F EATURE ARTI CLE
continued from page 27 Throughout the weeks and months when your machines are not in use, store everything inside an enclosed facility. This way, the machines will be protected from the wintertime elements. For best results, remove any attachment parts and store them separately. Furthermore, keep all fluids specially stored in a room-temperature setting to protect the viscosity.
USE A BLOCK HEATER TO WARM THE ENGINE For most outdoor machines, the quickest way to warm the engine is with the use of a block heater, which can raise the temperatures of interior components and hydraulic fluid. To make this process as fast as possible, block the flow of the engine fan from the radiator as you warm the machine.
KEEP BATTERIES CHARGED & WARM When temperatures drop below normal, a battery needs double the number of cranking amps to power on a machine. In order to make the startup process easier on the battery, keep it charged and sufficiently warm throughout the winter months. If the temperatures in your area drop to subzero levels, remove the battery from the machine and store it in a room-temperature setting during weeks when the machine is not in use.
USE PROPERLY STORED STARTING FLUID Have starting fluid handy for the wintertime startup of
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outdoor machines. Make sure that starting fluid is stored properly in a room-temperature setting between uses. Beware — the toxic, flammable nature of starting fluid can render the product dangerous if not properly isolated, so never store the fluid alongside combustible materials. Inject the fluid as the engine cranks for optimal startup performance. It is important to know that starting fluid should only be used on certain machines. Contact your nearest equipment dealer before using starting fluid on your machine.
RUN THE ENGINE CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL IT REACHES OPERATING TEMPERATURE Before you put a machine to use, run it in idle until the engine reaches full operating temperature. This way, you’ll prevent sticking in the valves of the intake and exhaust systems. As you run the machine along your yard or driveway, activate each of the functions for a minute to distribute oil throughout the machine body. This step will give the machine a workout, so to speak, and help keep the engine and its functions in proper working condition.
INSPECT TIRES & MAINTAIN PROPER INFLATION When temperatures drop, tires can lose air more rapidly. To ensure tires are sufficiently filled to support the weight of a machine, inspect each tire every time before you put the