Husqvarna mower drive cable. 9 Fixes For When Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

There are a number of reasons, mechanical and otherwise, why a mower won’t run. The good news is that fixing most all of the issues is easy enough for a DIYer to handle.

By Tony Carrick and Manasa Reddigari | Updated Aug 8, 2022 4:03 PM

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Lawn care can be tedious, but once the grass starts growing in the spring, mowing becomes a fact of life in most neighborhoods. When you finally muster the strength to tackle that first cut of the season, there are few sounds as disheartening as that of a lawn mower engine that turns over but doesn’t start.

Before you drag the mower in for repairs or invest in costly replacement parts, first make sure that a clogged air filter, soiled spark plug, damaged safety cable, clogged mowing deck, or contaminated gas isn’t to blame. Work through the following steps, and you may be able to get your puttering grass guzzler up and running again in no time.

A lawn mower repair professional can help. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from pros near you.

Change the lawn mower carburetor filter.

Your lawn mower’s air filter guards the carburetor and engine from debris like grass clippings and dirt. When the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting. To keep this from happening, replace paper filters—or clean or replace foam filters—after every 25 hours of engine use.

The process for removing the filter depends on whether you are operating a riding or walk-behind lawn mower. For a riding mower, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake; for a walk-behind mower, pull the spark plug wire from the plug. Then, lift the filter from its housing.

The only choice for paper filters is replacement. If you’re cleaning a foam filter, wash it in a solution of hot water and detergent to loosen grime. Allow it to dry completely, and then wipe fresh motor oil over the filter, replace it in its housing, and power up the mower—this time to the pleasant whirring of an engine in tip-top condition.

Check the spark plug.

Is your lawn mower still being stubborn? The culprit may be the spark plug, which is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If it’s loosened, disconnected, or coated in water or carbon residue, the spark plug may be the cause of your machine’s malfunction.

Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire, revealing the plug beneath. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it.

Check the electrode and insulator. If you see buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, and let it soak for several minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. Reinstall the spark plug, first by hand, and then with a socket wrench for a final tightening. If the problem persists, consider changing the spark plug.

Clear the mower deck of debris.

The mower’s deck prevents grass clippings from showering into the air like confetti, but it also creates a place for them to collect. Grass clippings can clog the mower deck, especially while mowing a wet lawn, preventing the blade from turning.

If the starter rope seems stuck or is difficult to pull, then it’s probably due to a clogged deck. With the mower safely turned off, tip it over onto its side and examine the underbelly. If there are large clumps of cut grass caught between the blade and deck, use a trowel to scrape these clippings free. When the deck is clean again, set the mower back on its feet and start it up.

Clear the vent in the lawn mower fuel cap.

The mower started just fine, you’ve made the first few passes, then all of a sudden the mower quits. You pull the cord a few times, but the engine just sputters and dies. What’s happening? It could have something to do with the fuel cap. Most mowers have a vented fuel cap. This vent is intended to release pressure, allowing fuel to flow from the tank to the carburetor. Without the vent, the gas fumes inside the tank begin to build up, creating a vacuum that eventually becomes so strong that it stops the flow of fuel.

To find out if this is the problem, remove the gas cap to break the vacuum, then reattach it. The mower should start right up. But if the lawn mower won’t stay running and cuts off again after 10 minutes or so, you’ll need to get a new gas cap.

Clean and refill the lawn mower fuel tank.

An obvious—and often overlooked—reason your mower may not be starting is that the tank is empty or contains gas that is either old or contaminated with excess moisture and dirt. If your gas is more than a month old, use an oil siphon pump to drain it from the tank.

(It’s important to be careful as spilled oil can cause smoking, but there are other reasons this might happen. Read more about what to do when your lawn mower is smoking.)

Add fuel stabilizer to the tank.

Fill the tank with fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer to extend the life of the gas and prevent future buildup. A clogged fuel filter is another possible reason for a lawn mower not to start. When the filter is clogged, the engine can’t access the gas that makes the system go. If your mower has a fuel filter (not all do), check to make sure it’s functioning properly.

First, remove the fuel line at the carburetor. Gas should flow out. If it doesn’t, confirm that the fuel shutoff valve isn’t accidentally closed. Then remove the fuel line that’s ahead of the fuel filter inlet. If gas runs out freely, there’s a problem with the fuel filter. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on replacing the filter and reassembling the mower.

Inspect the safety release mechanism cable.

Your lawn mower’s reluctance to start may have nothing to do with the engine at all but rather with one of the mower’s safety features: the dead man’s control. This colorfully named safety bar must be held in place by the operator for the engine to start or run. When the bar is released, the engine stops. While this mechanism cuts down on the likelihood of horrific lawn mower accidents, it also can be the reason the mower won’t start.

The safety bar of a dead man’s control is attached to a metal cable that connects to the engine’s ignition coil, which is responsible for sending current to the spark plug. If your lawn mower’s engine won’t start, check to see if that cable is damaged or broken. If it is, you’ll need to replace it before the mower will start.

Fortunately, replacing a broken control cable is an easy job. You may, however, have to wait a few days to get the part. Jot down the serial number of your lawn mower, then head to the manufacturer’s website to order a new cable.

Check to see if the flywheel brake is fully engaged.

The flywheel helps to make the engine work smoothly through inertia. When it isn’t working properly, it will prevent the mower’s engine from working.

If it is fully engaged, it can make a mower’s pull cord hard to pull. Check the brake pad to see if it makes full contact with the flywheel and that there isn’t anything jamming the blade so the control lever can move freely.

If the flywheel brake’s key sheared, the mower may have run over something that got tangled in the blade. It is possible to replace a flywheel key, but it does require taking apart the mower.

Look out for signs that the mower needs professional repairs.

While repairing lawn mowers can be a DIY job, there are times when it can be best to ask a professional to help repair a lawn mower. If you’ve done all of the proper mower maintenance that is recommended by the manufacturer, and gone through all of the possible ways to fix the mower from the steps above, then it may be best to call a pro. Here are a few signs that indicate when a pro’s help is a good idea.

• You see black smoke. The engine will benefit from a technician’s evaluation, as it could be cracked or something else might be worn out.
• Excessive oil or gas usage. If you’ve changed the spark plugs, and done all of the other maintenance tasks, and the mower is consuming more than its usual amount of oil or gas, consult a professional for an evaluation.
• The lawn mower is making a knocking sound. When a lawn mower starts making a knocking sound, something could be bent or out of alignment. It may be tough to figure this out on your own, so a pro could help.
• A vibrating or shaking lawn mower can be a sign of a problem beyond a DIY fix. Usually something is loose or not aligning properly.

How to Fix Self Propelled Lawn Mower Cable Husqvarna

To fix a self-propelled lawn mower cable Husqvarna, first identify the issue with the mower. If it is a broken cable, you will need to replace it. Depending on the model of your lawnmower, you may need to remove some parts before being able to access the cables.

Then unscrew and detach the old cable from its mounting points and install a new one in its place. Make sure that all fasteners are properly tightened so that nothing comes loose during operation. Finally, test out your newly installed cable by running the lawnmower and make sure everything is working correctly before putting away any remaining tools or parts used for repair.

• Step 1: Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
• This will prevent accidentally starting the mower while it is being worked on
• Step 2: Remove any debris or grass clippings that may have built up around the self-propelled cable and its housing, using a putty knife
• Step 3: Carefully unhook one end of the cable from its mounting bracket with needle-nose pliers and pull it away so you can access both ends of it
• Step 4: Check for kinks in the cable by pulling on each side to see if there are any sections that do not move freely along its full length when tugged upon gently
• If there are kinks, press them out slowly with your hands until they become straight again
• Step 5: Reattach one end of the self-propelled lawnmower cable back onto its mounting bracket and then check to make sure it moves smoothly through all points along its path as you pull on both ends at once steadily but firmly
• If not, repeat Steps 4 5 until satisfied with how smoothly it works before reattaching other end securely
• Step 6: Replace any worn parts such as pulleys or sprockets if necessary before finally reconnecting spark plug wire back into place and testing mower’s self propulsion system to ensure everything is working correctly now!

How Do You Fix a Self Propel Cable on a Lawn Mower?

To fix a self propel cable on a lawn mower, follow these steps: Loosen the nut from the end of the cable. Remove any broken pieces of the old cable and replace with new one.

Thread new cable through bracket and adjust to desired length. Tighten the nut securely to hold new cable in place. Re-attach handle grip to free end of the cable and make sure it is secure.

Finally, test that all components are working properly before use. With these easy steps, you can have your self propel lawn mower up and running again in no time!

How Do You Change a Drive Cable on a Husqvarna?

Changing a drive cable on a Husqvarna is relatively easy and takes just minutes to complete. Here’s how: Remove the cover of the motor housing with an Allen wrench.

Unhook the throttle trigger, kill switch, and spark plug wire from their respective locations. Pull out the old drive cable from its slot in the motor housing, then remove it completely from your machine. Insert new cable into corresponding slots in both motor housing and handlebar assembly.

Reconnect throttle trigger, kill switch and spark plug wire to their original positions. Replace cover of motor housing and secure with Allen wrench screws for added safety.

How Do You Fix a Lawn Mower Control Cable?

To fix a lawn mower control cable: Locate the broken ends and cut off the frayed ends. Securely attach new cable ends and make sure they fit tightly on both sides of the break.

Reinstall the throttle or choke lever in its original position, ensuring it slides freely. Connect one end of the new cable to the throttle/choke lever, then secure with screws so that it is firmly held in place. Attach other end of replacement cable to carburetor linkage.

Make sure this connection is snug and does not move when you pull on it gently with pliers. Finally, test your repair job by turning on engine and checking whether throttle/choke responds correctly when operated from handlebar controls. If all works as expected, you have successfully fixed your lawn mower control cable!

Why Did My Self Propelled Lawn Mower Stopped Propelling?

There are several reasons why a self-propelled lawn mower may stop propelling. Check the drive belt for wear or damage. Ensure that the drive control lever is engaged in and set to desired speed.

Inspect the wheels, tires, and axle for any build up of grass clippings or debris which can affect rolling resistance. Verify that all moving parts have sufficient lubrication as recommended by manufacturer’s guidelines. Lastly, check if there are any blockages at the rear end of the machine preventing it from propelling properly.

Taking this steps can help identify what could be causing your self propelled lawn mower to not propel correctly.

Husqvarna Hu625Awd Drive Cable Replacement

Replacing the drive cable on a Husqvarna Hu625Awd lawn mower is not overly complicated and requires only basic hand tools. The new drive cable can be purchased from most home improvement stores or online retailers, and once the old one has been removed, installation of the new one should take no more than 30 minutes. It’s important to ensure that all connections are properly secured before using your mower again for maximum safety and performance.

Husqvarna Lawn Mower Drive Cable Replacement

If you need to replace the drive cable on your Husqvarna lawn mower, it’s important to purchase a genuine replacement part. The correct length and size of the cable must match your specific model in order to ensure proper operation. Installing a new drive cable is relatively easy, but care should be taken when removing and reinstalling any components of the system as improper installation can cause damage or even injury.

Husqvarna Lc221A Drive Cable Adjustment

The Husqvarna LC221A lawnmower is equipped with a drive cable that can be adjusted for optimum performance. To adjust the drive cable, you will need to loosen the two bolts at each end of the cable, then move it in or out as needed. Adjusting the tension on this cable helps ensure that your mower runs smoothly and efficiently.

By making sure your drive cable is properly adjusted, you can keep your Husqvarna LC221A running its best for many years to come!

How to Fix Self Propelled Lawn Mower Cable Toro

If you have a Toro self-propelled lawn mower and the cable that controls the speed of the drive system has become worn or frayed, it’s important to replace it quickly. To do this, make sure your mower is turned off and then locate the cable leading from the control lever on top of the handlebar to near where the wheels are mounted. Carefully remove any bolts or clips holding in place before unplugging both ends of the cable from their respective connections.

Purchase a new Toro replacement part for your model number and install by plugging in each end back into their original locations, tightening any fasteners securely, and testing out your repair job!

Husqvarna Lc221Rh Drive Cable Replacement

Replacing the drive cable on your Husqvarna LC221RH lawn mower is a simple job that can be done in an hour or less. First, disconnect power to the mower and then release any tension on the drive cable. Next, remove the old drive cable from its mounting points and install a new one.

Finally, adjust the tension according to manufacturer’s instructions before reconnecting power and testing out your newly replaced drive cable!

Husqvarna Self Propelled Lawn Mower Repair Manual

Husqvarna self propelled lawn mower repair manuals are an invaluable tool for anyone looking to do their own maintenance and repairs. These manuals provide step-by-step instructions on how to inspect, troubleshoot, and service your Husqvarna self propelled lawn mower. With detailed diagrams, photos and illustrations, you can be sure that you’ll have the information needed to get the job done right.

Whether it’s a small engine repair or replacing blades or belts, these manuals will help you through any situation quickly and efficiently.

Husqvarna Drive Cable

The Husqvarna Drive Cable is an important component of a Husqvarna chainsaw. It is responsible for transferring power from the motor to the chain sprocket in order to rotate the chain, allowing it to cut through wood. The drive cable should be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary in order to ensure that your chainsaw functions properly.

Replacing the drive cable can be done quickly and easily with minimal tools, making it a great project for do-it-yourselfers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is not difficult to repair a self propelled lawn mower cable for Husqvarna. With the right parts and some simple instructions, you can easily get your mower running like new again. Whether you are replacing the entire cable or just one component, it is important to make sure that all of the pieces fit correctly so that your machine operates properly and safely.

By taking extra care in making these repairs, you will save yourself time and money while keeping your lawn looking great!

How to replace the drive cable on the Husqvarna lawn mower, step by step

In a Husqvarna lawnmower, the drive cable connects the drive control to the drive transmission. It is different than the blade belt, which engages the lawnmower blades. When the drive lever is pulled, the drive cable connected to it stretches and activates the transmission. With time, the drive cable may get worn-out and needs replacement. The common problems are broken connectors, rusty cable, or broken mount. In these cases, it is always better to replace the drive cable instead of repairing it because it connects crucial parts. For a Husqvarna mower, the blade components are quite strong. Still, it is advisable to check the belt condition once per season. This article will take you through the steps to identify and replace a worn-out drive cable for a Husqvarna lawnmower.

How to replace the drive cable on the Husqvarna lawn mower, step by step:

• Step 1. Gather the necessary tools
• Step 2. Position your lawnmower and disconnect the spark plug cable
• Step 3. Remove the drive control panel
• Step 4. Remove the transmission cover
• Step 5. Remove the cable mounting bracket and the cable
• Step 6. Place the new drive cable

One of your lawnmower’s major components, which connects the control and drive systems, is the drive cable. Ensure that you give proper attention and care to this, and it will guarantee your mower’s long-term durability and performance. Changing the drive cable may sound complicated. But it is relatively straightforward. This article will give you an insight into the tools required, the technicalities in order, and when you have to be careful. We will also try to answer you’re common queries as well.

General Step-by-step Approach:

Whenever working on the mechanical components of your Husqvarna lawnmower, read the user guide. Replacing the drive cable is no exception. Read about the cable specifications, dimensions, and recommended brand.

Step 1. Gather the necessary tools.

With the right tools, the job is always more straightforward, and replacing your Husqvarna mower drive cable is no exception. Of course, you need to purchase a replacement drive cable. Ensure that it a good quality cable and it fits your model. To start with the job, it would be best if you have the following tools available:

• A pair of safety gloves.
• Set of Pliers.
• Screwdrivers.
• Adjustable wrench.
• Woodblocks.

Step 2. Position your lawnmower and disconnect the spark plug.

Place the Husqvarna mower on a smooth and level surface before you start to work. Leave transmission in gear and enable the lawnmower parking brake so that it does not start rolling. As a precautionary step, disconnect the spark plug and turn the ignition off. You are working near the sharp mower blades, and you do not want to have the engine start unintentionally. In case of an electric mower, disconnect the mains cable. And in the case of a cordless lawnmower, remove the batteries.

Step 3. Remove the drive control panel.

The first step is to remove the Husqvarna drive control panel. It is present near the steering. For Husqvarna push mowers, the panel is on the mower handle. Use a screwdriver to free the drive panel from the connections. You will notice that the drive cable is originating from here. The drive cable has connectors on both ends, a plastic sheath, and a mounting bracket. So, the whole cable with its connectors has to be replaced.

Now, open the panel you removed by twisting the 2-3 screws open. Inside you will find a rubber bushing; set it aside. Then, pull the cable away from the lever. This will free its one end.

Step 4. Remove the transmission cover.

The drive cable extends from the panel to the inside of the transmission cover. The transmission cover is present in the front wheels’ center, mounted on the Husqvarna mower body. Between the path, the cable might be tied with some cable ties and passed through holders. Remove the connections to free the old drive cable. Now, remove the transmission cover with a screwdriver. A single screw or nut mostly fastens it. This will expose the cable mounting bracket.

In some versions of Husqvarna riding lawnmowers, the transmission cover is hidden beneath the mower cutting deck. In this case, it is too deep to approach the drive cable. So, you will have to remove the cutting deck, body cover, and body kit, if any, that may be concealing the cable. The individual parts are quite simple to open. They mostly have push-pull joints and flexible connectors. Make some images or a small video of how the various components are connected to make reassembling easier.

Step 5. Remove the cable mounting bracket and the cable.

The cable mounting bracket lies beneath the transmission cover. Just like the drive control panel, it is fastened to the Husqvarna mower body by a few screws. The screws are to be opened from beneath the deck, so you should use a platform to raise the mower. Push on the tabs of the bracket with the screwdriver to set it free. The transmission cover is closed, and the cable attaches to its base. It would be best if you pulled out the cable from there. It is mostly twisted at the end or maybe fixed by a connector. Remove the old cable and pull it out.

Step 6. Place the new drive cable.

Install the new and clean cable everywhere around the pulleys on the deck, following the old cable pattern. Attach the cable to the Husqvarna transmission panel at the base. Tighten the connectors and pass the cable through the slots to reach the mower platform. From the deck, pull out the cable and stretch it. Reattach the transmission housing and grease the cable end.

Secure the cable into the holders, and the cable ties similarly to the previous cable. Reconnect the cable to the drive control. Place the cable end into the drive lever. At this point, check the condition of the rubber bush. It is better to replace it. Attach the bushing and wrap your cable to the sides of the panel and secure it with nuts. Reinstall the other half of the drive control housing. Grease this end minutely too. Assemble the housing with screws and attach the drive control to the handle or the mower steering in its original place. You need to ensure that the cable itself is tightly wound between the connections. The plastic sheath, mostly black in color, surrounds it and is flexible.

Now, reconnect the spark plug cable and turn the ignition on. Start the Husqvarna mower and give some regular pushes on the drive control handle. Now, take it for a run so that the cable adjusts.

Additional concerns:

Before operating with your Husqvarna lawnmower’s technicalities, you must take note of some safety precautions. It should help to prevent any person or property damage.

• Wooden block: Firstly, place a wood block below both sides of the cutting deck for support or aid throughout elimination and installation procedures.
• Replacement cable: Use a good quality Husqvarna replacement cable from a mower repair shop, hardware store, or home improvement store. Always genuine factory-stamped parts for a better and long-lasting experience.
• Protection: For some parts of the fix you should use some sturdy gloves.

Frequently asked questions:

What causes a mower deck to vibrate?

If the lawnmower vibrates while cutting the grass or changing the transmission, there might be an issue with the blade drive system or the drive cable. Mower deck vibration can be caused by an unstable blade or a drive belt that is too tight or worn out. Loose nuts or bolts on the transmission or drive panels make the bel loose too. Tighten it to avoid jerks and vibrations.

Should I buy a new drive cable or get it repaired?

The drive cable is a very strong yet delicately build component. The cable gets worn-out over time. Some major issues in a faulty cable are broken connectors, stripped sheath, or bends. Minor repairs can temporarily fix these, but as this cable controls the transmission, it is better to buy a new one. An old repaired cable will cause transmission issues to happen sooner.

How does the drive cable work?

The drive cable consists of a hard, metal wire surrounded by a plastic sheath for protection. The metal wire is rigid and has connectors at each end. It connects the transmission panel with the control panel. It means that when you pull or push the level from the control panel on a push-mower, the wire pushes or pulls the transmission connection. This, in turn, drives, stops or changes the mower speed.

Final remarks:

The cable drive on a lawnmower is a simple metallic cable that connects two crucial mower systems. With time and consistent use, the cable drive may get stretched, or its connections may break. It becomes necessary to replace it. On a Husqvarna mower, the drive cable is fixed on the external mower body with clamps or connectors. Replacing it is fairly simple, but you have to be careful not to distort the other sensitive components in the control or transmission panel. By following the steps mentioned earlier, you can easily change the cable drive. The tips and guidelines will make your job easier.

Husqvarna 587395402. Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar

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SKU: 587395402 UPC: 193028133765 MPN: 587395402 Condition: New Availability: Ships (leaves our warehouse) within next business day if in stock Category: Cable/Drive Cable

Cancer and Reproductive Harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

7395402 Husqvarna Husqvarna Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar

Husqvarna 587395402 Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar is the perfect solution for your outdoor power equipment needs. This cable drive is designed to provide maximum efficiency and performance with minimal maintenance. It is easy to install and comes with an impressive array of features, including a durable construction, adjustable tension, and a long-lasting design. With its reliable operation and excellent value, Husqvarna 587395402 Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar is the perfect choice for your outdoor power equipment needs.

Husqvarna lawn mowers are reliable and durable machines that will help you keep your lawn looking its best. Whether you are looking for a manual push mower, a self-propelled mower, or a riding mower, Husqvarna has the perfect solution for you. Every Husqvarna mower is built with quality parts and features that make lawn maintenance easier. The Husqvarna Drive Cable is an essential part of your Husqvarna lawn mower, providing the power to move the mower forward and backward. This cable is designed to be durable and long-lasting, so you can count on it to keep your lawn mower running smoothly for years to come. With a Husqvarna lawn mower and the Husqvarna Drive Cable, you can be sure that your lawn will stay looking great all season long.

Original Husqvarna 587395402. Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar parts are essential for keeping your outdoor equipment running smoothly and safely. With OEM parts, you can be sure that your equipment is running at peak performance, providing you with reliable, efficient operation. OEM parts are designed to fit and work with your specific equipment, so you can rest assured that you are getting the best performance from your machine. By using genuine parts, you can also be sure that you are getting the highest quality and the most reliable parts available. Investing in original parts is an important step in ensuring that your equipment is running at its best and that you are getting the most out of your investment.

At Husqv Parts, you can trust that you are getting the highest quality parts for your Husqvarna 587395402. Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar. We guarantee that all of our parts are 100% original and authentic, so you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality parts for your machine. We have a knowledgeable customer service team that can answer any questions you may have, and provide you with the best advice on how to keep your machine running smoothly. We also offer competitive and fast delivery, so you can get your parts quickly and without breaking the bank. Trust Husqv Parts for all of your Husqvarna parts needs.

Since 1971, we have been providing Husqvarna replacement parts to customers all over the world. Our years of experience have enabled us to become experts in the industry, and we strive to provide the best possible service and parts for our customers. We understand the importance of quality, and we guarantee that all of our parts are of the highest standard. We are dedicated to providing reliable parts that are sure to meet or exceed your expectations. With our extensive knowledge of Husqvarna replacement parts, we are confident that you will find the right part for your needs.

Husqvarna Husqvarna Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar Specs

Part Manufacturer: Husqvarna

Product Number: 587395402

This Product Replaces:

The Husqvarna Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar is a cable drive system designed to provide a reliable and efficient power transfer from the engine to the drive wheels of a Husqvarna lawnmower. The system features a heavy-duty cable and a durable drive pulley, ensuring a smooth and consistent power transfer. The system is designed to provide a long-lasting performance and is compatible with a range of Husqvarna lawnmower models.

587395402 Husqvarna Cable Drive Fgd 21 Eff Estar Manual and Additional Information

If you are unsure if the part you are looking for is the correct one for your needs, you can consult our parts manual section for further information. Alternatively, you can also contact our knowledgeable customer support team who are always happy to help. They can provide you with information and advice on the right part for your needs.

If you’re looking for parts for your Husqvarna equipment, you have two great options. First, you can check out the Fast Moving Parts section of our website, which is full of parts for a variety of Husqvarna models. Alternatively, you can look up the parts for your specific model using the Parts Lookup tool. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be sure to find the parts you need to get your equipment running smoothly again.

The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023

These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023

When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?

Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.

How Zero-Turn Mowers Work

A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.

When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.

Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.

As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.

Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower

Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.

Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.

In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.

But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.

Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.

How We Select and Test

There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.

We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.