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.

SAFETY
Husqvarna-11
Fuel System
Only store fuel in containers approved for that•
purpose.
Never remove the fuel cap and ll the fuel tank •
when the engine is running.
Always stop the engine when refueling.•
Do not smoke when lling the gasoline tank and •
do not pour gasoline in the vicinity of sparks or
open ame.
Never ll the fuel tank indoors.•
Before starting the machine after refueling, it•
should be moved at least 10 feet (3 M) from the
location where it was lled.
Turn off the fuel supply for storage or transport.•
If leaks arise in the fuel system, the engine must•
not be started until the problem has been resolved.
Check the fuel level before each use and leave•
space for the fuel to expand, because the heat
from the engine and the sun can otherwise cause
the fuel to expand and overow.
Avoid overlling. If you spill gasoline on the •
machine, wipe up the spill and wait until it has
evaporated before starting the engine. If you spill
gasoline on your clothing, change your clothing.
8011-037-1
Never ll the fuel tank indoors.
8011-036
Close the fuel valve.
8011-019-1
Fueling always poses an element of risk.
WARNING!
Gasoline and gasoline fumes are
poisonous and extremely ammable.
Be especially careful when handling
gasoline, as carelessness can result
in personal injury or re.

SAFETY
12 - Husqvarna
8011-027
Disconnect the spark plug cable before repair work.
Maintenance
Never make adjustments with the engine running.•
Disengage the drive units, shut off the engine and•
wait until all moving parts come to a complete
stop before making adjustments, performing
maintenance or cleaning the machine.
Disconnect the spark plug cable before beginning•
repair work.
Keep all components in serviceable condition and•
make sure all nuts, bolts, etc. are tight. Replace
worn or damaged decals.
Be careful when checking work tools. Use gloves•
when performing maintenance work.
Never allow persons not trained in the use of the•
machine to perform service on it.
Always park the machine on even ground before•
performing maintenance or making adjustments.
Do not disassemble the engine. This can invalidate•
your engine warranty. Contact your dealer if you
have any questions regarding service or guarantee
matters. Follow all maintenance instructions.
Do not change the setting of governors and avoid•
running the engine with overly high RPM. If you
run the engine too fast, you risk damaging the
machine components.
Do not modify safety equipment. Check regularly•
to be sure it works properly. The machine must
not be run with defective or disassembled safety
equipment.
The mufer is designed to maintain sound levels at •
an approved level and keep direct exhaust away
from the user. Exhaust gases from the engine are
extremely hot and may contain sparks that can
cause res or burn the user.
Never use a machine with a defective mufer.•
Reduce the risk of re by removing grass, leaves •
and other debris that may have caught in the
machine.
8011-121-1
Keep the machine clean.
WARNING!
Wait until all moving parts are
completely still before performing
maintenance on the machine.
Turn off the engine and remove the
spark plug cable.

HUSQVARNA-13
ASSEMBLY/CONTROLS
Rotate the handle and tighten it in place.1.
Fill the engine with the manufacturer-2.
recommended oil. See section “Lubrication/Engine
oil”.
Test the clutch. Make sure that the clutch3.
expansion spring disengages 6.35 mm (¼") easily.
The engine RPM is preset by the manufacturer.4.
Idle speed is 1250–1400 RPM. Maximum engine
speed is 3600 RPM.
See the engine manual for instructions on adjusting
the regulator and carburetor if the engine speed is not
within these limits.
Oil rell engine1.
Clutch cable2.
Clutch bail3.
Engine4.
Depth lever5.
1
2
3
4
2
6
5
8
7
Knob for collapsible handle6.
Handle7.
Shaft guard8.
Belt shield9.
9

CONTROLS
14 - Husqvarna
The dethatcher has a 18" width.
The machine is equipped with a 5.5 hp Briggs &
Stratton, four-cycle engine.*
*As rated by the engine manufacturer

CONTROLS
Husqvarna-15
Cutting Unit
Depth Lever
Use the depth lever to raise and lower the blades
between working and transport position. The depth
lever has a lock-out bolt that should be left in until the
blades wear down. Then move the bolt to a lower hole
to allow the blades to penetrate the soil.
Flail Blades or Spring Tines• Set blade or tine
depth so that the blades or tines just touch on a
at surface such as a sidewalk or driveway.
Delta Blades• Set blades to penetrate the soil to
a depth of 1/8" to ¼" with a maximum penetration
of ½". Check seed bag for the manufacture’s
recommended depth of application
Lawns with deep thatch exceeding ¾" may be•
best dethatched in two treatments (spring and fall)
to avoid major shock to an older lawn.
Engine
Refer to your engine manual.
Fueling
Read the safety instructions before fueling.
Keep the fuel and fuel tank clean. Avoid lling the
machine with dirty fuel. Make sure the fuel cap is
properly tightened and the gasket is not damaged,
particularly before washing the machine.
Use unleaded gasoline with minimum 86 octane
rating. Never use gasoline mixed with two-cycle oil.
For ethanol and methanol fuel, the following applies:
Maximum allowable ethanol 10% (volume).
Maximum allowable methanol 5% (volume).
Maximum allowable MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether) 15% (volume).
If the engine knocks or pings at normal load it can
be damaged. Change the fuel. If this does not help,
contact an authorized service workshop.
Do not ll the tank completely; leave space for the fuel
to expand as it warms up.
8011-019-1
WARNING!
Gasoline is highly ammable. Observe
caution and ll the tank outdoors.
(See the safety instructions.)
Clutch
The clutch tightens the drive belt and engages the
drive for the blades. When the clutch lever is pressed
against the handle, the blades begin to rotate. Hold
the clutch tightly when working so the belt does not
slip.
8060-016

CONTROLS
16 - Husqvarna
Blade versatility
Flail Blades
Thatch is the dense layer of clippings, roots and stems
that forms between the soil and the base of the grass.
As thatch builds up, it prevents water, air and fertilizer
from being absorbed into the soil. This causes shallow
root development leading to vulnerability to drought
and frost. Excessive thatch also creates an ideal
environment for insects and lawn diseases. Power-
raking with ail blades removes this thatch layer and
restores your lawn to good health. Flail blades offer
the most aggressive dethatching of all the blades
offered.

OPERATION
Husqvarna-17
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Clear the lawn of any debris.
Clearly mark rocks and other xed objects.
Be especially sure to check for hidden
electrical cables or similar in the surface of
the lawn.
Before Starting
Mow the lawn ½" shorter than normal.•
Allow the lawn to dry. Wet conditions can cause•
extensive damage to healthy grass.
8060-016
Hold clutch bail against handle
Starting
Check for stones or xed objects in the lawn. •
Set the depth lever in working position.•
To engage the clutch in heavy thatch, bear down•
on the handle and raise the front wheels slightly.
Hold the clutch engaged against the handle and
carefully lower the machine into the turf.
Do a small test area at a slow walking pace.•
If the engine speed drops excessively, the depth•
setting is too deep. If the machine pulls forward
and bucks roughly, the depth setting is too deep.
Finishing
Remove all extracted thatch from the grass and•
compost/dispose of properly.
Other methods for improving your lawn may•
include aeration and fertilization.

MAINTENANCE
18 - Husqvarna
Check the engine oil level
Replace engine oil 1)
Check the air lter
Clean the air lter 2)
Replace air lter cartridge 2)
Clean sludge reservoir for fuel system
Check and clean the spark plug
Replace the spark plug
Check idle speed
Check and adjust play in valves 4)
Clean fuel tank 4)
Check, replace fuel lines as necessary 4, 5)
Check clutch and clutch cable
Check ail blade lock washers
Check decals and warning signs
Check wear and tension on the belts
Check blade wear and condition
Check the chassis, bolts and set screws
Lubrication; see the Lubrication schedule
3/50 6/1001/25
Maintenance
Daily
before
starting
Maintenance interval months/hours
1) First change after 20 hours. 2) In dusty conditions maintenance is required at shorter intervals. 3) With daily use, the machine shall be
lubricated twice weekly. 4) Performed by authorized service workshop. 5) Performed every second year.
12/300
Maintenance Schedule
The following is a list of maintenance procedures that must be performed on the machine. For those points not
described in this manual, visit an authorized service workshop.
WARNING!
No service operations may be performed on the engine or unit unless:
The engine is stopped.•
The ignition cable has been removed from the spark plug.•
The machine is securely parked where it will not tip or begin rolling.•

MAINTENANCE
Husqvarna-19
Drive Belt
When checking the drive belt, allow the engine to1.
cool.
Remove the spark plug cable.2.
Remove the belt guard (see illustration) on the left3.
side of the machine.
Check that the belt is running in the proper track;4.
the pulleys should guide the belt in a straight line.
Check that the belt and pulleys are not oily. If they5.
are, rst try to clean them with spirits. If they are
heavily coated, take the machine to an authorized
service workshop to x the oil leakage and replace
the belt.
8011-027
DT06
Remove belt cover
DT07-1
Check drive belt
Check the belt for cracks, heat damage or worn6.
edges.
Check that guide and tensioning equipment for the7.
belt is not loose and is properly set.
If the belt needs to be replaced - loosen the belt8.
guides.
Remove the old belt.9.
Check for wear on the pulleys and replace as10.
necessary.
8060-018
Check the engine pulley alignment to the rotor1.
pulley and adjust as necessary. The belt should
run straight.
Check the tensioning pulley. The bearings should2.
rotate freely and evenly. The rocking lever on the
tensioning pulley should be free with a lateral play
of no more than ¼" (6.5 mm) (see illustration).
Replace as necessary.
Fit a new belt by rst pulling it over the lower 3.
pulley and then the engine pulley. Check that the
tensioning pulley and belt guides end up outside
the belt loop.
Tighten belt guides and ret the belt guard.4.

MAINTENANCE
20 - Husqvarna
Flail blades
Wear/Rotation/Replacing
After you have used your dethatcher for some time,
the blades will begin to wear on the striking edge.
When this happens, their dethatching performance will
diminish. A new combing edge may be obtained by
rotating the entire rotor shaft assembly laterally (end to
end). This procedure can be repeated until the blades
reach their wear limit; see illustration.
Rotate the rotor shaft as follows:
Rotating the rotor shaft
Allow the engine to cool.1.
Disconnect the spark plug.2.
Remove the belt guard (see illustration).3.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Only the ail blade rotor shaft can be
rotated to achieve even wear. The spring
tines and delta blades must be operated in
the correct direction.
8011-006
A. New blade
B. Worn blade
C. After rotation
8011-027
Remove belt cover
A CB
3.5" / 89mm
Remove the belt guard and pulley from the rotor4.
shaft (see illustration).
Remove the 6 bearing bolts and allow the rotor5.
shaft to slide out.
Check the shaft, bearing, blade length, blade6.
e-rings and spacers.
Rotate the shaft end for end.7.
Ret the bearing bolts.8.
Ret the pulley and check that it is aligned with top 9.
pulley.
Ret the drive belt.10.
Check the pulley alignment to the engine shaft11.
pulley. The drive belt should run smoothly in its
track. Adjust as necessary. Tighten the pulleys.
Ret the belt guard.12.
Reattach the spark plug cable.13.