Husqvarna 42 Riding Mower Manual

The Husqvarna 42 Riding Mower is a robust and efficient lawn tractor designed for residential use. It features a 42-inch cutting deck, a powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission, ergonomic controls, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual covers essential information on safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch reinforced steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Briggs & Stratton engine, Electric PTO clutch, Adjustable high-back seat, Twin lever steering, Cup holder, Mulching capability (kit optional).

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	42-inch, 3-blade, side-discharge/mulch ready
Engine	Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Transmission	Hydrostatic, foot-pedal controlled
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Seat	High-back, adjustable suspension
Steering	Twin lever for smooth turning
PTO Clutch	Electric engagement for blades
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Warranty	Limited 2-year residential warranty

Safety Instructions

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

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles before starting.
Never carry passengers; operator only on seat.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially the cutting deck.
Disengage blades, set parking brake, and turn off engine before dismounting.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning—never operate in enclosed spaces.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided bolt.
Install seat: Mount onto suspension plate, tighten bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) as per dipstick.
Fuel: Add unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) to tank.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Test all controls before first mow.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with control locations before starting engine.

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO switch, Throttle/Choke, Hour meter, Headlight switch.

Foot Controls: Forward/reverse pedal (hydrostatic), Brake pedal.

Operation Steps:

Set parking brake; ensure PTO is disengaged.
Adjust throttle to halfway; turn key to START.
Once engine runs, move throttle to desired speed.
Release parking brake; press forward pedal to move.
Engage blades with PTO switch only when moving forward on level ground.
To stop, disengage PTO, release forward pedal, apply brake, turn key OFF.

Specifications

Model: Husqvarna 42 Riding Mower
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 500cc, OHV
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds 0-5.5 mph
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 30)
Tire Size: Front 15x6.00-6, Rear 20x10.00-8
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited residential

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures peak performance and extends mower life.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for debris, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Clean underside of deck, check blade condition
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, grease fittings, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter, inspect drive belt, check battery
Season end	Winterize (drain fuel or add stabilizer), full cleaning

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut. Perform on flat, hard surface.

Set cutting height lever to middle position (e.g., 2.5 inches).
Measure distance from blade tip to ground at all four corners of deck.
Adjust lift links (turn clockwise to raise, counterclockwise to lower) until measurements are equal.
Re-check after first adjustment; front should be 1/8-inch lower than rear for proper discharge.
Sharpen blades every 25 hours; balance after sharpening.

Tip: Disconnect spark plug wire before working under deck.

Engine Care

Follow engine manual for detailed service. Key points:

Oil Change: Use SAE 30 (above 32°F) or 10W-30 (variable temps). Drain when warm.
Air Filter: Replace paper element; clean foam pre-cleaner if equipped.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fresh fuel; add stabilizer for storage over 30 days.
Cooling Fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents corrosion and starting issues next season.

Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Change oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes, or drain fuel completely.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil to cylinder, crank slowly, reinstall plug.
Disconnect battery; store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Store in dry, covered area; cover mower to keep dust-free.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer in temperatures below 32°F.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, clogged fuel, bad spark plug	Charge/replace battery; check fuel line; inspect/replace spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades	Level deck as per section 8; sharpen or replace blades.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gasoline.
Vibration	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt; clean deck interior.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low oil, dirty filter	Check transmission fluid level; replace filter if equipped.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose connections	Test alternator output; clean and tighten battery terminals.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure seat switch is engaged and PTO is off.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna 42 Riding Mower includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Keep your receipt and record model/serial numbers (located on frame under seat).

Customer Support: For technical assistance, parts, or service, contact Husqvarna at 1-800-487-5962 or visit www.husqvarna.com/us. Have your model number (e.g., 960430123) ready.

Parts Diagrams: Available online at official Husqvarna parts website.