Problems You Might Encounter with Husqvarna Riding Mowers
A Husqvarna riding lawn mower is one of the best lawn-care investments you’ll ever make. It makes mowing an extensive lawn a walk in the park and it is pretty durable. But while a Husqvarna riding mower is certainly one of the best in the market, it’s not foolproof. Every once in a while, you might run into issues. Knowing what problems to expect and how to handle them from the word go is the only way to avoid frustration. So, what are the common problems with Husqvarna riding mowers? Here are six:
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 1: Riding Mower Won’t Start
Picture this; you’ve woken up at the crack of dawn to mow your lawn because you like early starts, but no matter what you try, your Husqvarna riding mower won’t even nudge.
Before you panic, check if you’ve set the freewheel control to “Engaged.” If yes, your Husqvarna riding mower engine won’t start because the fuel tank is empty. If that’s the case, you only need to fuel it, and it’ll be up and about in no time.
However, if you recently fully fueled it and still having trouble getting the engine to start, you’re probably dealing with the following issues:
Bad or Old Fuel
If it’s been a while since you pulled out your fully or partly-fueled Husqvarna, the old fuel is probably why it won’t start. Fuel breaks down and becomes sticky and thicker as it ages out, clogging the fuel filter and, conversely, preventing the engine from starting. Fortunately, you only need to drain and replace the fuel filter if this is the culprit.
Defective Spark Plug
If old fuel isn’t the culprit in your instance, excessively dirty, damaged, or incorrectly gapped spark plugs might be why your Husqvarna riding mower won’t nudge. Check and ensure it’s gapped correctly, and if it’s the case of a dirty or broken spark plug, replace it with a new one.
Damaged Ignition Coil
Spark plug seem fine? Check the ignition coil. It’s directly connected to the spark plug, preventing the engine from starting when it malfunctions. If the ignition coil is the issue, you’ll need to replace it.
It Could be the Fuel Pump
When your engine is overfilled with oil, some of it may get into the pump’s pulse port, preventing it from working as it should. Alternatively, the fuel valves might be damaged, preventing fuel from getting into the gas tank. In either instance, you’ll need to replace the fuel pump if it’s the culprit.
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 2: Mower Dies on You
If you managed to start your Husqvarna riding lawn mower successfully but shut down mid-project, check if the gas is enough. And if yes, inspect the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter hinders fuel flow into the carburetor, causing it to shut down unexpectedly. You’ll need to replace it. If it looks good, check out.:
The Air Filter
As the primary barrier between external dirt and your engine, the air filter becomes dirty over time, restricting airflow into the engine. The result? Your Husqvarna riding mower shuts down unexpectedly and can even result in significant engine damage due to overheating. So, you might want to fix the issue immediately. Luckily, you don’t need to replace it right away. Try cleaning it first, but replacement is the only option if you notice damage or unexplainable brown spots.
Dirty Carburetor
A carburetor is a hard-working component of a Husqvarna riding mower. As a result, it can attract dirt and debris, obstructing its function.
You only need to give it a good clean but note that a carburetor features many tiny parts that might be tricky to work on. Consider leaving the job to the professional if it’s a viable option in your situation.
Clogged or Damaged Cooling Fins
Cooling fins are rarely problematic, but if it’s been raining in your region recently, they could be clogged with mud and mowing debris. Without proper air circulation, your engine could quickly overheat and stop mid-mowing. If none of the above are culprits, check if the cooling fins are clogged and clean them. If they’re damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
Mechanical Failure
If each of the components above appears to be in good shape, your Husqvarna riding mower probably shut down unexpectedly due to drive belt issues. In that case, you’ll need to replace it.
The problem could also be due to a rock or stick stuck somewhere in your mower, so if the belt and idler pulley seem okay, check to see if something got stuck while you were mowing.
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 3: Irritating, Uneven Cuts
We all desire a perfectly manicured lawn. So, it can be frustrating to dedicate your entire morning to mowing your lawn only to end up with uneven strips of grass that are an eyesore.
Luckily, this isn’t a “you” problem.
It’s an issue mostly spurred by blade-related issues.
It could be that the Husqvarna’s blades are dull and need a little sharpening, or you’re using the wrong setting, in which case you’ll need to reinstall it correctly. A Husqvarna cutting unevenly could also be due to damaged or worn-out blades that need replacing or result from uneven tire pressure. Other culprits behind this problem include:
- Low engine speed: Crank it up to the full throttle
- A clogged or unlevelled deck: If its clogged, scrape it, and if unlevelled, level it from side to side and from the front to back
- Damaged deck shell: Repair or replace
- Excessively fast ground speed: Reduce your speed for perfect cuts
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 4: Excessive Fuel Consumption
A Husqvarna riding mower burning through a few extra liters of fuel every time you mow isn’t a common problem, but it’s also existent. So, if your Husqvarna suddenly starts demanding more gasoline out of the blue, don’t ditch it. The issue could be due to a lack of proper maintenance or:
Overgrown or Wet Grass
If you leave your lawn unmanicured for days, the Husqvarna riding mower engine will work harder to cut the grass resulting in excessive fuel consumption. Wet grass or shrubbery also forces not just you but also your lawn mower to work harder, conversely resulting in higher fuel consumption. Wet vegetation can also clump up. Stick to a regular mowing schedule, and only get to task when it’s dry.
Dull Blades
Dull blades cause your engine to work twice as hard to get the job done. The result? It burns through your normal fuel amount in minutes. Luckily, it’s an easy-fix problem — sharpen your blades regularly.
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 5: Excessive Vibrating
As with any other riding mower, the Husqvarna riding mower vibrates whenever the engine runs. However, you might encounter excessive vibration or shake. In such instances, the issue could be:
The Motor Mounts
The Husqvarna riding mower engine is secured on motor mounts, commonly mounting bolts. They absorb the vibration whenever the engine is running.
If you suddenly notice excessive vibration or shaking, check to see if they’re loose. Adjust, and tighten the loose bolts while replacing the damaged or worn-out ones.
Foreign Materials on Blade Shaft
When debris, for instance, grass, wire, or string, wraps around the blade shaft, it can cause your Husqvarna to shake excessively. So, if motor mounts are well-secured, inspect and remove any foreign materials stuck on the blade shaft. Some of these, for example, wire, might damage the blade shaft so inspect it for damage.
Mower Blades
Using the wrong pair of mower blades, incorrect or unbalanced blade installation leads to excessive blade movements, adding to the existing vibrations.
Check to see if you’re using the right mower blades, and replace them if not. As for incorrectly installed blades, you’ll need to remove and reinstall them.
Ensure you refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines when handling re-installation to resolve the problem correctly.
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 5: Gas Leak
A Husqvarna riding mower leaking gas is pretty rare but not impossible. Gas leaks occur due to damaged engine components such as fuel pumps and filters.
The leak might also be due to shut-off valves or the carburetor. Since multiple components might be causing the leak, you will need to drain excess oil, inspect for, and replace the damaged or malfunctioning ones.
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 6: Moving Slow
Mowing makes the grass appear greener on your end, but it’s undoubtedly among those tasks most of us wish we’d skip. A Husqvarna riding mower makes it easy, but you may find it takes longer than usual. This problem is usually due to clogged or dirty components such as the carburetor, air filter, and fuel caps. Cleaning your mower should sort the issue out.
Husqvarna Riding Mower Problem 7: Smoking
A smoking engine is another problem you might encounter when using the Husqvarna riding mower. It occurs when your engine runs excessively high RPMs, consequently burning more fuel than air. Try draining the oil first; if the problem persists, clean or replace the filter.
