Husqvarna Z242F Owner's Manual

The Husqvarna Z242F is a 42-inch zero-turn riding mower featuring a 22 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin engine, 42-inch fabricated mower deck, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission for smooth operation, ergonomic high-back seat with armrests, 5-gallon fuel capacity, 10-inch rear wheels, 6-inch front caster wheels, electric PTO engagement, and a 2-year limited warranty. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22 HP Kawasaki engine, 42-inch fabricated deck, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, ergonomic seat, electric PTO, dual lap bar controls.

Feature	Description
Engine	22 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Width	42-inch fabricated steel deck
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT, zero-turn capability
Fuel Capacity	5 gallons
Seat	Ergonomic high-back with armrests
PTO Engagement	Electric switch
Controls	Dual lap bars for steering/speed
Wheels	10-inch rear, 6-inch front casters
Deck Lift	Manual lever, 1.5-4.5 inch cutting height
Warranty	2-year limited

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers; keep bystanders away.
Do not mow on slopes exceeding 15 degrees.
Disengage PTO before starting engine.
Stop engine before unclogging deck or performing maintenance.

WARNING! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck. Always engage parking brake when stopped.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering lap bars: Attach to control panel with provided bolts.
Attach seat: Mount to frame using included hardware.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 10W-30, fill to dipstick mark.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: 10 PSI rear, 14 PSI front.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification. Do not over-tighten.

Specifications

Model: Husqvarna Z242F
Engine: 22 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT (zero-turn)
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4.5 inches
Wheel Size: 10-inch rear, 6-inch front
Weight: 500 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Control Panel: Ignition key, PTO switch, choke, throttle, hour meter.

Lap Bars: Push forward to move forward, pull back to reverse. Move independently for zero-turn.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Disengage PTO. 4. Set throttle to choke (cold) or half (warm). 5. Turn key to START.

Stopping: Disengage PTO, engage parking brake, turn key to OFF.

Mower Deck Operation

Adjust cutting height before engaging blades.

Set cutting height: Use deck lift lever to desired position (1.5-4.5 inches).
Engage PTO: Ensure throttle is at full, press PTO switch.
Mowing patterns: Overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Disengage PTO: When finished or crossing non-grass areas.
Clean deck: After each use, remove grass buildup.

Tip: Mow at full throttle for best cutting performance and engine life.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, deck for debris
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, spark plugs
Every season	Sharpen/replace blades, grease fittings
Every 2 years	Replace hydraulic fluid (transmission)

Note: Use only Husqvarna recommended parts and fluids.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove battery and store in cool, dry place.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline degrades over time.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, safety switch	Charge battery; add fuel; ensure seat is occupied, PTO disengaged, parking brake on.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; mow at full throttle.
Uneven cut	Deck not level, tire pressure uneven	Level deck; adjust tire pressure to spec.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low fluid, air in system	Check fluid level; purge air per manual.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset electrical system if needed.

Warranty Information

Husqvarna Z242F includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, improper maintenance, commercial use. For warranty service, contact authorized Husqvarna dealer with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or call 1-800-487-5962.