Storage
Store the mower in a cool, clean, dry place.
Preparing the Mower for
Storage
Gasoline vapors can explode.
•
Do not store gasoline more than 30 days.
•
Do not store the mower in an enclosure near an
open flame.
•
Allow the engine to cool before storing it.
1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer to
the fuel as directed by the engine manufacturer.
2. Dispose of any unused fuel properly. Recycle it
according to local codes, or use it in your automobile.
Note:
Old fuel in the fuel tank is the leading cause of
hard starting. Do not store fuel without stabilizer more
than 30 days, and do not store stabilized fuel more than
90 days.
3. Run the mower until the engine stops from running
out of fuel.
4. Prime the engine and start it again.
5. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you can no
longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
6. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug and connect
the wire onto the retaining post.
7. Remove the spark plug, add 1 oz. (30 ml) of oil through
the spark plug hole, and pull the starter rope slowly
several times to distribute oil throughout the cylinder to
prevent cylinder corrosion during the off-season.
8. Loosely install the spark plug.
9. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
10. Charge the battery for 24 hours, then unplug the battery
charger an store the mower in an unheated area. If you
must store the mower in a heated area, you must charge
the battery every 90 days (models 20074 and 20074A
only).
Folding the Handle
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can
damage the cables, causing an unsafe operating
condition.
•
Do not damage the cables when folding or
unfolding the handle.
•
If a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized
Service Dealer.
1. Remove the ignition key (models 20074 and 20074A
only).
2. Loosen the handle knobs until you can move the upper
handle freely.
3. Fold the upper handle forward as shown in Figure 35.
Important:
Route the cables to the outside of the
handle knobs as you fold the upper handle.
Figure 35
4. To unfold the handle, reverse the steps above.
Removing the Mower from
Storage
1. Remove the spark plug and spin the engine rapidly using
the starter to blow the excess oil from the cylinder.
2. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque
wrench to 15 ft-lb (20 N
⋅
m).
3. Charge the battery for 24 hours (models 20074 and
20074A only).
4. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
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