Husqvarna RZ5424 Owner's Manual

The Husqvarna RZ5424 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 24 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin engine, hydrostatic transmission with dual foot pedals for speed and direction control, a heavy-duty fabricated 10-gauge steel deck, ergonomic high-back seat, integrated headlights, and a 3.5-gallon fuel tank. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls and Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Deck Adjustment & Mowing 7. Storage & Off-Season Care 8. Safety Information 9. Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 24 HP Kawasaki engine, 54-inch fabricated cutting deck, dual hydrostatic pumps, lap bar steering controls, ergonomic seat with armrests, headlights, hour meter, and easy-access service points.

Feature	Description
Engine	24 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Width	54 inches (137 cm)
Deck Construction	10-gauge fabricated steel with reinforced baffles
Transmission	Hydro-gear EZT twin hydrostatic pumps
Steering Control	Dual lap bars for zero-turn operation
Speed Control	Dual foot pedals (forward/reverse) with cruise control option
Seat	High-back, adjustable, with armrests
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons (13.2 L)
Headlights	Integrated LED headlights for low-light operation
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) switch

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering lap bars: Attach to control panel using provided hardware.
Attach seat: Mount seat assembly to frame; adjust position for operator comfort.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables; ensure secure connection.
Check tire pressure: Inflate all tires to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 10W-30 oil; fill with unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance or lifting equipment. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting engine.

Pre-start checklist: Park on level surface, engage parking brake, PTO off, lap bars in neutral.
Starting engine: Sit in seat, set choke (if cold), turn key to START.
Driving: Disengage parking brake. Use lap bars to steer—push forward to go, pull back to reverse. Use foot pedals for speed modulation.
Mowing: Engage PTO switch once engine is at full throttle. Adjust mowing speed based on conditions.
Shutdown: Disengage PTO, lower engine throttle, turn key to OFF, engage parking brake.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.

Specifications

Model: RZ5424
Engine: Kawasaki FR691V, 24 HP, V-Twin, air-cooled
Cutting Deck: 54-inch, fabricated, 3-blade system
Transmission: Hydro-gear EZT, dual hydrostatic
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity: 2.1 quarts (2.0 L) SAE 10W-30
Max Speed: 8 mph (forward), 4 mph (reverse)
Turning Radius: Zero-turn capability
Weight: 850 lbs (386 kg) approximate
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, inspect for debris
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level, clean deck underside
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, grease fittings
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plugs, check drive belt tension
Every 250 hours	Change hydraulic fluid, inspect blades for wear
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, check battery charge

Tip: Always refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance procedures.

Deck Adjustment & Mowing

The cutting height is adjustable from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.

Park on level surface, turn off engine, engage parking brake.
Locate deck lift lever on right side of operator's platform.
Move lever to desired height setting (1-7 positions).
For leveling: Measure blade height at all four corners; adjust deck hangers as needed.
Mowing patterns: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut. Alternate direction weekly.

WARNING! Always disengage PTO and wait for blades to stop before adjusting deck or performing any maintenance.

Storage & Off-Season Care

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Clean thoroughly: Remove all grass and debris from deck, engine, and chassis.
Fuel treatment: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Battery care: Disconnect negative cable; store battery in cool, dry place on a trickle charger.
Protect from elements: Store in dry, covered location. Consider using a breathable cover.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in carburetor without stabilizer. Drain fuel if storing longer than 90 days.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety labels and instructions before operation.

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): safety glasses, hearing protection, sturdy shoes.
Never carry passengers. This is a one-person machine.
Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at a safe distance.
Do not mow on steep slopes. Use caution when changing direction on inclines.
Be aware of your surroundings, including obstacles, drop-offs, and hidden objects.
Never remove safety devices or guards. Keep all shields in place.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna RZ5424 is covered by a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover wear items (blades, belts, tires), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial applications. To make a warranty claim, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer with proof of purchase. For complete terms and conditions, visit www.husqvarna.com or refer to the warranty certificate included with your purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Parking brake not engaged, PTO engaged, dead battery, empty fuel tank	Ensure parking brake is on & PTO is off. Check battery charge and fuel level.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Replace air filter, use fresh fuel, clean or replace spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades, mowing too fast	Level the deck, sharpen or balance blades, reduce mowing speed.
Excessive vibration	Damaged or unbalanced blade, loose blade bolt, debris in pulley	Inspect and replace damaged blade. Tighten blade bolt. Clean pulley area.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low hydraulic fluid, air in system, drive belt loose	Check fluid level, bleed system per manual, adjust drive belt tension.

Service: For technical support or to locate a dealer, visit www.husqvarna.com or call 1-800-HUSKY-62.