Husqvarna Z242F Owner's Manual

The Husqvarna Z242F is a 42-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 22 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin engine, a fabricated 10-gauge steel cutting deck with Air Induction technology, a robust hydrostatic transmission with dual lap bars for precise control, a comfortable high-back seat with armrests, and a 3.5-gallon fuel tank. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22 HP Kawasaki engine, 42-inch fabricated steel deck, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, lap bar steering, high-back seat, and easy-access service points.

Feature	Description
Engine	22 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Deck	42-inch, 10-gauge fabricated steel with Air Induction
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT hydrostatic, dual lap bar control
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable with armrests
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4.5 inches (12 positions)
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch
Drive System	Zero-turn, rear-wheel drive
Battery	12V, 230 CCA
Tires	Front: 13 x 5.00-6, Rear: 20 x 8.00-8

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear appropriate safety gear: eye protection, sturdy shoes, long pants.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and other objects before starting.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate the mower.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow up and down slopes, not across.
Stop engine and remove key before performing any maintenance or clearing blockages.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering levers: Attach to control panel with provided hardware.
Attach seat: Position seat on frame and secure with bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables; ensure secure connection.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 10W-30 oil (48 oz capacity) and unleaded gasoline.

CAUTION! Use two people when handling heavy components like the cutting deck.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Control Panel: Ignition switch, PTO engagement switch, throttle control, choke, hour meter.

Steering: Move both lap bars forward to go forward, backward to reverse. To turn, move one lever forward and the other back.

Pre-start check: Ensure parking brake is engaged, PTO is off, and lap bars are in neutral.
Start engine: Sit on seat, set throttle to halfway, turn key to START.
Engage blades: With engine running, pull up PTO switch.
Mowing: Disengage parking brake, slowly move lap bars to desired speed.
Shutdown: Disengage PTO, engage parking brake, turn key to OFF, remove key.

Specifications

Model: Husqvarna Z242F
Engine: Kawasaki FR691V, 22 HP, V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT hydrostatic
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 10W-30)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4.5 inches (12 positions)
Weight: 525 lbs
Warranty: 3-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for loose hardware, clear deck of debris
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, grease fittings
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, spark plug, check drive belt tension
Every season	Sharpen/replace blades, check battery charge, clean mower thoroughly

Tip: Always refer to the engine manual for specific engine maintenance procedures.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck leveling ensures an even cut.

Park on level surface, engage parking brake, stop engine.
Set cutting height lever to desired position (e.g., 3 inches).
Measure distance from blade tip to ground at all four corners of deck.
Adjust deck hangers: Turn adjustment nuts to raise or lower each corner until measurements are equal.
Check blade sharpness: Dull blades tear grass; sharpen or replace as needed.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before working under the deck.

Battery & Charging

The 12V battery requires periodic charging, especially during storage.

Check battery: Ensure terminals are clean and tight.
Charging: Use a 12V automatic battery charger. Connect red to positive (+), black to negative (-).
Storage: If storing over 30 days, remove battery and store in a cool, dry place; charge every 60 days.

CAUTION! Avoid sparks near battery; hydrogen gas is explosive.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Add fuel stabilizer: Run engine for 5 minutes to circulate treated fuel through system.
Change oil: Replace engine oil while engine is warm.
Clean mower: Thoroughly wash deck and undercarriage; allow to dry completely.
Remove battery: Store fully charged in a cool, dry location.
Store in a dry, covered area, preferably off the ground.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, safety switch engaged	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; ensure seat is occupied and PTO is off.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades, low tire pressure	Level deck; sharpen/replace blades; inflate tires to correct PSI.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean or replace spark plug.
Mower vibrates excessively	Damaged or unbalanced blade, loose hardware	Inspect and replace blade if damaged; tighten all bolts.
Hydrostatic transmission slow/no movement	Low hydraulic fluid, drive belt loose/broken	Check fluid level; inspect and adjust/replace drive belt.

Reset: For electronic issues, disconnect battery for 5 minutes then reconnect.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna Z242F is covered by a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase is required. Warranty does not cover normal wear items (blades, belts, tires) or damage from misuse, neglect, or improper maintenance. For technical support, parts, or service, contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer or visit www.husqvarna.com/us. Customer Support: 1-800-487-5962.