Maintenance
42
Cleaning and Storage
1. Disengage the power take off (PTO), set the
parking brake, and turn the ignition key to
“STOP” to stop the engine. Remove the ignition
and “Key Choice” keys.
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; refer to Check for Debris, page 12.
IMPORTANT: You can wash the machine
with mild detergent and water. DO NOT
PRESSURE WASH THE MACHINE.
Pressure washing may damage the electrical
system or wash away necessary grease at
friction points. Avoid excessive use of water,
especially near the control panel, lights,
engine, and the battery.
3. Check the brake; refer to Brake, page 30.
4. Service the air cleaner; refer to Air Cleaner,
page 25.
5. Grease the chassis; refer to Greasing and
Lubrication, page 29.
6. Change the crankcase oil; refer to Engine Oil,
page 26.
7. Remove the spark plug(s) and check its
condition; refer to Spark Plug, page 28. With the
spark plug(s) removed from the engine, pour two
tablespoons of engine oil into the spark plug
hole. Now use the electric starter to crank the
engine and distribute the oil inside the cylinder.
Install the spark plug(s) and tighten to
recommended torque: refer to Spark Plugs, page
28. Do not install the wire on the spark plug(s).
8. Remove the battery from the chassis, check the
electrolyte level, and charge it fully; refer to
Battery, page 38. Do not connect the battery
cables to the battery posts 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 maintains its charge for
about 50 days at temperatures lower than
40°F (4°C). If the temperatures will be above
40°F (4°C), check the water level in the
battery and charge it every 30 days.
9. Check the tire pressure; refer to Tire Pressure,
page 30.
10. 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. (1 oz. per gallon). 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 31.
D. Restart the engine and run it until it stops.
E. Choke the engine.
F. Start and run the engine until it will not
start again.
G. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle as per
local codes.
IMPORTANT: Do not store
stabilizer/conditioned gasoline over 90 days.
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