Cub Cadet RZT 50-KH RZT 42 Operator's Manual - Page 27

Off-Season Storage Riding Mower Storage If your riding mower is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the riding mower should be prepared for storage. Store the riding mower in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the riding mower (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed whenever the riding mower is placed in storage. 1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in the Engine Manual. WARNING! Never store the riding mower 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. 2. Service the engine as instructed in the seperate engine manual. 3. Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer such as STA-BIL® and engines stored over 90 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. If the gasoline in your engine deteriorates during storage, you may need to have the carburetor, and other fuel system components, serviced or replaced. WARNING: Drain fuel only into anapproved container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow engine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition prior to draining fuel. 3. Remove the spark plugs and pour approximately one ounce of oil into each cylinder. Crank the engine one or two turns to spread the oil evenly on the cylinder walls. Replace the spark plugs. 4. Clean the engine and the entire riding mower thoroughly. NOTE: Use of a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended to clean your riding mower. They may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability. 5. Sharpen the blades so that the mower will be ready to use when needed. 6. Protect the metal surfaces. Repair scratches with the appropriate touch-up spray paint. Brush a rust preventive oil on any unpainted surfaces including the pulleys and blades. (Be careful not to get any oil on the drive belts.) 7. Clean and 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. 8. Lubricate all lubrication points. 9. Jack the mower up and store it on blocks to take the weight off of the tires. Removing the Riding Mower from Storage 1. Check the engine oil. 2. Fully charge the battery, lower riding mower off blocks, and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. 3. Remove the spark plugs and wipe them off. Using the starter, crank the engine to pump the excess oil out of the spark plug holes. Replace the spark plugs and the ignition leads. 4. If drained before storing, fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 5. Check the level of the engine oil in the crankcase and the hydraulic reservoir tank. 6. Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to ensure engine is operating properly. 7. Drive the riding mower without a load to make certain all the riding mower systems are functioning properly. Section 6 - Maintenance & Adjustments 27