Immediately
prepare
your tractor
for stor-
age at the end of the season
or if the trac-
tor will not be used for 30 days or
more.
_CAUTION:
Never
store the tractor
with gasoline
in the tank inside
a building
where
fumes
may reach
an open flame
or spark.
Allow
the engine
to cool before
storing
in any enclosure.
TRACTOR
Remove
mower
from tractor
for winter
storage.
When
mower
is to be stored
for a
period
of time, clean
it thoroughly,
remove
all dirt, grease,
leaves,
etc.
Store
in a
clean,
dry area.
1.
Clean
entire
tractor
(See "CLEAN-
ING" in the Maintenance
section
of this
manual).
2.
Inspect
and replace
belts,
if necessary
(See belt replacement
instructions
in
the Service
and Adjustments
section
of
this manual).
3.
Lubricate
as shown
in the Maintenance
section
of this manual.
4.
Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws
are securely
fastened.
Inspect
moving
parts for damage,
breakage
and wear.
Replace
if necessary.
5.
Touch
up all rusted
or chipped
paint
surfaces;
sand
lightly
before
painting.
BATTERY
• Fully charge the battery for storage.
• After a period of time in storage, battery
may require recharging.
• To help prevent corrosion and power
leakage during long periods of storage,
battery cables should be disconnected
and battery cleaned thoroughly
(see "TO
CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS"
in
the Maintenance
section of this manual).
• After cleaning, leave cables disconnect-
ed and place cables where they cannot
come in contact with battery terminals.
• If battery is removed from tractor for
storage, do not store battery directly on
concrete or damp surfaces.
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT:
It is important
to prevent
gum deposits
from forming
in essential
fuel
system
parts such as carburetor,
fuel
hose, or tank during
storage.
Also,
alcohol
blended
fuels (called
gasohol
or using
ethanol
or methanol)
can attract
moisture
which
leads to separation
and formation
of
acids during
storage.
Acidic
gas can dam-
age the fuel system
of an engine
while
in
storage.
• Empty
the fuel tank by starting
the en-
gine and letting
it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor
are empty.
• Never
use engine
or carburetor
cleaner
products
in the fuel tank or permanent
damage
may occur.
• Use fresh
fuel next season.
NOTE:
Fuel stabilizer
is an acceptable
alternative
in minimizing
the formation
of
fuel gum deposits
during
storage.
Add
stabilizer
to gasoline
in fuel tank or stor-
age container.
Always
follow
the mix ratio
found
on stabilizer
container.
Run engine
at least
10 minutes
after adding
stabilizer
to allow
the stabilizer
to reach the car-
buretor.
Do not empty
the gas tank and
carburetor
if using fuel stabilizer.
ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine
warm)
and replace
with clean
engine
oil.
(See "ENGINE"
in
the Maintenance
section
of this manual).
CYLINDER(S)
1. Remove spark plug(s).
2.
Pour one ounce of oil through spark
plug hole(s) into cylinder(s).
3. Turn ignition key to "START" position
for a few seconds to distribute oil.
4.
Replace with new spark plug(s).
OTHER
• Do not store
gasoline
from one season
to another.
• Replace
your gasoline
can if your can
starts to rust.
Rust and/or
dirt in your
gasoline
will cause
problems.
• If possible,
store your tractor
indoors
and cover
it to give protection
from dust
and dirt.
• Cover
your tractor
with a suitable
protective
cover that does
not
retain
moisture.
Do not use plastic.
Plastic
cannot
breathe
which
allows
condensa-
tion to form and will cause
your tractor
to rust.
IMPORTANT:
Never
cover tractor
while
engine
and exhaust
areas
are still warm.
29