Husqvarna M48 Pro & M53 S Pro Operator's Manual

Key to Symbols

WARNING! The machine can be a dangerous tool if used incorrectly or carelessly, which can cause serious or fatal injury to the operator or others.

Please read the operator's manual carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before using the machine.

• Always wear: Approved hearing protection

Never use the machine if persons, especially children or pets, are in the immediate vicinity.

Watch out for thrown objects and ricochets.

Warning: rotating cutter. Keep hands and feet clear.

This product is in accordance with applicable EC directives.

Noise emission to the environment according to the European Community's Directive. The machine's emission is specified in chapter Technical data and on label.

The engine is stopped. [STOP]

Drive position

Neutral [N]

Other symbols/decals on the machine refer to special certification requirements for certain markets.

• Always wear protective gloves [gloves emoji]
• Regular cleaning is required [cleaning emoji]
• Visual check [eye emoji]

The ignition lead should always be removed from the spark plug before repair, cleaning or maintenance work.

Switch off the engine by releasing the engine brake handle before carrying out any checks or maintenance.

Steps before using a new lawn mower

• Please read the operator's manual carefully.
• Check that the cutting equipment is correctly fitted and adjusted. See instructions under the heading Assembly.
• Fill with fuel and oil in the engine. A container with sufficient oil quantity is supplied with the machine. See the instructions under the heading fuel handling.

WARNING! Under no circumstances may the design of the machine be modified without the permission of the manufacturer. Always use genuine accessories. Non-authorized modifications and/or accessories can result in serious personal injury or the death of the operator or others.

WARNING! A lawn mower is a dangerous tool if used carelessly or incorrectly and can cause serious, even fatal injuries. It is extremely important that you read and understand the contents of this operator's manual.

WARNING! Long-term inhalation of the engine's exhaust fumes can represent a health hazard.

Husqvarna AB has a policy of continuous product development and therefore reserves the right to modify the design and appearance of products without prior notice.

Safety Instructions

Personal protection

WARNING! You must use personal protection whenever you use the machine.

• Hearing protection [ear protection emoji]
• Gloves must be worn when required, for example when fitting, inspecting or cleaning cutting attachments.
• Always wear heavy, long pants. Do not wear shorts, sandals or go barefoot.
• Wear sturdy, non-slip boots or shoes. [boot emoji]
• Generally clothes should be close-fitting without restricting your freedom of movement.

Machine's safety equipment

This section describes the machine's safety equipment, its purpose, and how checks and maintenance should be carried out to ensure that it operates correctly. See the "What is what?" section to locate where this equipment is positioned on your machine.

WARNING! Never use a machine that has faulty safety equipment! Carry out the inspection, maintenance and service routines listed in this section.

• Cutting cover and protective cover

Vibration damping system

Your machine is equipped with a vibration damping system that is designed to minimize vibration and make operation easier.

The handlebar system's steel tube and the cutting cover are designed to minimise the vibrations from the engine.

This model also has a vibration damper fitted on the handlebar unit to further reduce vibrations.

The machine's vibration damping system reduces the transfer of vibration between the engine unit/cutting equipment and the machine's handle unit.

WARNING! Overexposure to vibration can lead to circulatory damage or nerve damage in people who have impaired circulation. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of overexposure to vibration. These symptoms include numbness, loss of feeling, tingling, pricking, pain, loss of strength, changes in skin colour or condition. These symptoms normally appear in the fingers, hands or wrists.

Muffler

The muffler is designed to keep noise levels to a minimum and to direct exhaust fumes away from the user.

WARNING! The exhaust fumes from the engine are hot and may contain sparks which can start a fire. Never start the machine indoors or near combustible material!

In areas with a hot, dry climate there is a high risk of fires. These areas are sometimes controlled by legislation and requirements that among other things the muffler must be equipped with an approved type of spark arrestor mesh.

For mufflers it is very important that you follow the instructions on checking, maintaining and servicing your machine.

WARNING! The muffler gets very hot in use and remains so for a short time afterwards. Do not touch the muffler if it is hot!

Cutting equipment

This section describes how to choose and maintain your cutting equipment in order to:

• Reduces machine vibration.
• Obtain maximum cutting performance.
• Extend the life of cutting equipment.

Make sure the cutter does not hit foreign objects such as stones, roots or the like. This can make the cutter dull and bend the engine shaft. Always ensure the cutter is well ground and balanced correctly. See also instructions under the heading Maintenance.

Check the cutting attachment for damage or cracks. A damaged cutting attachment should always be replaced.

Also check that the cutter bolt is undamaged and that the engine shaft is not bent.

The washer and cup spring should always be replaced when changing the cutter or cutter bracket.

Checking, maintaining and servicing the machine's safety equipment

WARNING! All servicing and repair work on the machine requires special training. This is especially true of the machine's safety equipment. If your machine fails any of the checks described below you must contact your service agent. When you buy any of our products we guarantee the availability of professional repairs and service. If the retailer who sells your machine is not a servicing dealer, ask him for the address of your nearest service agent.

Checking the cutting cover and protective cover

Make sure the cutting cover is not damaged and that there are no visible defects such as cracks.

Check that the protective cover is undamaged and that it is properly secured.

Checking the brake trigger

Place the lawn mower on firm, flat surface and start it. Make sure that the cutter cannot come into contact with the ground or other objects. See the instructions under the heading Start and stop.

Apply full throttle and then release the brake handle.

The engine brake should always be adjusted so that the engine stops within 3 seconds.

On lawn mower M53 S Pro the engine brake handle should also disengage the drive. Start the machine and engage the drive by moving the clutch lever towards you.

Apply full throttle and then release the brake handle. The engine should stop and the drive should disengage.

General safety precautions

• A lawn mower is only designed to mow lawns. The only accessories you can use with this engine unit are the cutters we recommend in the Technical data chapter.
• Never use the machine if you are tired, if you have drunk alcohol, or if you are taking medication that could affect your vision, your judgement or your co-ordination.

WARNING! Running an engine in a confined or badly ventilated area can result in death due to asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

• You must use personal protection whenever you use the machine. See the instructions under the heading Personal protection.
• Never use a machine that has been modified in any way from its original specification.
• Never use any accessories other than those recommended in this manual. See instructions under the headings Cutting equipment and Technical data.

WARNING! A faulty cutting attachment may increase the risk of accidents.

• Never use a machine that is faulty. Carry out the checks, maintenance and service instructions described in this manual. Some maintenance and service measures must be carried out by trained and qualified specialists. See instructions under the heading Maintenance.

The brake handle must never be permanently anchored in handle when the machine is running.

Follow the instructions above, but do not use a lawn mower in a situation where you cannot call for help in case of an accident.

Basic mowing technique

General

• Mowing slopes can be dangerous. Do not use the lawn mower on very steep slopes.
• The lawn mower should not be used on inclines greater than 15 degrees. Inclines that are too great can result in fuel leakage.
• On sloping ground you should work along the slope. It is much easier to work along a slope than it is to work up and down it.
• Branches, twigs, stones, etc. should be removed from the lawn before you start to mow.
• Do not use the machine in bad weather, such as dense fog, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc. Working in bad weather is tiring and often brings added risks, such as icy ground.
• Make sure you can move and stand safely. Check the area around you for possible obstacles (roots, rocks, branches, ditches, etc.) in case you have to move suddenly. Take great care when working on sloping ground.
• The lawn mower should not be used on inclines greater than 15 degrees. Inclines that are too great can result in fuel leakage.
• The engine should be switched off when moving over ground that is not to be mowed. For example, gravel paths, stone, shingle, asphalt, etc.
• Never lift up the lawn mower or carry it around when the engine is running. If you must lift the lawn mower, first switch off the engine and disconnect the ignition lead from the spark plug.
• Make sure the cutter does not hit foreign objects such as stones, roots or the like. This can make the cutter dull and bend the engine shaft. A bent axle gives imbalance and heavy vibration, which results in a great risk of the cutter becoming loose.
• If any foreign object is hit or if vibrations occur stop the machine immediately. Disconnect the HT lead from the spark plug. Check that the machine is not damaged. Repair any damage.
• Never mow more than 1/3 of the length of the grass. This especially applies during dry periods. Mow first with the cutting height set high. Then check the result and lower to an appropriate height. If the grass is really long, drive slowly and mow twice if necessary.

WARNING! Make sure that your hands and feet do not come near the cutting attachment when the engine is running.

Fuel safety

(Refuelling/Storage.)

WARNING! Fuel and fuel vapour are highly inflammable. Take care when handling fuel and engine oil. Bear in mind the risk of fire, explosion and inhaling fumes.

• Never refuel the machine while the engine is running.
• Always ensure there is adequate ventilation when refuelling and filling oil.
• Move the machine at least 3 m from the refuelling point before starting it. [distance marker 3m]

• Never start the machine:
• If you have spilt fuel or engine oil on the machine. Wipe off the spill and allow the remaining fuel to evaporate.
• If you spill fuel or engine oil on yourself or your clothes. Change your clothes.
• If the machine is leaking fuel. Check regularly for leaks from the fuel cap and fuel lines.

Transport and storage

• The fuel and engine oil tanks should be emptied before longer periods of storage or when transporting the lawn mower. Ask where you can dispose of surplus fuel and engine oil at your local petrol station.
• Always store the lawn mower and fuel so that any leakage or vapours do not risk coming into contact with sparks or naked flames. For example, electrical machines, electric motors, relays/switches, boilers, or the like.
• Always store fuel in an approved container designed for that purpose.

Starting and stopping

Starting

On the M53 S Pro model disengage the drive on the wheel by moving the clutch lever forward.

Pull the engine brake handle against the upper handlebar with your left hand.

Grip the starter handle, slowly pull out the cord with your right hand until you feel some resistance (the starter pawls grip), now quickly and powerfully pull the cord.

Never twist the starter cord around your hand.

Disengage the choke position with the throttle control when the engine is warm.

CAUTION! Do not pull the starter cord all the way out and do not let go of the starter handle when the cord is fully extended. This can damage the machine.

Cold engine

Ensure the ignition lead sits correctly on the spark plug.

Starting: Open the fuel tap.

Choke: Set the throttle control in the choke position.

Warm engine

Use the same starting procedure as for a cold engine, but do not set the throttle control in the choke position.

Drive

The model M53 S Pro is a self-propelled machine with the drive on the front wheels.

To use the drive on the wheel pull the clutch lever towards you. [arrow pointing up]

Stopping

Set the throttle control in the idling position.

Stop the engine by releasing the engine brake handle.

On model M53 S Pro the drive is also disengaged when you release the engine brake handle.

Close the fuel tap.

Maintenance

Air filter

The air filter must be regularly cleaned to remove dust and dirt in order to avoid:

• Carburettor malfunctions
• Starting problems
• Loss of engine power
• Unnecessary wear to engine parts.
• Excessive fuel consumption.

Clean the air filter daily, or more often in demanding conditions.

The air filter is dismantled once the air filter cover has been lifted off. Press in the catches on the top of the air filter cover and lower the cover.

Remove the air filter and check that it is undamaged. Replace with a new air filter if you believe it to be defective.

Clean the filter by knocking the filter carefully against a hard surface and blowing with compressed air from inside. Never brush the dirt away. Replace the air filter if it is very dirty.

An air filter that has been in use for a long time cannot be cleaned completely. The filter must therefore be replaced with a new one at regular intervals. A damaged air filter must always be replaced.

Spark plug

WARNING! The muffler gets very hot in use and remains so for a short time afterwards. Do not touch the muffler if it is hot!

If the machine is low on power, difficult to start or runs poorly at idle speed: always check the spark plug first before taking any further action. If the spark plug is dirty, clean it and check that the electrode gap is 0.7-0.8 mm. The spark plug should be replaced after about a month in operation or earlier if necessary.

CAUTION! Always use the recommended spark plug type! Use of the wrong spark plug can damage the piston/cylinder.

Muffler

The muffler is designed to reduce the noise level and to direct the exhaust gases away from the operator. The exhaust gases are hot and can contain sparks, which may cause fire if directed against dry and combustible material.

Regularly check that the muffler is securely attached to the machine.

Never use a machine that has a faulty muffler.

Cutter

WARNING! Always wear heavy-duty gloves when repairing the cutting attachment. The blades are very sharp and can easily cause cuts.

It is important to have a sharp and correctly balanced cutter. Loosen the bolt holding the cutter and leave the cutter at a service workshop at least once a year for grinding and balancing. An appropriate time to do this is after the mowing season has finished.

If the cutter or cutter bracket need to be changed you must replace the cutter bolt, washer and cup spring at the same time.

The bolt should be tightened with a torque of 45-60 Nm when you fit the cutter again. See instructions under the heading Assembly.

If the cutter hits foreign objects such as stones, roots or the like the cutter will slip against the cutter bracket. This may mean that the contact surface of the cutter bracket appears slightly worn, which is completely normal. This is a safety device, which reduces the risk of the engine shaft becoming bent.

Changing the oil

The engine oil should be changed each year and every 25 working hours.

When changing the oil proceed as follows:

• Disconnect the HT lead from the spark plug.
• Empty the fuel tank
• Close the fuel tap.

Unscrew the oil filler cap.

Drain the oil by tipping the engine so that the oil runs out through the filler pipe.

Ask where you can dispose of surplus engine oil at your local petrol station.

• Fill with new engine oil of a good quality. See the Technical data section.
• Check the oil level with the dipstick on the oil filler cap. The oil filler cap must be completely screwed down to give a correct picture of the oil level.
• If the oil level is low, fill using engine oil up to the upper level on the dipstick.

Screw on the oil filler cap.

Lubrication of the cutting height adjustment

The mechanical parts of the cutting height system should be lubricated regularly (once a week). Lubricate the cutting height system with a few drops of oil.

Drive and gearbox

M53 S Pro

Ensure the wheels and wheel axles are clean and free from leaves, grass, etc. It is also important to keep clean around the drive gearbox.

Remove the protective cover by unscrewing the screws.

Now guide the protective cover out under the stay and over the drive axle.

Clean the gearbox with a brush. Also check that the drive belt and belt pulley are undamaged, for example, no cracks.

Daily maintenance

1. Check that the engine brake handle works safely.
2. Brush leaves, grass and the like off of the lawn mower.
3. Clean the air intake on the starter. Check the starter and starter cord.
4. Check the oil level.
5. Clean the air filter. Replace if necessary.
6. Check that nuts and screws are tight.
7. Check the cutting attachment. Never use blades that are dull, cracked or damaged.

Weekly maintenance

1. Change the engine oil.
2. Lubricate the cutting height system
3. Clean the spark plug. Check that the electrode gap is 0.7-0.8 mm.
4. Clean the cooling fins on the cylinder.

Monthly maintenance

1. Check that drive belt is not damaged and is not visibly defective.
2. Clean the gearbox.
3. Check the fuel filter and the fuel hose. Replace if necessary.
4. Clean the inside of the fuel tank.
5. Lubricate the drive control.

Technical Data

Note 1: Noise emissions in the environment measured as sound power (Lwa) in conformity with EC directive 2000/14/EC.

Note 2: Vibrations measured according to EN836 : 1997/A2:2001

EC-declaration of conformity

(Applies to Europe only)

Höörs Plåt, Box 76, SE-243 22 Höör, Sweden, tel: +46-413-29600, declares under sole responsibility that the lawn mowers Husqvarna M48 Pro and M53 S Pro from the serial numbers 030600001 and onwards comply with the requirements of the COUNCIL'S DIRECTIVE:

• of May 3, 1989 "relating to electromagnetic compatibility” 89/336/EEC, and applicable supplements.
• of May 8, 2000 "relating to the noise emissions in the environment” 2000/14/EC.
• of June 22, 1998 "relating to machinery” 98/37/EC.

For information relating to noise emissions, see the chapter Technical data.

The following standards have been applied: EN836:1997

Notified body: 0404, SMP Svensk Maskinprovning AB, Fyrisborgsgatan 3, SE-754 50 Uppsala, Sweden, has compiled conformity assessment Report No. 01/901/020 - M48 Pro, 01/901/022 - M53 S Pro in accordance with Directive 2000/14/EC, Annex VI.

Höör January 3, 2003

Lennart Molin, Development manager