Husqvarna Rider 20 ProFlex User manual

Please read these instructions carefully and make sure
you understand them before using the machine.
101 90 83-26
Operator´s manual
Rider 20 ProFlex

Svenska – 31
Sve-5 225/232/235 Bruk 97-11-25, 08.4631

English – 1
Operator’s Manual for
Rider 20 ProFlex
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Read through these instructions carefully
so that you know how to use and maintain
the machine before using it.
For servicing other than described in this
manual contact an authorised dealer for
parts and service.
Introduction .........................................................2
Explanation of symbols......................................4
Safety instructions..............................................5
General use .....................................................5
Driving on slopes .............................................6
Children............................................................7
Maintenance ....................................................7
Presentation ........................................................9
Location of the controls....................................9
Throttle control ...............................................10
Choke lever....................................................10
Speed limiter ..................................................10
Cutting unit..................................................... 11
Lift lever for cutting unit.................................. 11
Lever for adjustment of cutting height............12
Parking brake.................................................12
Seat................................................................12
Fuelling ..........................................................12
Driving................................................................13
Before starting................................................13
Starting the engine.........................................13
Driving the machine .......................................14
Differential lock...............................................15
Cutting tips .....................................................16
Stopping the engine .......................................17
Disengage lever .............................................17
Maintenance ......................................................18
Maintenance schedule ...................................18
Dismantling of the machine hoods.................20
Checking the engine’s oil level.......................21
Checking the engine’s cooling air intake........21
Checking the fuel pump’s air filter..................22
Checking the transmission’s air intake...........22
Checking the transmission’s oil level .............22
Checking and adjusting the steering wires ....23
Adjusting the brakes ......................................24
Checking the battery acid level ......................24
Checking the safety system ...........................24
Replacement of air filter .................................25
The parts of the cutting unit ...........................26
Fitting the cutting unit.....................................26
Setting the parallelism....................................28
Setting the cutting height ...............................28
Checking and adjusting the ground
pressure .........................................................29
Lubricating the cutting unit .............................29
Service position for the cutting unit ................30
Checking the blades ......................................30
Dismantling the cutting unit............................31
Dismantling the belts......................................33
Assembling the belts......................................34
Changing the cutting unit’s belts ....................35
Changing the oil .............................................37
Replacement of the oil filter ...........................38
Lubrication .....................................................38
General lubrication.........................................38
Checking and adjustment of throttle wire.......39
Adjusting the differential lock .........................39
Adjusting the hydrostatic wire ........................40
Checking the tyre pressure ............................41
Replacement of fuel filter ...............................41
Cleaning the pulse air filter ............................41
Trouble shooting schedule ..............................42
Storage...............................................................43
Winter storage................................................43
Service ...........................................................43
Wiring diagram ..................................................44
Technical data ...................................................45
Service journal ..................................................47

2– English
INSTRUCTION
Dear customer
Thank you for choosing a Husqvarna Rider. Husqvarna Riders are built to a unique design with a front-
mounted cutting unit and a patented rear-wheel steering system. Riders are designed for maximum efficiency
even in small or confined areas. The closely grouped controls and pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission
also contribute to the performance of this machine.
We hope you will find this operator’s manual very useful. By following its instructions (on operation, service,
maintenance, etc.) you will significantly extend the life of the machine and even its second-hand value.
When you sell your Rider, make sure you pass on the operator’s manual to the new owner. The last chapter
in the operator’s manual consists of a Service Journal. Make sure that all service work and repairs are
recorded. A well-documented service history reduces the costs of seasonal maintenance and influences the
second-hand value of the machine. Remember to take along the operator’s manual when you take the Rider
to the workshop for servicing.
Travel and transport on public roads
Check the relevant road traffic regulations before driving the machine on a public road. If transporting the
machine on another vehicle always use approved securing devices and make sure that the machine is
securely held.
Towing
If your machine has a hydrostatic transmission you should only tow it very short distances at low speed if
absolutely necessary, otherwise the transmission may be damaged.
Intended use
This machine is designed solely for cutting grass on conventional lawns and other cleared and leveled
ground without obstacles, as rocks, stumps etc., and, in conjunction with accessories supplied by the
manufacturer even for other special tasks for which instructions are delivered with the accessory. Use in any
other way is considered as contrary to the intended use. Compliance with and strict adherence to the
conditions of operation, service and repair as specified by the manufacturer also constitute essential
elements of the intended use.
This machine should be operated, serviced and repaired only by persons who are familiar with its particular
characteristics and who are acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
Accident prevention regulations, all other generally recognised regulations on safety and occupational
medicine, and all road traffic regulations must be observed at all times.
Any arbitrary modifications carried out to this machine may relieve the manufacturer of liability for any
resulting damage or injury

English – 3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This operator’s manual applies to Riders
with the following manufacturer’s serial
numbers:
Good service
Husqvarna products are sold all over the world and only through servicing dealers. This is to ensure that you,
the customer, get the best support and service. For example, before this machine was delivered it was
inspected and adjusted by your dealer. See the certificate in the Service Journal in this manual.
When you need spare parts or advice on service issues, warranty terms, etc., contact:

4– English
These symbols are on the machine and in the instructions.
Study them carefully so that you know what they mean.
Read the instructions.
Reverse Neutral Fast Slow Engine off Battery Choke Fuel
Oil pressure Cutting height Backwards Forwards Ignition
Use hearing protection Hydrostatic freewheel Parking brake Brake Warning
Speed limiter pedal forwards
Neutral
Speed limiter pedal reverse
Keep hands and feet away
from under the hood when
the engine is running
Switch off the engine and take off
the ignition cable before repairs or
maintenance
N
R
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
Never carry passengers on the
machine or equipment
Never use the machine if persons,
especially children, or animals,
are in the vicinity
Drive very slowly
without the cutting unit
European standard for
machine safety
Never drive across
a slope
Warning! Risk that the
machine can tip over
Warning! Rotating blades
Starting instructions
Read the instructions
Check the engine’s oil level
Check the hydrostat’s oil level
Lift up the cutting unit
Put the gear shift/hydrostat pedal in
neutral
Brake
If the engine is cold use the choke
Start the engine
Release the parking brake before
driving
Sound level
!

English – 5
These instructions are for your safety. Read them carefully.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol implies that important safety rules are applicable. This is for your safety
and the operating reliability of the machine.
!
Read the instructions before starting the machine.
Clear the area from stones etc. before cutting.
Never carry passengers.
General use:
• Make yourself familiar with the controls and how
to stop quickly.
• Read all the instructions in Operator’s Manual
and on the machine before starting it. Make sure
you understand them, and then follow them.
• Only allow adults who are familiar with the
machine to use it.
• Wear approved safety glasses or a visor during
assembly and driving.
• Never use the machine barefoot. Always wear
heavy-duty shoes, preferably toe-capped.
• Never wear loose fitting clothes which can
fasten in moving parting.
• Clear the area of objects such as stones, toys,
and wires, etc. which can be caught up by the
blades and thrown out.
• Check that there are no other persons in the
area before starting to cut.
• Stop the machine if anyone comes into the work
area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not cut backwards unless absolutely neces-
sary.
• Always look down and behind before and during
reversing.
• Keep an eye on the ejected grass and do not
direct it towards anyone.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave the machine unattended when the
engine is running. Always switch off the blades,
pull on the parking brake, stop the engine and
take out the keys before leaving the machine.
• Switch off the blades when you are not cutting.
• Only cut in daylight or good artificial lighting.
• Never use the machine when you have con-
sumed alcohol, drugs, or certain medicines.
WARNING!
This machine can cut off hands and feet, and eject objects. Failure to follow the safety
instructions can lead to severe injury.
!
RIDER 970
RIDER 970RIDER 970
RIDER850
RIDER 850RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850RIDER850

6– English
• Watch out for traffic when working close to a
road, or crossing one.
• Be careful when rounding a fixed object so that
the blades do not hit it. Never drive intentionally
over a foreign object.
• The machine is heavy and can cause very
severe crush injuries. Be extra careful when
loading it on a trailer or truck.
• Be careful when pulling a load or using heavy
equipment.
a. Only use approved tow hooks.
b. Limit the load to what you can manage safely.
c. Do not make sharp turns. Be careful when
reversing.
d. Use counterweights or wheel weights when
indicated in the instructions.
Driving on slopes
Driving on slopes is one of the situations where
there is the most serious risk that the driver can
loose control or that the machine tips over, which
can cause severe injuries or be fatal. All slopes
require extra care. If you cannot reverse up the
slope or if you feel uncertain avoid cutting it.
Do as follows:
• Remove obstacles such as stones and branches
etc.
• Cut upwards and downwards, not sideways.
• Look out for and avoid driving over furrows,
holes or mounds. On uneven surfaces it is
easier for the machine to tip over. High grass
can conceal obstacles.
• Drive slowly. Select a low gear to avoid having
to stop and changing gear. It is also easier to
use the gear to brake in a low gear.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on
wheel weights or counterweights to increase
stability.
• Be extra careful with the grass collector or other
equipment which can alter the stability of the
machine.
• Always drive smoothly and slowly on slopes.
Avoid sudden changes of speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tyres
begin to skid switch off the blades and drive
slowly down the slope.
• Avoid unnecessary turns on slopes, and if
turning is necessary turn slowly and gradually,
downwards if possible.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Be extra careful when driving on slopes.
Cut slopes upwards and downwards, not sideways.
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850

English – 7
• Do not cut close to edges, ditches or banks. The
machine can suddenly tip over if a wheel goes
over the edge of a drop or a ditch, or if a bank
gives way.
• Do not cut wet grass. It is slippery and the tyres
can loose their grip so that the machine slides.
• Do not try to stabilise the machine by placing
one foot on the ground.
•The Rider lawn mower must never be driven
close to an edge or ditch when cleaning the
chassis.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the driver does not
pay attention to children in the vicinity. Children are
often attracted to the machine and the work of
mowing. Never assume that children stay where
you last saw them.
• Keep children away from the mowing area and
under the supervision of another adult.
• Be on your guard and switch off the machine if
children come into the work area.
• Before and during reversing look behind and
down for small children.
• Never allow children to ride on the machine.
They can fall off and become seriously injured or
obstruct an otherwise safe manoeuvre of the
machine.
• Never allow children to steer the machine.
• Be extra careful close to corners, bushes, trees
or other objects which obstruct your view.
Maintenance
• Petrol and petrol fumes are toxic and highly
inflammable. Be extra careful when handling
petrol.
• Store the fuel in containers approved for this
purpose.
• Never fill up the machine with petrol when the
engine is running. Let the engine cool before
filling up with petrol. Do not smoke, or fill up with
fuel in the vicinity of naked flames or sparks.
• Never fill up with fuel indoors.
• If leakage has occurred in the fuel system the
engine must not be started until this is rectified.
• Never store the machine or fuel containers
indoors if there are naked flames, such as in a
boiler room or where there is electrical equip-
ment which can emit sparks.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Keep children away from the mowing area.
Never allow children to drive the machine.
Never fill up with fuel indoors.
RIDER970
RIDER 970RIDER970
RIDER 850RIDER 850RIDER 850
RIDER8 50
RIDER 850
RIDER8 50
RIDER 850RIDER 850RIDER 850
RIDER8 50
RIDER 850
RIDER8 50

8– English
• Check the fuel level each time before using the
machine, and leave space for the fuel to expand
since the heat from the engine and hot sun can
cause the fuel to run over.
• Avoid overfilling. If petrol has been spilt on the
machine wipe it up and wait until it has evapor-
ated before starting the engine. If petrol is spilt
on clothes, change them.
• Be extra careful when handling battery acid.
Spilling acid on the skin can cause severe burn
injuries. Rinse immediately with water. If acid
gets into the eyes this can cause blindness.
Contact a doctor.
• Be careful with the maintenance of the battery.
Explosive gas is formed in the battery. Never
handle the battery when smoking or in the
vicinity of naked flames or sparks. Otherwise the
battery can explode and cause severe injuries.
• Never drive the machine in an enclosed space.
The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide,
an odourless, toxic and fatal gas.
• Make sure that bolts and nuts, especially attach-
ment bolts for the blade units are properly
tightened and that the equipment is in good
order.
• Never alter the safety devices. Check regularly
that they function. The machine must not be
driven with defective or unmounted safety
devices.
• Do not alter the setting of the governor and do
not race the engine.
• Reduce the fire risk. Keep the machine clean
from grass, leaves and other refuse which
fastens in it. Allow the machine to cool before
placing it in the storage area.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you drive over
an object. If necessary repair the machine
before starting.
• Never make adjustments with the engine run-
ning.
• The parts on the grass collector can become
worn, damaged and aged, so that moving parts
are exposed or so that an object can be thrown
out. Check the parts regularly and if necessary
replace them with spare parts recommended by
the manufacturer.
• The machine is tested for safety and approved
only for equipment supplied or recommended by
the manufacturer.
• The blades are sharp and can cause cutting
injuries. Wrap over the blades or use protective
gloves when handling them.
• Check the functioning of the brakes regularly.
Adjust and maintain them as necessary.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Never smoke in the vicinity of the battery or the fuel.
Never drive the machine in an enclosed space.
Clean the machine regularly from grass, leaves and
other waste.
RIDER8 50
RIDER 850
RIDER850
RIDER850
RIDER 850 RIDER850
RIDER970
RIDER 970
RIDER970

English – 9
Presentation
These instructions describe the Rider 20 ProFlex.
The Rider 20 ProFlex is equipped with a 20
horsepower Vanguard V-Twin engine from Briggs &
Stratton.
Location of the controls
1. Ignition lock
2. Choke lever
3. Throttle control
4. Counter
5. Lever for adjustment of cutting height
6. Lifting lever for cutting unit with lock button
7. Speed limiter for reversing
8. Speed limiter for driving forward
PRESENTATION
9. Brake pedal
10. Lock button for parking brake
11. Differential lock
12. Lever for adjustment of seat
13. Fuel tank cap
14. Main lock
15. Lever to disengage the drive
The power transmission from the engine is handled
by a hydrostatic gearbox, which enables variable
speed by using the pedals. One pedal for driving
forward and one for reverse.

10– English
PRESENTATION
1
2
Throttle control
The throttle control regulates the engine speed, and
thereby also the rotation speed of the blades.
To increase or reduce the engine speed the control
is moved forwards or backwards.
Choke lever
The choke lever is used for cold starting and to give
the engine a richer fuel mixture.
For cold starting the lever is moved backwards to
its end position.
Speed limiter
The speed of the machine is steplessly regulated
with two pedals. Pedal (1) is used to drive forwards,
and pedal (2) to reverse.

English – 11
Cutting unit
Rider 20 ProFlex can be equipped with numerous
attachments.
The BioClip unit finely cuts the lawn by cutting the
grass several times before returning the clippings to
the lawn as fertiliser.
The cutting unit with side or rear ejection, that is, the
clippings are ejected to the side or behind the unit.
PRESENTATION
Examples of the accessories for Rider:
• Brush
• Snow plough
• Wheel weights
• Snow chains
• Dozer
• Edger
• Electric attachment lift
• BioClip cutting unit
• Gravel rake
• Trailer
Lowering of the cutting unit
Lifting of the cutting unit
2. Press in the lock button and move the lever
forwards for the mowing position.
The unit will lower down and the blades start to
rotate.
3. The lever can also be used to temporarily
regulate the cutting height, e.g. for a small
mound in the lawn.
Lift lever for cutting unit
The lift lever is used to set the cutting unit in
transport or mowing position.
1. Pull back the lever to the locked position for
transport.
The cutting unit will lift up and the blades stop
rotating.

12– English
PRESENTATION
!WARNING!
Petrol is highly inflammable.
Exercise care and refuel outdoors
(see safety instructions).
Fuelling
The engine should be run on 85 octane (or higher)
unleaded petrol/gasoline (no added oil). Environ-
mentally adapted alkylate fuel, such as Aspen, is
also recommended.
Seat
The seat has a jointed attachment on the front edge
and can be tipped forward.
The seat can also be adjusted lengthways.
To adjust move the lever under the front edge of the
seat to the left, so that the seat can be moved
forward or backwards to the required position.
Parking brake
The parking brake is applied as follows:
1. Push down the brake pedal.
2. Push in the lock button on the steering column.
3. Release the brake pedal while holding the
button pressed.
The parking brake lock disengages automatically
when the brake pedal is pressed.
Lever for adjustment of the cutting
height
The cutting height can be adjusted to 7 different
positions with the cutting height lever.
To achieve an even cutting height it is important
that the tyre pressures are the same on the front
wheels (60 kPa).

English – 13
Before starting
• Read the sections headed “Safety instructions”
and “Presentation” before starting the mower.
• Carry out daily maintenance before starting (see
“Maintenance schedule” in the chapter on
“Maintenance”).
• Adjust the seat to the required position.
DRIVING
4. Turn the ignition key to the start position.
3. If the engine is cold move the choke lever
backwards to its end position.
2. Move the throttle control to the middle position.
Starting the engine
1. Lift up the cutting unit by pulling the lever back-
wards to locked position (transport position) and
apply the parking brake.

14– English
DRIVING
1
2
2. Carefully press down one of the pedals until the
required speed is obtained.
To drive forward press down pedal (1), or to
reverse pedal (2).
Driving the machine
1. Release the parking brake by pressing the brake
pedal.
7. Set the required engine speed with the throttle
control.
6. Push the choke lever gradually forward when
the engine has started.
5. When the engine starts release the ignition key
immediately back to neutral position.
WARNING!
Never run the engine indoors, in
enclosed or poorly ventilated
areas. The exhaust fumes contain
toxic carbon monoxide.
!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do not run the starter for more than about
5 seconds at a time. If the engine does not
start, wait about 10 seconds before trying
again.

English – 15
3. Select the required cutting height (1–7) with the
cutting height lever.
DRIVING
!
Differential lock
WARNING!
Don’t rest your thumbs inside the
steering wheel. The wheel could
jerk suddenly when the differential
lock is engaged.
The differential lock can be engaged while moving
using the pedal on the left.
To avoid getting stuck you should engage it just
before you reach an obstacle.
1. Engage the differential lock when necessary by
pressing the pedal. If one of the wheels spins,
lighten the pressure on the accelerator slightly.
2. Make sure the differential lock disengages when
the pedal is released. Make small steering
movements or reverse a short distance until the
pedal returns to its normal position.
4. Push in the lock button on the lift lever and lower
down the cutting unit.

16– English
Mowing pattern
• Localise and mark stones and other fixed
objects to avoid collision.
• Start with a high cutting height and reduce down
until the required mowing results are obtained.
• The mowing results are best with a high engine
speed (fast rotating blades) and low driving
speed (slow moving machine). If the grass is not
too high and thick the driving speed can be
increased or the engine speed reduced without
noticeably affecting the mowing results.
• The best lawns are achieved if the grass is cut
often. Mowing becomes more uniform and the
grass cuttings become more evenly distributed
over the surface.
The total time consumption is not greater since
it is possible to select a higher driving speed
without inferior mowing results.
• Avoid mowing a wet lawn. The mowing results
are inferior since the wheels sink down into the
soft lawn.
• Hose down the cutting unit with water
underneath each time it is used. The cutting unit
should be raised into the service position when
cleaning.
MAX 15
Cutting tips
!WARNING!
Clear the lawn from stones and
other objects which can be
thrown out by the blades.
!WARNING!
Never drive the machine on
ground at an angle of more than
15°. Mow slopes upwards and
downwards, never across. Avoid
sudden changes in direction.
DRIVING

English – 17
Stopping the engine
Preferably allow the engine to idle for a minute to
obtain normal working temperature before stopping
it if it has been working hard.
1. Lift up the cutting unit by pulling the lever back
to the locked position.
DRIVING
2. Move the throttle control to the MIN. position.
Turn the ignition key to the STOP.
Disengage lever
To move the machine when the engine is switched
off the disengage lever must be pulled backwards.

18– English
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance interval in
hours
Daily main-
tenance
before after
Weekly3)
main-
tenance
At least
once a
year
Maintenance schedule
The following is a list of the maintenance which should be conducted on the machine. For the items which
are not described in these instructions go to an authorised service workshop.
Check for fuel and oil leakage - ❍
Check the parking brake 24 ●
Check the engine oil level (when you
refuel) 21 ●
Check the fuel pump air filter 22 ●
Check the seat safety switch 24 ●
Check the lift lever safety switch 24 ●
Check the parking brake safety switch 24 ●
Check/clean the engine cooling air intake 21 ●
Check the cutting unit: 28 ●
• blades are secure 30 ●
• condition of blades (sharpness,
shape, etc.) 30 ●
• blade synchronisation (90° between
BioClip) 30 ●
Check steering wires (for play, etc.) 23 ●
Check fasteners (screws, nuts, etc.) - ❍
Start engine and blades, listen for noise - ❍
Clean underside of cutting unit 30 ●
Clean transmission air intake 22 ●
Check battery acid level 24 ●
Check transmission oil level 22 ●
Check condition of V-belts, pulleys, etc. - ❍
Check for damage - ❍
Check tyre pressures (60 kPa) 41 ●
Check for damage to wire guide at
articulated joint - ❍
Clean thoroughly around engine - ❍
Clean air filter (pre-filter) 25 ●
Clean thoroughly around transmission - ❍
Clean all belts, pulleys, etc. - ❍
Lubricate pivot (nipple) 38 ●
Lubricate belt tensioner (nipple) 38 ●
Lubricate triangle link (nipple) 38 ●
Lubricate seat suspension - ❍
Lubricate all wires 38 ●
Lubricate safety lock on cutting unit 29 ●
Lubricate inner stud on cutting unit 29 ●
Lubricate slot for cutting unit tool frame 29 ●
Lubricate bearing surfaces on cutting unit 29 ●
Clean inside frame tunnel - ❍
Lubricate pedal mechanism inside frame
tunnel - ❍
25 50 100 300
PageMaintenance