21
Operation
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.
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
Normal Care 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.
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.
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.
Not
for
Reproduction
