Husqvarna YTH21K46 Riding Lawn Mower User Manual

Husqvarna YTH21K46 Riding Lawn Mower

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory, except those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

1. 1/2″ wrench Tire pressure gauge
2. 7/16″ wrenches, Utility knife, Pliers

When the right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from the carton.
• Cut along the dotted lines on all four panels of the carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.
• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove them.

BEFORE REMOVING THE TRACTOR FROM THE SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)

• Lift the hood to the raised position.
  NOTE: If this battery is put into service after the month and year indicated on the label (label is located between terminals), charge battery for a minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See “BATTERY” in the Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions.)
• For battery and battery cable installation, see “REPLACING BATTERY” in the “Service and Adjustments” section in this manual.

ADJUST SEAT (See Fig. 2)

• Sit in the seat.
• Lift the adjustment lever (A) and slide the seat until a comfortable position is reached, which allows you to press the clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
• Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

 WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow all in structions in the Op er a tion section of this manual.. Be sure the tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of the tractor is clear of other peopleand objects.

TO ROLL THE TRACTOR OFF THE SKID

(See Op er a tion section for location and function of controls)

• Raise the attachment lift lever to its highest position
• Release the parking brake by pressing ing clutch/brake pedal
• Place freewheel control in “trans mis sion dis en gaged” position (See “TO TRANS PORT” in the Op er a tion section of this manual).
• Roll the tractor forward off the skid.
• Remove the banding holding the deflector shield up against the tractor.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for the best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to the PSI shown on tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For the best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments sec tion of thsection. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is operating properly. See “TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRAC TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

• ✓ All assembly instructions have been completed.
• ✓ No remaining loose parts in carton.
• ✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged.
• ✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
• ✓ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory).
• ✓ Be sure m.)er deck is properly leveled side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling).
• ✓ Check mow.) and drive belts. Be sure they are routed properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
• ✓ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure and wires are properly clamped.
• ✓ Before driving tractor, be suthe the freewheel control is in “the transmission engaged” position (see “TO TRANSPORT” in the Operation section of this man u al).

WHImanualmanualING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

• ✓ Engine oil is at proper level.the the
  ✓ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline.
• ✓ Become familiar with all controls, their location and function., Operate them before you start the engine.
• ✓ Be sure brake system the is in safe operatinga a  condition.
• ✓ Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Operation System (ROS) are working properly (See the Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).
• ✓ It is important to purge the transmission before operating your tractor for the first time. Follow proper starting and transmission purging instructions (See “TO START EN GINE” and “PURGE TRANSMISSION” in
  the Op er a tion section of this manual

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards which can result in death, serious injury a,nd/or property damage.

 DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

 WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

 CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION when used wit,,hout the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could result in damage to the tractor and/or engine.

 HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

 FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments. Save this manual for future reference.

Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

• (A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER – Used to raise and lower the mower or other attachments mounted to your trac tor.
• (B) BRAKE PEDAL – Used for brak ing the tractor and start ing the engine.
• (C) PARKING BRAKE – Locks clutch/brake pedal into the brake position.
• (D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL – Used for starting and controlling engine speed.
• (E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER – Used to engage the mow er blades, or other at tach ments mounted to your tractor.
• (F) IGNITION SWITCH – Used for starting and stopping the engine.
• (G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) “ON”
  • POSITION – Allows operation of mower or other powered attachment while in reverse.
• (H) LIGHT SWITCH – Turns the headlights on and off.
• (J) CRUISE CONTROL LEVER – Used to set forward movement of tractor at desired speed without holding the forward drive pedal.
• (K) FORWARD DRIVE PEDAL – Used for forward movement of tractor.
• (L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL – Used for reverse movement of tractor.
• (M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL – Disengages transmission for pushing or slowly tow ing the trac tor with the engine off.
• (P) SERVICE REMINDER / HOUR METER – Indicates when service is required for the engine and mower.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRAC TOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 4)

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the op er a tor to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.

• Depress the brake pedal (B) all the way down and hold.
• Pull the parking brake lever (C) up and hold, release pressure from the brake pedal (B), then release the parking brake lever. Pedal should re main in brake position. Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure.

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

MOWER BLADES –
• To stop mower blades, place the attachment clutch control in the “DIS ENGAGED” position .

GROUND DRIVE –

• To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position.

IMPORTANT: FORWARD AND REVERSE DRIVE PEDALS RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN NOT DEPRESSED.

ENGINE –

• Move throttle control (D) between half and full speed (fast) position.
  NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and full speed (fast) position, before stop ping may cause engine to “backfire”.
• Turn ignition key (F) to “STOP” position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent un author ized use.
• Never use the choke to stop the engine.

IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN “STOP” WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DIS CHARGED, (DEAD).

NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot en gine exhaust gases may cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility, always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.

CAUTION: Always stop tractor completely, as described above, and set parking brake before leav ing the op er ator’s position.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D) (See Fig. 6)

Always operate engine at full speed (fast).

• Operating engine at less than full speed (fast) reduces the engine’s operating efficiency.
• Full speed (fast) of fers the best mower per for mance.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 7)

The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the forward and reverse drive pedals.

• Start tractor and release parking brake.
• Slowly depress forward (K) or reverse (L) drive pedal to begin movement. Ground speed increases the further down the pedal is depressed.

TO USE CRUISE CONTROL (J) (See Fig. 7)

The cruise control feature can be used for forward travel only.

SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

The cruise control should only be used while mowing or transporting on relatively smooth, straight surfaces. Other con di tions such as trimming at slow speeds may cause the cruise control to dis en gage. Do not use the cruise control on slopes, rough terrian or while trimmimg or turning.

• With forward drive pedal depressed to desired speed, pull cruise control lever (J) up and hold while lifting your foot off the pedal, then release the lever.

To disengage the cruise control, depress the brake pedal or tap on forward drive pedal.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUT TING HEIGHT (See Fig. 8)

The po si tion of the at tach ment lift le ver (A) de ter mines the cut ting height.

• Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting height slot.
  The cutting height range is ap prox i mate ly 1″ to 4″. The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 ” during the cool season and to over 3″during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass over 6″ in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to de sired height.

TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 9)

Gauge wheels are prop er ly ad just ed when they are slight ly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.

NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.

• Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST
  MOWER CUT TING HEIGHT” in this sec tion of manual).
• With the mower in desired height of cut po si tion, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. In stall gauge wheel in ap pro pri ate hole. Tighten se cure ly.
• Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

TO OPERATE THE MOWER

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.

• Select desired height of cut (see “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT”)
• Start mower blades by engaging at tach ment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES

• Disengage at tach ment clutch con trol.

 CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the en tire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield (S) in place (See Fig. 10).

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)

Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS “ON” position.

 WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS “ON”, to allow reverse operation with the attachment clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM –

Only use if you are certain no children or other bystanders will enter the mowing area.

• Depress brake pedal all the way down.
• With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise to ROS “ON” position.
• Look down and behind before and while backing.
• Slowly depress reverse drive pedal to start movement.
• When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine “ON” position.

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope.

• Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
• If stopping is absolutely necessary, push brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.
• To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and brake pedal.
• Slowly depress appropriate drive pedal to slowest setting.
• Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT (See Figs. 3 and 11)

When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in free wheel ing po si tion. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor.

• Raise attachment lift to highest position with at tach ment lift control.
• Pull freewheel control out and down into the slot and release so it is held in the disengaged position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH.
• To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure.

NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER

Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual.

NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but “STOP”. For accurate reading, be sure key remains in the “STOP” position when engine is not running.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with sum mer weight oil.

• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until “FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the Maintenance sec tion of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GAS O LINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER START ING.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage In struc tions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3)

When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

• Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission en gaged position.
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal and set parking brake.
• Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
• Move throttle control to choke position.
  NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.
• Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to “START” position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen sec onds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and above)

• When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.
• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and below)

• When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the tem per a ture.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

• Before driving the unit in cold weather, the trans mis sion should be warmed up as follows:
• Be sure the tractor is on level ground.
• Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position.
• Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during the engine warm up period.
• The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up.
  NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F/0°C) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

PURGE TRANSMISSION

CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is run ning.

To ensure proper operation and performance, it is rec ommend ed that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have de veloped during shipping of your tractor.

IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION RE QUIRE REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT, IT SHOULD BE PURGED AFTER REINSTALLATION BEFORE OPERATING THE TRACTOR.

• Place tractor safely on level surface with engine off and parking brake set.
• Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).
• Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. Disen gage parking brake
• Depress forward drive pedal to full forward position, hold for five (5) seconds and release pedal. Depress reverse drive pedal to full reverse position, hold for five (5) seconds and release pedal. Repeat this procedure three (3) times.
  NOTE: During this procedure there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic drive system.
• Shut- off engine and set parking brake.
• Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in engaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).
• Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. Disengage parking brake.
• Drive tractor forward for approximately five feet then backwards for five feet. Repeat this driving procedure three times.

Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal op er a tion.

MOWING TIPS

• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
• The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.
• Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the machine. This will result in a more even dis tri bu tion of clippings and more uniform cutting.
• When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished (See Fig. 12).
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.
• Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.
• Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper dis charge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.
• When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the at tach ment being used.

TROUBLESHOOTING

For more manuals by Husqvarna, visit ManualsLibraryy

Husqvarna YTH21K46 Riding Lawn Mower- FAQs