Please read these instructions carefully and make
sure you understand them before using the machine.
MANUAL NO. 539109797 REV. IR (09/18/04)
Models:
968999250 / Z4818BIA
Congratulations on the purchase of your Husqvarna mower. It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possiblbe dependability and performance. This manual has
been prepared for the owners and operators of the models called out on the front cover of this
manual. Read, understand and follow the safety and operating instructions. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your mower. Follow the instructions under “Customer Responsibilities” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual.
WARNING
Failure to follow cautious operating practices can result in serious injury to the operator or other persons. The owner must understand these instructions, and must allow only trained persons who understand these instructions to operate the mower. Each person operating the mower must be of
sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any mind altering substance.
CAUTION
1. Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and in proper working condition.
2. Stop engine and remove spark plug wires or remove key before adjusting, servicing, or performing maintenance.
GOOD SERVICE
Husqvarna products are sold all over the world and only in specialized retail stores with complete
service. This ensures that you as a customer receive only the best support and service. Before the
product is delivered, the machine has, for example, been inspected and adjusted by your retailer.
When you need spare parts or support in service questions, warranty issues, etc., please consult
the following professional:
Engine
This Operator’s Manual belongs to the
machine with manufacturing number:
Transmission
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of it’s constituents, and certain vehicle componets contain or emit
chemicals 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.
Continuous dedication to improve our products require that specifications and design are
subject to change without notice.
Battery acid is corrosive, explosive, and flammable.
Do not touch rotating parts.
Shut off engine
& remove key
before performRead
Operator’s
Manual
ing any
maintenance or
repair work.
Do not put pressure on
drive levers.
Read Operator’s Manual.
Keep a
safe
distance
from the
machine.
Use on
slopes no
greater
than 10°
Do not tow or push mower
unless you engage the IZT
(Intergraded Zeroturn
Transaxle) bypass linkages
Cutting
height
No passengers
Whole
body
exposure
to thrown
objects.
Severing
of fingers
& toes.
Do not open
or remove
safety
shields while
engine is
running.
Careful
backing up,
watch for
other people.
4
Careful going
forward,
watch for
other people.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Safety Instructions
These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully.
WARNING!
This symbol means that important safety instructions need to be emphasized.
It concerns your safety.
General Use
•Read all instructions in this operator’s
manual and on the machine before starting
it. Ensure that you understand them and
then abide by them.
•Learn how to use the machine and its
controls safely and learn how to stop quickly.
Also learn to recognize the safety decals.
•Only allow the machine to be used by adults
who are familiar with its use.
•Make sure nobody else is in the vicinity of the
machine when you start the engine, engage
the drive, or run the machine.
•Make sure animals and people maintain a
safe distance from the machine.
•Stop the machine if someone enters the
work area.
•Clear the area of objects such as stones,
toys, steel wire, etc. that may become
caught in the blades and thrown out.
•Beware of the discharge deck and do not
point it at any one. Do not use the machine
without the discharge deck in place.
•Stop the engine and prevent it from start-ing
before you clean the discharge deck.
•Remember that the operator is responsible
for dangers or accidents.
•Never take passengers. The machine is only
intended for use by one person.
Read the operator’s manual before starting the
machine
Clear the area of objects before mowing
8011-512
8011-513
•Always look down and behind before and
during reversing maneuvers. Keep a look out
for both large and small obstacles.
•Slow down before turning.
•Shut down the blades when not mowing.
8011-520
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•Be careful when rounding fixed objects, so
that the blades do not hit them. Never drive
over foreign objects.
•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.
•Never use the machine if you are tired, if
you have consumed alcohol, or if you are
taking other drugs or medication that can
affect your vision, judgment, or
coordination.
•Beware of traffic when working near or
crossing a road.
•Never leave the machine unsupervised with
the engine running. Always shut down the
blades, pull back the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the ignition key before
leaving the machine.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust and certain
vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals considered
to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive system
damage. The engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless, poisonous
gas. Do not use the machine
in enclosed spaces.
•Never allow children or other persons not
trained in the use of the machine to use or
service it. Local laws may regulate the age
of the user.
WARNING!
When using the machine, approved personal protective equipment shall be
used. Personal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it
will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happen. Ask your retailer
for help in choosing the right equipment.
•Make sure that you have first aid equipment
close at hand when using the machine.
•Never use the machine when barefoot.
Always wear protective shoes or boots,
preferably with steel toecaps.
•Always wear approved protective glasses or
a full visor when assembling or driving.
8011-518
•Never wear loose clothing that can get
caught in moving parts.
Personal protective equipment
6
8011-292
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Driving on Slopes
Driving on slopes is one of the operations where
the risk is greatest that the driver will lose control or
the machine will tip over, which can result in
serious injury or death. All slopes require extra
caution. If you cannot reverse up a slope or if you
feel unsure, do not mow the slope.
Do as follows
•Remove obstacles such as stones,
tree branches, etc.
•Mow up and down, not side-to-side.
•Never drive the rider on terrain that slopes more
than 10°.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires
begin to slip, shut down the blades and drive
slowly down the slope.
•Always drive evenly and slowly on slopes.
•Make no sudden changes in speed or direction.
•Avoid unnecessary turns on slopes, and if it
proves necessary, turn slowly and gradually
downward, if possible.
•Watch out for and avoid driving over furrows,
holes, and bumps. On uneven terrain, the
machine can tip more easily. Long grass can
hide obstacles.
•Drive slowly. Use small movements of the
steering controls.
•Be extra cautious with any additional equipment,
which can alter the machine’s stability.
•Do not mow near verges, ditches, or banks. The
machine can suddenly spin around if a wheel
goes over the edge of a drop or ditch, or if an
edge gives way.
•Do not mow wet grass. It is slippery, and the tires
can lose their grip, so that the machine slides.
•Try not to stabilize the machine by putting a foot
on the ground.
•When cleaning the chassis, the machine may
never be driven near verges or ditches.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
Mow up and down, not side-to-side
Be extra cautious when driving on slopes
8003-004
8011-519
•If machine stops while going uphill, disen-
gage blades and back down slowly.
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and
then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if
possible.
7
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Children
•Serious accidents may occur if you fail to be
on guard for children in the vicinity of the
machine. Children are often attracted to the
machine and mowing work. Never assume
that children will stay put where you last saw
them.
•Keep children away from the mowing area
and under close supervision by another
adult.
•Keep an eye out and shut off the machine if
children enter the work area.
•Before and during a reversing maneuver,
look backward and downward for small
children.
•Never allow a child to ride with you. They can
fall off and injure themselves seriously or
prevent risk-free maneuvering of the
machine.
Never allow children to operate the machine
8011-517
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Be particularly cautious near corners,
bushes, trees, or other objects that block
your view.
WARNING!
The engine must not be started when the driver’s floor plate or any protective
plate for the mower deck’s drive belt is removed.
•Stop the engine. Prevent the engine from
starting by removing the ignition key before
making any adjustments or performing
maintenance.
•Never fill the fuel tank indoors.
•Fuel and fuel fumes are poisonous and
extremely flammable. Be especially cautious
when handling fuel, as carelessness can
result in personal injury or fire.
•Only store fuel in containers approved for the
purpose.
•Never remove the fuel tank cap and never fill
the fuel tank while the engine is running.
Never fill the fuel tank indoors
8
8011-516
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•Allow the engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke. Do not fill fuel in the vicinity of
sparks or open flames.
•If leaks arise in the fuel system, the engine
must not be started until the problem has been
resolved.
•Store the machine and fuel in such a way that
there is no risk of leaking fuel or fuel vapor
leading to damages.
•Check the fuel level before each use and leave
space for the fuel to expand, because the heat
from the engine and the sun may otherwise
cause the fuel to expand and overflow.
WARNING!
The engine, the exhaust system,
and the hydraulic system’s
components become very warm
during operation.
Risk for burns if touched.
•Avoid overfilling. If you spill fuel on the machine,
wipe up the spill and wait until it has evaporated
before starting the engine. If you have spilled
fuel on your clothing, change your clothing.
•Allow the machine to cool before taking any
actions in the engine compartment.
•Be very careful when handling battery acid.
Acid on skin can cause serious corrosive
burns. If you spill battery acid on your skin,
rinse immediately with water.
•Acid in the eyes can cause blindness, contact
a doctor immediately.
•Be careful when servicing the battery.
Explosive gases form in the battery. Never
perform maintenance on the battery when
smoking or near open flames or sparks. The
battery can explode and cause serious injury/
damage.
•Ensure that nuts and bolts, especially the
fastening bolts for the blade attachments, are
properly tightened and that the equipment is in
good condition.
WARNING!
The battery contains lead and
lead compounds, chemicals
that are considered to cause
cancer, birth defects, and
other reproductive system
damage. Wash your hands
after touching the battery.
•Do not modify safety equipment. Check
regularly to be sure it works properly. The
machine must not be driven with defective or
unmounted protective plates, protective
cowlings, safety switches, or other protective
devices.
•Do not change the settings of governors and
avoid running the engine with overly high
engine speeds. If you run the engine too fast,
you risk damaging the machine components.
8011-563
Do not smoke when performing maintenance on
the battery. The battery can explode and cause
serious injury/damage
9
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•Never use the machine indoors or in spaces
lacking proper ventilation. The exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless,
poisonous, and lethal gas.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you run over
or into anything. If necessary, make repairs
before starting.
•Never make adjustments with the engine
running.
•The machine is tested and approved only with
the equipment originally provided or
recommended by the manufacturer.
•The blades are sharp and can cause cuts and
gashes. Wrap the blades or use protective
gloves when handling them.
•Check the parking brake’s functionality
regularly. Adjust and service as necessary.
•The mulch deck shall only be used when
higher quality mowing is desired in familiar
areas.
Never drive the machine in an enclosed space
8011-515
•Reduce the risk of fire by removing grass,
leaves, and other debris that may have
accumulated on the machine. Allow the
machine to cool before putting it in storage.
Transport
•The machine is heavy and can cause serious
crushing injuries. Be extra cautious when it is
loaded on or unloaded from a vehicle or trailer.
•Use an approved trailer to transport the
machine. Activate the parking brake, turn off
the fuel supply, and fasten the machine with
approved fastening devices, such as bands,
chains, or ropes, when transporting.
•Check and abide by local traffic regulations
before transporting or driving the machine on
any road.
Clean the machine regularly
8011-514
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The parking brake is not sufficient to
lock the machine in place during
transport. Ensure that the machine is
well fastened to the transport vehicle.
Reverse the machine onto the transport
vehicle to avoid tipping it over.
10
SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE CAPACITY5.6 GALLONS
AND TYPEUNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (SPI-SF-SJ):SEE YOUR ENGINE
OWNERS MANUAL
SPARK PLUG:SEE ENGINE MANUAL
GROUND SPEED (MPH):FORWARD: 0 - 5.5
REVERSE: 0 - 2.5
TIRE PRESSURE:FRONT: 15 PSI
REAR:15 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM:BRIGGS & STRATTON 16 AMP
@ 3600 RPM
BATTERY:MIN. CCA:300
CASE SIZE: 5 1/4W X 7 3/4 L X 6 T
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:45-55 FT./LBS.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintaining,
caring for and using your mower.
•Follow the instructions under "Customer
Responsibilities” and "Storage” sections of
this owner’s manual.
WARNING
This mower is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a
spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a
new 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 mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and
maintain your mower properly. Always observe
the "SAFETY RULES”.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest authorized engine service
center/department.
11
ASSEMBLY
Your new mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your mower, all
parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED
FOR ASSEMBLY
1. 9/16" wrench or 9/16" socket w/ drive
ratchet
2. Tire pressure gauge
3. Nail bar or claw hammer
4. Wire snips
When right or left hand is mentioned in this
manual, it means when you are in the operating
position (seated).
TO REMOVE THE MOWER
FROM CRATE
UNPACK CRATE
•Using the nail bar or hammer, remove the
top of the crate first. Then remove the
sides of the crate and place these out of
the way. Be careful of any exposed nails
or staples.
•Remove the plastic bag that covers the
mower.
•Using the wire snips, cut any plastic ties
that are holding the mower to the crate.
•Remove the seat off of the front of the
mower and place in a safe location.
12
ASSEMBLY
BEFORE REMOVING THE
MOWER FROM THE SKID
ATTACH SEAT (See Fig. 1)
The seat position should be adjusted forward or
backward so that the operator can comfortably
reach the deck lift pedal and safely operate the
mower. See "Service and Adjustment" Section
of this manual.
•Remove protective wrap from the seat.
•Remove the three prong knobs and
washers from the seat and place in the
storage area in the right side console.
•Raise the seat pan up so that the bottom
can be easily accessed.
•Securing one of the three prong knobs
and washers, insert it thru the seat pan
slot and into the corresponding threaded
hole in the seat bottom.
•Repeat for the other three holes.
•Tighten the three prong knobs in the
approximate position desired for the
seat.
•Connect the wiring harness to the seat
switch.
Adjustments may be required to position the
seat in the desired position. Refer to the
"Service and Adjustment" section of this
manual.
1
2
3
CZ-1
FIGURE 1
1. SEAT PAN
2. KNOBS
3. WIRE HARNESS
ATTACH CONTROL LEVERS (See Fig. 2)
•Using the 9/16" wrench or socket and
ratchet, remove the bottom hex bolt and
spring washer from the control arm.
•Rotate the control lever up until the bolt
and spring washer can be placed thru
the slot in the bottom of the control lever
and threaded back into the control arm.
•Center the hex bolt in the slot on the
control lever. Using the wrench or
ratchet, tighten both the top and bottom
hex bolts.
•Repeat on opposite side of the mower.
Adjustments may be required to get uniform
positioning of the control lever. Refer to the
"Service and Adjustment" section of this manual.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive the mower off
of the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction
below to remove the mower from the skid.
1
2
3
4
CZ-2
FIGURE 2
1. CONTROL LEVER
2. CONTROL ARM
3. HEX BOLTS
4. NEUTRAL SLOT
13
ASSEMBLY
TO ROLL THE MOWER OFF OF THE SKID
(See Operation section for location and
function of controls
•Move to the rear of the mower, and place
the IZT (Integraded Zeroturn Transaxle)
bypass linkages into the bypass position
to disengage the IZT’s (See “TO
TRANSPORT” in the Operation section
of this manual).
•Sitting on the mower, press the deck lift
pedal in to the highest cutting position.
•Release park brake lever.
•Roll the mower forward or backward off
of the skid.
TO DRIVE THE MOWER OFF OF THE
SKID (See Operation section for location
and function of controls)
WARNING
Before starting, read, understand and
follow all instructions in the Operation
section of this manual. Be sure the mower
is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area
in front of the mower is clear of other people
and objects.
•Be sure all of the above assembly
steps have been completed.
•Check engine oil level and fill fuel
tank with gasoline.
•Place the IZT(Integraded Zeroturn
Transaxle) bypass linkages into the
drive position (See “TRANSPORT” in
the Operation section of this manual).
•Sit on the seat in the operating
position, set the park brake lever to
the on position.
•Rotate the control levers outward
into the neutral slot.
•Press forward on the deck lift pedal
to raise the deck into the highest
cutting position.
•Place the throttle control into the
choke position.
•Start the engine. After the engine
has started, move the throttle control
to the idle position.
•Release the park brake.
•Move the control levers into the
operate position.
14
ASSEMBLY
•Slowly move the control levers
forward and slowly drive the mower
off of the skid.
•Return the control levers back to the
neutral position.
•Apply the park brake.
•Turn the ignition key to the “OFF”
position.
CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE
Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting
performance.
•Check the tire pressure and adjust
accordingly. Refer to the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section in this
manual.
CHECKLIST
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING
CHECKLIST
•All assembly instructions have been
completed
•No remaining loose parts in crate
•Seat is adjusted properly and securely
fastened
•All tires are properly inflated
•Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure, and wires are properly
clamped.
•Before driving the mower, be sure the
IZT(Integraded Zeroturn Transaxle)
bypass linkages are in the drive position.
WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE
YOUR MOWER, PAY EXTRA
ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS:
•Engine oil is at proper level
•Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline. Check your
engine manual for fuel requirements.
•Become familiar with all controls – their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.
•Become familiar with unit operation on a
flat and level area with the mower deck
shut off.
•Be sure the brake system is in a safe
operating condition. If adjustment is
needed see Service and Adjustment
section.
15
CONTROLS
OPERATION
10
3
3
1
5
7
CZ-3
4
8
9
CZ-5
2
6
CZ-10
FIGURE 3
1. PTO SWITCH –
disengage the deck blades.
Used to engage or
2. FOOT PEDAL – Used to raise, lower and
select various cutting heights of the deck.
3. CONTROL LEVERS – Sets the speed of
the mower in both forward and reverse
directions and turns the mower.