Off Season Storage
Before storing the machine for an extended period:
•
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule later in this section
and perform all items in the
Prior to Storing
column.
•
Clean the exterior surfaces of the tractor.
•
Service the engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual.
•
Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be
treated with a gasoline stabilizer such as
STA-BIL®
and
engines stored over 90 days need to be drained of fuel
to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel
system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in
your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to
have the carburetor, and other fuel system components,
serviced or replaced.
WARNING:
Drain fuel only into an approved
container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow
engine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition prior to draining fuel.
•
Store the tractor in a clean, dry place.
WARNING:
Never store the machine or fuel
container indoors where there is an open flame,
spark or pilot light such as on water heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliance.
WARNING!
Never store lawn tractor with fuel in
tank indoors or in poorly ventilated areas where fuel
fumes may reach an open flame, spark, or pilot light
as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, or gas
appliance.
Preparing the Engine
IMPORTANT:
Fuel left in the fuel tank during warm weather
deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems.
To prevent gum deposits from forming inside the engine’s
carburetor and causing possible malfunction of the engine, the
fuel system must be either completely emptied, or the gasoline
must be treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration.
1.
To empty the fuel system:
•
Simply run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
2.
If using a fuel stabilizer:
•
Read the product manufacturer’s instructions and
recommendations.
•
Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct amount of
stabilizer for the capacity of the fuel system.
•
Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the
engine for 2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel into the
carburetor.
WARNING!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and
can be explosive under certain conditions. Drain
gasoline before storing the equipment for extended
periods. Drain fuel only into an approved container
outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow engine to
cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition prior to draining fuel. Store
gasoline in an approved container in safe location.
WARNING!
Gasoline is a toxic substance. Dispose
of gasoline properly. Contact your local authorities
for approved disposal methods.
•
Remove the spark plug and pour one (1) ounce of engine
oil through the spark plug hole into the cylinder. Crank the
engine several times to distribute the oil. Replace the spark
plug.
Preparing the Lawn Tractor
1.
Clean and lubricate tractor thoroughly as described in the
lubrication instructions.
2.
Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your
unit.
3.
Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
21
S
ection
6 — M
aintenance
& a
djuStMentS
