Husqvarna H242SL Owner's Manual - User Manual

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532411276 12.13.06 BY

Printed in U.S.A.

•     Assembly
•     Operation
•     Customer Responsibilities
•     Repair Parts

OWNER’S MANUAL
Model Number

H242SL

Product No. 960 73 00-04
42 Inch Mower
Grass Catcher

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02084

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

machine and in the manual before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under

the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with

the in struc tions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-

ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Al-

ways look down and behind before and while back ing.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid

discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Ma-
terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,

discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.

• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always

turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.

• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine

and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.

• Operate machine only in daylight or good artifi cial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence

of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffi c when operating near or crossing

road ways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine

into a trailer or truck.

• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
ci den tal starting when setting up,
trans port ing, ad just ing or making re-
pairs, al ways dis con nect spark plug
wire and place wire where it can not
contact spark plug.

WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are rec om mend ed by and comply
with spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low-
est possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dan ger ous. Tires can lose trac tion
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,

are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect them selves and others from serious injury.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel

weights or counterweights.

• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris

build-up which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts and
burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden

objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have

to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down

slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the

tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.

• Use extra care while operating machine with grass

catchers or other at

tach ments; they can affect the

stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot

on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over
the edge or if the edge caves in.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the ma chine and the mowing activity.

Never assume that

children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for

small children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They

may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Grass Catcher. It has been designed, en gi neered and manu fac tured to
give you the best pos sible de penda bil ity and per form ance.

Should you experience any prob lems you can not easily remedy, please contact your nearest au tho rized service center/
department. They have com pe tent, well trained tech ni cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The in struc tions will enable you to assemble and main tain your Grass Catch er properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES........................................... 9
STORAGE................................................................................ 9
REPAIR PARTS ............................................ Center of Manual

SAFETY RULES ................................................................... 2-3
ASSEMBLY........................................................................... 5-8
OPERATION ............................................................................ 8

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-

ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

Al ways look down and behind before and while back-
ing.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful

care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for

small children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

area.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have

to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the

tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,

shift into reverse and back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for

towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight

limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed equip-

ment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may

cause loss of traction and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely fl ammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other

sources of ignition.

• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there

is an open fl ame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.

• Never fi ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or

trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when fi lling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer

and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank

or container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-

ately.

• Never overfi ll fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten

securely.

GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed are.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment

is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris

build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the

machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine

run ning.

• Check grass catcher components and the discharge

guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
ommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear

gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service

as required.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

necessary.

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02084

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on the
tractor, in the operator's position.

FULL
BAG
INDICATOR

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS
CATCH ER. Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the
assembly. Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass
Catcher and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields be fore starting your trac tor and while mow ing.
We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over the spec tacles or stan dard safety glasses.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts

are there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(2) Container Tops
(2) Container Bottoms
(1) Upper Chute

(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Assembly
(1) Cover Assembly

GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS

LOWER CHUTE

LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS

CHUTE LATCH

COVER

UPPER CHUTE

PARTS
IDENTIFICATION

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

• Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" position.

• Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.

• Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.

COMPLETE BAGGER MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE OPERATING MOWER

ASSEMBLY

02643

BAGGER

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

(See Figs. 1A & 1B)

Your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts installed
on the rear drawbar, simply hang the support assembly
on the bolts.

FIG. 1B

PULL OUT ON STOP BRACKET TO
REMOVE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

TO REMOVE THE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 1B)

1. Pull outward on the stop bracket enough to allow support

assembly to be lifted up and away from drawbar.

SHOULDER
BOLTS

FIG. 1A

FIG. 2

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
as sis tance of another person for mounting cover assembly
to tractor.
1. Lift and rotate cover to align cover bracket with support

assembly.

2. Slide cover assembly down onto the support

assembly.

COVER
ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

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ING

02082

CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 3)

1. Install one container to left side fi rst. Install other

container to right side.

NOTE: Left edge of right con tain er should always over lap
right edge of left con tain er at center sup port.
2. Close cover and lock latch over center support tube.

To lock and release latch, pull back on latch handle.

CENTER
SUPPORT
TUBE

COVER LATCH
HANDLE

CONTAINER
HANDLE

FIG. 3

LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 4)

1. Raise and hold defl ector shield in upright position.
2. Place slot in lower chute over mounting tab on mower

and position lower chute over mower opening as
shown.

3.    Hook rear latch into fl ange hole on back of mower.
4.    Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower.
•     If your tractor is equipped with gauge wheels on the

mower, then it will be necessary to hook the rear latch
into the hole in the R.H. gauge wheel bracket.

CAUTION: Do not remove defl ector
shield from mower. Raise and hold
shield when attaching lower chute
and allow it to rest on chute while in
operation.

03058

DEFLECTOR SHIELD
HINGE BRACKET

REAR LATCH

REAR GAUGE
WHEEL
BRACKET

DEFLECTOR
SHIELD

FRONT
LATCH

REAR LATCH

WITHOUT
GAUGE WHEELS

WITH REAR
GAUGE WHEELS

FIG. 4A

MOUNTING
TAB

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 5A and 5B)

1. Lower mower to its lowest cutting position.
2. Assemble upper chute by inserting curved end into

hole in back of cover.

TIP: Holding upper chute as shown and twisting while
installing in cover will help keep the rubber seal in place.
NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bag in di -
ca tor.

099

UPPER
CHUTE

COVER

FIG. 5A

3. Push in and turn upper chute until it is in line with lower

chute.

4. Align the bosses on lower chute with alignment slots

on upper chute and slide together.

5. Secure with rubber latch by hooking hole in latch over

latch pin.

FIG. 5B

HANDLE

FULL BAG
INDICATOR

LOWER

CHUTE

BOSSES

LATCH PIN

ALIGN-
MENT
SLOT

RUBBER
LATCH

UPPER
CHUTE

COVER

LEVEL MOWER DECK

Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower per for -
mance. See your tractors owner's manual for instruc-
tions.

TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING
OPE RA TION:

Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor
owner's manual.

When operating your grass catcher on a lawn where grass
and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are
picking up thatch and debris that has accumulated for long
periods of time. The amount collected and the total time
of operation may be greater than you will experience with
regular use of your grass catcher.
• Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.
• Select a gear low enough to give good mower cutting

performance, good quality cut and good bagging
per for man ce.

NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit
your conditions.
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice. The

fi rst time relatively high, the second time to desired
height.

• Use left hand side of mower for trimming.
• Plastic trash bags can be inserted inside grass catcher

containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the
plastic trash bags when full:

a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, en ga ge the

par king brake and stop the engine.

b. Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
c. Remove one container at a time by grasping

con tai ner handles and pulling toward the rear, off
of the tube rails.

d. With the container resting on the ground, close

and secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.

e. Tip the container on its side and slide the fi lled bag

from the container.

f. Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of

the bag draped over upper lip of the container.

g. Repeat for other containers.
h. Reinstall containers making sure right con tai ner

overlaps left container at center supports.

Close cover and secure latches over center support
tubes.

• Avoid cutting wet grass or in the morning while the dew

is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these
conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of
the fl ow path causing clogging.

OPERATION

• Your bagger is equipped with a full bagger indicator.

Movement of the wheel increases as the bags fi ll. The
wheel will be spinning fastest just before the bags fi ll
completely. When the wheel stops, it indicates that the
bags are full and the chutes have become clogged.

NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty
bags when the wheel is spinning fast. Experience will teach
you the best time to empty the bags.
Care should be taken not to damage the parts and that

the wheel spins freely at the beginning of each use.

• If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves,

it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the
system or that the grass catcher containers are full.
Usually this is indicated by the stopped movement of
the full bagger indicator.

a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, en ga ge the

par king brake and stop the engine.

- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.

- Slide out containers and dispose of clip pings .

- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.

b. Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.

- Remove all debris in chutes.

- Reassemble and latch chutes

c. Check to insure full bagger indicator has not become

clogged.

- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.

Gently insert a small twig or wire into pas sage way
to clear.

CAUTION

• Do not operate mower with grass catch er

par tial ly installed.

• Disengage blades and stop engine be fore

leav ing tractor seat to empty con

tain ers,

un clog ging chutes, etc.

• Close cover before starting.

• Disengage mower when crossing drive ways

or gravel surfaces and other areas where
thrown objects could be a hazard.

• Do not attempt to vacuum up cans or other

potentially hazardous pro jec tiles.

STORAGE

When grass catcher is to be stored for a period of time,
clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store
in a clean, dry place.

CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger
containers. Empty containers after each
use and before storing. Failure to do so
may result in spontaneous com bus tion
which could develop into a fi re.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Always observe safety rules when performing any main-
te nance.
• Before each use check for loose fasteners.
• Clean unit thoroughly after each use.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place
bent or damaged blades.
• See BLADE CARE instructions in your tractor owner's

manual.

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY

MAIN TE NANCE, SERVICE OR AD JUST -
MENTS:

• Depress clutch brake pedal fully and

set parking brake.

• Place gearshift/motion control lever in

"NEU TRAL" position.

• Place clutch control in "DIS EN GAGED"

po si tion.

• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.

• Make sure blades and all moving parts

have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from

spark plug(s) and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

CAUTION: Grass catcher components
are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects
to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.

21   532132796     Spring, Cover L.H. (black)
22   532133235     Spacer, Cover
23   532132983     Spring, Cover R.H. (gray)
24   532180923     Support Assemble
25   873800400     Locknut

26 532124670 Spring, Retainer

27 872140405 Bolt

28   532179745     Bracket, Lock
31   532174083     Plug, Tubing End
32   532179746     Bagger, Frame
33   532192786     Pin, Hinge
34   532127534     Gasket, Cover
35   532400226     Container
38   532130895     Latch Handle, Cover
39   532155042     Strip, Reinforcement
- -      532411276     Owner's Manual, English/French
- -      532411277     Owner's Manual, Spanish

2   532069180     Nut, Crown lock #10-24
3   532127533     Screen, Cover
4   532171061     Cover Assembly (Includes 3, 38, 39)
5   532126840     Chute, Upper
6   818021008     Screw, Special #10-14x1/2
7   532130933     Full Bag Indicator
8   532087175     Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8
9   819061216     Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga.
10   532007206     Spacer, Split
11    532060867     Nut, Acorn #10-24
12   810071000     Washer, lock
13   532109808     Latch, Chute
14   532125004     Nut, Weld
15   532160793     Latch, Hook
18   532162803     Chute, Lower
20   871081010     Screw #10-24 x 5/8

KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - MODEL NUMBER

H242SL

(PRODUCT NO. 960 73 00-04)

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