Full Product Manual

19Section 4 — Product care
Off-Season Tractor Storage
If your tractor is not going to be operated for
an extended period of time (thirty days to
approximately six months), the tractor should be
prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and
protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor
(including the tires) to protect it from the elements.
The procedures outlined below should be performed
whenever the tractor is placed in storage.
1. Change the engine oil and filter following
the instructions provided in the engine
manual packed with this manual.
WARNING
Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank indoors or in
poorly ventilated enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an
open flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
If storing the tractor for 30 days or more:
a. To prevent gum deposits from
forming inside the engine’s
carburetor and causing possible
malfunction of the engine, the fuel
system must be either completely
emptied, or the gasoline must be
treated with a stabilizer to prevent
deterioration.
WARNING
Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious
starting problems.
b. Using a fuel stabilizer for storage
between 30 and 90 days:
• Read the product
manufacturer’s instructions
and recommendations.
• Add to clean, fresh gasoline
the correct amount of
stabilizer for the capacity
(approximately 3 gallons) of
the fuel system.
• Fill the fuel tank with treated
fuel and run the engine for
2-3 minutes to get stabilized
fuel into the carburetor.
c. Emptying the fuel system for storage
of more than 90 days:
• Prior to putting the tractor
in storage, monitor fuel
consumption with the goal of
running the fuel tank empty.
• Run the engine until it begins
to stall. Use the choke to
keep the engine running
until all fuel in the carburetor
has been exhausted.
• Referring to the engine
manual, drain the fuel from
the carburetor bowl.
3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor
thoroughly.
4. Fully charge the battery, then disconnect
the negative cable at the battery to prevent
possible discharge. Recharge the battery
periodically when in storage.
Note: Remove the battery if exposed
to prolonged periods of sub-freezing
temperatures. Store in a cool, dry location
where temperatures are above freezing.
5. Lubricate all lubrication points.
Note: Using a pressure washer or garden
hose is not recommended for cleaning your
tractor. It may cause damage to electrical
components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or
the engine. The use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.
Removing The Tractor From Storage
1. Check the engine oil.
2. Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires
to the recommended pressure.
3. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Start the engine and allow to idle for a few
minutes to ensure engine is operating properly.
5. Drive the tractor without a load to
make certain all the tractor systems are
functioning properly.
Adjustments
WARNING
Shut the engine off, remove the ignition key and engage
the parking brake before making adjustments. Protect your
hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades.
Deck Leveling
Note: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer
to Tires for information regarding tire pressure.
WARNING
Shut the engine off, remove the key and engage the
parking brake before making adjustments. Protect your
hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades.
Leveling the Deck (Side-to-Side)
Note: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
Tires for information regarding tire pressure. Always
level the deck side-to-side before front to rear.
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly,
a side-to-side adjustment can be performed. Adjust
if necessary as follows:
1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface,
place the deck lift handle in a middle mowing
position and rotate both outside blades so
that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
2. Measure the distance from the outside of
the left blade tip to the ground and the
distance from the outside of the right blade
tip to the ground. Both measurements taken
should be equal. If they’re not, proceed to
the next step.
3. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex bolt (a) on
the rear left deck hanger link. See Figure 4-4.
(a)
(b)
Figure 4-4
Note: The rear right deck hanger link is not
adjustable and is used to help adjust the
other hanger links.
4. Using a wrench, raise or lower the left side of
the deck by turning the adjustment gear (b).
See Figure 4-4.
5. The deck is properly leveled when both
blade tip measurements are equal. Retighten
the hex bolt on the front left deck hanger
bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.
Leveling the Deck (Front-To-Rear)
Note: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
Tires for information regarding tire pressure. Always
level the deck side-to-side before front-to-rear.
The front of the deck should be between ⁄⁄”
lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary
as follows:
1. Park the tractor on a firm, level surface
and place the deck lift handle in a middle
position.
2. Rotate the blade nearest the discharge
chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.
3. Measure the distance from the front of
the blade tip to the ground and the rear
of the blade tip to the ground. The first
measurement taken should be between ⁄”
and ⁄” less than the second measurement.
4. Determine the approximate distance
necessary for proper adjustment and
proceed, if necessary.
5. To raise the front of the deck, remove the end
cap, loosen the outer nut (a) then tighten
(thread inward) the inner nut (b) against the
front hanger bracket. See Figure 4-5. When
proper adjustment is achieved, re-tighten the
outer nut (a) and replace the end cap.
(a)
(b)
Figure 4-5
6. To lower the front of the deck, remove
the end cap, loosen the outer nut (a) then
loosen (thread outward) the inner nut (b),
away from the front hanger bracket. See
Figure 4-5. When proper adjustment is
achieved, re-tighten the outer nut (a) and
replace the end cap.