Authorized Service Dealer.
15. Store the machine in a clean, dry garage or storage area.
Remove the key from the ignition switch and keep it in
a memorable place out of reach of children or other
unauthorized users. Cover the machine to protect it and
keep it clean.
