Stopping The Engine; Mowing Tips; Operating On Hills - Husqvarna Z 246 Operator's Manual

3. Move throttle control to full throttle (rabbit symbol).
4. Engage the mower deck by pulling the blade switch up.
5. Rotate control levers inward and slowly move both control
levers slightly forward to move forward in a straight line.

Stopping the Engine

1. Move the throttle to the minimum position (tortoise
symbol).
2. Move the steering / park brake controls outward from the
neutral position.
3. Disengage the mower deck by pressing the blade switch
down.
4. Raise the mower deck to the highest position.
If the engine has been worked hard, allow it to idle at
least 60 seconds to attain a normal operating temperature
before stopping. To prevent fouling the spark plugs, avoid
idling the engine for longer periods.
5. Turn the ignition key to the stop position. Remove key.
Always remove key when leaving the mower to prevent
unauthorized use.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Leaving the ignition switch
in any other position than OFF will cause the battery to be
discharged.

Mowing Tips

• Observe and flag rocks and other fixed objects to avoid
collisions.
• Begin with a high cutting height and reduce it until the
desired mowing result is attained. The average lawn should
be cut to 2½" during the cool season and over 3" during the
hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow
often after moderate growth. For best cutting performance,
grass over 6" in height should be mowed twice. Make the
first cut relatively high, the second to the desired height.
• The mowing result will be best with a high engine speed
(blades rotate rapidly) and low speed (rider moves slowly).
If the grass is not too long and dense, the driving speed
can be increased without negatively affecting the mowing
result.
OPERATION
• The finest lawns are obtained by mowing often. The lawn
becomes more even and the grass clippings more evenly
distributed over the mown area. The total time taken is not
increased as a higher operating speed can be used without
poor mowing results.
• When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so
that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences,
driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the
opposite direction making left hand turns until finished.
• Avoid mowing wet lawns. The mowing result is poorer
because the wheels sink into the soft lawn, clumps build,
and grass clippings fasten under the cowling.
• Hose the mower deck underside with water after each use.
When cleaning, the mower deck shall be raised into the
transport position. Make sure the mower is cooled and the
engine is off.
• Use compressed air to clean top surface of the deck.
Avoid flooding water on top surface, engine and electrical
components.
• When the mulching kit is used, it is important that the
mowing interval is frequent.

Operating On Hills

Read the Safety Instructions Driving on Slopes in the Safety
section.
• The slowest speed possible should be used before starting
up or down hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
• If stopping is absolutely necessary, pull steering controls
into the neutral position and the push to the outside of the
unit to engage the park brake.
• To restart movement, move the steering controls back to the
neutral position.
• Press forward to regain forward motion.
• Make all turns slowly.
WARNING! Do not drive up or down hills with slopes
greater than 10 degrees. Do not drive across slopes.
Never drive the rider on terrain that slopes more than 10
degrees. Mow slopes up and down, never side to side.
Avoid sudden directional changes.
18