Husqvarna is one of the leading brands in manufacturing high-quality outdoor power equipment. So, it has a great selection of chainsaws, garden tractors, lawnmowers, and ZT mowers. So getting a Husky zero-turn mower is an excellent addition to your garden.
These mowers allow you to sit while mowing your lawn. Their components are durable and reliable without constant concerns about replacement.Â
These mowers won’t last forever without wear and tear, so don’t anticipate that. Husky zero-turn mowers will eventually develop issues, primarily if improperly maintained.
This blog post will discuss the most frequent issues with Husqvarna zero-turn lawn mowers and potential solutions. So read on!
Most Common Problems with Husqvarna Zero-Turn MowersÂ
Table of Contents
Husqvarna zero-turn riding lawnmowers combine neat grass cutting and operator’s comfort. In time these durable machines will develop problems with frequent use and even improper storage.
According to many users, the most crucial issues with the Husky ZT riding mowers are starting difficulties, smoky emissions, overheating, and engine vibrations.
Here is a detailed analysis of the most typical Husqvarna zero-turn mower issues.
1. The Mower is Difficult to Start
This is not an exclusive issue that only happens with Husky mowers. It is a common issue with the vast majority of fuel-powered power tools. The primary cause for this issue is using old or stale fuel and oil. Inspection of these fluids’ condition is required. If you find stale gas or oil, you should drain the tanks. Then refill with fresh alternatives.
Also another major contributor to starting failure is a faulty spark plug. This electrical part is essential for the proper ignition of the fuel-air mix. This part can get dirty or be covered with carbon deposits. The appearance of this plug indicates its cleanliness.Â
Ideally, it should look light grey. So, if it looks dark or black, you should clean it. If cleaning does not solve the issue, you should get a replacement.
Another common culprit in this starting failure situation is the air filter. This filter constantly gets jammed with debris and dirt. So, sufficient airflow in the engine would be interrupted without proper and regular cleaning and even replacement. Therefore, there will be no proper combustion for firing the engine.Â
2. Power LossÂ
The causes of this issue are similar to the starting failure problem. A sudden loss of power after starting indicates a problem in the fuel system. There could be a clogged fuel filter or plugged lines. This issue is always associated with carbon deposits from old and viscous gasoline all over the fuel system and engine.
Aside from changing the fuel, you must clean the fuel line with a commercial cleaner for carburetors. But before cleaning the lines, you should gently blow them to remove all the dirt and debris that has gathered.Â
3. Black Smoke
If you spot black smoke from your mower’s exhaust, it indicates multiple issues. For instance, your ZT mower could be running with decreased engine oil. It is preferable to begin by determining the reservoir’s oil level. Â
Another cause for this problem is running rich on gasoline. This means the air-fuel mix is incorrect, and the engine gets more gasoline than air. The black smoke is nothing but burnt fuel. Check and clean the air filter if there is too much gasoline in relation to the air.
Overfilling the reservoir with oil will sometimes make the cylinder burn this excess fluid. This burnt oil will exit the machine as a thick smoky cloud. Moreover, the extra oil will lead to a defective ignition coil. Therefore, it is always preferable to drain the extra oil and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Poor Transmission
The hydrostatic transmission is a primary component in all Husky Zero Turn riding mowers. This system relies on Hydro-Gear transmissions instead of traditional gear and belts to control the mower’s speed. This system is efficient and powerful but is prone to breaking down without ongoing maintenance.
Most transmission issues are associated with the condition of the drive belt. Generally, bad drive belts will make the oil pump less efficient. Subsequently, the machine’s speed and overall performance will significantly drop.
So, it is recommended to replace the worn belt. But in all cases, you should ensure its proper tightness to avoid the belt coming off while operating. Remember to check the hydraulic transmission oil levels while you’re at it.
5. Engine OverheatingÂ
This is a common and often underestimated issue in all other Zero-turn mowers—various reasons cause this. The mower’s engine oil is linked to the most frequent cause. It could be of the wrong type, viscosity, or insufficient levels.
So, start by checking the motor oil’s quality and quantity and changing it if necessary. If your mower’s engine becomes hot, it is essential to stop the machine immediately. This action may prevent further irreversible damage to the engine.
6. Steering DifficultyÂ
If you cannot steer your Husky ZT mower smoothly, you should start by checking the tire pressure first. The pressure of the tires might not be equal. So, they will need pressure refilling according to Husqvarna’s instructions in the user manual.Â
Another place to look is the components of the steering system. This includes the steering bushings that assist the wheel in its steering function. Bushings act as cushions that protect the steering wheel from friction and harsh driving. Worn bushings lead to steering problems in Husky zero-turn mowers.
7. Blades Fail to Engage
A bad battery is one of the often disregarded reasons for mower blade engagement failure. Generally, a bad battery won’t make your Husky Zero-Turn mower start. On the other hand, a weak battery will affect the blade clutch, making it difficult to power.
So, check the battery power and try to charge it fully. If it is not responding, it could be an issue with loose battery cables and wiring loose. If you know how to inspect and tighten loose battery connections, you might revive the battery. If there is no response, you must get a new battery.
8. The Engine Runs Rough
Aside from inadequate fuel and oil levels, you can suspect the gas tank cap. A faulty cap can make the fuel tank unable to vent properly. Without venting, a vacuum space would prevent proper fuel flow from reaching the carburetor and the combustion chamber.
The right solution to overcome such fuel restrictions is getting a replacement cap.Â
9. The Engine Makes Noises and VibratesÂ
It is usual for gas-powered and diesel engines to vibrate. However, these vibrations should not make the mower shake or make excessive noise. If this is the case, you should inspect the engine bolts. These mounting bolts keep the engine components connected and isolate the engine vibrations from the rest of the machine.Â
If these bolts are loose, you should retighten them. If you lose one or more bolts, you will need a suitable replacement.
10. Bad CuttingÂ
Husqvarna zero-turn mowers are known for their flawless cuts, regardless of the cutting height. If your mower leaves your lawn with uneven grass, you will ultimately suspect the mower deck.
However, this is not always the issue. The problem could be as simple as decreased mowing speed or flat tires. Both cases are very easy to tackle at home.
11. The Mower Leaks Fuel
Fuel leakage is a tricky problem for Husqvarna zero-turn mowers. It is not easy to spot, as gasoline evaporates quickly. Still, the easy-to-distinguish smell of gasoline is easy to notice. This necessitates a thorough examination of the complete fuel system, including the fuel tank and carburetor.
12. No Turning Over
Examine the battery if your lawnmower won’t even turn over. Any 12-volt battery would develop corrosion on the terminals over time. The correct action is to check all battery terminal cable connections. Then tighten loose ones or remove rust. If nothing works out, you should get a new battery.
13. Clicking Sounds
This issue is usually associated with a need for more turnover. So, it would help if you looked into the battery or the starter solenoid. This component can fail with frequent use. Typically, it will make the starter motor unable to engage. So, replace the old part with a new one. These are found online and at various local dealers.
14. Engine Stops when Hot
It is normal for an engine to quit when it overheats. However, it should not do it when the engine is just hot. The main culprit in this situation is the cooling fins.
These fins are responsible for cooling down the engine and reducing the stored heat. Fins can easily get plugged with dirt and debris. So it would be best if you started by cleaning them properly.
15. Mower scalpsÂ
Your ZT mower scalps when it hits the ground deeply. This leads to removing the grass from the growth point. This is not a healthy thing for your lawn in the long run. The ground will develop brown spots from this harsh cutting. This issue calls for thorough checking of the mowing deck. It may require some leveling.
Husqvarna Zero-Turn Mower Problems: Are they a deal breaker?
Despite these common issues with the Husky ZT mowers, you will enjoy optimal performance. Most of these issues are easy to handle at home if you know the basics of lawnmower maintenance. The high-quality manufacturing and advanced features will affect the cutting quality. Also, its components are meant to last for quite a while.
Generally, constant cleaning of the dirty air filters is necessary for the well-being of your Husky ZT mower. Replacing old fuel with a fresh ones is also recommended for ongoing fuel supply. Such simple maintenance steps will spare you the hassle of long-term or irreversible damage.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
