Husqvarna Zero Turn Z254 Owners Manual

The Husqvarna Z254 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series engine, hydrostatic transmission with dual levers for independent control of each drive wheel, a fabricated 11-gauge steel deck, ergonomic high-back seat, cruise control, and a 3.5-gallon fuel tank. This manual covers safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin Engine, 54-inch Fabricated Steel Deck, Dual Hydro-Gear EZT Transmissions, Ergonomic Control Panel, Cruise Control, and 3.5-Gallon Fuel Tank.

Feature	Description
Engine	26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Width	54 inches
Deck Type	Fabricated 11-gauge steel, 3-blade
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT (Dual Hydrostatic)
Speed	Up to 7 mph forward, 3.5 mph reverse
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Controls	Dual lap bars for steering/speed, cruise control
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) switch
Safety	Operator Presence System, parking brake

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install Steering Control Levers: Attach to mounting brackets per instructions.
Attach Seat: Bolt seat to frame using provided hardware.
Connect Battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables; ensure secure.
Check Tire Pressure: Inflate all tires to 14 PSI.
Add Engine Oil & Fuel: Use SAE 10W-30 oil; fill with unleaded gasoline (87 octane min).

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting engine.

Pre-Start Checklist: Check oil, fuel, tire pressure; clear mowing area.
Starting Engine: Sit on seat, set parking brake, move lap bars to neutral, turn key.
Driving: Slowly push lap bars forward to move forward; pull back for reverse.
Mowing: Engage PTO switch at low engine RPM; adjust speed with lap bars.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, return lap bars to neutral, set parking brake, turn key off.

CAUTION! Do not operate on slopes over 15 degrees. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Z254
Engine: Kohler 7000 Series, 26 HP, V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Deck: 54-inch fabricated steel
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT dual hydrostatic
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons
Speed: 0-7 mph forward, 0-3.5 mph reverse
Turning Radius: Zero-turn capability
Weight: Approx. 565 lbs
Warranty: 3-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, fuel; inspect for damage
First 5 hours	Change engine oil (break-in)
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil and filter; check air filter
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter; check spark plugs
Every season	Sharpen/replace blades; grease fittings; check belts
Storage	Winterize engine; stabilize fuel

Engine Care

Follow Kohler engine manual for detailed specifications.

Oil Change: Use SAE 10W-30 (above 32°F) or 5W-30 (below 32°F). Capacity: 2 quarts.
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; replace paper element every 100 hours.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; add fuel stabilizer for storage.

Tip: Always run engine a few minutes after oil change to check for leaks.

Deck Adjustment & Care

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut.

Height Adjustment: Use lever to set cutting height (1.5 to 4.5 inches).
Leveling Deck: Park on flat surface; measure blade tips; adjust lift links as needed.
Blade Sharpening: Remove deck; secure blade; sharpen at 30-degree angle.
Belt Inspection: Check for cracks/wear; replace if damaged.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug before servicing deck or blades.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with PTO engaged. Parking Brake: Must be set to start engine. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 5 seconds of PTO disengagement.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Clean: Thoroughly clean deck and undercarriage.
Fuel: Add fuel stabilizer; run engine 5 minutes; either drain tank or fill completely.
Battery: Disconnect negative cable; store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Engine: Change oil; remove spark plug; add 1 oz oil to cylinder; pull starter cord slowly.

CAUTION! Store in dry location; avoid direct sunlight on tires.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna Z254 includes a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or call 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Parking brake not set; dead battery; empty fuel	Set parking brake; check battery charge; add fuel.
Uneven cut	Deck not level; dull blades	Level deck; sharpen/replace blades.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter; old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh fuel.
Vibration	Loose/damaged blade; debris	Stop engine, inspect blades for damage/balance; clean deck.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low hydraulic fluid; air in system	Check fluid level; purge air per manual.

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

Service: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com