Husqvarna Mower Z254 Repair Manual

The Husqvarna Z254 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series engine, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, fabricated 11-gauge steel deck, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual provides essential information for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of the mower's key systems: engine, cutting deck, drive system, electrical, and controls. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and parts information.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Specifications 4. Tools & Equipment Required 5. Engine Repair & Maintenance 6. Cutting Deck Service 7. Drive System & Transmission 8. Electrical System Troubleshooting 9. Controls & Adjustment 10. Belt Replacement Procedures 11. Parts Reference & Ordering

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin Engine, 54-inch Fabricated 11-Gauge Steel Deck, Hydro-Gear EZT Transmission, Zero-Turn Steering Levers, Electric PTO Clutch, High-Back Seat, 3-Gallon Fuel Tank.

Feature	Description
Engine	Kohler 7000 Series, 26 HP, V-Twin, OHV, air-cooled
Cutting Width	54 inches
Deck Construction	Fabricated 11-gauge steel, 4-inch depth
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT (2x), zero-turn capable
Drive System	Dual hydrostatic pumps with wheel motors
Steering	Twin lever control for speed and direction
PTO Engagement	Electric clutch, dash switch operated
Cutting Height Adjustment	Lever-operated, 1.5 to 4.5 inches range
Fuel Capacity	3 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable suspension

Safety Precautions

Before performing any repair or maintenance, ensure the mower is on a level surface, engine is off, key removed, and parking brake engaged. Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent accidental starting.

Always use jack stands when lifting the mower; never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
Allow engine and components to cool completely before servicing.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate footwear.
Use only Husqvarna-approved replacement parts.
Disconnect battery negative terminal before electrical work.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety procedures can result in serious injury or death. The blades are extremely sharp; handle with care.

Specifications

Model: Husqvarna Z254
Engine: Kohler 7000 Series, 26 HP, V-Twin, 747 cc
Cutting Deck: 54-inch fabricated steel, 3-blade system
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT, integrated hydrostatic pump and motor
Speed: Up to 6.5 mph forward, 3 mph reverse
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Capacity: 2 quarts (with filter)
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA
Weight: Approximately 580 lbs
Warranty: 3-year limited (residential use)

Tools & Equipment Required

Basic and specialized tools needed for common repairs.

Basic: Socket set (SAE & metric), wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, torque wrench, jack and jack stands, drain pan.

Specialized: Blade removal tool, belt tension gauge, multimeter, spark tester, compression gauge, grease gun.

Engine Repair & Maintenance

Common procedures for the Kohler 7000 Series engine.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via plug, replace filter (Kohler 12 050 01-S), refill with 10W-30 (2 qts).
Spark Plugs: Replace annually (Champion RC12YC). Gap: 0.030 inches.
Air Filter: Replace paper element (Kohler 12 050 02-S) and clean pre-cleaner if equipped.
Fuel Filter: Inline filter; replace annually or if clogged.
Carburetor Adjustment: Adjust idle speed (1750 RPM) and mixture screws per Kohler manual.
Valve Clearance: Check/adjust every 300 hours (Intake: 0.004-0.006 in, Exhaust: 0.006-0.008 in).

Tip: Always use a fuel stabilizer for seasonal storage.

Cutting Deck Service

Removal, blade replacement, and leveling procedures.

Deck Removal: Lower deck, disconnect PTO drive belt, remove front and rear hanging pins/linkages.
Blade Replacement: Secure blade with block; use socket and breaker bar to remove bolt (left-hand thread on some). Torque to 450-600 in-lbs.
Deck Leveling: Place on flat surface. Adjust front hangers to set 1/4-inch pitch (front lower than rear).
Spindle Service: Check for play/noise. Grease zerks regularly. Replace spindle assembly if bearings are worn.
Baffle & Skid Shoes: Inspect for damage; adjust skid shoes for proper cutting height clearance.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before working on the cutting deck.

Drive System & Transmission

Hydro-Gear EZT service and troubleshooting.

Fluid Check: Transmission fluid is sealed for life under normal use. Check for leaks at pump and motor fittings.
Belt Replacement (Drive): Release tension on idler pulley, remove old belt, route new belt per diagram (Part #532404552).
Neutral Adjustment: If mower creeps, adjust neutral position via trunnion arms on each transmission.
Linkage Check: Ensure control levers move freely and return to neutral. Lubricate pivot points.

Note: Major internal transmission repair requires unit replacement or professional service.

Electrical System Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't crank	Dead battery, bad solenoid, safety switch	Check battery voltage (12.6V); test seat, brake, PTO switches; jump solenoid.
Engine cranks, no start	No spark, no fuel	Check spark plug wire; test ignition coil; check fuel shut-off solenoid.
PTO won't engage	Fuse, clutch, switch	Check 20A fuse; test clutch for 12V; test PTO switch continuity.
Battery drains	Parasitic draw, bad alternator	Perform draw test; check stator output (28V AC at 3600 RPM).
Headlights not working	Bulb, switch, wiring	Check bulb; test switch; inspect for damaged wiring.

Controls & Adjustment

Steering lever, pedal, and cable adjustments.

Steering Lever Tension: Adjust spring tension knobs under seat for desired resistance.
Parking Brake: Adjust cable at rear transaxle to ensure full engagement.
Throttle/Choke Cable: Ensure full range of motion at carburetor lever.
Deck Lift Lever: Adjust cable to achieve full height range.

Belt Replacement Procedures

Steps for replacing mower deck drive belt.

Engage parking brake, remove key.
Lower deck to lowest setting.
Remove belt guard(s).
Release tension on idler pulley(s) using appropriate wrench.
Remove old belt and route new belt following diagram on deck or manual.
Ensure belt is seated in all pulleys and idlers.
Reinstall guard(s).
Manually turn blades to check for binding.

Deck Drive Belt Part #: 532404552

Parts Reference & Ordering

Common part numbers and resources.

Air Filter: Husqvarna 532404552 / Kohler 12 050 02-S
Oil Filter: Husqvarna 532404552 / Kohler 12 050 01-S
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (2 required)
Blade Set (3): Husqvarna 532404552
Deck Belt: Husqvarna 532404552
Drive Belt: Husqvarna 532404552
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA, Group U1

Ordering: Use part numbers above. Contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer or visit www.husqvarna.com for parts lookup and purchase.

Technical Support: 1-800-487-5952 | Husqvarna Customer Service