Operating Your Cyclone Rake in Special Conditions: Rain and High Altitude

Can I Use My Cyclone Rake in the Rain?

We would not recommend using your Cyclone Rake in the rain or leaving it exposed to any kind of precipitation. Here's why:

• Your Cyclone Rake engine has electrical connections that maintain the spark needed for combustion

• Water can affect these connections negatively and may cause the engine to stall or fail to start

• Water entering the inside of the engine can damage critical components when running

• Wet conditions can also cause wet debris to clog more easily in your vacuum system

For best results and longest life of your equipment, we recommend:

• Only operating your Cyclone Rake in dry conditions

• Storing your machine in a dry, sheltered place

• Covering the engine if stored outdoors (though indoor storage is strongly preferred)

• Removing all organic debris from the collector bag before storage to prevent attracting mice and rodents

• Using mothballs in the collector bag during long-term storage to deter pests

Can I Use My Cyclone Rake at High Altitude?

Yes, you can use your Cyclone Rake engine at higher altitudes, but you should be aware of some important considerations:

• At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), use a minimum 85 octane/85 AKI (89 RON) gasoline

• To remain emissions compliant and achieve optimal performance, a high-altitude adjustment is required

• Operation without this adjustment will cause decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and increased emissions

If your engine is operating above sea level and you're experiencing rich running conditions (symptoms include fouled spark plugs and hard starting), you may need to adjust the carburetor. This is due to the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes (typically anywhere between 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level).

For the best assistance with high altitude adjustments, we recommend consulting a Briggs & Stratton dealer who can make the proper modifications to your engine.

Storage Reminders

When storing your Cyclone Rake after use in any conditions:

• Always add fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh

• There's no need to drain gasoline from the engine if a fuel stabilizer is added

• Keep the gas tank 95% full to avoid condensation buildup during storage

• Run the engine for 5 minutes after adding stabilizer to treat the entire fuel system

• This prepares the engine and gasoline for up to 24 months of storage

While not specifically required for daily use, Briggs & Stratton recommends the use of fuel treatment and stabilizer as a regular part of the refueling process.