Storing multiple cubs?

[sawdustdad]

So I now have 9 running cub cadets--three see regular grass cutting duty, the others are basically sitting around most of the time. Every couple weeks, a go through them, starting them and letting them run a few minutes. Every couple of months, I start them, pull them out of the building, and let them run for a good 15-20 minutes. Check oil, fuel (stabilized) and then put them away. Every few months, one won't start, usually a dead battery, but sometimes a fuel or points issue. Takes a little while to fix.

What are the rest of you guys doing? Do you run them out of gas and park them for long periods? Remove the battery? Or do you keep them all in running shape? With 9 tractors, it's not THAT big of a deal, but what happens when you get to 20? 30? (not that I'm going there).

Just looking for tips on keeping them in good shape, and available for work at a moment's notice!

[chris hall]

I bought a battery tender and have all my cubs hardwired for the charger. I only have two so mine gets used regular. in cold weather I do keep the fuel tank full so they do draw moisture.fuel additive is also a good idea because of the crap fuel we have now.

[jkier]

Out of the seven cubs I have there are only three batteries.
I run them completely out of fuel and pull the battery.

[olds45512]

The positive terminal on all my cubs have a nut and bolt tightened into them with about a half inch of extra thread on the bolt, I then have a wing nut on it and I disconnect the battery after every use and I've never had a dead battery issue doing it this way.

[jimbob200521]

Good timing on the topic; I have been thinking about the same thing lately, mainly for winter storage, however.

I've only got 2 Cubs at the moment, and during the spring/summer/fall, using both somewhat regularly isn't a big deal. One mows weekly, the other pulls the cart, goes for rides, dethatcher, lawn sweep, aerator, etc. But during the winter, I've only got one snow plow machine (at the moment, at least). So that leaves the Super to sit during the winter. I'm thinking a fresh oil change, run it out of gas, and disconnecting the battery should do it. I just have to hope it won't be another looonnnggg cold miserable winter again.

[drglinski]

I've only got one. That's enough of a headache for me.

[Merk]

At the end of each day I turn the gas off and let the carb run dry. Long term storage I do the same thing plus I will disconnect the battery. My fuel gets a stabilizer each time I fill the fuel cans. The place where I keep my IH Cub Cadets is dry. If they were stored in a place where it gets damp I would then run fuel tanks dry. I will change the oil when I get them out.

[Cub Cadet 123]

If the storage is for a while, especially winter, I would also put a bag of garlic in a pantyhose along with mothballs on the engine to keep the mice/rodents away and if the ethanol free gasoline is available in your area, then I would use it in my cubs.

Cub Cadet 123

[Mike McKown]

I have 25+ of them. Don't do anything at all and they all will start and run with a battery. Some have sat idle for years.

[zippy1]

Mine are stored in a no heat building. When I park them for the winter months I fill the tanks and add Stabile. I run the tractor for five minuets then turn off the fuel and let the tractor run out of gas.
I remove the batteries and store them in the house through the winter. Works for me.