Z242F Husqvarna Owners Manual

The Husqvarna Z242F is a 42-inch zero-turn riding mower designed for residential lawn care, featuring a 22 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 7-gauge fabricated steel deck, Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles, ergonomic high-back seat, 10-inch rear wheels, 2.5-gallon fuel tank, and a cutting height range of 1.5-4.5 inches. 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: 22 HP engine, fabricated steel cutting deck, dual hydrostatic transaxles, ergonomic seat, lap bar steering controls.

Feature	Description
Engine	22 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine with overhead valves
Cutting Width	42-inch 7-gauge fabricated steel deck
Transmission	Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles for zero-turn maneuverability
Steering	Lap bar control levers for speed and direction
Seat	High-back padded seat with adjustable suspension
Fuel Capacity	2.5-gallon plastic fuel tank
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4.5 inches in 0.5-inch increments
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch
Deck Wash Port	Connect garden hose to clean underside of deck
Parking Brake	Manual lever for secure parking

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering control levers: Attach to pivot points and secure with provided pins.
Attach seat: Mount seat onto suspension base using bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) cables to battery terminals.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 or 10W-30 oil to full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tightened securely.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting engine.

Pre-start checklist: Check oil level, fuel, tire pressure, and clear area of debris.
Starting engine: Sit on seat, set parking brake, move lap bars outward, turn key to START.
Driving: Slowly push lap bars forward to move forward; pull back to reverse.
Turning: Move one lap bar farther than the other for zero-turn maneuvering.
Engaging blades: Ensure throttle is at full, then pull PTO switch upward.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, return lap bars to neutral, engage parking brake, turn key off.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do not mow on slopes over 15 degrees.

Specifications

Model: Z242F
Engine: 22 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Deck Material: 7-gauge fabricated steel
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Cutting Height Range: 1.5-4.5 inches
Turning Radius: Zero-turn
Weight: Approx. 550 lbs
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, oil level, fuel, and deck for debris
Every 8 hours	Check tire pressure and deck belt tension
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil and oil filter
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter and spark plugs
Every season	Sharpen or replace blades, grease fittings
Annually	Change transmission fluid, inspect battery

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Adjust cutting height to suit lawn conditions.

Park on level surface, disengage PTO, and turn off engine.
Locate adjustment lever on left side of deck.
Move lever to desired height setting (1.5 to 4.5 inches).
Check level: Measure distance from blade tips to ground on all sides.
Adjust deck leveling rods if uneven cutting occurs.

WARNING! Never adjust deck height while engine is running or blades are engaged.

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical for reliable operation.

Oil Change: Use SAE 30 or 10W-30; capacity approx. 2 quarts.
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; replace paper element annually.
Spark Plugs: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace every 100 hours.
Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.
Cooling Fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage, especially over winter.

Clean mower thoroughly, especially underside of deck.
Change engine oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery and store in cool, dry place.
Store in dry, covered area, preferably on blocks to relieve tire pressure.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.

Read manual thoroughly before operation.
Wear eye protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on steep slopes or wet grass.
Keep hands and feet away from moving blades.
Always disengage PTO and turn off engine before leaving operator's position.

Warranty & Support

Husqvarna Z242F comes with a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear items (blades, belts, tires) are not covered. For warranty service, contact an authorized Husqvarna dealer. Keep proof of purchase. For support, visit www.husqvarna.com or call 1-800-487-5962.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, safety switch engaged	Charge battery, add fuel, ensure seat is occupied and parking brake set.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen blades, set throttle to full, clean deck underside.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, tire pressure uneven	Level deck, adjust tire pressure to 14 PSI.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel, dirty spark plug	Clean/replace air filter, use fresh fuel, replace spark plug.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low fluid, air in system	Check fluid level, purge air per manual instructions.

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

Service: 1-800-487-5962; www.husqvarna.com