Husqvarna YTH2348 Lawn Mower User Manual

Table of Contents

Husqvarna YTH2348 Lawn Mower

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

ASSEMBLY

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

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 THE TRACTOR FROM THE CAR TON

UNPACK CARTON

Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from the carton.
Cut along dashed 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. them

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 (L) (label is located between terminals), charge the battery for a minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See “BATTERY” in the Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions.)

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 or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

WARNING: Before starting, read, understand, and follow all instructions 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 people and objects.

TO ROLL THE TRACTOR OFF THE SKID

(See Operation section for location and function of controls

Raise the attachment lift lever to its highest position.
Release the parking brake by pressing ing brake pedal.
Place freewheel control in disengaged position to disen gage trans mis sion (See “TO TRANS PORT” in the Operation section of this manual).
Roll the tractor forward off the skid.

TO DRIVE TRAC TOR OFF SKID

(See Operation section for location and function of controls)

Be sure all the above assembly steps have been completed.
Check the engine oil level and fill the fuel tank with gasoline.
Place freewheel control in “trans mis sion engaged” position (see “TO TRANSPORT” in Operation section of this manual). On
the seat in the operating position, depress the brake and he parking brake.
Raise the attachment lift lever to its highest position.
Remove the key from the bag and start the engine (see “TO START” in the Operation section of this manual). After the engine has started, move the throttle control to the idle (slow) position.
Release the parking brake.
Slowly depress the forward drive pedal and drive the tractor off the skid.
Apply the brake to stop the tractor and set the parking brake.
Turn ignition key to “STOP” position. 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, the 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 section of this manual. 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 mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/ front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling.)
✓ Check mower 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 the tractor, be sure free wheel control is in the “transmission engaged” position (see “TO TRANSPORT” in the Operation section of this manual).

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

✓ Engine oil is at the proper level.
✓ 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 the brake system is in a safe operating condition.
✓ Be sure the 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 op er – at ing 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 that can result in death, serious injury, and/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 without 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 adjustments. 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 tractor
(B) BRAKE PEDAL – Used for braking the tractor and starting the engine.
(C) PARKING BRAKE – Locks clutch/brake pedal into the brake position.
(D) THROTTLE CONTROL – Used to control engine speed.
(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH – Used to engage the mower blades, or other attachments 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 the tractor.
(L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL – Used for reverse movement of the tractor.
(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL – Disengages transmission for pushing or slowly towing the tractor with the engine off.
(N) CHOKE CONTROL – Used when starting a cold engine.
(P) SERVICE REMINDER / HOUR METER – Indicates when service is required for the engine and mower.
(Q) 12-VOLT POWER PORT – Used for 12-volt accessories. (If so equipped)

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRAC TOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE(See Fig. 4)

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. When the 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 the brake pedal (B), then release the parking brake lever. The pedal should remain in the brake position. Make sure the parking brake will hold the tractor secure.

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES –

To stop the mower blades, push the tach attachment clutch switch into the disengaged position (o).

GROUND DRIVE –

To stop the ground drive, depress the brake pedal all the way down.

ENGINE –

Move throttle control (D) between the half and full speed (fast) position.

NOTE: Failure to move the throttle control between the half and full speed (fast) position before stopping may cause the engine to “backfire”.

Turn ignition key (F) to “STOP” position and remove key. Always remove the key when leaving the tractor to prevent unauthorized use.
Never use choke (N) to stop the engine.

IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than “STOP” will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.

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

CAUTION: Always stop the tractor completely, as described above, before leaving the operator’s position.

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

Always operate the engine at full speed (fast).

Operating the engine at less than full speed (fast) reduces the engine’s operating efficiency.
• Full speed (fast) offers the best bagging and mower performance.

TO USE CHOKE CONTROL – N (See Fig. 6)

Use choke control whenever you are starting a cold engine. Do not use it to start a warm engine.

To engage choke control, pull the knob out. Slowly push the knob in to disengage.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 7)

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

Start the tractor and release the 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 conditions, such as trimming at slow speeds, may cause the cruise control to disengage. Do not use the cruise control on slopes, rough terrain, or while trimming or turning.

With the forward drive pedal depressed to the desired speed, pull the 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 the forward drive pedal.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 8)

The position of the attachment lift lever (A) determines cut cutting height.

Put the attachment lift lever in the 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 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better-looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
For the best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to de desired height.

TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 9)

Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when the mower is at the desired cutting height in the operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.

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

Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in this section of manual).
With the mower in the desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. In the stall gauge wheel in the appropriate hole. Tighten securely.
Repeat for all, installing the gauge wheel in the 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 the desired height of cut with the attachment lift lever.
Start mower blades by engaging the tach attachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES, disengage the attachment control

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

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 the 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 necessary.

USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM –

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

Depress the brake pedal all the way down.
With the engine running, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the ROS “ON” position.
Look down and behind before and while backing.
Slowly depress the reverse drive pedal to start the movement.
When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to the 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 necessary, push the brake pedal quickly to the brake position and engage the parking brake.
To restart movement, slowly release the parking brake and brake pedal.
Slowly depress the appropriate drive pedal to the 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 the tractor.

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

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

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 the 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 the key remains in the “STOP” position when the engine is not running.

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

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

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped from the factory, already filled summer summer-weight oil.

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

ADD GASOLINE

Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of fi filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded 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 quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

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

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GAS O LINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or ethanol, or methanol) can attract moisture, which leads to separation and formation 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 storage 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 Instructions 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 engaged position.
Sit in the easy chair operating position, depress the brake pedal, and set the parking brake.
Move the attachment clutch to the “DISENGAGED” position.
Move the throttle control to the fast position.
Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt. For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not be needed.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.
Insert the key into the ignition and turn the key clockwise to the “START” position, and release the key as soon as the engine starts. Do not run the starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes, and try again. If the engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

When the engine starts, slowly push the choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly.
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 and below)

When the engine starts, slowly push the choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps, allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

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 and may require the choke control to be pulled out slightly.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F), 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 the freewheel lever while the engine is running.

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

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

Place the tractor safely on a level surface with the engine off and the parking brake set.
Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).
Sittingtractor seattorseate. After the engine is running, move the throttle control to the slow position. Disengage gage parking brake
Depress the forward drive pedal to the full forward position, hold for five (5) seconds, and release the pedal. Depress the reverse drive pedal to the full reverse position, hold for five (5) seconds, and rerelease the 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 the hydraulic drive system.
Shut off the engine and set the parking brake.
Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in the engaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of the manual).
Sitting in the tractor seat, start the engine. After the engine is running, move the throttle control to half (1/2) speed. Disengage the parking brake.
Drive the tractor forward for approximately five feet, then backward for five feet. Repeat this driving procedure three times.

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

MOWING TIPS

The mower should be properly leveled for the best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
The left-hand side of the 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 distribution 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 the grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce the load and possible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make fi first cut relatively high; the second cut to the desired height.
Do not mow the grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug the mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow the grass to dry before mowing.
Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge 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 the best performance of the attachment being used.

TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS

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