Husqvarna 55R21HVD Owner’s Manual

Husqvarna

55R21 HV

Owner's Manual

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

532 1908-72 Rev. 3 05.03.04 BY Printed in U.S.A.

i_ Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLEOF AMPUTATINGHANDS ANDFEET AND THROWINGOBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVETHE FOLLOWINGSAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULD RESULTIN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Bethor-
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 andthrown
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)offand waituntilthe 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:

• Mowacrossthe face of slopes:never upand 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.

III. 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.

• Useextra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
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. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing

them.

Donot change the engine governor setting or overspeed

2

the engine.

portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

Look for this symbol to point out im-
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
spark plug in order to prevent accidental

wire and placewire where itcannotcontact

starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
components contain or emit chemi-

its constituents, and certain vehicle

cals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or

other reproductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and
lead compounds, chemicals known to

related accessories contain lead and

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. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured

to give you the 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 NUMBERS WILL BE FOU ND

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 SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C / 32°F)

SAE 10W-30 (below 0°C / 32°F)

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 aregular 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 ................................................................. 4-5

OPERATION ............................................................. 6-10

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 11

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 11-13

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 13-15

STORAG E ............................................................... 15-16

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 17

REPAIR PARTS ....................................................... 18-23

WARRANTY ................................................................. 24

3

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructionsand thismanual initsentirety 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 unassembted 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 lower handle to operating position and align hole
in handle with one of the height positioning holes in

the handle bracket.

2. Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and
secure with knob.

3. Repeat for opposite side of handle.

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

knobs.

5. Remove packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to "ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR

UPPER
LOWER HANDLE

LIFT

MOWING

POSITION

FIG. 1

\

_ BOLT

KNOB

HANDLE
BRACKE1

FIG. 2

4

ASSEMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

(See Figs. 3 and 4)

1. Slide grass catcher bag over the frame. Make sure
the rear handle is on top (the same side as the front
handle) and the strap ison the bottom.

2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: Ifvinylbindingsare toostiff,hold theminwarm water

for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

3. Close grass catcher door.
NOTE: When fully closed, doorwill"snap" shut over frame

and vinyl bindings.

DOOR_

GRASS
CATCHER

VINYL

BINDINGS<

STRAP

REAR

FIG. 4

HANDLE

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.

\

FIG. 3

5

OPERATION

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER.

Compare the illustrations with your 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.

I',,I

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

STARTER

•DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE
KNOB DRIVE COVER

GRASS
CATCHER

ENGINE OIL CAP

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

._ASOLINE FILLER CAP

FUEL VALVE LEVER

AIR FILTER

DUAL POINT HEIGHT
ADJUSTER LEVER

HOUSING

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 engine. Release to stop engine.

MULCHER DOOR - allows conversion to discharge or
bagging operation.

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine. 6

DRIVE CONTROL LEVER - used to engage power-pro-

pelled forward motion lawn mower.

DUAL POINT HEIGHT ADJUSTER- used to adjust cutting

height of lawn mower.

OPERATION

=,_.-'== in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or

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

performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety
mask over spectacles.

I

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

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

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower inorder to minimizethe risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat
the function of the operator control.
The blade turns when the engine is
running.

Your lawn mower isequipped 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. 5)

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator

presence control bar down to the handle and pulling
the drive control lever rearward to the handle. The

farther toward the handle the lever is pulled, the faster
the unit will travel.

Forward motion will stop when either the operator pres-

ence control bar or drive control lever are released. To
stop forward motion without stopping engine, release

the drive control lever 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.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLBAR

2.

Pull out button on underside of drive control, then push

it back in.

3.

Operate mower to test drive speed. If there is no in-
crease, your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)

Both front wheels are adjusted by a single lever on the left
front wheel. Likewise, both rear wheels are adjusted by a
single lever on the left rear wheel.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel.To raise mower, move

lever forward to desired position.To lower mower, move
the lever toward the rear.

Be su re to adjust both front and rear wheels to same height.

HEIGHT

TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER BACKWARD

LEVER FORWARD

TO RAISE MOWER

ADJUSTER

FIG. 6

TO CONVERT MOWER (See Figs. 7 thru 9)

Yourlawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulche r.
To convert to rear bagging or side discharging:

REAR BAGGING

Remove knob securing mulcher door to mower housing.

Open mulcher door and insert tabs of discharge chute
into hinge bracket opening and position rear of chute

over threaded stud.

DRIVE
CONTROL

LEVER

ADJUSTMENT TO ENGAGE DRIVE
BUTTON (ON DRIVE CONTROL
UNDERSIDE) CONTROL DISENGAGED

FIG. 5

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 5)

Over time, the drive control system may become "loose",

resulting in decreased speed. There is a button on the

underside of the drive control housing to increase tension
on the drive cable. Proceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from plug. 7

DISCHARGE CHUTE TABS

HINGE BRACKET MULCHER DOOR

FIG. 7

OPERATION

• Secure rear of discharge chute to lawn mower housing
with knob.

• Place rear handle of grass catcher on the crossbar of
the lawn mower's lower handle as shown.

• Lift the round door of the discharge chute and place
the grass catcher into place on the discharge chute.

NOTE: Be sure round door of discharge chute rests on
grass catcher as shown.

• Mower is now ready for rear bagging operation.

• Toconvert to mulching operation, remove grass catcher
and discharge chute. Secure mulcher door to mower
housing with knob.

• Toconvert to side discharging operation, remove grass
catcher and discharge chute. Install side discharge
deflector and secure it to mower housing with knob.

GRASS

;ATCHER

• Mower is now ready for side discharging operation.

• To convert to mulching operation, side discharge de-
flector must be removed and mulcher door secured to

mower housing with knob.

• To convert to rear bagging operation, side discharge
deflector must be removed; discharge chute and grass
catcher installedand discharge chute secured to mower
housing with knob.

MULCHER

DOOR

THREADED

STUD

SIDE
DISCHARGE

DEFLECTOR

ROUND
DOOR

KNOB

CHUTE

THREADED

STUD

MULCHER

DOOR

FIG. 8

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Grass catcher and discharge chute must be re-
moved.

• Open mulcher door and install front of side discharge
deflector beneath itas shown.

• Secure rear of side discharge deflector to lawn mower
housing with knob.

FIG. 9

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN

CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Grass catcher, discharge chute and side discharge
deflector removed.

2. Mulcher door secured to mower housing with knob.
FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Side discharge deflector removed.

2. Grass catcher and discharge chute installed with

discharge chute secured to lawn mower housing with

knob.

3. Round door of discharge chute resting on top of grass

catcher.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Grass catcher and discharge chute removed.

2. Side discharge deflector installedand secu red to mower

housing with knob.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without mulcher door closed; side dis-

_ charge deflector installed, or discharge

chute and approved grass catcher in
place. Never attempt to operate the lawn
mower with mulcher door or round door

removed or propped open.

8