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Maintenance
Washing the Mower Deck
The washout port allows you to connect a typical garden 
hose to the trim side (L.H.) of the mower deck to remove 
grass and debris from the underside of the deck. This 
ensures proper and safe operation of the mower.
 1.  Park the rider on a smooth, level surface such as a    
concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, lock the ground 
speed levers into their START/PARK positions, 
engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and 
remove the ignition key.
 2.  Attach the quick disconnect (A, Figure 12) to a gar-
den  hose (B), and connect to the washout port (C) 
on the mower deck.
 3.  Turn on the water.
 4.  Start the engine, set the mower deck in the high-
est cutting position, and engage the PTO to remove 
grass and debris from the underside of the mower 
deck.
 5.  Disengage the PTO, turn off the engine, and remove 
the ignition key.
 6.  Remove the garden hose and quick disconnect from 
the mower deck when cleaning is completed.
WARNING
Before running the mower, make sure the hose 
is properly connected and does not come into 
cotact with the blades. When the mower is 
running and the blades are engaged, the person 
cleaning the mower must be in the operator 
position, and there must be no bystanders. 
Failure to follow these precautions may result in 
serious injury or death.
Figure 12.  Mower Deck Washout Port
B
A
C
Storage
Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the 
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Operator 
Safety section, then perform the following steps:
  •  Disengage the PTO, move the ground speed levers 
into the START/PARK positions, set the parking 
brake, & remove the key.
  •  Perform engine maintenance and storage measures 
listed in the engine owner’s manual. This includes 
draining the fuel system, or adding stabilizer to the 
fuel (do not store a fueled unit in an enclosed struc-
ture - see warning).
  •  Battery life will be increased if it is removed, put in a 
cool, dry place and fully charged about once a month. 
If the battery is left in the unit, disconnect the negative 
cable.
Before starting the unit after it has been stored:
  •  Check all fluid levels. Check all maintenance items.
  •  Perform all recommended checks and procedures 
found in the engine owner’s manual.
  •  Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes 
before use.
WARNING
Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed, 
poorly ventilated structure.  Fuel vapors can 
travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace, 
water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.