Husqvarna MZ61 - Manual

R N 7 SYMBOLS AND DECALS These symbols are found on the machine and in the operator’s manual.Study them carefully so that you know what they mean. Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk of personal injury or death , particularly if the reader should neglect to follow instructions gi...

9 SAFETY Safety Instructions These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully. General Operation • Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before starting. • It is recommended that someone be aware that you are mowing and can provide help in case of ...

10 SAFETY 8011-520 Never take passengers • Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine 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...

11 SAFETY 8011-670 Personal protective equipment 6003-004 Mow up and down, not side to side Personal Safety 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 ste...

12 SAFETY 8011-517 Never allow children to operate the machine 8011-518 Keep children away from work area • Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting a 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 i...

13 SAFETY Safe Handling of Gasoline 8011-516 Never fill the fuel tank indoors 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. • ...

14 SAFETY 8011-515 Never drive the machine in an enclosed space General Maintenance • 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 machi...

15 SAFETY Sparking can occur when working with the battery and the heavy cables of the starter circuit. This can cause battery explosion, fire or eye injury. Sparking in this circuit can not occur after the chassis cable (normally negative, black) is removed from the battery. 6003-009 Do not smoke w...

16 SAFETY IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe parking brake is not sufficient to lock the machine in place during transport. Ensure that the machine is well fastened to the transport vehicle. Always reverse the machine onto the transport vehicle to avoid tipping it over. Transport • The machine is heavy and ca...

17 CONTROLS This operator’s manual describes the Husqvarna Zero Turn Rider. The rider is fitted with a Kawasaki four-stroke overhead valve engine.Transmission from the engine is made via belt-driven hydraulic pumps. Using the left and right steering controls, the flow is regulated and thereby the di...

18 CONTROLS Motion Control Levers The machine’s speed and direction are continuously variable using the two steering controls. The steering controls can be moved forward or backward about a neutral position. Furthermore, there is a neutral position, which is locked if the steering controls are moved...

19 CONTROLS Service Minder The service minder displays the total number of hours the engine has run and indicates when the engine and mower need servicing.After every 50 hours of operation, an oil can icon will appear and stay on for two hours, before an automatic reset occurs. To service the engine...

20 CONTROLS Ignition Switch The ignition switch is placed on the control panel and is used to start and stop the engine.Turn the key clockwise to start the engine. 8058-160 Ignition switch 8058-161 Ignition switch - RUN position Release the key to the RUN position when the engine has started. On mod...

21 CONTROLS Parking Brake The parking brake is found on the left of the machine. Pull the lever backward to activate the brake and push forward to release it. IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe machine must stand absolutely still when applying the parking brake. Always set the parking brake before dismounting...

1 2 22 CONTROLS Cutting Height Adjuster The desired cutting height is set with the height pin.The cutting height pedal releases the deck lift to place the deck and the selected height.For transport, push the lift pedal fully forward until the deck lift latches in the transport (highest) position. 80...

23 CONTROLS IMPORTANT INFORMATIONExperience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, ...

24 OPERATION Read the Safety section and the following pages if you are unfamiliar with the machine. Training Due to unique steering capabilities, zero turn mowers are far more maneuverable than typical riding mowers.This section should be reviewed in its entirety prior to attempting to move the mow...

25 OPERATION 8058-268 Cutting height selection Before Starting 1. Read the sections on Safety and Controls before starting the machine. 2. Perform the daily maintenance before starting (see Maintenance Schedule in the Maintenance section). 3. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank.4. A...

26 OPERATION Starting the Engine 1. Sit on the seat.2. Raise the mower deck to the transport position by locking the lift pedal fully forward. 3. Activate the parking brake. 4. Disengage the mower blades by depressing the blade switch. 8058-145 Disengage the mower blades 8058-210 Activate parking br...

27 OPERATION 6. Move the throttle to the middle position. If the engine is cold, the choke control should be pulled up. 5. Move the steering controls outward to the locked (outer) neutral position. 7. Open the fuel tank valve. 8058-208 Place controls in neutral position 8058-145 Set the throttle and...

28 OPERATION 8. Press in and turn the ignition key to the start position. 8058-216 Set the throttle 8050-780 Turn to the start position 8050-781 Return to run position 9. When the engine starts, immediately release the ignition key back to the run position. 10. Slowly push in the choke control knob,...

29 OPERATION CAUTION!Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. Weak Battery If the battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See Battery in the Maintenance sect...

30 OPERATION Running 1. Release the parking brake by moving the lever downward. NOTE: The mower is equipped with an operator presence system. When the engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine. 2. Move the steeri...

31 OPERATION Operating on Hills Read the Safety Instructions Driving on Slopes in the Safety Instructions . IMPORTANT INFORMATIONControl levers return to neutral when released. This may cause the mower to suddenly stop. 8058-182 Release the parking brake to restart movement 8058-208 Place controls i...

32 OPERATION Stopping the Engine 1. Move the throttle to the minimum position (tortoise symbol). 2. Move the steering controls outward.3. Disengage the mower deck by depressing the blade switch. 4. Raise the mower deck by pressing the foot pedal forward to the transport position. 5. When the machine...

33 OPERATION 8011-603 Mowing pattern Mowing Tips • Observe and flag rocks and other fixed objects to avoid collisions. • Begin with a high cutting height and reduce it until the desired mowing result is attained. The average lawn should be cut to 2½" (64 mm) during the cool season and over 3"...

1 2 34 OPERATION Moving Machine By Hand 8058-059 1. IZT locked into the bypass position2. Linkage lever, engaged Right side, IZT linkage When pushing or pulling the mower, engage the IZT (Integrated Zeroturn Transaxle) bypass linkages. The release levers are located on each side of the rear of the u...

35 MAINTENANCE 1) First change after 8-10 hours. When operating with a heavy load or at high ambient temperatures, replace every 50 hours. 2) In dusty conditions, cleaning and replacement are required more often. 3) Performed by authorized service workshop. ● = Described in this manual ♦ = Not descr...

36 MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE Daily At least once each year Maintenance interval in hours Before After 50 250 500 Check/adjust throttle cable ■ Check the condition of belts, belt pulleys ● ● Change the engine oil 1) ■ ■ Replace the engine oil filter ■ ■ Clean/replace the spark plugs ■ ■ Replace the fue...

1 2 2 37 MAINTENANCE Battery Your mower is equipped with a maintenance free battery and does not need servicing. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive type battery charger will extend its life.• Keep battery and terminals clean.• Keep battery bolts tight.• See chart for chargi...

38 MAINTENANCE Safety System This machine is equipped with a safety system that prevents starting or driving under the following conditions.The engine can only be started when:• The mower deck is disengaged.• The steering controls are in the outer, locked neutral position. • The parking brake is on....

39 MAINTENANCE 8058-063 Slackening the belt tensioner 8050-843 Belt routing, deck belt Deck Belt Deck Belt Removal Park on a level surface. Apply park brake. Lower the deck into the lowest cutting position.1. Remove foot plate and belt shields.2. Using a ratchet or breaker bar with a 9 / 16 " so...

1 2 3 40 MAINTENANCE Pump Belt The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. Replacing Pump Belt Park the mower on a level surface. Engage the parking brake. Belt Removal From the top side of the deck:1. Remove the deck belt (see Deck Belt Removal in this section of th...

2 3 1 41 MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe sharpening of blades should be carried out by an authorized service workshop. Cutting Blades To attain the best mowing effect, it is important that blades are well sharpened and not damaged.Replace blades that have been bent or cracked when hitting obsta...

3 2 1 4 42 MAINTENANCE Adjusting the Mower Deck Check the tire pressure before adjustment of the mower deck. See Tire Pressures in Maintenance section. Faulty mower deck adjustments will cause an uneven mowing result. Leveling deck Adjust the deck while the mower is on a level surface. Make sure the...

44 MAINTENANCE 8058-014 Caster wheel Use protective glasses when cleaning and washing. Caster Wheels Check every 200 hours. Check that wheels rotate freely. IMPORTANT INFORMATIONDO NOT add any type of tire liner or foam fill material to the tires. Excessive loads created by foam tires will cause pre...

45 LUBRICATION 8058-056 Lubrication Schedule General Remove the ignition key to prevent unintentional movements during lubrication.When lubricating with an oil can, it must be filled with engine oil.When lubricating with grease, unless otherwise stated, use high grade molybdenum disulphide grease.Fo...

46 LUBRICATION Wheel and Deck Zerks Use only good quality bearing grease.Grease from well-known brand names (petrochemical companies, etc.) usually maintains a good quality. Front Wheel Mount Lubricate with a grease gun until the grease is forced out. Front Wheel Bearings Lubricate 3-4 strokes with ...

2 1 3 47 LUBRICATION Engine oil change NOTE: Change the engine oil when the engine is warm. Refer to the engine owner’s manual for the correct replacement oil and filter change recommendations. 1. Park on a level surface. Apply parking brake.2. Clean the dirt and debris from the area around the oil ...

48 LUBRICATION Drain old oil filters of all free-flowing oil prior to disposal. Place used oil in appropriate containers and dispose of it in accordance with laws in your area. 4. Install the new filter by hand, turning it three- quarters to one full turn after the filter gasket contacts the filter ...

49 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Problem Cause Engine will not start • Blade switch is engaged• Steering controls are not locked in the neutral position• Parking brake is not activated• Battery is dead• Contamination in the carburetor or fuel line• Fuel supply is closed• Clogged fuel filter or fuel line• Fa...

51 STORAGE Winter Storage The machine should be readied for storage at the end of the mowing season or if it will not be in use for longer than 30 days.Fuel allowed to stand for long periods of time (30 days or more) can leave sticky residues that can plug the carburetor and disrupt engine function....

53 TECHNICAL DATA Torque Specifications Engine crankshaft bolt 50 ft/lb (67 Nm) Deck pulley bolts 75 ft/lb (100 Nm) Lug nuts 75 ft/lb (100 Nm) Blade bolt 55 ft/lb (75 Nm) Standard ¼" fasteners 9 ft/lb (12 Nm) Standard 5 / 16 " fasteners 18 ft/lb (25 Nm) Standard 3 / 8 " fasteners 33 ft/l...

54 TECHNICAL DATA Engine Manufacturer Briggs & Stratton Type Endurance Power 27 HP 1) Lubrication Pressure w/ Oil Filter Fuel Min 87 octane unleaded (Max ethyl alcohol 10%, Max MTBE 15%) Fuel tanks capacity 5 gallons / 18.9 liters Cooling Air cooled Alternator 12v 15 amp @ 3600 rpm Starter Elect...

55 CONFORMITY CERTIFICATES USA requirements Labels are placed on the engine and/or in the engine compartment stating that the machine will fulfill the requirements. This is also applicable to special requirements for any of the states, (California emission rules etc.). Do not remove any of these lab...

56 SERVICE JOURNAL Action Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign Delivery Service Charge the battery r Adjust the tire pressure of all wheels to 15 PSI (1 bar) r Mount the steering controls in the normal position r Connect the contact box to the cable for the seat’s safety switch r Check that the right amou...

57 SERVICE JOURNAL Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign Action After 10 hours Change the engine oil r Check hydraulic oil level r Inspect hydraulic hoses r Inspect hydraulic belt r Inspect hydraulic filter r Check neutral position r Check safety system r Check seat belt r Check fuel system for leaks r Ins...

58 SERVICE JOURNAL Action Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign Daily Service Clean debris from mower r Check engine oil level r Check the tire pressures r Check underside of deck r Inspect deck pulleys r Check/clean the engine’s cooling air intake r Check safety system r Check seat belt r Check fuel syste...

62 SERVICE JOURNAL Action Date, mtr reading, stamp, sign At least once each year Clean the engine’s cooling air intake r Replace the air cleaner’s foam pre-filter r Replace the air filter’s paper cartridge r Change the engine oil r Replace the engine oil filter r Check/adjust the cutting height r Ch...