46
Cleaning and Storage
1.
Disengage the power take off (PTO) and stop the
engine.
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.
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 29.
4.
Change the crankcase oil; refer to Servicing the Engine
Oil, page 30.
5.
Change the hydraulic filter; refer to Servicing the
Hydraulic System, page 34.
6.
Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the Tire
Pressure, page 32.
7.
For storage over 30 days, prepare the traction unit as
follows.
A. Add a petroleum based stabilizer/conditioner to fuel
in the tank. Follow mixing instructions from
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 to distribute conditioned fuel
through the fuel system (5 minutes).
C. Stop the engine, allow it to cool and drain the fuel
tank; refer to Draining Fuel Tank, page 34.
D. Restart 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.
Use the primer, if equipped on machine, several
times to ensure no fuel remains in primer system.
G. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle as per local codes.
Important
Do not store stabilizer/conditioned gasoline
over 90 days.
8.
Remove the spark plug(s) and check its condition; refer
to Servicing the Spark Plugs, page 31. 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).
9.
Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or
replace any part that is damaged or defective.
10.
Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is
available from your Authorized Service Dealer.
11.
Store the machine in a clean, dry garage or storage area.
Cover the machine to protect it and keep it clean.