Storage - Toro 71209 Operator's Manual

Storage

1. Disengage the blade (PTO).
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts
to stop.
4. Remove the ignition key.
5. Remove the grass clippings, dirt, and grime
from the external parts of the entire tractor,
especially the engine. Clean the dirt and chaff
from the outside of the engine cylinder head
fins and blower housing.
Important: Wash the tractor with a mild
detergent and water. Do not use a pressure
washer to wash the tractor. Pressure
washing may damage the electrical
system or wash away necessary grease
at the friction points. Avoid using water
excessively, especially near the control
panel, lights, engine, and battery.
6. Check the parking brake; refer to Checking the
Parking Brake.
7. Service the air cleaner; refer to Servicing the
Air Cleaner.
8. Grease the chassis; refer to Greasing and
Lubricating the Tractor.
9. Change the engine oil; refer to Servicing the
Engine Oil.
10. Check the tire pressure; refer to Checking the
Tire Pressure.
11. When storing the tractor over 30 days, prepare
it as follows:
A. Add a petroleum-based
stabilizer/conditioner to the fuel in
the tank according to the instructions from
the stabilizer manufacturer. 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 for 5 minutes to distribute
the conditioned fuel through the fuel
system.
C. Stop the engine, allow it to cool, and drain
the fuel tank; refer to Draining the Fuel
Tank.
D. Start the engine and run it until it stops.
E. Choke or prime the engine.
F. Start and run the engine until it will not
start again.
G. Recycle the old fuel according to local
codes.
Important: Do not store
stabilizer/conditioned gasoline
over 90 days.
12. Remove and inspect the spark plug; refer to
Servicing the Spark Plug. With the spark plug
removed from the engine, pour 2 tablespoons
of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Use
the electric starter to crank the engine and
distribute the oil inside the cylinder. Install the
spark plug, but do not connect the wire to the
spark plug.
13. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Clean
the battery and battery terminals. Check the
electrolyte level and charge it fully; refer to
Servicing the Battery. Leave the negative
battery cable disconnected from the battery
during storage.
Important: The battery must be fully
charged to prevent it from freezing and
being damaged at temperatures below 32°F
(0°C). You can store a fully charged battery
during the winter without recharging.
14. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws.
Repair or replace any part that is worn or
damaged.
15. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces with
paint available from an Authorized Service
Dealer.
16. Store the tractor in a clean, dry garage
or storage area. Remove the ignition and
KeyChoice keys from the mower and keep
them in a memorable place. Cover the tractor
to protect it and keep it clean.
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