Husqvarna RZ 5426 Operation Manual

The Husqvarna RZ 5426 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower powered by a 26 HP Kohler engine, featuring a heavy-duty fabricated steel deck, hydrostatic transmission with dual-lever control, high-back seat, electric PTO engagement, and a 4-gallon fuel tank. Designed for residential and commercial use on large properties. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Kohler engine, 54-inch fabricated steel cutting deck, dual hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO clutch, high-back seat with armrests, headlights, cup holder, and hour meter.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

1. Wear appropriate clothing: long pants, sturdy shoes, eye and hearing protection.
2. Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and other objects.
3. Never carry passengers; keep bystanders away.
4. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow up and down slopes, not across.
5. Disengage blades before starting engine or crossing non-grass areas.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and moving parts. Engine and muffler become extremely hot; allow to cool before servicing.

Controls and Instrument Panel

Located on the dash: ignition key switch, PTO engagement switch, choke, hour meter, headlight switch, cup holder.

Control Levers: Left and right hydrostatic drive levers control speed and direction. Move both forward to go forward, both backward to reverse. For zero-turn, move one lever forward and the other back.

Parking Brake: Engage before starting engine. Release to drive.

Seat Adjustment: Lever under seat front adjusts forward/backward position.

Operation Instructions

Starting and operating procedures:

1. Pre-operation check: Fuel level, oil level, tire pressure, blade condition.
2. Mount mower: Sit firmly in seat, engage parking brake.
3. Start engine: Set choke if cold, turn key to START.
4. Disengage parking brake, set throttle to full.
5. Engage blades: Move PTO switch to ON.
6. Drive: Slowly move control levers forward to begin mowing.
7. Stopping: Disengage PTO, move levers to neutral, engage parking brake, turn key off.

Tip: Practice maneuvering in an open area without blades engaged to become familiar with controls.

Maintenance Schedule

• Before each use: Check engine oil, tire pressure, blades for damage.
• Every 8 hours: Check battery terminals, clean deck underside.
• Every 50 hours: Change engine oil and filter, check air filter, grease fittings.
• Every 100 hours: Replace air filter, spark plugs, check belt tension.
• Every 300 hours: Change hydrostatic transmission fluid and filter.
• Seasonally: Sharpen blades, check tire wear, inspect deck spindles.

Blade Care and Replacement

Blades should be sharp and balanced for optimal cutting.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
2. Raise deck to highest position and block securely.
3. Remove blade bolt with socket wrench (usually 15/16" or 1-1/8").
4. Sharpen blade maintaining original angle; balance using blade balancer.
5. Reinstall blade with cutting edge toward ground; torque bolt to 70-90 ft-lbs.

CAUTION! Wear heavy gloves when handling blades. Replace blades if cracked, bent, or excessively worn.

Tire and Wheel Maintenance

Maintain proper tire pressure: Front 14 PSI, Rear 10 PSI.

1. Check pressure monthly with accurate gauge.
2. Inspect tires for cuts, punctures, or excessive wear.
3. Lubricate wheel bearings annually with high-temperature grease.
4. Replace tires if tread is worn or sidewalls are cracked.

Note: Uneven tire pressure can cause uneven cutting.

Engine Care

Kohler 7000 Series engine maintenance:

• Oil: Use SAE 10W-30; capacity 2 quarts with filter.
• Air Filter: Replace paper element every 100 hours; clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours.
• Spark Plugs: Gap 0.030 inches; replace annually.
• Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum); add fuel stabilizer for storage.
• Cooling: Keep cooling fins and air intake clear of debris.

Storage and Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (over 30 days):

1. Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
2. Change engine oil and filter.
3. Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
4. Disconnect battery negative cable; store battery in cool, dry place.
5. Store in dry, covered location; elevate deck if on concrete.

WARNING! Gasoline left in carburetor can gum up; run engine dry or use stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Service: For technical support, contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com.

Specifications

• Model: RZ 5426
• Engine: Kohler 7000 Series, 26 HP, V-Twin, OHV
• Cutting Width: 54 inches
• Deck Type: Fabricated 10-gauge steel, 3-blade
• Transmission: Hydrostatic, dual-lever control
• Speed: 0-8 mph forward, 0-4 mph reverse
• Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
• Turning Radius: Zero-turn
• Weight: 720 lbs
• Warranty: 3-year limited residential, 90-day commercial