Husqvarna GTH26K54T Manual Repair

The Husqvarna GTH26K54T is a 26-horsepower Kohler engine riding lawn tractor with a 54-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO, and heavy-duty construction. This manual covers essential repair procedures, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and safety guidelines for DIY servicing. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, common repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Specifications 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Common Repairs 6. Engine Service 7. Deck & Blade Repair 8. Transmission Service 9. Electrical System 10. Parts & Tools 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Kohler V-Twin engine, 54-inch fabricated steel deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO clutch, 12-volt battery, Twin headlights, Adjustable seat, Cup holder, Hour meter.

Feature	Description
Engine	Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin, 26 HP, OHV
Cutting Deck	54-inch fabricated steel, 3-blade system
Transmission	Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
PTO Clutch	Electric engagement
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4.5 inches (13 positions)
Tires	Front: 15x6.00-6, Rear: 20x10.00-8
Battery	12V, 230 CCA
Weight	Approx. 600 lbs
Warranty	Limited 2-year residential

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.

Disconnect spark plug wire before any repair.
Use jack stands when lifting; never rely on hydraulic jack alone.
Allow engine to cool before servicing.
Wear safety glasses and gloves.
Work in well-ventilated area; avoid fuel spills.

WARNING! Engine parts are hot during/after operation. Keep clear of moving blades. Ensure parking brake is engaged during repairs.

Specifications

Model: Husqvarna GTH26K54T
Engine: Kohler 7000 Series, 26 HP, V-Twin, OHV
Displacement: 724 cc
Oil Capacity: 2.0 quarts (with filter)
Air Filter: Dual-element paper and foam
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (gap 0.030 inch)
Transmission: Hydrostatic, sealed system
Deck Drive: Belt, ½ inch wide
Blade Length: 18 inches each (3 blades)
Battery: 12V, 230 CCA, Group U1

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval (Hours)	Service Required
First 5	Change engine oil and filter
Every 8	Check tire pressure, blade condition
Every 25	Replace air filter, check belts
Every 50	Change oil and filter, grease fittings
Every 100	Replace spark plug, check battery
Every 200	Change transmission fluid, inspect deck spindles
Seasonal	Sharpen blades, clean deck, battery maintenance

Note: More frequent service in dusty or severe conditions.

Common Repairs

Step-by-step instructions for frequent repairs.

Blade Replacement: Disconnect spark plug. Tilt deck to access blades. Use ⅝-inch socket to remove bolt (left-hand thread on left blade). Install new blade with cutting edge toward ground.
Drive Belt Replacement: Remove deck. Release tension idler. Slide old belt off pulleys. Route new belt per diagram in manual. Reinstall deck.
Spark Plug Change: Remove wire, clean area. Use 13/16-inch socket to remove old plug. Gap new plug to 0.030 inch. Install hand-tight, then ¼ turn.
Air Filter Service: Unclip cover. Remove paper filter; replace if dirty. Wash foam pre-filter in soapy water, dry, re-oil lightly.

Engine Service

Kohler 7000 Series maintenance procedures.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via plug under engine. Replace filter (Kohler 12 050 01-S). Refill with SAE 10W-30 (2 quarts). Check dipstick.
Valve Adjustment: Remove valve cover. Set piston at TDC compression. Adjust intake to 0.004-0.006 inch, exhaust to 0.006-0.008 inch.
Carburetor Cleaning: Disconnect fuel line. Remove carburetor. Clean jets with compressed air. Reinstall with new gasket.
Fuel Filter: Replace inline filter annually; ensure arrow points toward carburetor.

CAUTION! Dispose of oil properly. Avoid over-tightening filter.

Deck & Blade Repair

Maintaining cutting deck for optimal performance.

Deck Removal: Lower deck to lowest setting. Disconnect PTO belt. Remove front and rear pins. Slide deck out from side.
Spindle Bearing Replacement: Remove blade and pulley. Unbolt spindle housing. Press out old bearing; press in new sealed bearing.
Deck Leveling: Place on flat surface. Measure blade tips; adjust lift links to within ¼ inch difference.
Belt Tension Adjustment: Check deflection (½ inch midpoint). Adjust idler spring or bracket as needed.

Tip: Clean deck after each use to prevent rust and grass buildup.

Transmission Service

Hydrostatic transmission maintenance.

Fluid Change: Use 20W-50 motor oil or Husqvarna hydro fluid. Drain via plug, refill through dipstick tube (approx. 4 quarts).
Bypass Valve: Locate bypass lever near rear axle; engage to move tractor manually.
Linkage Adjustment: If speed control is erratic, check control rod and spring tension.
Seal Replacement: For leaks, replace axle seals using seal puller and driver.

WARNING! Transmission repairs may require professional service if internal parts fail.

Electrical System

12-volt system troubleshooting and repair.

Component	Test/Repair
Battery	Load test; voltage should be >12.6V. Clean terminals, tighten connections.
Starter	Check solenoid click; bench test if no crank.
PTO Clutch	Test resistance (2.5-4.0 ohms). Replace if open or shorted.
Ignition Switch	Use multimeter to verify continuity in each position.
Safety Switches	Check seat, brake, and PTO switches for proper operation.
Fuses	Locate 20A fuse near battery; replace if blown.

Note: Always disconnect battery before electrical work.

Parts & Tools

Recommended parts and tools for repairs.

Common Parts: Oil filter (Kohler 12 050 01-S), Air filter (Husqvarna 532401855), Spark plug (Champion RC12YC), Blades (Husqvarna 532401852), Drive belt (Husqvarna 532138306)
Essential Tools: Socket set (⅜- and ½-inch drive), Torque wrench, Jack and stands, Multimeter, Blade balancer, Grease gun, Pliers and screwdrivers
Fluids: SAE 10W-30 engine oil, 20W-50 hydro fluid, Grease (NLGI #2), Fuel stabilizer

Tip: Use genuine Husqvarna parts for best fit and warranty compliance.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, bad spark plug, fuel issue	Charge battery; check spark; ensure fuel valve on, clean carburetor.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, deck unlevel, low engine RPM	Sharpen blades; level deck; check throttle setting.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty carburetor	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean carburetor jets.
Transmission slips	Low fluid, worn belt, linkage issue	Check fluid level; inspect drive belt; adjust control rod.
PTO won't engage	Blown fuse, faulty switch, bad clutch	Replace fuse; test switch; check clutch resistance.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose pulley, bent spindle	Balance blade; tighten pulley bolts; replace spindle if bent.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 minutes to reset electrical system if needed.

Service Support: Husqvarna Customer Support: 1-800-487-5952; www.husqvarna.com/us