Husqvarna Z 254 Operators Manual

The Husqvarna Z 254 is a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin engine, hydrostatic transmission with dual lap bars for steering and speed control, a 7.6-gallon fuel tank, a heavy-duty fabricated 10-gauge steel cutting deck, and a comfortable high-back seat with armrests. It is designed for efficient mowing of large, flat to moderately sloped residential properties. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Kohler V-Twin engine, 54-inch fabricated cutting deck, Dual Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles, Lap bar steering controls, 7.6-gallon fuel tank, High-back seat with armrests.

Safety Information

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

1. Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and other objects.
2. Do not carry passengers. The mower is designed for one operator only.
3. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
4. Engage parking brake before starting engine and when dismounting.
5. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts and the discharge chute.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury or death. Always shut off engine and remove key before performing any maintenance or clearing a blockage.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

1. Install steering lap bars: Attach to control panel using provided hardware.
2. Install seat: Position on seat plate and secure with bolts.
3. Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
4. Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
5. Add engine oil: Use SAE 10W-30, fill to mark on dipstick.
6. Add fuel: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification. Loose parts can lead to loss of control.

Controls and Indicators

Operator's station includes ignition, lap bars, PTO switch, and more.

Dashboard: Ignition Key Switch, PTO Engagement Switch, Throttle/Choke Control, Hour Meter, Fuel Gauge.

Lap Bars: Control speed and direction. Push forward to go forward, pull back to reverse. Neutral position is centered.

Parking Brake Lever: Located by the left rear wheel. Engage before starting.

Cutting Height Lever: Adjusts deck height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.

Operation Instructions

Starting, mowing, and shutting down procedures.

1. Pre-Start Check: Check oil, fuel, tire pressure. Clear area. Ensure PTO is OFF and parking brake is ENGAGED.
2. Starting Engine: Sit in seat. Set throttle to halfway. Turn key to START. Release when engine starts.
3. Engaging Blades: Move throttle to full. Pull up on PTO switch.
4. Driving: Disengage parking brake. Gently push lap bars forward to move. To turn, move one bar more than the other.
5. Stopping: Release lap bars to neutral. Push PTO switch down to disengage blades. Engage parking brake. Turn key to OFF.

Tip: Practice maneuvering in an open area without engaging blades to get used to lap bar controls.

Maintenance Schedule

• Before Each Use: Check engine oil level, tire pressure, and for loose parts.
• Every 8 Hours: Check tire pressure. Clean grass clippings from deck and engine area.
• Every 50 Hours: Change engine oil and oil filter. Check air filter, clean or replace. Grease fittings (deck spindles, pivot points).
• Every 100 Hours: Replace air filter. Check spark plugs. Inspect mower blades for wear and sharpen or replace.
• Every 250 Hours: Change hydrostatic transmission fluid and filter (if serviceable).
• Seasonal: Replace fuel filter. Check battery charge and terminals.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

For an even cut, the deck must be level side-to-side and front-to-back.

1. Park on a level surface. Set cutting height to 3 inches.
2. Side-to-Side: Measure from blade tip to ground on left and right sides. Adjust lift link turnbuckles until measurements are equal.
3. Front-to-Back: The front of the deck should be 1/8" to 1/4" lower than the rear. Adjust front hanger brackets.
4. Re-check measurements at a different height setting.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before working under the deck.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

1. Run engine to warm oil, then drain and refill with fresh oil.
2. Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
3. Disconnect battery negative cable. Clean and charge battery, store in a cool, dry place.
4. Clean entire mower thoroughly, especially under the deck.
5. Store in a clean, dry place, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Never store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or in an enclosed space without proper ventilation.

Specifications

• Model: Husqvarna Z 254
• Engine: Kohler 7000 Series, 26 HP, V-Twin, OHV
• Cutting Deck: 54-inch, fabricated 10-gauge steel
• Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT, dual lap bar control
• Speed: Up to 6.5 mph forward, 3 mph reverse
• Fuel Capacity: 7.6 gallons
• Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4.5 inches
• Tire Size: Front 13x6.5-6, Rear 20x10-10
• Weight: Approximately 580 lbs
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Husqvarna service dealer.

Support: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com/us