Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54 Operation Manual - Page 20

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Off-Season Storage Adjustments If your lawn tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the lawn tractor should be prepared for storage. Store the lawn tractor in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the lawn tractor (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed whenever the lawn tractor is placed in storage. 1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in this manual as well as the engine manual provided with this tractor. 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. 2. 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. 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. • Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems. 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. Note: Using a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended for cleaning your tractor other than to clean the underside of the deck. 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. 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. Removing the Lawn Tractor from Storage 1. Check the engine oil. 2. Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. See tire side wall for proper tire inflation 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. Deck Leveling If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, leveling adjustments can be performed. WARNING If the tractor has been recently run, the engine, muffler and surrounding metal surfaces will be very hot and can cause burns to the skin. Let the engine cool for at least five minutes. Exercise caution to avoid burns. NOTE : Check the tractor's tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tire Pressure in this section for information regarding tire pressure. Leveling the Deck (Side-to-Side) 1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the middle position and rotate both 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. Under the rear fenders inside the wheels there is a lift adjustment rod for each side of the deck. See Figure 38. Figure 38 4. Minor side-to-side adjustments should be made using primarily the left adjustment rod. 5. To raise the left side of the deck, loosen the upper nut on the end of the lift rod, then turn the lower nut clockwise. When the proper adjustment is achieved, tighten the upper nut to secure in place. To lower the left side of the deck, loosen the upper nut on the end of the lift rod, then turn the lower nut counterclockwise. When the proper adjustment is achieved, tighten the upper nut to 25-30 ft-lbs (34-40 N-m) to secure in place. 6. The deck is properly leveled when both blade tip measurements taken earlier are equal. Leveling the Deck (Pitch/Front-To-Rear) The front of the deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can be adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be 1⁄4"-3⁄8" (6.35-9.5mm) 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 lever in the middle position and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor. 2. Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. The front of the deck should be between 1⁄4"-3⁄8"(6.35-9.5mm) less than the rear of deck. 3. Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary. 20