Husqvarna 46 Inch Riding Mower Manual

The Husqvarna 46 Inch Riding Mower is a robust and efficient lawn care machine designed for residential use. It features a 46-inch cutting deck, a powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission, ergonomic controls, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual covers essential information on safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Controls & Operation 5. Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Cutting Deck Maintenance 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: 46-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Powerful OHV engine, Electric PTO (Power Take-Off), Comfortable high-back seat, Headlights, Cup holder, and Easy-access controls.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	46-inch wide, stamped steel construction for durability
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive for smooth, variable speed control
Engine	Powerful OHV (Overhead Valve) engine for reliable performance
PTO Engagement	Electric switch for easy blade engagement
Cutting Height Adjustment	Lever for quick adjustment (typically 1.5" to 4")
Seat	High-back, padded seat for operator comfort
Fuel Tank	Large capacity for extended mowing sessions
Headlights	Integrated for low-light conditions
Deck Wash Port	Connection for cleaning under the deck
Parking Brake	Ensures mower remains stationary when parked

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating the mower.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, sturdy shoes, and hearing protection.
Pre-Operation Check: Inspect mower for damage, check tire pressure, and ensure all guards are in place.
Operating Area: Clear area of debris, stones, toys, and other objects before mowing.
Slope Operation: Mow across slopes, not up and down, to prevent tipping. Avoid steep slopes.
Passengers: Never carry passengers. The mower is designed for one operator only.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially the cutting deck. Always disengage PTO and turn off engine before performing any maintenance.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly typically requires attaching the steering wheel, seat, and connecting the battery.

Steering Wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware and washer.
Seat: Place seat on mounting plate and secure with bolts.
Battery: Connect red (+) cable first, then black (-) cable. Ensure connections are tight.
Cutting Deck: Lower deck to ground, attach deck lift linkage, and connect drive belt per manual diagram.
Fluids: Add engine oil (check manual for type and capacity) and fill fuel tank with fresh, unleaded gasoline.

CAUTION! Use proper tools and follow torque specifications. Do not overtighten bolts.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Control Panel: Ignition Key, PTO Switch, Throttle/Choke Control, Parking Brake Lever, Hydrostatic Drive Pedals (Forward/Reverse), Cutting Height Lever.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Disengage PTO (blades off). 4. Set throttle to fast position. 5. Turn ignition key to START. Release when engine starts.

Mowing Operation: 1. Release parking brake. 2. Use drive pedal to move forward/backward. 3. Engage PTO switch to start blades. 4. Adjust speed according to grass conditions.

Stopping: 1. Disengage PTO. 2. Move drive pedal to neutral. 3. Engage parking brake. 4. Turn ignition key to OFF.

Specifications

Model Series: Husqvarna YTH / LTH Series (example)
Cutting Width: 46 inches
Engine: Husqvarna/Briggs & Stratton OHV, 20-24 HP (varies by model)
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 - 3.0 gallons
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4.0 inches (6-position adjustment)
Tires: Front: 15 x 6.00-6, Rear: 20 x 10.00-8
Turning Radius: Approx. 18 inches (zero-turn models vary)
Weight: Approx. 500 lbs (without operator)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is crucial for safety and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, engine oil level, fuel level. Inspect for loose parts.
Every 8 hours	Check mower deck for debris buildup. Clean if necessary.
Every 25 hours	Check battery terminals. Lubricate deck spindle zerks (if equipped).
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil (more frequently in dusty conditions). Check air filter.
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter. Check spark plug. Inspect drive belts for wear.
Seasonally	Sharpen or replace blades. Check tire condition. Grease fittings.

Engine Care

Refer to your specific engine manual for detailed procedures.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via drain plug into pan. Refill with SAE 30 or 10W-30 detergent oil (check manual).
Air Filter: Replace paper element or clean foam pre-cleaner. Do not wash paper filters.
Spark Plug: Clean and re-gap (typically .030") or replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage. Replace fuel filter annually.
Cooling Fins: Keep engine cooling fins and shrouds clean of grass and debris.

WARNING! Engine and muffler become extremely hot. Allow to cool before servicing.

Cutting Deck Maintenance

A well-maintained deck ensures a clean cut and long belt life.

Blade Sharpening/Balancing: Remove blades. Sharpen at original angle (approx. 22°). Balance before reinstalling.
Belt Inspection: Check V-belts for cracks, fraying, or glazing. Replace if worn.
Deck Cleaning: Use deck wash port after each mowing. Periodically scrape off caked-on grass.
Spindle Lubrication: Grease spindle zerks (if equipped) every 25 hours.
Deck Leveling: Check deck level side-to-side and front-to-rear periodically. Adjust per manual.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Fuel: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes, or drain fuel system completely.
Battery: Disconnect cables, clean terminals, and store in a cool, dry place. Charge periodically.
Engine: Change oil. Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil to cylinder, and pull starter cord slowly to coat cylinder wall.
Clean: Thoroughly clean entire mower, especially under the deck.
Store: Park in a clean, dry place. Inflate tires to proper pressure.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank in an enclosed area near open flame or spark.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, blown fuse, bad spark plug, stale fuel, safety interlock engaged	Check battery charge/fuses. Replace spark plug. Use fresh fuel. Ensure you are seated, brake engaged, PTO off.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter, fouled spark plug	Replace air/fuel filters and spark plug. Drain old fuel.
Mower vibrates excessively	Unbalanced or damaged blade, loose blade bolt, debris on deck	Stop engine immediately. Inspect, balance, or replace blade. Tighten bolt. Clean deck.
Uneven cut	Deck not level, dull blades, tire pressure uneven, mowing too fast	Level deck. Sharpen blades. Check tire pressure. Slow down.
Loss of power/drive	Worn drive belt, low transmission fluid (if applicable), parking brake engaged	Inspect and replace drive belt. Check transmission fluid level. Disengage parking brake fully.
Blades won't engage	PTO switch faulty, PTO clutch faulty, blown fuse, seat switch faulty	Check fuses. Test PTO clutch. Ensure operator is in seat.

Warranty & Support

Your Husqvarna riding mower is covered by a limited warranty. Refer to your warranty certificate for specific terms and duration.

Customer Support: For technical assistance, parts, or to locate a dealer:

Website: www.husqvarna.com/us
Customer Support: 1-800-487-5962
Parts & Manuals: Visit the website or contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer.

Note: This manual is a general guide. Always refer to the specific operator's manual provided with your model for the most accurate information. Specifications and features may vary by model year and configuration.