Husqvarna 968999250 User manual

Operators Manual
968999250 / Z4818BIA
Models:
Please read these instructions carefully and make
sure you understand them before using the machine.
MANUAL NO. 539109797 REV. IR (09/18/04)

2
Congratulations on the purchase of your Husqvarna mower. It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to give you the best possiblbe dependability and performance. This manual has
been prepared for the owners and operators of the models called out on the front cover of this
manual. Read, understand and follow the safety and operating instructions. Follow a regular sched-
ule in maintaining, caring for and using your mower. Follow the instructions under “Customer Re-
sponsibilities” and “Storage” sections of this owner’s manual.
Continuous dedication to improve our products require that specifications and design are
subject to change without notice.
WARNING
Failure to follow cautious operating practices can result in serious injury to the operator or other per-
sons. The owner must understand these instructions, and must allow only trained persons who un-
derstand these instructions to operate the mower. Each person operating the mower must be of
sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any mind altering substance.
CAUTION
1. Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and in proper working condition.
2. Stop engine and remove spark plug wires or remove key before adjusting, servicing, or perform-
ing maintenance.
Engine exhaust, some of it’s constituents, and certain vehicle componets contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING
WARNING
GOOD SERVICE
Husqvarna products are sold all over the world and only in specialized retail stores with complete
service. This ensures that you as a customer receive only the best support and service. Before the
product is delivered, the machine has, for example, been inspected and adjusted by your retailer.
When you need spare parts or support in service questions, warranty issues, etc., please consult
the following professional:
This Operator’s Manual belongs to the
machine with manufacturing number:
Engine Transmission
©2004 Husqvarna. All Rights Reserved.
Beatrice, NE. Printed in U.S.A.

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CONTENTS
SYMBOLS & DECALS ......................... 4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................... 5
General use and saftey rules ...... 5
Driving on slopes ........................ 7
Children safety............................ 8
Service safety ............................. 8
Transportation ............................ 10
SPECIFICATIONS ................................. 11
ASSEMBLY ........................................... 12
Tools Required............................ 12
Unpacking ................................... 12
Seat Attachment ......................... 12
Control Lever Attachment ........... 12
Check Tire Pressure .................. 14
Assembly Checklist .................... 14
OPERATION.......................................... 15
Controls ...................................... 15
Operation Instructions ................ 16-21
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 22
Maintenance Schedule ............... 22
Lubrication Chart ........................ 23
Tires ........................................... 23
Operator Presence System ....... 23
Blade Care ................................. 23
V-Belts ........................................ 25
Engine ........................................ 25
Air Screen & Air Filter ................. 26
Oil Filter ...................................... 26
Spark Plugs ................................ 26
Fuel Filter .................................... 26
Cleaning ..................................... 26
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ............. 27
Mower ......................................... 27
Deck Level .................................. 27
Deck Belt Replacement ............. 28
IZT (Integraded Zeroturn
Transaxle) Belt Replacement ..... 29
Seat Adjustment ......................... 30
Control Levers Adjustment ......... 30
Wheel Removal .......................... 30
Jump Starting Engine ................. 30
Battery Replacement .................. 31
Park Brake .................................. 31
Tracking Adjustment ................... 32
STORAGE ............................................. 33-34
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................... 35-36
WIRING SCHEMATIC ........................... 37

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SYMBOLS AND DECALS
R
N
Reverse Neutral
Fast
Slow
Fuel
Ignition
Stop Run Start
Mower
deck
engaged
Mower
deck
disengaged
Choke
Parking
brake
Warning
Danger
Caution
Do not stand here Do not put pressure on
drive levers.
Read Operator’s Manual.
Cutting
height
Do not touch rotating parts.
Do not tow or push mower
unless you engage the IZT
(Intergraded Zeroturn
Transaxle) bypass linkages
Battery acid is corrosive, explosive, and flammable.
Read
Operator’s
Manual
Shut off engine
& remove key
before perform-
ing any
maintenance or
repair work.
Keep a
safe
distance
from the
machine.
Use on
slopes no
greater
than 10°
No passen-
gers
Whole
body
exposure
to thrown
objects.
Severing
of fingers
& toes.
Do not open
or remove
safety
shields while
engine is
running.
Careful
backing up,
watch for
other people.
Careful going
forward,
watch for
other people.

5
General Use
•Read all instructions in this operator’s
manual and on the machine before starting
it. Ensure that you understand them and
then abide by them.
•Learn how to use the machine and its
controls safely and learn how to stop quickly.
Also learn to recognize the safety decals.
•Only allow the machine to be used by adults
who are familiar with its use.
•Make sure nobody else is in the vicinity of the
machine when you start the engine, engage
the drive, or run the machine.
•Make sure animals and people maintain a
safe distance from the machine.
•Stop the machine if someone enters the
work area.
•Clear the area of objects such as stones,
toys, steel wire, etc. that may become
caught in the blades and thrown out.
•Beware of the discharge deck and do not
point it at any one. Do not use the machine
without the discharge deck in place.
•Stop the engine and prevent it from start-ing
before you clean the discharge deck.
•Remember that the operator is responsible
for dangers or accidents.
•Never take passengers. The machine is only
intended for use by one person.
•Always look down and behind before and
during reversing maneuvers. Keep a look out
for both large and small obstacles.
•Slow down before turning.
•Shut down the blades when not mowing.
Safety Instructions
These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully.
WARNING!
This symbol means that important safety instructions need to be emphasized.
It concerns your safety.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read the operator’s manual before starting the
machine
8011-512
Clear the area of objects before mowing 8011-513
8011-520

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•Be careful when rounding fixed objects, so
that the blades do not hit them. Never drive
over foreign objects.
•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.
•Never 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
coordination.
•Beware of traffic when working near or
crossing a road.
•Never leave the machine unsupervised with
the engine running. Always shut down the
blades, pull back the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the ignition key before
leaving the machine.
•Never allow children or other persons not
trained in the use of the machine to use or
service it. Local laws may regulate the age
of the user.
•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 steel toecaps.
•Always wear approved protective glasses or
a full visor when assembling or driving.
•Never wear loose clothing that can get
caught in moving parts.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust and certain
vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals considered
to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive system
damage. The engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless, poisonous
gas. Do not use the machine
in enclosed spaces.
8011-518
WARNING!
When using the machine, approved personal protective equipment shall be
used. Personal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it
will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happen. Ask your retailer
for help in choosing the right equipment.
Personal protective equipment 8011-292
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

7
Do as follows
•Remove obstacles such as stones,
tree branches, etc.
•Mow up and down, not side-to-side.
•Never drive the rider on terrain that slopes more
than 10°.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires
begin to slip, shut down the blades and drive
slowly down the slope.
•Always drive evenly and slowly on slopes.
•Make no sudden changes in speed or direction.
•Avoid unnecessary turns on slopes, and if it
proves necessary, turn slowly and gradually
downward, if possible.
•Watch out for and avoid driving over furrows,
holes, and bumps. On uneven terrain, the
machine can tip more easily. Long grass can
hide obstacles.
•Drive slowly. Use small movements of the
steering controls.
•Be extra cautious with any additional equipment,
which can alter the machine’s stability.
•Do not mow near verges, ditches, or banks. The
machine can suddenly spin around if a wheel
goes over the edge of a drop or ditch, or if an
edge gives way.
•Do not mow wet grass. It is slippery, and the tires
can lose their grip, so that the machine slides.
•Try not to stabilize the machine by putting a foot
on the ground.
•When cleaning the chassis, the machine may
never be driven near verges or ditches.
Mow up and down, not side-to-side 8003-004
Be extra cautious when driving on slopes 8011-519
Driving on slopes is one of the operations where
the risk is greatest that the driver will lose control or
the machine will tip over, which can result in
serious injury or death. All slopes require extra
caution. If you cannot reverse up a slope or if you
feel unsure, do not mow the slope.
•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
•If machine stops while going uphill, disen-
gage blades and back down slowly.
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and
then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if
possible.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Driving on Slopes

8
Children
•Serious accidents may occur if you fail to be
on guard for children in the vicinity of the
machine. Children are often attracted to the
machine and mowing work. Never assume
that children will stay put where you last saw
them.
•Keep children away from the mowing area
and under close supervision by another
adult.
•Keep an eye out and shut off the machine if
children enter the work area.
•Before and during a reversing maneuver,
look backward and downward for small
children.
•Never allow a child to ride with you. They can
fall off and injure themselves seriously or
prevent risk-free maneuvering of the
machine.
•Never allow children to operate the machine.
•Be particularly cautious near corners,
bushes, trees, or other objects that block
your view.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
The engine must not be started when the driver’s floor plate or any protective
plate for the mower deck’s drive belt is removed.
Never allow children to operate the machine 8011-517
8011-516
•Stop the engine. Prevent the engine from
starting by removing the ignition key before
making any adjustments or performing
maintenance.
•Never fill the fuel tank indoors.
•Fuel and fuel fumes are poisonous and
extremely flammable. Be especially cautious
when handling fuel, as carelessness can
result in personal injury or fire.
•Only store fuel in containers approved for the
purpose.
•Never remove the fuel tank cap and never fill
the fuel tank while the engine is running.
Never fill the fuel tank indoors

9
•Allow the engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke. Do not fill fuel in the vicinity of
sparks or open flames.
•If leaks arise in the fuel system, the engine
must not be started until the problem has been
resolved.
•Store the machine and fuel in such a way that
there is no risk of leaking fuel or fuel vapor
leading to damages.
•Check the fuel level before each use and leave
space for the fuel to expand, because the heat
from the engine and the sun may otherwise
cause the fuel to expand and overflow.
•Avoid overfilling. If you spill fuel on the machine,
wipe up the spill and wait until it has evaporated
before starting the engine. If you have spilled
fuel on your clothing, change your clothing.
•Allow the machine to cool before taking any
actions in the engine compartment.
•Be very careful when handling battery acid.
Acid on skin can cause serious corrosive
burns. If you spill battery acid on your skin,
rinse immediately with water.
•Acid in the eyes can cause blindness, contact
a doctor immediately.
•Be careful when servicing the battery.
Explosive gases form in the battery. Never
perform maintenance on the battery when
smoking or near open flames or sparks. The
battery can explode and cause serious injury/
damage.
•Ensure that nuts and bolts, especially the
fastening bolts for the blade attachments, are
properly tightened and that the equipment is in
good condition.
•Do not modify safety equipment. Check
regularly to be sure it works properly. The
machine must not be driven with defective or
unmounted protective plates, protective
cowlings, safety switches, or other protective
devices.
•Do not change the settings of governors and
avoid running the engine with overly high
engine speeds. If you run the engine too fast,
you risk damaging the machine components.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
The engine, the exhaust system,
and the hydraulic system’s
components become very warm
during operation.
Risk for burns if touched.
WARNING!
The battery contains lead and
lead compounds, chemicals
that are considered to cause
cancer, birth defects, and
other reproductive system
damage. Wash your hands
after touching the battery.
Do not smoke when performing maintenance on
the battery. The battery can explode and cause
serious injury/damage
8011-563

10
•Never use the machine indoors or in spaces
lacking proper ventilation. The exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless,
poisonous, and lethal gas.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you run over
or into anything. If necessary, make repairs
before starting.
•Never make adjustments with the engine
running.
•The machine is tested and approved only with
the equipment originally provided or
recommended by the manufacturer.
•The blades are sharp and can cause cuts and
gashes. Wrap the blades or use protective
gloves when handling them.
•Check the parking brake’s functionality
regularly. Adjust and service as necessary.
•The mulch deck shall only be used when
higher quality mowing is desired in familiar
areas.
•Reduce the risk of fire by removing grass,
leaves, and other debris that may have
accumulated on the machine. Allow the
machine to cool before putting it in storage.
Transport
•The machine is heavy and can cause serious
crushing injuries. Be extra cautious when it is
loaded on or unloaded from a vehicle or trailer.
•Use an approved trailer to transport the
machine. Activate the parking brake, turn off
the fuel supply, and fasten the machine with
approved fastening devices, such as bands,
chains, or ropes, when transporting.
•Check and abide by local traffic regulations
before transporting or driving the machine on
any road.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Never drive the machine in an enclosed space 8011-515
8011-514
Clean the machine regularly
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The parking brake is not sufficient to
lock the machine in place during
transport. Ensure that the machine is
well fastened to the transport vehicle.
Reverse the machine onto the transport
vehicle to avoid tipping it over.