Cub Cadet 20HP Z-Force 44 - Manual (Page 22)

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neutral position. If the mower begins to creep,
contact your service representative.
H. Storage
1. General: If your mower will not be in service
for a few months, it should be stored in a dry
location that is not subject to drastic changes
in temperature. Before storing, the following
maintenance procedures should be per-
formed.
a. Clean the mower. The entire tractor and
cutting deck should be washed and
cleaned.
b. Sharpen the blades so that the mower will
be ready to use when needed.
c. Protect the metal surfaces. Repair
scratches with the appropriate touch-up
spray paint. Brush a rust preventive oil on
any unpainted surfaces including the pul-
leys and blades. (Be careful not to get any
oil on the drive belts.)
d. Lubricate the mower.
e. Drain the engine oil. The engine should be
warm so that all the oil drains. Replace the
engine oil filter and refill the crankcase with
fresh oil.
f. Gasoline Engine: Drain all the fuel. Close
the fuel tank shutoff valve. Disconnect the
fuel line from the carburetor and put the end
into an approved fuel container. Open the
fuel tank shutoff valve and drain the fuel
tank and line into the approved container.
Replace the fuel line on the carburetor.
Start the engine and allow it to run out of
fuel. This will prevent gum and varnish
deposits from forming. Replace the fuel fil-
ter.
g. Gasoline Engine Only: 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.
h. Clean the battery and make sure it is fully
charged.
i. Jack the mower up and store it on blocks to
take the weight off of the tires.
2. To Put the Mower Back in Service:
a. Check the battery. Charge if necessary.
b. Gasoline Engine Only: 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. Refill the fuel
tank with fresh gasoline.
c. Check the level of the oil in the crankcase
and the hydraulic tank.
d. Lower the mower off the block and check
the tire pressure.
e. Push the mower outdoors and start the
engine. Let the engine idle until it has
warmed up completely (4 to 5 minutes).