Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Mower Manual

The Husqvarna Z254 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-twin engine, hydrostatic transmission with lap bar controls, electric PTO engagement, 12-gauge fabricated steel deck with air induction technology, 2.5-gallon fuel tank, comfortable high-back seat, and easy-access service points. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Mowing Procedures 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 54-inch fabricated steel cutting deck, 26 HP Kohler engine, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, lap bar steering controls, electric PTO switch, high-back seat, and easy-access service points.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	54 inches
Engine	26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-twin
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT hydrostatic
Steering	Lap bar zero-turn control
Deck Material	12-gauge fabricated steel
PTO Engagement	Electric switch
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat Type	High-back with armrests
Cutting Height Adjustment	Lever-operated (1.5-4.5 inches)
Deck Wash Port	Yes - for easy cleaning

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles before starting.
Never allow children or pets in mowing area.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Always engage parking brake when dismounting.
Disengage PTO before starting engine.

WARNING! Rotating blades can cause serious injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck area. Always shut off engine and remove key before performing maintenance.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering control levers: Attach to hydrostatic pump arms.
Attach seat: Bolt to frame using provided hardware.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 10W-30 (approx. 2 quarts).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Maintain 14 PSI in all tires.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are properly tightened. Test all controls before first use.

Specifications

Model: Z254
Cutting Width: 54 inches
Engine: 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-twin OHV
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT hydrostatic
Speed Range: 0-6.5 mph forward, 0-3 mph reverse
Cutting Height Range: 1.5-4.5 inches (in 0.25-inch increments)
Deck Type: 12-gauge fabricated steel with air induction
Tire Size Front: 13 x 6.5-6
Tire Size Rear: 20 x 10-10
Weight: 580 lbs
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Operation

Control Panel: Ignition switch, PTO switch, choke, throttle, hour meter. Steering: Lap bars control speed and direction (push forward to go forward, pull back to reverse).

Starting Procedure:

Park on level surface, engage parking brake.
Disengage PTO switch.
Set throttle to fast position.
Turn ignition key to start position.
Release key when engine starts.

Stopping Procedure:

Disengage PTO switch.
Return lap bars to neutral position.
Engage parking brake.
Turn ignition key to off position.
Remove key.

Mowing Procedures

For best results and safety, follow these mowing guidelines.

Always mow in daylight with good visibility.
Mow across slopes, not up and down.
Overlap cutting rows by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Adjust cutting height based on grass type and season.
Keep deck clean of grass buildup.
Change mowing pattern regularly to avoid ruts.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best cutting performance and to prevent clumping.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for damage, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Check deck belts for wear, clean deck
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, grease fittings
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter, check spark plugs
Every 200 hours	Change hydrostatic transmission fluid
Seasonally	Sharpen blades, check battery, lubricate controls

Blade Sharpening: Remove blades, sharpen to original angle (balance after sharpening).

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Clean entire mower, especially under deck.
Remove battery and store in cool, dry place.
Store in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline deteriorates and can damage fuel system.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, safety switches engaged	Charge/replace battery, add fuel, ensure parking brake engaged and PTO disengaged
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, low engine speed, deck clogged	Sharpen/replace blades, run at full throttle, clean deck
Uneven cutting	Uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Adjust tire pressure to 14 PSI, level deck according to manual
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Clean/replace air filter, drain old fuel, clean/replace spark plug
Hydrostatic transmission issues	Low fluid, air in system	Check fluid level, bleed air from system
Vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose components	Balance or replace blade, tighten all bolts and fittings

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

Warranty Information

The Husqvarna Z254 comes with a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, improper maintenance, accident damage, commercial use. Keep original receipt for warranty claims. For warranty service, contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer.