Husqvarna Z400 COLLECTION SYSTEM, Instruction Manual

8

General Operation

• DO 

NOT 

operate mower with collection system, unless the 

front weights are installed. Read, understand and follow all 

instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.

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

which can touch hot exhaust/engine parts and burn. Do not 

allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which 

can cause buildup to occur.

•  Stop engine before removing collection system or unclogging 

chute.

•  Do not operate the mower without either the entire collection 

system or the guard in place. Be aware of the mower discharge 

direction and do not direct it towards anyone.

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

etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

•  Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the 

instructions, to operate the machine.

•  The owner and operator of this equipment can prevent 

accidents and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring 

to themselves, other people and/or property.

•  Be sure the area is clear of all people and pets before mowing. 

Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

•  Never carry passengers or children even with blades o

ff

 .

•  Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always 

look down and behind before and while backing.

•  Slow down before turning.
•  Never leave the machine unattended when the engine is 

running. Always turn o

ff

  the blades, set the parking brake, stop 

the engine and remove the key before leaving the machine.

• Turn 

o

ff

  blades when not mowing.

•  Mow only in daylight or good arti

fi

 cial light.

•  Do not operate the machine while under the in

fl

 uence  of 

alcohol or drugs.

•  Watch out for tra

ffi

  c when operating near or crossing roadways.

•  Use extra care when loading and unloading the machine onto 

a trailer or truck.

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

involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. 

These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the 

riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others 

from serious injury.

•  Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the 

machine.

•  Allow machine to cool before storage.

Slope Operation

  WARNING! Maximum recommended operating 

angle of mower with a collection system is 10°.

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over 

accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes 

require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you 
feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO

•  Mow up and down slopes (10° Max.), not across.
•  Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•  Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn 

the machine. 

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•  Use slow speed. Choose a low speed so that you will not have 

to stop while on the slope.

•  Use extra care with collection systems or other attachments. 

These can change the stability of the machine.

•  Keep all movement on the slopes 

slow 

and 

gradual.

 Do not 

make sudden changes in speed or direction.

•  Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, 

disengage the blades and proceed slowly 

straight

 down the 

slope.

DO NOT

• Do 

not

 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly 

and gradually downhill, if possible.

• Do 

not 

mow near drop-o

ff

 , ditches, or embankments. The 

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge 

of a cli

ff

  or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

• Do 

not

 mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause 

sliding.

• Do 

not

 try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the 

ground.

Service

•  Collection system 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.

•  The operation of any mower can result in foreign objects 

thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. 

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating the 

mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. A wide vision 

safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses are 

recommended.

•  Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight 

and keep equipment in good condition.

•  Never tamper with safety devices. Check regularly for proper 

operation.

•  Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. 
•  Clean oil or fuel spillage. 
•  Allow machine to cool before storing.
•  Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, 

if necessary, before restarting.

•  Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
•  Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or 

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

•  Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as shown 

in the Operator Manual.

Towing

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

Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

  WARNING!

  THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE 

OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING 
OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING 
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS 
INJURY OR DEATH.

SAFETY