Husqvarna FD48E User manual

Operator Manual
FD48E / 966659801
CD48E / 966659901
Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure you
understand the instructions before using the machine.
Original Instructions

In order to implement improvements, specications and designs can be altered without prior
notication.
Note that no legal demands can be placed based on the information contained in these
instructions.
Use only original parts for repairs. The use of other parts voids the warranty.
Do not modify or install non-standard equipment to the unit without consent from the
manufacturer. Modications to the unit may cause unsafe operations or damage the unit.
©2010 All rights reserved.
Orangeburg SC. Printed in U.S.A.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WARNING!
Failure to follow cautious operating practices can result in serious injury to the
operator or other persons. The owner must understand these instructions, and must
allow only trained persons who understand these instructions to operate the mower.
Each person operating the mower must be of sound mind and body and must not be
under the inuence of any mind altering substance.


5
Congratulations
Thank you for purchasing a Husqvarna deck. It is built
for superior efciency and reliability.
This manual is a valuable document. Read the
contents carefully before using or servicing the
machine. The following of instructions (use, service,
maintenance, etc.) by all who operate this machine
is important for the safety of the operator and others.
It can also considerably increase the life span of the
machine and increase its resale value.
If you sell your machine, be sure to give the operator’s
manual to the new owner.
Operation
This machine is constructed only for mowing grass
on lawns and even ground without obstacles such as
stones, tree stumps, etc. All other types of uses are
incorrect. The manufacturer’s directions concerning
operation, maintenance, and repairs must be carefully
followed.
Lawn mowers and all power equipment, can be
potentially dangerous if used improperly. Safety
requires good judgement, careful use in accordance
with these instructions and common sense.
The machine must only be operated, maintained,
and repaired by persons familiar with the
machine’s special characteristics and who are also
knowledgeable about the safety instructions. Use only
approved repair parts to maintain this machine.
Accident prevention regulations, other general safety
regulations, occupational safety rules, and trafc
regulations must be followed without fail.
Unauthorized modications to the design of the
machine may absolve the manufacturer from liability
for any resulting personal injury or property damage.

Good Service
Husqvarna’s 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. See the
certicate in the Service Journal in this operator’s
manual.
When you need spare parts or support in service
questions, warranty issues, etc., please consult
the following professional:
Manufacturing Number
The machine’s manufacturing number can be found
on the printed plate afxed to the right rear of the
deck. Stated on the plate, from the top are:
The manufacturer’s type number (Model).•
The machine’s type designation (I.D.).•
The machine’s serial number (Serial no.)•
Please have the type designation and serial number
available when ordering spare parts.
This manual belongs to the deck with the
manufacturing number:
 



7
These symbols are found on the deck and in this
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 given in the
manual.
Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk
of material damage, particularly if the reader should
neglect to follow instructions given in the manual.
Used also when there is a potential for misuse or
misassembly.
WARNING!
Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx. xx xxxxxxxx xxxx
xxxxxx.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx. xx xxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxx.
Warning! Warning! Rotating blades,
keep away from the
discharge deck
Do not stand here Moving sharp blades
under cover
Use protective gloves Use protective glasses


8
Safety Instructions
These instructions are for your safety. Read them
carefully.
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS
CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET
AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
General Operation
Read, understand, and follow all instructions on •
the machine and in the manual before starting.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or •
under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar •
with the instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, •
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blades.
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before •
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Never carry passengers. The machine is only •
intended for use by one person.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely •
necessary. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. •
Avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward
the operator. Stop the blades when crossing
gravel surfaces.
Do not operate machine without the entire grass •
catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices
in place and working
Slow down before turning.•
WARNING!
This symbol means that important safety instructions need to be emphasized. It concerns
your safety.
8011-512
Read the operator’s manual before starting the machine
8011-513
Clear the area of objects before mowing


9
Never leave a running machine unattended. •
Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop
engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
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 chute.
Operate machine only in daylight or good articial •
light.
Do not operate the machine while under the •
inuence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for trafc when operating near or crossing •
roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the •
machine into a trailer or truck.
Always wear eye protection when operating •
machine.
Data indicates that operators age 60 years and •
above are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for •
wheel weights or counterweights.
Anyone who operates this machine must rst read •
and understand this Operation Manual. Local laws
may regulate the age of the user.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other •
debris buildup which can touch hot exhaust /
engine part and burn. Do not allow the mower
deck to plow leaves or other debris which can
cause buildup to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine.
Allow machine to cool before storage.
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 odorless,
colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use
the machine in enclosed spaces.
8011-520
Never take passengers


10
Personal Safety Equipment
Make sure that you have rst aid equipment close •
at hand when using the machine.
Never use the machine when barefoot.•
Always wear protective shoes or boots, preferably •
with steel toe caps.
Always wear approved protective glasses or a full •
visor when assembling or driving.
Always wear gloves when handling the blades.•
Never wear loose clothing that can get caught in •
moving parts.
Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.•
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.
If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.
Mow up and down slopes (10 degrees maximum), •
not across.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other •
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not •
have to stop while on the slope.
Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.•
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If •
the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly straight down the slope.
Keep movement on the slopes slow and gradual. •
Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction that could cause the machine to roll over.
Use extra care while operating machine with •
grass catchers or other attachments; they can
affect the stability of the machine.
Do not use on steep slopes.•
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your •
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 if the edge
caves in.
WARNING!
When using the machine, approved personal protective equipment (shown in illustrations)
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.
8011-670a
Personal protective equipment
6003-004
Mow up and down, not side to side
WARNING!
Do not drive up or down hills with
slopes greater than 10 degrees. And
do not drive across any slopes.


11
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you last
saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and in the •
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the •
area.
Before and while backing, look behind and down •
for small children.
Never carry children, even with the blades shut •
off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation. Children
who have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area for another
ride and be run over or backed over by the
machine.
Never allow children to operate the machine.•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, •
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child.
8011-517
Never allow children to operate the machine
8011-518
Keep children away from work area


12
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely ammable and the vapors are explosive.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other •
sources of ignition.
Use only approved gasoline container.•
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine •
running. Allow engine to cool at least two (2)
minutes before refueling.
Never fuel the machine indoors.•
Never store the machine or fuel container where •
there is an open ame, spark, or pilot light such
as on a water heater or other appliance.
Before you begin refueling, minimize the risk of •
static electricity by touching a metal surface.
Never ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck •
or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from the vehicle
when lling.
Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck •
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel •
tank or container opening at all times until fueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open
device.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing •
immediately.
Never overll fuel tank. Replace gas cap and •
tighten securely.
Do not start the engine near spilled fuel.•
Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.•
If leaks arise in fuel system, engine must not be •
started until problem has been resolved.
Check the fuel level before each use and leave •
space for the fuel to expand, as the heat from the
engine and the sun may otherwise cause the fuel
to expand and overow.
WARNING!
The engine must not be started
when the driver’s oor plate or any
protective plate for the mower deck’s
drive belt is removed.
8011-516
Never fill the fuel tank indoors
WARNING!
The engine and the exhaust system
become very hot during operation.
There is risk for burns if touched.
Allow engine and exhaust system to
cool at least two (2) minutes before
refueling.


13
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 machine free of grass, leaves, or other •
debris buildup. Clean oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to
cool before storing.
If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the •
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make any adjustments or repairs with the •
engine running.
Check grass catcher components and the •
discharge guard frequently and replace with
manufacturer’s recommended parts, when
necessary.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear •
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and •
service as required.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, •
as necessary.
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.
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 ames 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, torqued and that the
equipment is in good condition.
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 handling the battery.
8011-515
Never drive the machine in an enclosed space
WARNING!
Use protective glasses for
maintenance work.


14
Sparking can occur when working with the battery
and the heavy cables of the starter circuit. This can
cause battery explosion, re or eye injury. Sparking
in this circuit can not occur after the chassis cable
(normally negative, black) is removed from the battery.
WARNING!
Avoid electrical sparking and its
consequences by the following
routines:
Use protective goggles.•
Ensure that the fuel ller cap is mounted tightly •
and no ammable substances are stored in an
open vessel.
Never work with the starter circuit if there is spilled •
fuel.
Disconnect the chassis cable from the battery rst •
and reconnect it last.
Do not make a bridge short circuit across the •
starter relay to run the starter.
Never use the machine indoors or in spaces •
lacking proper ventilation. The exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless,
poisonous, and lethal gas.
6003-009
Do not smoke when performing maintenance on the battery.
The battery can explode and cause serious injury/damage.
8009-728
Risk of sparking
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. Only use approved repair
parts for the machine.
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 blades should only be used in familiar •
areas when higher quality mowing is desired.


15
Reduce the risk of re by removing grass, leaves, •
and other debris that may have accumulated on
the machine. Allow the machine to cool before
putting it in storage.
Regularly clean deck and underside of deck, •
avoid spraying engine and electrical components
with water.
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 straps, when
transporting.
Do not operate this machine on public roadways.•
Check and abide by local trafc regulations •
before transporting the machine on any road.
Do not tow this machine, it may cause damage to •
the drive system.
Do not tow any trailers, etc. with this mower. They •
may jackknife or overturn causing damage to the
mower and possibly serious injury to the operator.
Load the unit onto truck or trailer by driving up •
ramps of suitable strength using a slow speed. Do
not lift! The machine is not intended to be lifted by
hand.
8011-514
Regularly clean deck
WARNING!
Escaping hydraulic oil under
pressure can have sufcient force
to penetrate the skin, causing
serious injury. If injured by escaping
uid, see a doctor at once. Serious
infection or reaction can develop
if proper medical treatment is not
administered immediately.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The parking brake is not sufcient 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.


16
Maintenance At
least
once
each
year
Maintenance
interval
Daily in hours
Before After 25 50 100 300
Check for loose hardware t t
Clean under the mower deck ●
Check for damage t t
Sharpen/Replace mower blades ●
Check the condition of belts, belt pulleys ● ●
Check/adjust the mower deck ● ●
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. An annual service carried out by
an authorized service workshop is recommended to
maintain your machine in the best possible condition
and to ensure safe operation. Read Maintenance in
the Safety section.
 = Described in this manual
t = Not described in this manual
WARNING!
Before performing any service or adjustment checklist
Engage the parking brake.•
Place the Blade-switch in the disengaged position.•
Turn the ignition switch to “OFF” position and remove the key.•
Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.•
Disconnect the spark plug wire from all spark plugs and place the wire where it cannot •
come in contact with the plug.


17
8011-622
Slackening the belt tensioner - flat deck
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For ease in installing the deck belt, refer to the
routing decal on the deck.
Deck Belt
Deck belt removal
Park on a level surface. Apply park brake. Lower the
deck into the lowest cutting position.
Remove foot plate and belt shields.1.
Relieve the tension on the belt using either a 2.
ratchet and socket or breaker bar, depending on
deck style.
Remove any dirt or grass that may have 3.
accumulated around the cutter housings and
entire deck surface.
Carefully roll the belt over the top of the cutter 4.
housing pulleys.
Remove the belt from around the electric clutch on 5.
the engine shaft and off the deck.
Deck belt installation
Wrap the deck belt around the electric clutch 1.
pulley that is located on the engine shaft.
Route the belt forward between and up onto the 2.
deck.
Place belt around spring loaded idler pulley.3.
Wrap the belt around the stationary idler pulley 4.
and around the mandrel housings.
Push inward on the idler arm and carefully route 5.
belt over stationary idler pulley. Once belt is
properly routed, slowly release idler arm to tension
belt.
Double check belt routing to make sure it matches 6.
the routing decal, and the belt does not have any
twist. Correct as needed.
Adjust tension.7.
Replace belt shields on both mandrel housings 8.
and secure with fasteners.
8058-137
Slackening the belt tensioner - combi deck


18
WARNING!
Blades are sharp. Protect your hands
with gloves and/or wrap blades with a
heavy cloth when handling.
Cutting Blades
In order to attain the best mowing effect, it is
important that the blades are well sharpened and not
damaged.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The sharpening of blades should be carried
out by an authorized service workshop.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Special blade bolt is heat treated.
Replace with a Husqvarna bolt if required.
Do not use lower grade hardware than
specied.
1. Blade
2. Blade bolt (special)
3. Blade washer
Blade attachment - Combi Deck
1. Blade
2. Blade bolt (special)
3. Mandrel
Blade attachment - Flat Deck
Bent or cracked blades or blades with large nicks
should be replaced.
Damaged blades should be replaced when hitting
obstacles that result in a breakdown. Let the service
workshop decide whether the blade can be repaired/
ground or must be replaced.
Balance the blades after sharpening.
Check the blade mounts.
Blade replacement
Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise.•
Install new or re-sharpened blade with stamped •
"GRASS SIDE" facing towards ground/grass
(down) or “THIS SIDE UP” facing deck and cutter
housing.
Some blades may not be stamped with “GRASS •
SIDE” and “THIS SIDE UP”. These blades can be
installed either way.
Install and tighten blade bolt securely.•
Flat Deck - Torque blade bolt to 90 ft/lbs (122 •
Nm).
Combi Deck - Torque blade bolt to 57-61 ft/lbs •
(77-82 Nm).







19
Use protective glasses when cleaning
and washing.
Adjusting Anti-Scalp Rollers
Anti-scalp rollers are properly adjusted when they are
just slightly off of the ground when the deck is at the
desired cutting height in the operating position. Anti-
scalp rollers then keep the deck in the proper position
to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.
Flat Deck
The anti-scalp rollers can be set in three positions:
Upper position 1½" to 3" / 38 to 76 mm grass.•
Middle position 3" to 4½" / 76 to 114 mm grass.•
Lower position 4½" to 6" /114 to 152 mm grass.•
Combi Deck
Upper position 3" to 4½" (76 to 114mm) grass.•
Lower position 4½" to 6" (114 to 152mm) grass.•
The rollers should be approximately ¼" /6.5 mm from
ground. Do not adjust the rollers to support the deck.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The anti-scalp rollers must not be used for
gauge wheels or the roller and deck may be
damaged.
8061-008
Tunnel deck caster wheel
8061-227
Combi deck caster wheel
Cleaning
Regular cleaning and washing, especially under the
mower deck, will increase the machine’s life-span.
Make it a habit to clean the machine directly after use
(after it is cooled), before the debris sticks.
Use compressed air to clean the top side of mower
deck. For cleaning the underside of the deck, use the
cleanout port.
Attach the quick connect (from the accessory packet)
to any garden hose. After mowing, snap the hose to
the cleanout port and turn on water.
Restart the mower and engage the blades to use the
spinning action to wash away debris. Make sure the
hose is away from the mower blades.
Avoid spraying water on the engine and electrical
components.
8058-084
Clean regularly


20
Deck Spindles
Flat Deck
Lower the cutting deck completely.
Lubricate with a grease gun, three zerks, 2-3 strokes.
8011-732
Deck spindle
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Use minimal lubrication and remove excess
lubricant so that is does not come into contact
with belts or belt pulley drive surfaces.
General
When lubricating with grease, unless otherwise
stated, use only good quality molybdenum disulphide
grease. Grease from well-known brand names usually
maintains a good quality.
For daily use, the machine should be lubricated twice
weekly.
Wipe away excess grease after lubrication.
It is important to avoid getting lubricant on the belts
or the drive surfaces on the belt pulleys. Should this
happen, attempt to clean them with spirits. If the belt
continues to slip after cleaning, it must be replaced.
Gasoline or other petroleum products must not be
used to clean belts.