Husqvarna 5521CHVA Owner’s Manual

Husqvarna

5521CHV

Owner's Manual

For Parts and Service, call 1-800-448-7543

532 18 90-60 Rev. 3 07.28.04 BY/rad/BY/BY Printed in U.S.A.

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THISCUTTING MACHINEISCAPABLEOF AMPUTATINGHANDSAND FEETANDTHROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TOOBSERVE THEFOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULD RESULTINSERIOUS INJURYOR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of
the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown

by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec-
essary. Always look down and behind before and while
moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices
in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.

Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.

Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip-
ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the

chute.

• Shutthe engine (motor) off and wait untilthe blade comes
to complete stop before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch
on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (mo-
tor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the

cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:

• Mowacross the face of slopes: never up and down. Exer-
cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

SAFETY RULES

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.

II1.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to

the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and
down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, sh rubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

- Use only an approved container.

- Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the

engine running. Allow engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, such as a water
heater.

Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine

(motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachement
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while
the engine (motor) is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving

parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's recom-

mended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrapthe blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing

them.
Do not change the engine governor setting oroverspeed

the engine.

&

Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!t! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact

spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemi-
cals known to the State of California

to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.

&

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped.To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new lawn
mower. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured

togive youthe best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department. We have competent, well-trained

technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this
lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

SERIAL
NUMBER:

DATE OF PURCHASE:
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHEDTOTHE REAR OFTHE LAWN
MOWER HOUSING.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.0 Quarts
and Type: (Unleaded Regular Only)

Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W-30
Oil Capacity: 18.5 Ounces
Spark Plug: NGK BPR6ES (Gap: .030")

Valve Clearance: Intake: 0.015 mm
(+ 0.04 mm) Exhaust: 0.020 mm

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your lawn mower.

• Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Stor-
age" sections of this owner's manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 3

ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 4

OPERATION ............................................................... 5-9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 10

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 10-12

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 13

STORAGE .................................................................... 14

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 15

REPAI R PARTS ....................................................... 16-19

WARRANTY ................................................................. 20

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before
you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower.

IMPORTANT: THIS LAWN MOWER IS SHIPPED WITH-
OUT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE.

Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory
with the exception of those parts left unassembled for ship-

ping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your
lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must

be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary
to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel
down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-
ougly for additional loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 and 2)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS

NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

1. Raise handles until lower handle section locks into
place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec-
tion into place on lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort.
Refer to"ADJUST HANDLE"in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROLBAR

UPPER HANDLE
LOWER HANDLE

LIFT

MOWING

POSITION

FIG. 1

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(See Fig. 2)

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part
of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is
outside of the bag top.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

NOTE: Ifvinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them inwarm water
for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

CATCHER
FRAME

HANDLE

FRAME

OPENING

FIG. 2

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging,

see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of
this manual.

OPERATION

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER.
Compare the illustrations with you r lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.

Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand

their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

DRIVE

CONTROL"

BAR

STARTER

HANDLE

GRASS

CATCHER

ENGINE OIL CAP

WITH

OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROLBAR

HANDLE KNOB

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

FUEL VALVE LEVER

AIR FILTER

HOUSING

DRIVE

MULCHER

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

WHEEL ADJUSTER (ON EACH WHEEL)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be held
down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop

the engine.
STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

DRIVE CONTROL BAR- used to engage power-propelled
forward motion lawn mower.

MULCHER DOOR - allows conversion to discharge or
bagging operation.

OPERATION

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result

in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or
performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum per-
formance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINEZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this
of blade contact injury. Do not under

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

any circumstances attempt to defeat
the function of the operator control.

The blade turns when the engine is
running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence
control bar which requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the
lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 3)

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator
presence control bar down to the handle and pulling
the drive control bar up to the handle. The closer to the
handle the bar is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the operator pres-
ence control bar or drive control bar are released. To

stop forward motion without stopping engine, release
the drivecontrol bar only. Hold operator presence control
bar down against handle to continue mowing without
self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will
not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to

disengage drive wheels.

• To keep drive control engaged when turning corners,
push down on the handle to lift the front wheels off the

ground while turning lawn mower.

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 3)

Over time, the drive control system may become "loose",
resulting in decreased speed. There is a thumbscrew on

the underside of the drive control housing to increase ten-
sion on the drive cable. Proceed as follows:

Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug.

2.

Rotate thumbscrew counter-clockwise to tighten the
drive cable.

3.

Operate mower to test drive speed.

4.

If condition fails to improve after the above steps (for-
ward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn
and should be replaced.

NOTE: If mower begins to "creep" forward, the drive cable
is too tight. Rotate thumbscrew clockwise to loosen drive
cable.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

DRIVE
CONTROL

DRIVE DRIVE
CONTROL CONTROL

ENGAGED DISENGAGED

BAR

FIG. 3

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 4)

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut,
adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium
position is best for most lawns.

• Tochange cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward
wheel. Move wheel up or down to suityou r requirements.
Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster isproperly positioned when plate tab inserts
into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)

allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER

PLATE

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER

LEVER

FIG. 4

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING (See Fig. 5)

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass
catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• Toconvert to mulching or discharging operation, remove
grass catcher and close rear door.

SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 6)

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install discharge deflector
under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging operation.

• Toconvert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge
deflector must be removed and mulcher door must be

closed.