Not for
Reproduction
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Excessive towed loads can cause loss of traction and loss of
control on slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on
slopes. The surface being driven on greatly impacts traction and
stability. Wet or slippery surfaces can greatly reduce traction
and the ability to stop or turn. Carefully evaluate the surface
conditions before operating the unit and trailer, and never operate
on slopes greater than 10°. See SLOPE OPERATION and
TOWED EQUIPMENT in the safety section of this manual for
additional safety information.
Storage
Temporary Storage (30 Days or Less)
Remember, the fuel tank will still contain some gasoline, so never
store the unit indoors or in any other area where fuel vapor could
travel to any ignition source. Fuel vapor is also toxic if inhaled,
so never store the unit in any structure used for human or animal
habitation.
WARNING
Never store the unit, with gasoline in engine or fuel tank, in a
heated shelter or in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures.
Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light
(such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.) and cause
an explosion.
Handle gasoline carefully. It is highly flammable and careless
use could result in serious fire damage to your person or
property.
Drain fuel into an approved container outdoors away from open
flame or sparks.
Here is a checklist of things to do when storing your unit
temporarily or in between uses:
• Keep the unit in an area away from where children may come
into contact with it. If there’s any chance of unauthorized
use, remove the spark plug (s) and put in a safe place. Be
sure the spark plug opening is protected from foreign objects
with a suitable cover.
• If the unit can’t be stored on a reasonable level surface,
chock the wheels.
• Clean all grass and dirt from the mower.
Long Term Storage (Longer Than 30 Days)
Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the
Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety Rules
section, then perform the following steps:
1.
Drain crankcase oil while engine is hot and refill with a grade
of oil that will be required when unit is used again.
2.
Prepare the mower deck for storage as follows:
a.) Remove mower deck from the unit.
b.) Clean underside of mower deck.
c.) Coat all bare metal surfaces with paint or light coat of oil
to prevent rusting.
3.
Clean external surfaces and engine.
4.
Prepare engine for storage. See engine owner’s manual.
5.
Clean any dirt or grass from cylinder head cooling fins,
engine housing and air cleaner element.
6.
Cover air cleaner and exhaust outlet tightly with plastic or
other waterproof material to keep out moisture, dirt and
insects.
7.
Completely grease and oil unit as outlined in the Lubrication
section.
8.
Clean up unit and apply paint or rust preventative to any
areas where paint is chipped or damaged.
9.
Be sure the battery is filled to the proper level with water and
is fully charged. Battery life will be increased if it is removed,
put in a cool, dry place and fully charged about once a month.
If battery is left in unit, disconnect the negative cable.
10. Drain fuel system completely or add a gasoline stabilizer to
the fuel system. If you have chosen to use a fuel stabilizer
and have not drained the fuel system, follow all safety
instructions and storage precautions in this manual to prevent
the possibility of fire from the ignition of gasoline fumes.
Remember, gasoline fumes can travel to distant sources of
ignition and ignite, causing risk of explosion and fire.
NOTE: Gasoline, if permitted to stand unused for extended
periods (30 days or more), may develop gummy deposits
which can adversely affect the engine carburetor and cause
engine malfunction. To avoid this condition, add a gasoline
stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the engine a few minutes,
or drain all fuel from the unit before placing it in storage.
Starting After Long Term Storage
Before starting the unit after it has been stored for a long period
of time, perform the following steps.
1.
Remove any blocks from under the unit.
2.
Install the battery if it was removed.
3.
Unplug the exhaust outlet and air cleaner.
4.
Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. See engine manual for
recommendations.
5.
See engine owner’s manual and follow all instructions for
preparing engine after storage.
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