Husqvarna LTH1742T User Manual

LTH1742T

LTH1742TWIN

Operator's Manual

03002

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

• T ow 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.

• K eep 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 fuel­soaked 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 1.5 Gallons
and type: Unleaded Regular

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

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 60.8 oz
Spark Plug: Champion RCJ8Y

(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 5.2

Reverse: 2.9
Charging System: 14 Amps
Battery: AMP/HR: 28

MIN. CCA: 230
CASE SIZE: U1R

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 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 performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem­edy , please contact your nearest authorized service center/
department. We have com pe tent, well-trained tech ni cians
and the proper tools to ser vice 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 “Maintenance” and “Stor­ age” sec tions of this manual.

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 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.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

ASSEMBL Y .................................................................6-8

OPERATION .............................................................9-15

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ......................................16

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 16-19

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ............................20-25

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

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

4

Steering

Wheel Insert

Steering Wheel

Adapter

(1) Hex Bolt

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Steering Wheel

(1) 5/16
Lock Washer

Steering

Steering

Boot

Extension
Shaft

(1) Large

Flat Washer

(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use

Keys

Seat

(1) Washer

(1) Hex Bolt

(1) Seat

Slope Sheet

(2) Keys

(1) Hood Scoop

5

ASSEMBLY

Y our 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

HEX BOLT

LOCK WASHER

INSERT

LARGE FLAT
WASHER

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.

• Remove mower and packing materials.

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

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.

• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and
push down to secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

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

• Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel
and slide adapter onto steer ing shaft ex ten sion.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are hor i zon tal
(left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapt er.

• Assemble large flat washer , 5/16 lock washer , 5/16 hex
bolt and tighten se cure ly.

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steer ing
wheel.

• Remove protective materials from trac tor hood and
grill.

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN
SKID THA T MA Y PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO
ROLL OFF SKID.

STEERING
WHEEL

STEERING BOOT

ADAPTER

EXTENSION
SHAFT

LOWER
STEERING
SHAFT

Fig. 1

6

ASSEMBLY

02021

INSTALL SEAT (See Figs. 2 and 3)

• Remove bolt and flat washer se cur ing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for as sem bly of seat to tractor.
Remove the cardboard packing and discard.

• Connect switch to seat.

• Place seat on seat pan so all three (3) bottom pads
are positioned over large slotted holes in pan.

SEAT
SWITCH

PAD

SLOT

SEAT
PAN

TAPE

WIRING HARNESS

Fig. 2

• Push down on seat to engage pads in slots and pull
seat towards rear of tractor.

• Raise seat and tighten bolt securely.

• Remove tape and discard.

• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.
Press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. If operating
position is not comfortable, adjust seat.

To adjust seat: Grasp adjustment handle and pull up, slide
seat to desired po si tion and release adjustment handle.

SEAT PAN

LABEL

BATTERY
BOX DOOR

TERMINAL

Fig. 4

ATTACH HOOD SCOOP (See Fig. 5)

TERMINAL

SLOT
PAD

FLAT
WASHER

SEAT PAN

BOLT

TAB

ADJUSTMENT

TAPE

HANDLE

Fig. 3

CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 4)

• Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box
door.

• If this battery is put into service after month and year
indicated on label (label located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps.

Fig. 5

7

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow

the ap pro pri ate instruction 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

✓CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE 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 com plet ed.
✓ No remaining 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 free wheel control is in

“transmission engaged” position (see “TO TRANS­ PORT” in the Operation section of this man u al).

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, P AY
EXTRA A TTENTION TO THE FOLL OWING 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.
✓ Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-

eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the
Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).

✓ 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 ST ART EN GINE” and “PURGE TRANSMISSION”
in the Op er a tion section of this manual).

8

OPERATION

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

REVERSE

ENGINE OFF

LIGHTS ON

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

NEUTRAL

REVERSE

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

FUEL

HIGH

ENGINE ON

BATTERY

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

REVERSE

LOW

ENGINE START

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

CHOKE

PARKING BRAKE

FORWARD

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.

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

FAST

MOWER HEIGHT

CRUISE CONTROL

KEEP AREA CLEAR

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

SLOW

15

SLOPE HAZARDS

IGNITION SWITCH

MOWER LIFT

CLUTCH/BRAKE

PEDAL

15

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 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.

9

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and ad just ments.
Save this manual for future reference.

M

P

D

N

B

C

A

H

E

F

K

L

G

Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

(A) ATTACHMENT LIF T LEVER - Used to raise, lower,
and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted
to your tractor.

(B) BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the tractor and
starting the engine.

(C) PARKING BRAKE LEVER - Locks brake pedal into
the brake position.

(D) THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed.
(E) ATT ACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH - Used to en gage the

mower blades or other attachments mounted to your trac tor.
(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping

the engine.

Fig. 6

(G) ROS “ON” POSITION - Allows operation of mower

deck or other powered attachment while in reverse.

(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
(K) FORWARD DRIVE PEDAL - Used for forward move-

ment of tractor.
(L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL- Used for reverse move-

ment of tractor.
(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disengages transmission for

pushing or slowly tow ing the trac tor with the engine off.

(N) CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
(P) SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER - Indicates when

service is required for the engine and mower.

10