Husqvarna GTH26K54T Manual Troubleshooting

The Husqvarna GTH26K54T is a 26HP Kohler gasoline-powered lawn tractor with a 54-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO, and dual headlights. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting specific to common issues and their solutions.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Assembly 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Attachments 7. Operating the Tractor 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26HP Kohler engine, 54-inch mower deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO clutch, Dual headlights, Hour meter, Cup holder, High-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	26HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin, gasoline
Cutting Deck	54-inch stamped steel, 3-blade
Transmission	Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
PTO Clutch	Electric engagement for mower deck
Headlights	Dual halogen for night operation
Hour Meter	Tracks engine hours for maintenance
Fuel Tank	3.5-gallon capacity
Seat	High-back, adjustable for operator comfort
Deck Lift	Manual lever for cutting height adjustment
Brake	Parking brake lever

Installation & Assembly

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on level surface.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided hardware.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Install mower deck: Follow manual for proper alignment and belt routing.
Add fluids: Engine oil and fuel (unleaded gasoline).

WARNING! Tractor is heavy; use assistance. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification.

First-Time Setup

Complete pre-operation checks before starting.

Check oil level: Use dipstick; add if low.
Add fuel: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Adjust seat: Position for comfortable reach to controls.
Test controls: Ensure brake, throttle, and PTO engage properly.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper fluid levels. Keep area clear during initial start.

Specifications

Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin, gasoline.
Cutting Width: 54 inches.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds.
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons.
Cutting Heights: 1.5 to 4.5 inches (manual adjustment).
Tires: Front 15x6.00-6, Rear 20x10.00-10.
Weight: Approximately 600 lbs.
Dimensions: 72" L x 54" W x 42" H.
Warranty: 3-year limited.

Controls and Settings

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

Steering & Motion: Steering wheel, Forward/reverse pedals, Brake pedal, Parking brake lever.

Cutting Height: Manual lever (positions 1-7). Seat Adjustment: Lever under seat. Maintenance: Oil drain, Air filter, Spark plugs, Battery terminals.

Connecting Attachments

Mower deck: Standard attachment. Optional: Baggers, tow-behind spreaders.

Park on level surface, engage parking brake.
Lower deck to lowest setting.
Align deck with tractor mounting points.
Connect drive belt to PTO pulley.
Secure deck with pins and retainers.

Tip: Refer to attachment manual for specific instructions. Disconnect spark plug before servicing.

Operating the Tractor

Supports mowing, towing (up to 500 lbs).

Start engine: Sit on seat, set brake, throttle to mid, turn key.
Engage mower: Move PTO switch to ON once engine is running.
Adjust speed: Use forward/reverse pedals gradually.
Change cutting height: Stop mower, adjust lever.
Shut down: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key off.

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

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 seconds of disengagement.

Care & Maintenance

Perform regular maintenance for optimal performance.

Check oil before each use.
Change oil every 50 hours or annually.
Replace air filter every 100 hours.
Sharpen blades every 25 hours.
Grease fittings every 10 hours.
Store with empty fuel tank or use stabilizer.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before any maintenance. Allow engine to cool.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Engine meets emission standards. CARB Compliant: For sale in California. Copyright © Husqvarna; trademarks of Husqvarna AB. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, safety switch	Charge battery; add fuel; ensure brake set and operator in seat.
Engine runs rough	Dirty air filter, old fuel, spark plug	Replace air filter; use fresh fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen blades; run at full throttle; clean underside of deck.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low fluid, dirty filter	Check fluid level; replace filter per manual.
PTO won't engage	Blown fuse, faulty switch, loose connection	Check 20A fuse; inspect PTO switch and wiring.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose bolts, damaged spindle	Balance or replace blade; tighten deck bolts; inspect spindles.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose belt	Test alternator output; adjust drive belt tension.
Tire pressure loss	Puncture, leaky valve	Repair or replace tire; tighten valve core.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset electrical system if needed.

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