Husqvarna Riding Mower TS 242XD Owners Manual

The Husqvarna TS 242XD is a powerful riding mower featuring a 24 HP Kawasaki engine, 42-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO engagement, and a comfortable high-back seat. Designed for residential and light commercial use, it offers excellent maneuverability and cutting performance. 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. Maintenance Schedule 6. Cutting Deck Adjustment 7. Engine Care 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 24 HP Kawasaki engine, 42-inch fabricated steel deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO, High-back seat, Headlights, Cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	24 HP Kawasaki FR Series, twin-cylinder, air-cooled
Cutting Deck	42-inch fabricated steel, 3-blade system
Transmission	Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
PTO Engagement	Electric clutch, dash-mounted switch
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4.5 inches (13 positions)
Seat	High-back, adjustable suspension
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons
Turning Radius	18 inches (zero-turn capability)
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Drive System	Two-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 10W-30, fill to dipstick mark.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any assembly or maintenance.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO off, turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, use forward/reverse pedals for speed control.
Mowing: Engage PTO switch, adjust throttle to full, select cutting height.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, return speed control to neutral, set parking brake, turn key off.

CAUTION! Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Always mow across slopes, not up and down.

Specifications

Engine: 24 HP Kawasaki FR Series twin-cylinder.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Oil Capacity: 2.0 quarts (SAE 10W-30).
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Weight: 580 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year limited residential warranty.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

After first 5 hours: Change engine oil, check all bolts and fittings.

Every 50 hours: Change engine oil, replace oil filter, check air filter, lubricate fittings.

Every 100 hours: Replace air filter, spark plugs, check belt tension.

Every season: Sharpen blades, check tire pressure, clean deck, battery maintenance.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck adjustment ensures even cutting.

Park on level surface, set cutting height to desired position.
Measure blade tip height from ground at all four corners of deck.
Adjust deck hangers to level (front should be 1/4-inch lower than rear).
Check belt tension and alignment.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug before adjusting or servicing deck.

Engine Care

Kawasaki engine requires regular maintenance.

Oil change: Drain when warm, refill with SAE 10W-30.
Air filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours, replace paper element as needed.
Spark plugs: Replace annually with NGK BPR5ES gap at 0.030 inches.
Fuel filter: Replace annually or if clogged.

WARNING! Never check fuel system or change fuel filter while engine is hot or running.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes.
Change oil and filter.
Remove spark plugs, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinders, crank engine, reinstall plugs.
Clean entire mower, especially under deck.
Store in dry, covered location, disconnect battery.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline degrades over time.

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Read manual completely before operation.
Never allow children to operate.
Clear mowing area of debris before starting.
Always wear eye protection and sturdy footwear.
Never remove safety devices or guards.
Stop engine before unclogging deck or making adjustments.

Warranty & Support

3-year limited warranty for residential use. Commercial use may have different terms. Register product within 30 days of purchase. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or contact 1-800-487-5952. Keep receipt and serial number for warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Parking brake not set, PTO engaged, dead battery	Set parking brake, disengage PTO, charge/replace battery.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, deck not level, low engine speed	Sharpen blades, level deck, operate at full throttle.
Excessive vibration	Damaged blade, loose blade bolt, debris in deck	Inspect and replace blade if damaged, tighten bolt, clean deck.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Replace air filter, use fresh fuel, clean/replace spark plug.
Hydrostatic transmission issues	Low fluid, air in system, linkage adjustment	Check fluid level, bleed system, adjust linkage.

Service: 1-800-487-5952; www.husqvarna.com