Husqvarna YTH20K46 Owner's Manual

The Husqvarna YTH20K46 is a 20-hp Kohler Courage twin-cylinder riding lawn tractor with a 46-inch fabricated mower deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO, and cruise control. It features a comfortable high-back seat, headlights, cup holder, and a 12-volt outlet. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 20-hp Kohler Courage engine, 46-inch fabricated mower deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO clutch, Cruise control, High-back seat.

FeatureDescription
Engine20 HP Kohler Courage twin-cylinder, overhead valve
TransmissionHydrostatic, single pedal control
Cutting Width46-inch fabricated steel deck
PTO ClutchElectric engagement
Drive SystemRear-wheel drive
SeatAdjustable high-back with armrests
Fuel Capacity2.5 gallons
HeadlightsIntegrated for low-light operation
Cruise ControlMaintains constant speed
Deck LiftManual lever with multiple height positions

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly required for steering wheel, seat, and mower deck.

  1. Install steering wheel: Align and tighten with provided hardware.
  2. Attach seat: Mount to frame using bolts and washers.
  3. Install mower deck: Lower front hitch, attach deck to mounting points, connect PTO belt.
  4. Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
  5. Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 10W-30 oil and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Tractor is heavy; use assistance for lifting. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

  1. Ignition switch: Turn to start position with brake depressed.
  2. Brake pedal: Press to stop; must be engaged to start.
  3. Hydrostatic drive pedal: Forward and reverse control.
  4. PTO switch: Engages mower blades.
  5. Deck lift lever: Adjusts cutting height (1.5 to 4 inches).
  6. Throttle/choke: Controls engine speed and cold starts.

CAUTION! Operate only in seated position. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Mower Deck Operation

Proper deck setup ensures even cutting.

  1. Level deck: Park on flat surface, adjust deck hangers to level side-to-side and front-to-back.
  2. Engage PTO: Start engine, set throttle to full, pull PTO switch to engage blades.
  3. Adjust height: Use lift lever to desired cutting height before mowing.
  4. Mowing patterns: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.
  5. Disengage PTO: Push switch to off before stopping engine.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best results. Clear area of debris before mowing.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

IntervalTask
Before each useCheck oil level, tire pressure, and for loose hardware.
Every 8 hoursCheck mower deck for debris; inspect blades.
Every 50 hoursChange engine oil and oil filter.
Every 100 hoursReplace air filter and spark plug.
Every seasonSharpen/replace blades; grease fittings; check battery.
AnnuallyReplace fuel filter; inspect drive belt.

Engine Maintenance

Kohler Courage engine requires specific care.

  1. Oil change: Drain oil when warm; refill with 1.5 quarts SAE 10W-30.
  2. Air filter: Replace paper element; clean pre-cleaner if equipped.
  3. Spark plug: Gap to 0.030 inches; replace annually.
  4. Fuel system: Use fresh fuel; add stabilizer for storage; replace fuel filter yearly.
  5. Cooling fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Allow engine to cool.

Tire & Battery Care

Proper inflation and battery maintenance ensure reliability.

Tires: Maintain 14 PSI front, 10 PSI rear. Check for wear and damage. Battery: 12-volt, 280 CCA. Keep terminals clean and tight. Charge if voltage drops below 12.4 volts. Disconnect for long-term storage.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for off-season storage.

  1. Clean thoroughly: Remove grass and debris from deck and engine.
  2. Fuel treatment: Add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
  3. Oil change: Replace oil and filter at end of season.
  4. Battery: Disconnect and store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
  5. Storage location: Store in dry, covered area; elevate deck if possible.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Drain fuel if storing over 6 months.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Always shut off engine and remove key before servicing.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startDead battery, empty fuel, safety switchCheck battery charge; add fuel; ensure brake is depressed and PTO is off.
Poor cutting performanceDull blades, low engine speed, clogged deckSharpen/replace blades; run at full throttle; clean deck underside.
Excessive vibrationUnbalanced blade, loose hardwareInspect blade for damage and balance; tighten all bolts.
Loss of powerClogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plugReplace air filter; use fresh fuel; clean or replace spark plug.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggishLow fluid, drive belt wornCheck fluid level; inspect and replace drive belt if necessary.

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

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