Husqvarna DT18 User manual

Operator’s Manual
DT18BF / 966 019501
Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure you
understand the instructions before using the machine.

©2009 HTC. All rights reserved.
Beatrice, NE. Printed in U.S.A.

CONTENTS
Introduction ..............................................................4
Congratulations..................................................4
Use.....................................................................4
Insure your machine ..........................................4
Important information .........................................4
Good service......................................................4
Serial Number ....................................................4
Symbols and Decals ................................................5
Decals ................................................................5
Decal Locations .................................................6
Safety .......................................................................7
General Use.......................................................7
Preparations.......................................................8
Operating ...........................................................9
Movement/Transport ........................................10
Storage ............................................................10
Children............................................................10
Fuel System ..................................................... 11
Maintenance ....................................................12
Assembly/Controls .................................................13
Controls..................................................................14
Engine..............................................................15
Fueling .............................................................15
Cutting Unit ......................................................15
Depth Lever ...............................................15
Clutch...............................................................15
Blade versatility................................................16
Flail Blades ................................................16
Operation ...............................................................17
Preparing the Lawn..........................................17
Before Starting .................................................17
Starting.............................................................17
Finishing...........................................................17
Maintenance...........................................................18
Maintenance Schedule ....................................18
Drive Belt .........................................................19
Flail blades.......................................................20
Wear/Rotation/Replacing...........................20
Two Minute Rule ..............................................22
Cleaning and Washing .....................................22
Lubrication..............................................................23
Lubrication Schedule .......................................23
Blades ..............................................................24
Handle..............................................................24
Troubleshooting .....................................................25
Storage...................................................................26
Winter storage..................................................26
Service .............................................................26
Technical Data........................................................27
Service Journal ......................................................28

INTRODUCTION
4 - Husqvarna
Congratulations
Thank you for purchasing a Husqvarna lawn care
product. Through your condence in us, you have
chosen an exceptionally high quality product.
This manual is a valuable document. It describes your
new Husqvarna machine. Read the manual carefully
before attempting to use the machine. Following the
instructions (use, service, maintenance, etc.) can
considerably increase the lifespan of your machine
and even increase its resale value. Please contact
your dealer for more information.
If you sell your Husqvarna machine, make sure to give
the operator’s manual to the new owner.
Use
The dethatcher is used to remove the layer of thatch
and surface-treat lawns, for example, power-raking,
de-mossing and collecting thatch in the form of old
grass or moss. With an attachment, it can also be
used for seeding, both in initial sowing or overseeding.
Insure your machine
Contact your insurance company to check on
insurance coverage for your new machine. You should
have all-inclusive insurance for liability, re, damage
and theft.
Serial Number
The machine’s serial number can be found on the
printed plate attached to the rear side panel of the
machine. The plate includes the following information:
The machine’s type designation (MODEL).•
The machine’s serial number (S/N).•
Please state the type designation and serial number
when ordering spare parts.
This Operator’s Manual belongs to machine
with serial number:
Engine
number:
Important information
Read and make sure you understand the•
Operator’s Manual before use or maintenance.
For a replacement manual, contact your dealer.•
Observe all safety instructions; otherwise you may•
injure yourself or others around you.
Make sure that the machine is in serviceable•
condition prior to use.
Make sure that all protective devices are in place•
when the machine is in use.
Stop the engine and wait until all machine•
movement comes to a standstill before service,
adjustment or cleaning.
Do not run the engine in poorly ventilated spaces.•
Make sure nobody is in the vicinity of the machine•
before starting and during use.
Avoid slopes that are too steep to use the machine•
safely.
Clear any debris from the lawn prior to use.•
Good service
Before the machine was delivered it underwent
inspection and was adjusted by your dealer. When
you need spare parts or support in service questions,
warranty issues, etc., please consult the following
professional:
The engine’s serial number is printed on the engine.
The engine type is specied on the crankcase under
the air lter but also appears on the decal on the
starter.
Please state engine serial number and type when
ordering replacement engine parts.

SYMBOLS AND DECALS
Husqvarna-5
WARNING!
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk of
personal injury, particularly if the reader DOES NOT
follow the instructions given in the manual.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk
of material damage, particularly if the reader DOES
NOT follow the instructions given in the manual.
Used also when there is a potential for misuse or
misassembly.
Decals
Husqvarna logo1.
Model DT182.
Height setting3.
DANGER watch your feet4.
Warning for carbon monoxide5.
Caution graphics6.
Handle folding instructions7.
Husqvarna crown logo8.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

SYMBOLS AND DECALS
6 - Husqvarna
Decal Locations
1
45
6
72
Husqvarna logo1.
Model designation DT182.
Height setting3.
DANGER watch your feet4.
Warning for carbon monoxide5.
Caution graphics6.
Handle folding instructions7.
3

SAFETY
Husqvarna-7
General Use
The object of this manual is to help you use your
Husqvarna machine safely and to give you information
about how to maintain your machine. Please read
the manual carefully before attempting to use the
machine.
If after reading the operator’s manual you are still
unsure about the safety risks associated with use of
the machine, you should not use the machine. Please
contact your dealer for more information.
These safety instructions only address the basics
for safe use. It would be impossible in the safety
instructions to describe all possible risk situations
that could arise when using the machine. You can,
however, prevent accidents by always using common
sense.
For a replacement copy of the operator’s manual,
contact your dealer.
Read this manual carefully and make sure•
you understand it before using the machine or
performing any maintenance. If the user cannot
read this manual, it is the responsibility of the
machine owner to explain the contents to the user.
Follow all safety instructions. Failure to do so may•
result in injury to yourself or others.
Accident prevention regulations, other general•
safety regulations, occupational safety rules and
trafc regulations must be followed without fail.
All users shall be trained in use of the machine.•
The owner is responsible for training users.
Engage an authorized Husqvarna workshop for all•
service and repairs not described in this manual.
Husqvarna original spare parts are designed and•
specied to maintain high quality and correct t for
optimal durability and lifespan.
Check that all safety decals are in place. See the•
chapter “Symbols and Decals”.
Learn how to use the machine and its controls•
safely and learn to recognize the safety decals.
Only use the machine for sowing and dethatching•
lawns. It is not intended for any other use.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do not use the machine until you have
read the operator’s manual carefully
and understand the instructions given.
All maintenance work or adjustments
not described in this manual must be
performed by an authorized Husqvarna
service workshop.
8011-040
Read this manual carefully before starting the machine.
WARNING!
Under no circumstances may the
original design of the machine be
modied without written approval from
the manufacturer. Such modications
not only affect the performance and
durability of the machine but may even
pose a safety risk for users and those in
the vicinity. Unauthorized modications
to the design of the machine may
absolve the manufacturer from liability
for any resulting personal injury or
property damage. Modifying the machine
without written approval from the
manufacturer may void the guarantee.
WARNING!
Overexposure to vibration may lead to
circulatory or nerve damage, particularly
in people who have impaired circulation.
Contact your doctor if you experience
symptoms that could have been
caused by overexposure to vibration.
Examples of common symptoms
include numbness, pain, muscle
weakness, change of skin color or an
uncomfortable feeling of tingling. These
symptoms appear most frequently in the
ngers, hands or wrists.

SAFETY
8 - Husqvarna
WARNING!
The engine can become very hot. To
avoid being burned, you must turn off
the engine and wait until all parts have
cooled before touching the engine.
8011-198
8011-670-aRunning
WARNING!
Always use approved protective clothing
and approved protective equipment
when using the machine. Protective
clothing and protective equipment
cannot eliminate the risk of accidents,
but wearing proper clothing and the
correct equipment will reduce the degree
of injury should an accident occur. Ask
your dealer about approved protective
clothing and approved protective
equipment recommended by BlueBird.
Check that the machine is in serviceable condition•
prior to use; see the chapter “Maintenance/
Maintenance schedule”.
Only use the machine in daylight or in other well-lit•
conditions. Keep the machine a safe distance from
holes or other irregularities in the ground. Pay
attention to other possible risks.
Only allow the machine to be used by adults who•
are familiar with its use.
Never allow children or persons not trained in•
the use of the machine to use it. Local laws may
regulate the age of the user.
People and animals can distract you causing you•
to lose control of the machine. For this reason,
always concentrate and focus on the task at hand.
Make sure animals and people maintain a safe
distance from the machine.
Never leave the machine unsupervised with the•
engine running.
Make sure that other people are nearby when you•
are using the machine so that you can call for help
should an emergency arise.
The machine is tested and approved only with the•
equipment originally provided or recommended by
the manufacturer.
Preparations
Have rst aid equipment at hand when using the •
machine.
Make sure no one else is in the vicinity of the•
machine when starting the engine, engaging the
drive or running the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,•
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blades.
Locate xed objects in the ground, such as •
sprinkler systems, poles, water valves, bases for
washing lines. Check for hidden electrical cables
or similar in the surface of the lawn. Run the
machine around these objects. Never intentionally
run the machine over foreign objects.
Make sure all guard plates and protective shields•
are in place and intact when using the machine.
Make sure no clothing, long hair or jewelry can•
catch in moving machine parts.
Never use the machine when barefoot. Always•
wear protective shoes or protective boots with anti-
slip and preferably with steel toes.
Wear approved ear-protection when running the•
machine. Ask your dealer about approved ear-
protection.

SAFETY
Husqvarna-9
Operating
Do not use the machine on grades of more than•
20°. We recommend working across slopes rather
than up and down. This will yield a more even
result. Do not leave the machine standing on a
slope unattended.
Do not use the machine if you are tired, if you•
have consumed alcohol, or if you are taking other
drugs or medication that can affect your vision,
judgment or co-ordination.
Never use the machine indoors or in spaces•
lacking proper ventilation.
Do not use the machine on any surface other than•
grass.
Make sure you have a proper foothold when using•
the machine, particularly when backing. Walk,
don’t run. Never work on wet grass. Poor traction
may cause you to slip.
Keep your hands and feet away from moving•
parts.
Keep your hands and feet away from the work•
tools.
Slow down and be especially careful on•
slopes. Make sure to run the machine in the
recommended direction on slopes. Be careful
when working close to sudden changes in level.
Smoking, open ames or sparks in the vicinity of •
the machine are strictly forbidden. Gasoline is
extremely ammable and carelessness in handling
can result in personal injury or re.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you run over or•
into anything. If necessary, make repairs before
beginning again.
Whatever happens, you should always park the•
machine on even ground, disengage the drive,
turn off the engine and wait until all moving parts
have stopped before leaving the operating position
behind the machine.
8011-041-1
The engine exhaust is poisonous. Never run the engine
indoors.
8011-091
Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.
8011-289-1
Smoking near the machine is strictly prohibited.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents
and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals considered
to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. The engine emits
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless,
poisonous gas. Do not use the machine
in enclosed spaces.

SAFETY
10 - Husqvarna
Movement/Transport
To turn and steer the machine, press down on the•
handle and turn on the back wheels.
Turn off the engine and allow it to cool at least 2•
minutes before transport.
Collapse the handle if the machine is equipped•
with a collapsible handle.
Be careful and use safe lifting and moving•
techniques when loading/unloading the machine.
We recommend having two people to lift the•
machine.
Fasten the machine properly in place with•
approved fasteners, such as tension belts, chains
or rope. Always check that you are in compliance
with applicable trafc regulations before
transporting the machine.
Storage
Allow the engine to cool before storing the•
machine. Never store the machine near a open
ame.
Store the machine with the fuel valve closed.•
Store the machine and fuel in such a way that•
there is no risk that leaking fuel or fumes can come
in contact with ames or sparks from electrical
machines, electric engines, relays, switches,
boilers or similar.
Store the machine in a locked space away•
from children and adults untrained in use of the
machine.
Children
Serious accidents can occur if you fail to be on guard
for children in the vicinity of the machine.
Never assume that children will stay put where you
last saw them.
Keep children away from the machine.•
Keep children away from the work area and under•
close supervision by another adult.
Keep an eye out and shut off the machine if•
children enter the work area.
Never allow children to operate the machine.•
Be particularly careful near corners, bushes, trees•
or other objects that block your view.
8011-090
We recommend having two people to lift the machine.
8011-038-1
Keep children away from the machine.
8011-039-1
Keep children away from the work area.