HONDA DT18 User Manual

Operator´s manual

DT18

DT18C

Please read these instructions carefully and make sure

you understand them before using the machine.

English

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Operating Instructions for

Lawn Dethatcher DT18, DT18C

with supplement for accessories

Introduction .........................................................2

Congratulations................................................2

Use...................................................................2

Insure your machine ........................................2

Good service....................................................2

Serial number...................................................2

Symbols and decals............................................3

Decals and machine-bound instructions ..........3

Location of decals ............................................4

Translation of instructions ................................5

Safety instructions..............................................6

General use .....................................................6

Preparations.....................................................8

Running............................................................9

Movement/Transport ......................................10

Storage ..........................................................10

Children..........................................................10

Fuel system...................................................11

Maintenance ..................................................12

Presentation ......................................................13

Presentation...................................................13

Main components and operating instruments 14

Engine............................................................15

Cutting unit.....................................................19

Blade versatility..............................................20

Setting blade height .......................................20

Running..............................................................21

Starting the engine.........................................21

Cutting the engine..........................................22

Before you start..............................................23

Starting ..........................................................23

Finishing.........................................................23

Maintenance ......................................................24

Maintenance schedule...................................24

Replacing the air filter ....................................25

Cleaning the sludge reservoir ........................26

Idle adjustment...............................................26

Ignition system ...............................................27

Cutting unit.....................................................28

Two minute rule.............................................. 32

Cleaning and washing ...................................32

Lubrication.........................................................33

Lubrication schedule......................................33

General ..........................................................33

Engine oil .......................................................34

Oil change reduction gear 1:6........................35

Depth knob with depth lock............................36

Blades ............................................................36

Depth lever.....................................................36

Handle............................................................36

Troubleshooting ................................................37

Storage...............................................................38

Winter storage................................................38

Service...........................................................38

Technical data ...................................................39

Wiring diagram..................................................40

Assembly instructions......................................41

Assembly – delivery service ..........................41

Assembly directions,

catcher bag DT18..........................................42

Assembly directions, seed hopper SD18........ 43

Supplement........................................................45

Instructions for the catcher bag ......................45

Instructions for the seeder..............................46

Service journal................................................... 47

Delivery service..............................................47

After the first 20 hours ....................................47

English – 1

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations

Thank you for purchasing a Husqvarna lawn care product. Through your confidence in us, you have chosen an exceptionally high quality product.

This manual is a valuable document. It describes your new Husqvarna machine. Read the manual carefully before attempting to use the machine. Following the instructions (use, service, maintenance, etc.) can considerably increase the lifespan of your machine and even increase its resale value. Please contact your dealer for more information.

If you sell your Husqvarna machine, make sure to give the operator’s manual to the new owner.

Use

The dethatcher is used remove the layer of thatch and surface-treat lawns, i.e. power-raking, de-mossing and collecting thatch in the form of old grass or moss. With an attachment, it can even be used for seeding, both in initial sowing or overseeding.

Insure your machine

Contact your insurance company to check on insurance coverage for your new machine. You should have all-inclusive insurance for liability, fire, damage and theft.

Good service

Husqvarna’s products are sold all over the world and only in specialized retail trade with complete service. This ensures that you as a customer get only the best support and service. Before the machine was delivered it underwent inspection and was adjusted by your dealer. When you need spare parts or support in service questions, guarantee issues, etc., please consult the following professional:

This Operator’s Manual belongs to machine with serial number:

Engine number:

Serial number

The machine’s serial number can be found on the printed plate attached to the rear side panel of the machine. The plate includes the following information:

• The machine’s type designation (MODEL).

• The machine’s serial number (S/N).

Please state the type designation and serial number when ordering spare parts. The engine’s serial number is punched in the crankcase above the oil drainage screw. The engine type is specified on the crankcase under the air filter but also appears on the decal on the starter. Please state these when ordering replacement engine parts.

2 – English

SYMBOLS AND DECALS

WARNING!

Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.

Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk

of personal injury, particularly if the reader should

neglect to follow instructions given in the manual.

Decals and machine-bound instructions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.

Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk

of material damage, particularly if the reader

should neglect to follow instructions given in the manual. Used also when there is a potential for misuse or misassembly.

1. Husqvarna logotype

2. Model designation DT18C

3. Model designation DT18

4. Model designation SD18

5. Husqvarna crown

6. Height setting

7. Dial

8. DANGER Mind your feet

9. Seed application chart

8011-243

10. DANGER Beware of thrown material

11. Controls

12. Warning for carbon monoxide

13. Open/Close

14. Caution list

15. Caution for catcher

16. HOT seed hopper cover

17. European standard for machine safety

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Location of decals

SYMBOLS AND DECALS

4 – English

8011-235

SYMBOLS AND DECALS

Translation of instructions

Decal 9

Seed application chart

Values are approximate; quantities of seed depend on the speed at which the machine is run. Faster running speed results in sparser sowing.

Preparing the lawn

• Cut the grass to approximately 1-1.5 cm (1/2").

• Do not water before sowing.

• Remove the layer of old grass cuttings (thatch).

• Aerate the lawn with a ground aerator of the

coring type.

• Fertilize the lawn.

Seed application recommendations

• For best results, sow in two directions with a 45° angle between.

• Water generously immediately afterward and continue watering moderately for 10–14 days to keep the soil moist.

• After germination, water sporadically to encourage root growth.

Decal 12

Warning

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals considered by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The engine emits carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use the machine in enclosed spaces.

Decal 14

Important information

Read and make sure you understand the Operator’s Manual before use or maintenance.

To obtain a replacement manual, please contact your dealer.

Observe all safety instructions; otherwise you may injure yourself or others around you.

Make sure that the machine is in serviceable condition prior to use.

Make sure that all protective devices are in place when the machine is in use.

Stop the engine and wait until all machine movement comes to a standstill before service, adjustment or cleaning.

Do not run the engine in poorly ventilated spaces. Make sure nobody is in the vicinity of the machine

before starting and during use. Avoid slopes that are too steep to use the machine

safely. Clear any debris from the lawn prior to use.

English – 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General use

The object of this manual is to help you use your Husqvarna machine more safely and to give you information about how to maintain your machine. Please read the manual carefully before attempting to use the machine.

If after reading the operator’s manual you are still unsure about the safety risks associated with use of the machine, you should not use the machine. Please contact your dealer for more information.

These safety instructions only address the basics for safe use. It would be impossible in the safety instructions to describe all possible risk situations that could arise when using the machine. You can, however, prevent accidents by always using common sense.

To obtain extra copies of the operator’s manual, please contact your dealer.

WARNING!

Under no circumstances may the

original design of the machine be

modified without written approval

from the manufacturer. Such

modifications not only affect the

performance and durability of the

machine but may even pose a

safety risk for users and those in

the vicinity. Unauthorized

modifications to the design of the

machine may absolve the

manufacturer from liability for any

resulting personal injury or

property damage. Modifying the

machine without written approval

from the manufacturer may void

the guarantee.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Do not use the machine until you have read

the operator’s manual carefully and

understand the instructions given. All

maintenance work or adjustments not

described in this manual must be performed

by an authorized Husqvarna service

workshop.

• Read this manual carefully and make sure you understand it before using the machine or performing any maintenance. If the user cannot read this manual, it is the responsibility of the machine owner to explain the contents to the user.

• Follow all safety instructions. Failure to do so may result in injury to yourself or others.

• Accident prevention regulations, other general safety regulations, occupational safety rules and traffic regulations must be followed without fail.

• All users shall be trained in use of the machine. The owner is responsible for training users.

8011-040

Read this manual carefully before starting the machine.

• Engage an authorized Husqvarna workshop for all service and repairs not described in this manual.

6 – English

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Husqvarna original spare parts are designed and specified to maintain high quality and correct fit for optimal durability and lifespan. From a safety point of view, you should only use Husqvarna original spare parts.

• Check that all safety decals are in place. See the chapter ”Symbols and decals”.

• Learn how to use the machine and its controls safely and learn to recognize the safety decals.

• Only use the machine for sowing and dethatching lawns. It is not intended for any other use.

• Check that the machine is in serviceable condition prior to use; see the chapter

”Maintenance/Maintenance schedule”.

• Only use the machine in daylight or in other

well-lit conditions. Keep the machine a safe distance from holes or other irregularities in the ground. Pay attention to other possible risks.

• Only allow the machine to be used by adults who are familiar with its use.

• Never allow children or persons not trained in the use of the machine to use or service it. Local laws may regulate the age of the user.

• People and animals can distract you causing you to lose control of the machine. For this reason, you should always concentrate and focus on the task at hand.

WARNING!

The engine can become very hot.

To avoid being burned, you must

turn off the engine and wait until

all parts have cooled before

touching the engine.

WARNING!

Overexposure to vibration may

lead to circulatory or nerve

damage, particularly in people who

have impaired circulation.

Contact your doctor if you

experience symptoms that could

have been caused by

overexposure to vibration.

Examples of common symptoms

include numbness, pain, muscle

weakness, change of skin color or

an uncomfortable feeling of

tingling. These symptoms appear

most frequently in the fingers,

hands or wrists.

• Never leave the machine unsupervised with the engine running.

• Make sure that other people are nearby when you are using the machine so that you can call for help should an emergency arise.

• The machine is tested and approved only with the equipment originally provided or recommended by the manufacturer.

English – 7

8 – English

English – 9

10 – English

English – 11

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Maintenance

• Never make adjustments with the engine running.

• Disengage the drive units, shut off the engine and wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop before making adjustments, performing maintenance or cleaning the machine.

• Disconnect the spark plug cable before beginning repair work.

• Keep all components in serviceable condition and make sure all nuts, bolts, etc. are tight. Replace worn or damaged decals.

• Be careful when checking work tools. Use gloves when performing maintenance work.

• Never allow persons not trained in the use of the machine to perform service on it.

• Always park the machine on even ground before performing maintenance or making adjustments.

• Do not disassemble the engine. This can invalidate your guarantee. Contact your dealer if you have any questions regarding service or guarantee matters. Follow all maintenance instructions.

• Do not change the setting of governors and avoid running the engine with overly high RPMs. If you run the engine too fast, you risk damaging the machine components.

• Do not modify safety equipment. Check regularly to be sure it works properly. The machine must not be run with defective or disassembled safety equipment.

8011-027

Disconnect the spark plug cable before repair work.

WARNING!

Wait until all moving parts are

completely still before performing

maintenance on the machine.

Turn off the engine and remove the

spark plug cable.

• The muffler is designed to maintain sound levels at an approved level and keep direct exhaust away from the user. Exhaust gases from the engine are extremely hot and may contain sparks that can cause fires or burn the user.

• Never use a machine with a defective muffler.

• Reduce the risk of fire by removing grass, leaves and other debris that may have fastened in the machine.

12 – English

8011-121

Keep the machine clean.