Husqvarna CTH2036T User Manual

CTH2036T

Operator's Manual



SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine

WARNING: In order to prevent ac­ ci den tal starting when setting up,
trans port ing, ad just ing or making
repairs, al ways dis con nect spark plug
wire and place wire where it can not
contact spark plug.

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

WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are rec om mend ed by and comply
with spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low­ est possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dan ger ous. Tires can lose trac tion
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

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

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

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the in struc tions, to operate the machine.

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

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat­ing. 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 back­ ing.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.

• Slow down before turning.

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

and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.

• Operate machine 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
road ways.

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

• Always wear eye protection when operating ma­chine.

• 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 them selves and others from serious injury.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.

• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

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

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.

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

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.

Always keep the machine in gear when going down

slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

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

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.

• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other at tach ments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.

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

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.

IV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed equip­ment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.

• Use only approved gasoline container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi­ately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed area.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working 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 and remove any
fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before
storing.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
run ning.

• Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec­ommended parts, when necessary.

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

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

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat­ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

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

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.

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

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

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.

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

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
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.

3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 2.5 Gallons (9,5 L)
and type: Unleaded Regular

Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F/0°C)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F/0°C)

Oil Capacity: w/ Filter: 64 oz. (1,9 L)

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030"/ 7,6 mm)

Ground Speed mph/kph: Forward: 0 – 5.2/8,4
Reverse: 0 – 2.9/4,7

Charging System: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM

Battery: AMP/HR: 28
MIN. CCA: 230
CASE SIZE: U1R

Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 FT. LBS.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to give
you the best possible dependability and per for mance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center. We have competent, well-trained tech ni cians and
the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor prop erly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

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

• Follow the instructions under the "Maintenance" and
"Stor age" sec tions of this own er's man u al.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com­ bus tion engine and should not be used on or near any un­ im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov ered
land unless the en gine's exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting ap pli ca ble local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal lands.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 6-9

OPERATION ...........................................................10-16

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 17

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 17-20

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ............................ 21-25

STORAGE .................................................................... 26

TROU BLE SHOOT ING ............................................ 27-28

4

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel Insert

(1) Large Flat Washer

Steering Wheel

Adapter

(1) Locknut

Seat

(1) Washer

(1) Knob

(1) Seat

Keys

(2) Keys

(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use

Slope Sheet

5

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Stan dard
wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 5/16" wrench Utility knife

(2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge

(2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers

(1) 9/16" wrench Phillips screwdriver

When right or left hand is mentioned in this man ual, it means
when you are in the operating po si tion (seated be hind the
steer ing wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton.

• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton.
Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRAC TOR
FROM SKID

TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

• Remove locknut and large flat wash er from steering
shaft.

• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide onto steering wheel adapter.

• Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with locknut and
large flat wash er pre vi ous ly removed. Tight en securely.

• Snap steering wheel insert into cen ter of steering
wheel.

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and
grill.

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN
SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO
ROLL OFF SKID.

TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2)

OPEN BATTERY COVER FOR:

• Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard­ware).

• Inspection for corrosion.

• Testing battery.

• Jumping (if required).

• Periodic charging .

NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and
year indicated on label (label is located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
(See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual
for charging instructions).

• For battery and battery cable installation see " RE­PLACING BATTERY" in the "Service and Adjustments"
section in this manual.

BATTERY
COVER

STEERING WHEEL
INSERT

LOCK NUT

LARGE FLAT
WASHER

STEERING
WHEEL

STEERING
SHAFT

STEERING
SLEEVE

Fig. 1

4100

STEERING
WHEEL
ADAPTOR

LABEL

Fig. 2

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.

• Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing
seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly
of seat to tractor.

• Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard pack­ing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.

• Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is
positioned over large slotted hole in pan.

• Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and

6

pull seat towards rear of tractor.

02464

SEAT PAN

02330

02277

SEAT

ASSEMBLY

TO INSTALL BAGGER COM PO NENTS TO

SHOULDER
BOLT

TRAC TOR (See Figs. 4-7)

• Remove discharge chute from rear of tractor. Unhook
the two (2) straps and pull chute out and away from
tractor.

• Remove the two (2) 3/8 nuts and flat washers from the
bolts at the tractor back plate.

DISCHARGE
CHUTE

3/8 NUT

FLAT WASHER

ADJUSTMENT
KNOB

Fig. 3

• Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment
knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.

Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.

• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down.

• Get off seat without moving its ad just ed position.

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the
instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

WARNING: Before start ing, read, un der stand and fol low

all in struc tions in the Op er a tion section of this man u al. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in
front of tractor is clear of other peo ple and objects.

FLATWASHER

Fig. 4

• Using the nuts and flat washers removed from tractor
back plate, install the bagger support tube to the back
plate as shown. Tighten securely.

SUP PORT
TUBE

FLAT
WASHER

3/8 NUT

BOLT

Fig. 5

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op er a tion
section for location and function of con trols)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest po si tion.

• Release parking brake by de press ing clutch/brake ped al.

• Place freewheel control in "trans mis sion dis en gaged"
position (See “TO TRANS PORT” in the Op er a tion
section of this manual).

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against
tractor.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

• Install the two upper support brack ets through the back
plate and to the chas sis, install the clevis pin 3/8 x
11/16 and secure with retainer spring.

• Assemble both support brackets to the outside of the
baggger support tube install the clevis pin 3/8 x 2 and
secure with retainer spring.

• Replace discharge chute into rear opening of tractor.

Secure the chute with the two hook straps.

NOTE: The strap hook must go through the discharge chute
only. Do not allow the hook to enter the slot in the tractor
back plate. This will allow the dis charge chute to float with the
mower deck when moving on uneven terrain.

7

ASSEMBLY

CLEVIS PIN 3/8 X 11/16

CLEVIS PIN 3/8 X 2

SUPPORT BRACKET

13/32 FLAT WASHER

02306

RETAINER SPRING

SUPPORT BRACKET

Fig. 6

DISCHARGE
CHUTE

02813

HOOK

BACKPLATE
SLOT

SPREADER BARS
(Inside of bag)

RE TAIN ER
SPRING

VINYL
BINDING

2906

RE TAIN ER
SPRING

0

VINYL
BINDING

Fig. 9

• Slide the bagger dump handle through the hole in the
bagger top, install the clevis pin 10 x 44mm and secure
with retainer clip.

• Push cap over end of bagger dump handle.

NOTE: For future use, the clevis pin may be removed in
order to use the handle to clear the chute in the event it
has become clogged.

DUMP HANDLE
TUBE

Fig. 7

TO ASSEMBLE BAGGER (See Figs. 8-10)

• Unfold bag by pivoting front bagger tube all the way
forward and pressing the bottom vinyl binding onto the
tube.

5

FRONT BAGGER TUBE

VINYL
BINDING

Fig. 8

• Inside the bag, install spreader bars and retainer springs
onto pins on both sides of bag as shown.

• Press the vinyl bindings onto the sides of front bagger
tube.

0290

CLEVIS PIN
3/8 X 1-3/4

RE TAIN ER
CLIP

CAP

Fig. 10

BAGGER ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 11)

For proper bag function and appearance, it may be nec es ­sary to adjust the bagger assembly. There should be 6mm
(1/4")-9mm (3/8") gap between the bagger top and fender
and the bagger top surface should be even with the top
surface of the fender. To adjust bagger position:

HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT

• Slightly loosen the nuts securing the bagger RH and LH
hor i zon tal adjustment brackets. Loosen only enough
so the brackets keep their position, but allow them to
be moved.

• Move the brackets the amount forward or back ward
you wish the bag assembly to move. Retighten the

8

nuts securely.

02907

ASSEMBLY

0

2

2
1

4

02329

VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT

• Slightly loosen the nuts securing the vertical adjustment
brackets. Loosen only enough so the brackets keep
their position, but allow them to be moved.

• Move the brackets the amount up or down you wish the
bag assembly to move. Retighten the nuts securely.

• Reinstall the bagger as sem bly and check the bagger
to fender fit. If necessary, repeat the procedure until
proper fit is attained.

6MM (1/4") - 9MM (3/8")

TOP SURFACES
EVEN

HOR I ZON TAL
AD JUST MENT
BRACKET

VERTICAL
AD JUST MENT
BRACK ET

Fig. 11

SEE SPEC SHEET IF EQUIPPED

TO ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL MULCHER
PLUG (See Fig. 12)

• Remove spring retainer and pin from handle.

• Insert plug into handle. Make sure that the letter "A"
on both the plug and handle are on the same side and
that they can both be seen from the top when laying
on the ground.

• Secure with pin and retainer spring provided. For
in stal la tion see "To Convert Mower" in Section 5 of
this manual.

HAN DLE

RE TAIN ER
SPRING

PIN

Fig. 12

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory
for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important
for best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.

A

A

PLUG

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be prop­erly leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments sec­ tion of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that
the brake is operating properly. See “TO CHECK BRAKE”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

✓CHE CKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRAC TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM
THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

✓ All assembly instructions have been completed.
✓ No remaianing loose parts in carton.
✓ Battery is properly prepared and charged.
✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
✓ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

✓ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).

✓ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

✓ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

✓ Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in

drive position.

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:

✓ Engine oil is at proper level.
✓ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

✓ Become familiar with all controls - their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine.

✓ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
✓ It is important to purge the transmission before op-

er at ing your tractor for the first time. Follow proper
starting and transmission purging instructions (See
“TO START ENGINE” and “PURGE TRANSMISSION”
in the Op er a tion section of this manual).

9

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

REVERSE

ENGINE OFF

OVER TEMP

LIGHT

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

NEUTRAL

REVERSE

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

FUEL

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

HIGH

ENGINE ON

OIL PRESSURE

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

LIGHTS ON

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

LOW

ENGINE START

BATTERY

BRAKE/CLUTCH

BEWARE OF

THROWN OBJECTS

REVERSE

PEDAL

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

CHOKE

P

PARKING BRAKE

FORWARD

KEEP AREA CLEAR

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT

BAGGER OR DEFLECTOR

FAST

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

SLOW

PARKING BRAKE

LOCKED

MOWER HEIGHT

15

SLOPE HAZARDS

IGNITION SWITCH

PARKING BRAKE

DRAWBAR LOADING

UNLOCKED

MOWER LIFT

15

+

+

_

_

90N

MAX

150N

MAX

Failure to follow instructions
could result in serious injury or
death. The safety alert symbol
is used to identify safety inform­ation about hazards which can
result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.

CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage
to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.

10