Husqvarna MZ54 User Manual

Grass Catcher

MZ54 / 966721201

Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure

you understand the instructions before using the machine.

CONGRATULATIONS on the purchase of a new
collection system. 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. They have competent,
well-trained technicians and the proper tools for
service and repairs.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions
will enable you to assemble and maintain your
collection system properly. Always observe the
SAFETY RULES.

KNOW YOUR BLOWER SYSTEM

READ THIS OPERATION MANUAL AND SAFETY
RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING THE
BLOWER SYSTEM. Compare the illustrations with the
carton contents and become familiar with the parts
before starting the assembly. Study the operating
instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to
insure proper functioning of the Grass Catcher and to
prevent injuries. Save this manual for future reference.

CAUTION

BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER
TO MOWER:

• Set parking brake.

• Place motion control levers in
NEUTRAL position.

• Turn ignition key OFF and remove key.

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

WARNING

• DO NOT operate mower with grass
catcher partially installed.

• Disengage blades and stop engine
before leaving mower seat to empty
containers, unclogging chutes, etc.

• Close cover before starting.

• Disengage mower blades when
crossing driveways or gravel surfaces
and other areas where thrown objects
could be a hazard.

• DO NOT attempt to vacuum cans
or other potentially hazardous
projectiles.

CAUTION

The operation of any mower 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 mower and
while mowing. Standard safety glasses
are recommended or a wide vision safety
mask for over spectacles.

CAUTION

Do not leave grass in bagger containers.
Empty containers after each use and
before storing. Failure to do so may
result in spontaneous combustion which
could develop into a fire.

CAUTION

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.

©2012 All rights reserved.

Swainsboro, GA. Printed in U.S.A.

CONTENTS

SAFETY ......................................................................4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................5

OPERATION ...............................................................9

TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING .....................9

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ....................9

BLADE CARE .....................................................9

STORAGE .......................................................... 9

REPAIR PARTS ........................................................10

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from
carton.

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Wrench or ratchet and socket (9/16")

• Wrench or ratchet and socket (½")

• Drill and bit (5/16")

Cover Assembly

CONTAINER CONTENTS

3 - Soft bag containers 4 - Bolts 3/8-16 x 3¾
1 - Upper chute 8 - Nuts 3/8-16, Nyloc
1 - Lower chute 8 - Bolts 5/16-18 x 1
1 - Catcher mount 4 - Bolts 3/8-16 x 3½
1 - Cover Assembly

Upper Chute

Bag Dump Indicator

Bagger Containers

NOTE: When right hand (RH) and left hand
(LH) are mentioned in this manual, it means
when seated on the mower in the operator’s
position.

Lower Chute

SAFETY

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS

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, stones,
toys, wire etc., which could be picked up and
thrown by the blades.

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

• Never carry passengers or children even with
blades off.

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

• Do not operate the mower without either the entire
grass catcher or the guard in place.

• Slow down before turning.

• 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.

• If the collection system has front weights included,
DO NOT operate mower with the grass catcher
unless the front weights are installed.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris
buildup which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause buildup to
occur.

• Allow machine to cool before storage.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over 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

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

• Mow up and down slopes (10° 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 speed so that you
will not have to stop while on the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed
or direction.

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

DO NOT

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

• Do not mow near drop-off, ditches, or
embankments. The 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 mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.

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

SERVICE

• The operation of any mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses
or eye shields while operating the mower or
performing any adjustments or repairs. Wide vision
safety mask over spectacles or standard safety
glasses are recommended.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check there
proper operation regularly.

• 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.

4

ASSEMBLY

INSTALLING BAGGER MOUNT

1

1. Select the mount tube, lower mount hitch, spacer
plate and support bracket from the kit. Using

5

/16 -18 x 1¾ round head shoulder bolts and
nuts, attach the mount hitch to the mount tube as
illustrated. Ensure that the elbowed arm of the tube
is on the right side, with the mount hitch installed
to the front.

2. Attach the support bracket to the tube assembly
with two 5/16 -18 x 1¾ round head shoulder bolts
and nuts.

Spacer Plate

FRONT

Support Bracket

3. With a ½-13 x 1 hex bolt and nut, secure the lower
mount hitch to the frame.

4. Install the mount straps (bends are to the inside)
on the outside of the mount tube using 5/16-18 x 2
hex bolts and nuts. The front side of the mount
straps are secured to the fuel tank brackets with

3

/8-16 x 1 round head shoulder bolts and nuts.

5. To prevent contact of the left hand strap and
the EFM (Electronic Fuel Management) box on
the engine, place the foam strip on the inside of
the strap, next to the box. (Illustration location is
approximate.)

6. It may necessary to drill holes into the rear
guard to accept the hardware for the support
bracket and spacer plate. Using the bracket as a
template, drill 5/16" holes.

7. Slip the spacer plate between the support bracket
and the rear guard and attach both to the rear
guard with 5/16-18 x ¾ hex bolts and nuts.

8. Tighten all hardware.

Mount Tube

Lower Mount Hitch

8063-109

Foam Strip

Mount Strap

Support Bracket and
Spacer Plate

8063-110

Mount Strap

5