Manual Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mower YTH 18542

The Husqvarna YTH 18542 is a 42-inch riding lawn mower featuring a 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch/bag/side discharge), adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), comfortable high-back seat, cup holder, and durable steel frame. 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. Cutting System 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18.5 HP engine, Hydrostatic transmission, 42-inch cutting deck, Electric start, High-back seat, Cup holder, Headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Transmission	Hydrostatic, foot-pedal controlled
Cutting Width	42 inches
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5-4 inches (6 positions)
Cutting System	3-in-1 (mulch, bag, side discharge)
Start Type	Electric key start
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive

Assembly & Setup

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

Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Install seat: Mount onto frame and secure bolts.
Attach cutting deck: Connect to mower chassis and secure with pins.
Connect battery: For electric start models, connect positive and negative terminals.
Add fuel and oil: Use unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) and SAE 30 oil.

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

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before operation.

Starting: Insert key, set parking brake, engage PTO (blades off), turn key to start.
Driving: Release parking brake, press forward pedal to move forward, reverse pedal to back up.
Cutting: Engage PTO lever to activate blades, adjust speed with foot pedal.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to off, remove key.

CAUTION! Always engage parking brake when stopped on inclines. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Engine: 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds.
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system.
Cutting Height: 1.5-4 inches (6 positions).
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F) or 10W-30 (below 32°F).
Dimensions: 72" L x 42" W x 46" H.
Weight: 450 lbs.

Cutting System

3-in-1 system allows mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug; grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn.

Bagging: Attach grass bagger to rear; collects clippings for disposal.

Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug; clippings discharge from side chute.

Adjust cutting height via lever near each wheel; ensure all wheels are at same height for even cut.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect blades for damage, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals, clean cutting deck
Every 25 hours	Change oil, check air filter, lubricate moving parts
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, check transmission fluid
Season end	Winterize engine, clean entire mower, store properly

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical for reliable operation.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via drain plug, refill with recommended oil.
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; replace paper element every 100 hours.
Spark Plug: Replace annually; gap at 0.030 inches.
Fuel System: Use fresh fuel; add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

Tip: Always check oil level before starting engine. Low oil can cause severe damage.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Clean: Thoroughly clean cutting deck and undercarriage.
Fuel: Add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes, or drain fuel tank completely.
Battery: Disconnect and store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Cover: Store in dry location; use mower cover if outdoors.

WARNING! Never store mower with fuel in tank without stabilizer; fuel degradation can damage engine.

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Wear protective equipment: safety glasses, sturdy shoes, hearing protection.
Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles before operation.
Never mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow up and down slopes, not across.
Keep hands and feet away from moving blades; blades continue to rotate after disengagement.
Do not allow passengers; operator only.
Disengage blades when not cutting and when crossing driveways or gravel.

DANGER! Never remove safety devices or operate mower with damaged guards.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna YTH 18542 includes limited warranty: 2 years for mower, 3 years for cutting deck, 2 years for engine (Briggs & Stratton warranty applies). For support, contact Husqvarna Customer Service at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com. Keep proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; clean/replace air filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen or replace blades; adjust throttle to full speed.
Mower vibrates excessively	Damaged blade, loose parts	Inspect and replace damaged blade; tighten all bolts.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, old fuel	Clean cutting deck; drain and replace with fresh fuel.
Hydrostatic transmission issues	Low fluid, drive belt worn	Check fluid level; inspect and replace drive belt if necessary.

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

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