Husqvarna RZ5426 Owner Manual

The Husqvarna RZ5426 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 26 HP Kohler engine, hydrostatic transmission, dual-lever steering controls, fabricated 11-gauge steel deck, electric PTO engagement, comfortable high-back seat, and a 3.5-gallon fuel tank. This manual covers safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use of your mower. Below are the key sections for your reference.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Controls & Operation 5. Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Deck Adjustment & Care 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Kohler engine, 54-inch fabricated steel cutting deck, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, dual steering levers, electric PTO switch, high-back seat, headlights, and cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin OHV engine
Cutting Width	54 inches (137 cm)
Deck Construction	11-gauge fabricated steel with reinforced design
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT hydrostatic, zero-turn
Steering	Dual lever control for speed and direction
PTO Engagement	Electric clutch, dash-mounted switch
Seat	High-back, adjustable, with armrests
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons (13.2 liters)
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4.5 inches (6 positions)
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate protective equipment.

Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys before starting.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate the mower.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow up and down slopes, not across.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially the cutting deck.
Always engage parking brake before dismounting.

WARNING! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Always shut off engine and remove key before performing any maintenance or clearing blockages.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools and approximately 30-60 minutes.

Install steering levers: Attach to control panel per diagram, secure with provided bolts.
Attach seat: Position on seat plate, secure with four bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) cable first, then black (-) cable. Ensure tight connections.
Check tire pressure: Inflate all tires to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 10W-30 oil (approx. 2 quarts) and unleaded gasoline only.

CAUTION! Use two people when handling heavy components like the seat and battery. Ensure all fasteners are tightened securely.

Specifications

Model: Husqvarna RZ5426
Engine: Kohler 7000 Series, 26 HP, V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Deck: 54-inch, fabricated 11-gauge steel
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT hydrostatic, zero-turn
Speed Range: 0-8 mph forward, 0-4 mph reverse
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4.5 inches (6 positions)
Wheel Size: Front 13x6.5-6, Rear 20x10-10
Weight: Approximately 720 lbs (327 kg)
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine. Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO switch, throttle, choke, hour meter. Steering: Dual levers control speed and direction (push forward to go forward, pull back to reverse).

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit in seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set throttle to midway. 4. Turn key to START. 5. Once running, adjust throttle to full.

Mowing Operation: 1. Drive to mowing area. 2. Engage PTO switch to spin blades. 3. Use steering levers to control speed and direction. 4. For turns, move one lever forward and the other back.

Shutdown: 1. Disengage PTO. 2. Return steering levers to neutral. 3. Engage parking brake. 4. Turn key to OFF and remove.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity. Refer to the table below.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, and for loose parts or debris.
First 5 hours	Change engine oil and check all bolts for tightness.
Every 25 hours	Check air filter, clean deck, grease fittings (3 points).
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, replace oil filter, check spark plugs.
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, check drive belt tension, inspect blades.
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, check battery, clean fuel system.

Tip: Record service dates in the log provided at the back of this manual.

Engine Care

The Kohler engine requires regular oil changes, air filter maintenance, and proper fuel management.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via drain plug into pan. Refill with 2 quarts SAE 10W-30 (or per temperature chart).
Air Filter: Remove cover, clean foam pre-filter with soapy water, replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plugs: Gap at 0.030 inches. Replace every 100 hours or if fouled.
Fuel: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline. Add fuel stabilizer for storage over 30 days.

WARNING! Engine and components are hot after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Deck Adjustment & Care

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut and prevents scalping.

Height Adjustment: Use deck lift lever to select cutting height (1.5 to 4.5 inches).
Leveling: Park on flat surface. Measure blade tip height at all four corners. Adjust deck hanger links to level (front slightly lower than rear recommended).
Blade Sharpening/Replacement: Disconnect spark plug wire. Remove deck (optional) or tip mower safely. Remove blade bolt (left-hand thread). Sharpen at 30-degree angle or replace if damaged.
Cleaning: After each use, hose off underside of deck to prevent grass buildup and corrosion.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before working near blades.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for storage if not in use for more than 30 days.

Clean entire mower, especially deck underside.
Change engine oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery negative cable; store battery in cool, dry place on a trickle charger.
Store in a dry, covered location, preferably on blocks to relieve tire pressure.

Tip: Lubricate all pivot points before storage to prevent rust.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, blown fuse, empty fuel tank, safety switch engaged	Charge/replace battery; check 20A fuse; add fuel; ensure seat is occupied and PTO is off.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, uneven deck, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; level deck; run engine at full throttle when mowing.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean/gap or replace spark plug.
Vibration or noise	Loose blade, damaged spindle, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt; inspect spindle bearings; clean deck interior.
Mower won't move	Parking brake engaged, drive belt loose/broken	Disengage parking brake; inspect and adjust/replace drive belt.

Reset: For electrical issues, disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset controller.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna RZ5426 is covered by a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty does not cover normal wear, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase.

For technical support, parts, or service:

Visit: www.husqvarna.com/us
Call Customer Support: 1-800-487-5962
Find a Dealer: Use the dealer locator on our website.

Always reference your model number (RZ5426) and serial number (located on frame near right rear tire) when contacting support.