36
A broken or missing washout fitting could expose
you and others to thrown objects or to blade
contact. Contact with the blade or thrown debris
contact may cause injury or death.
• Replace broken or missing washout fitting
immediately, before using the mower again.
• Plug any holes in the mower with bolts and
locknuts.
• Never put your hands or feet under the mower
or through openings in the mower.
Warning
Cleaning and Storage
1. Disengage the PTO and set the parking brake.
2. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all
moving parts to stop before leaving the operating
position.
3. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the entire tractor, especially the engine.
Clean dirt and chaff from the outside of the engine
cylinder head fins and blower housing.
Important You can wash the tractor with a mild
detergent and water. Do not use a pressure washer to
wash the tractor. Pressure washing may damage the
electrical system or wash away necessary grease at friction
points. Avoid using water excessively, especially near the
control panel, lights, engine, and battery.
4. Check the parking brake; refer to Checking the Parking
Brake on page 24.
5. Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the Air
Cleaner on page 25.
6. Grease the chassis; refer to Greasing and Lubricating
the Tractor on page 25.
7. Change the crankcase oil and filter; refer to Servicing
the Engine Oil on page 21.
8. Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the Tire
Pressure on page 27.
9. When storing the tractor for over 30 days, prepare it as
follows:
A. Add a petroleum based stabilizer/conditioner to fuel
in the tank according to the instructions from
stabilizer manufacture. 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 engine for 5 minutes to distribute conditioned
fuel through the fuel system.
C. Stop the engine, allow it to cool, and drain the fuel
tank; refer to Draining the Fuel Tank on page 27.
D. Start 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.
G. Recycle the old fuel according to local codes.
Important Do not store stabilizer/conditioned gasoline
over 90 days.
10. Remove and inspect the spark plug; refer to Servicing
the Spark Plug on page 26. With the spark plug
removed from the engine, pour 2 tablespoons of engine
oil into the spark plug hole. Use the electric starter to
crank the engine and distribute the oil inside the
cylinder. Install the spark plug, but do not connect the
wire to the spark plug.
11. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Clean the battery
and battery terminals. Check the electrolyte level and
charge it fully; refer to Servicing the Battery on
page 22. Leave the negative battery cable disconnected
from the battery during storage.
Important The battery must be fully charged to prevent
it from freezing and being damaged at temperatures below
32°F (0°C). A fully charged battery can be stored during
the winter without recharging.
12. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or
replace any part that is worn or damaged.
13. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces with paint
available from an Authorized Service Dealer.
14. Store the tractor in a clean, dry garage or storage area.
Remove the ignition and KeyChoice keys from the
tractor and keep them in a memorable place. Cover the
tractor to protect it and keep it clean.