Husqvarna Z254 Shop Manual

The Husqvarna Z254 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin engine, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck, 3.5-gallon fuel tank, 12.5-inch rear tires, and a 7-position cutting height adjustment (1.5-4.5 inches). This manual provides essential information for maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and safe operation of the mower.

1. Specifications & Features 2. Safety Precautions 3. Maintenance Schedule 4. Engine Service 5. Deck & Blade Service 6. Hydraulic System 7. Electrical System 8. Controls & Operation 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Parts Diagrams & Numbers

Specifications & Features

Key components: 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin engine, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, 54-inch fabricated steel deck, dual lap bar controls, 12.5-inch rear tires, 3.5-gallon fuel tank.

Feature	Description
Engine	Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin, 26 HP, 747cc, OHV
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT (Zero-Turn), dual pump
Cutting Deck	54-inch, fabricated 11-gauge steel, 3-blade
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4.5 inches (7 positions)
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons
Drive System	Two-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering
Tires (Front)	15 x 6.00-6
Tires (Rear)	20 x 10.00-8 (12.5-inch overall diameter)
Weight	Approx. 580 lbs
Speed Range	0-6.5 mph forward, 0-3 mph reverse

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.

Read manual: Understand all instructions before operation.
Clear area: Remove stones, toys, and debris from mowing area.
Protective gear: Wear safety glasses, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Slope operation: Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Engine off: Disconnect spark plug before performing any maintenance.

WARNING! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never allow children to operate the mower.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Before each use: Check tire pressure, engine oil level, and fuel level.
Every 8 hours: Clean deck underside, check for loose bolts/nuts.
Every 50 hours: Change engine oil and oil filter (first change at 8 hours).
Every 100 hours: Replace air filter, spark plugs, and check belt tension.
Every 200 hours: Change hydraulic fluid and filter, grease fittings.
Seasonal: Sharpen/replace blades, check battery, inspect tires.

CAUTION! Use only recommended fluids and parts. Refer to parts manual for correct part numbers.

Engine Service

Oil Change: Use SAE 10W-30 (above 32°F) or 5W-30 (below 32°F). Capacity: 2.0 quarts with filter.
Air Filter: Replace paper element (Part # 52-050-01-S) or clean foam pre-cleaner.
Spark Plugs: Gap 0.030 inches. Replace with Champion RC12YC or equivalent.
Fuel Filter: Replace annually or if clogged. Located in fuel line between tank and carburetor.
Carburetor Adjustment: Refer to Kohler service manual for idle and high-speed screw settings.
Valve Clearance: Intake 0.004-0.006 in., exhaust 0.006-0.008 in. (check every 300 hours).

Deck & Blade Service

Access OSD via TV MENU or SETUP (DVD). Front Panel: POWER, OPEN/CLOSE, AUTO/DPMS, MUTE.

Blade Removal: Disconnect spark plug. Use block to secure blade, remove 5/8-inch bolt (left-hand thread on some models).

Deck Leveling: Adjust front and rear hangers to ensure even cut. Belt Replacement: Release tension idler, remove old belt, route new belt per diagram. Spindle Service: Grease zerks every 25 hours; replace if bearing noise or play exists.

Hydraulic System

Hydro-Gear EZT transmission: No regular fluid changes under normal conditions. Check for leaks.

Fluid check: Park on level, check sight glass (fluid between lines).
Fluid type: Use Hydro-Gear 20W-50 synthetic or equivalent.
Bleeding: Drive forward/backward in figure-eight pattern to purge air after service.

Tip: Keep hydraulic cooling fins clean. Overheating can cause system failure.

Electrical System

12-volt system with 230 CCA battery.

Battery: Maintain terminals clean and tight. Charge if voltage below 12.4V.
Fuses: 20-amp main fuse near battery; 10-amp fuse for PTO circuit.
Safety Switches: Seat, brake, PTO, and lap bar sensors must engage for operation.
Starting Issues: Check battery, fuse, safety switches, and solenoid.
Charging: Alternator output ~14V at 3000 RPM.

WARNING! Disconnect negative battery cable before electrical service to prevent shorts.

Controls & Operation

Lap bar controls: Push forward to go forward, pull back to reverse. Neutral position in middle.

PTO Engagement: Pull knob to engage blades; ensure throttle at full.

Parking Brake: Set before dismounting. Height Adjustment: Lever on each wheel. Speed Control: Lap bar travel determines speed; practice in open area.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Fuel: Add fuel stabilizer and run for 5 minutes, or drain tank and carburetor.
Battery: Remove, clean, and store on trickle charger in cool, dry place.
Deck: Clean thoroughly, apply light oil to spindle shafts.
Tires: Inflate to 15 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Cover: Use breathable cover to protect from dust and moisture.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank without stabilizer; gumming can clog carburetor.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, safety switches, fuel	Check battery charge; ensure seat engaged; verify fuel flow.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old spark plugs	Replace air filter and spark plugs; check fuel filter.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades	Level deck; sharpen or replace blades.
Vibration	Bent blade, loose pulley	Inspect blades for damage; tighten spindle bolts and pulleys.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low fluid, air in system	Check fluid level; purge air by driving figure-eight.
Belt slipping/broken	Worn belt, misaligned pulley	Replace belt; ensure pulleys aligned and tensioner working.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 minutes to reset controller if electronic issues occur.

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