John Deere GT2554 - Manual (Page 46)

Storing Machine - 42
STORING MACHINE
Storing Machine
Storing Safety
Preparing Machine for Storage
1. Repair any worn or damaged parts. Replace parts if
necessary. Tighten loose hardware.
2. Clean under mower.
3. Paint scratched or chipped metal surfaces to prevent
rust.
4. Wash machine and apply wax to metal and plastic
surfaces. (See Service-Miscellaneous section for care of
plastic and metal surfaces.)
5. Run machine for five minutes to dry belts and pulleys.
6. Apply light coat of engine oil to pivot and wear points to
prevent rust.
7. Lubricate grease points.
8. Make sure tires are properly inflated.
Preparing Engine For Storage
NOTE: Properly preparing machine engine for storage
will make it easier to start at beginning of following
season. Engine storage procedure should be used if
machine is not used for longer than 60 days.
There are two satisfactory methods of preparing engine for
storage: running engine completely dry of fuel, or filling fuel
tank with a mixture of fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer.
Running engine dry of fuel:
NOTE: Try to anticipate last time machine will be used
for season so very little fuel is left in fuel tank.
1. Park machine in a well-ventilated area.
2. Engage park brake and disengage PTO.
3. Turn on engine and allow to run until it runs out of fuel.
4. Turn key to off position.
5. Continue with Preparing Engine.
Add fuel and stabilizer mixture to tank:
1. Park machine in a well-ventilated area.
2. Mix fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer in separate container.
Follow stabilizer instructions for mixing.
NOTE: Filling fuel tank reduces amount of air in fuel
tank and helps reduce deterioration of fuel.
3. Fill fuel tank with stabilized fuel.
4. Run engine for a few minutes to allow fuel mixture to
circulate through carburetor.
5. Continue with Preparing Engine.
Preparing Engine:
1. Change engine oil and filter while engine is warm.
2. Service air filter if necessary.
3. Clean debris from engine air intake screen.
4. Remove spark plugs. Put 30 mL (1 oz.) of clean engine
oil in cylinders.
5. Install spark plugs, but do not connect spark plug wires.
6. Crank engine for approximately five seconds to allow oil
to be distributed.
7. Clean engine and engine compartment.
8. Remove battery.
9. Clean battery and battery posts.
NOTE: Stored battery should be charged every 90
days.
10.Charge battery. (See Charging Battery in Service -
Electrical section.)
11.Store battery in a cool, dry place where it will not freeze.
12.Store machine in a dry, protected place. If machine is
stored outside, put a waterproof cover over it.
Removing Machine From Storage
1. Check tire pressure. (See Checking Tire Pressure in
Service - Miscellaneous section.)
2. Fill fuel tank. Check engine oil level.
3. Take machine off of blocks or support stands.
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CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are
explosive and flammable. Engine exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause
serious illness or death:
• Run the engine only long enough to move
the machine to or from storage.
• Do not store vehicle with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing the
machine in any enclosure.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Be sure fuel is fresh
when adding fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers are
ineffective when added to fuels that are more than
30 days old.