Husqvarna C38D User Manual

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OWNERS MANUAL
Model No. C38D

38 Inch Mower
Grass Catcher

 Assembly
 Operation
 Customer Responsibilities
 Service and Adjustments
 Repair Parts

PRINTED IN U.S.A. 140603 Rev. 4 06.01.00 rad

1

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.

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

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

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

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

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

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves
and others from serious injury.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

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

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have

to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.

• Keep all movement on the slopes
make sudden changes in speed or direction.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly
slope.

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

slow

and

gradual

. Do not

straight

down the

DO NOT:

Do not

•

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Do not

•

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•

Do not

sliding.

•

Do not

ground.

•

Do not

turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The

mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause

try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the

use grass catcher on steep slopes.

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 mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.

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

• Before and when backing, look behind and

children.

• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

down

for small

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.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment 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 make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,

and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when
necessary.

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

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

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

• Never carry passengers or children even with the blades
off.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.

• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

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

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

• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.

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

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.

• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift
into reverse and back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Look for this symbol to point out impor­tant safety precautions. It means CAU­TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.

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

CAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Grass Catcher. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you

the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/

department. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

NOTE: To make debris disposal easier 30 gallon plastic trash bags may be inserted in plastic grass containers. To order,
see repair parts section of this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

BAG OF PARTS ......................................................... 4-5

ASSEMBLY................................................................... 6

OPERATION................................................................ 11

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 12

STORAGE ................................................................... 12

PREPARATION .......................................................13-14

REPAIR PARTS .................................. Center of Manual

3

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS CATCHER.
Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly. Study the
operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass Catcher and to prevent injury
to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tractor and while
mowing. We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Fold flaps to inside of carton and turn carton upsidedown

on floor of work area. To protect grass catcher cover
during assembly place cover upsidedown on overturned
carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts are
there.

NOTE: For ease of assembly, aside of your work area, lay out all hardware in the following groups. Each step of the assembly
instructions will identify the group needed for that step.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) Container Tops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Post

(1) Mounting Bracket
(1) Cover Assembly
(1) Cover Seal
(1) Bag of Parts
(1) Owner's Manual

BAG OF PARTS CONTENTS

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

GROUP "A"

MOWER

DECK

BAFFLE

HARDWARE SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

REAR

MOUNTING

BRACKET

TO

DRAW BAR

SUPPORT

POST

TO

CONTAINER

SUPPORT

GROUP "B"

(4) Shoulder Bolt - Self Tapping

GROUP "C"

(3) Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 3/4

(1) Locknut 3/8-16(1) Bolt 3/8-16 x 1-1/4

(4) Bolt 5/16 - 18 x 3/4

(3) Locknut 5/16-18

(4) Locknut 5/16-18

4

BAG OF PARTS CONTENTS (continued)

GROUP "F"

GROUP "E"

(1) Screw #10 x 1-1/8

(2) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga. (1) Nut, Acorn #10

(1) Spacer, Split #10

(1) Rubber Latch

GROUP "G"

(1) Nut, Weld #10

(1) Washer, Lock #10

(1) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.

(1) Screw #10 x 5/8

(1) Wing Nut

(1) Washer 13/32 x 1 x 16 Ga.

SUPPORT

POST

TO

MOUNTING

BRACKET

GROUP "D"

(1) Bracket Support Pin

(1) Retainer Spring

(3) Tubing End Caps

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

LOWER

CHUTE

TO

MOWER

DECK

CHUTE

LATCH

TO
UPPER
CHUTE

CHUTE

LATCH

ASSEMBLY

TO

LOWER

CHUTE

5

ARNING

Do not oper

ate mo

er unless container is proper

lyis

nstalled.Container is

subject to w

ear and detier

ior

ation.

Chec

k bag frequently

Replace when

cr

ac

ed or damaged.

Use only a recommended replacement container

ARNING

Do not oper

ate mo

er unless container is proper

lyis

nstalled.Container is

subject to w

ear and detier

ior

ation.

Chec

k bag frequently

Replace when

cr

ac

ed or damaged.

Use only a recommended replacement container

ASSEMBLY

BEFORE YOU START TO ASSEMBLE THE GRASS CATCHER

Some tractor models may need minor modifications before you can mount the grass catcher to the tractor. Look carefully
at the mower deck on your tractor and compare the deck mandrel to the illustrations below. If your mower deck mandrel
looks like STYLE "A", your tractor is ready - proceed with the grass catcher assembly. If your mower deck mandrel

looks like STYLE "B", go to the PREPARATION section in this manual.

DECK MANDREL

STYLE "A"

DECK MANDREL

STYLE "B"

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER

UPPER CHUTE

DUMP
BAG
INDICATOR

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GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS

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CHUTE LATCH

LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING

LOWER CHUTE

WING NUT

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on the tractor,

in the operator's position.

THESE ARE THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO
ASSEMBLE YOUR GRASS CATCHER:

(1) 3/8" Wrench
(1) 1/2" Wrench
(2) 9/16" Wrenches
(1) 1/2" Socket

(1) Drive Ratchet
(1) 3" or longer Extension
(1) Short Handle
Phillips Screwdriver

(1) 9/16" Deep well Socket

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

• Place gearshift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.

• Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

• Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with

plug.

6

ASSEMBLY

MOWER DECK BAFFLE (See Fig. 1)

1

• Raise your tractor mower deck to its highest position.

• Install the hex bolt, and locknut through mower deck

LOCKNUT

Use Hardware - - GROUP "A"

baffle and tighten securely.

HEX BOLT

MOWER DECK BAFFLE

FIG. 1

REAR MOUNTING BRACKET

2

NOTE: If your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts

installed on the rear drawbar, simply hang the mounting
bracket, lanced tabs towards bottom, on the bolts. Discard
hardware group "B" and disregard the remaining Step 2
instructions.

(See Figs. 2A, 2B & 2C)

UPPER CORNER

UPPER CORNER
RIBS

SELF
TAPPING
SHOULDER
BOLTS

LANCED TABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2B

BOLTS AND LOCKNUTS (See Fig. 2C)

IMPORTANT: ON TRACTORS WITH FUEL TANK

UNDER THE SEAT, THE DRAWBAR MUST BE REMOVED
FOR INSTALLATION OF MOUNTING BRACKET. TO
REMOVE DRAWBAR, REMOVE TWO HEX BOLTS ON
BOTH SIDES OF DRAWBAR.

• Assemble the mounting bracket, lanced tabs towards
bottom, using the four smaller inside holes on the
drawbar.

NOTE: If your tractor drawbar does not have the four correct
holes for mounting the bracket, refer to the PREPARATION
section of this manual.

• Install the four bolts and locknuts as shown and tighten
securely.

• If drawbar was removed from tractor, reassemble to
tractor at this time. Tighten securely.

RIBS

SHOULDER
BOLTS

LANCED TABS
TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2A

If your tractor does not have four (4) shoulder bolts installed
on the drawbar, follow the instructions below.

Use Hardware - - GROUP "B"

Only one set of hardware in GROUP "B" will be used to mount
the rear mounting bracket. To determine which set is correct
for your tractor, check to see if there are (2) two upper corner
ribs on each side of drawbar. If your tractor has the upper
corner ribs, use the (4) four self tapping shoulder bolts. If your
tractor does not have the corner ribs, use the set of (4) four
bolts and locknuts.

SELF TAPPING SHOULDER BOLTS (See Fig. 2B)

• Using the four formed holes in the drawbar, install the
four shoulder bolts as shown and tighten securely.

• Hang the mounting bracket, lanced tabs towards bottom,
on the bolts.

BOLTS

LOCKNUTS

DRAWBAR
MOUNTING
BOLTS
(BOTH SIDES)

LANCED TABS TOWARD BOTTOM

FIG. 2C

COVER SEAL (See Fig. 3)

3

• Align mark on seal with mark at cover opening.

• Work seal into opening so cover sits between flanges of

ALIGNMENT
MARKS

7

No hardware required

seal.

COVER SEAL

FIG. 3