Operating Instructions for Lawn Dethatcher DT18, DT18C with supplement for accessories Introduction ... 2 Congratulations ... 2 Use ... 2 Insure your machine ... 2 Good service ... 2 Serial number ... 2 Symbols and decals ... 3 Decals and machine-bound instructions ... 3 Location of decals ...
Congratulations Thank you for purchasing a Husqvarna lawn care product. Through your confidence in us, you have chosen an exceptionally high quality product. This manual is a valuable document. It describes your new Husqvarna machine. Read the manual carefully before attempting to use the machine. Following the instructions (use, service, maintenance, etc.) can considerably increase the lifespan of your machine and even increase its resale value.
SYMBOLS AND DECALS WARNING! Xxxx xxx xxxx xx xxxx x xxxx. Used in this publication to notify the reader of a risk of personal injury, particularly if the reader should neglect to follow instructions given in the manual. Decals and machine-bound instructions Husqvarna logotype Model designation DT18C Model designation DT18...
SYMBOLS AND DECALS Translation of instructions Decal 9 Seed application chart Values are approximate; quantities of seed depend on the speed at which the machine is run. Faster running speed results in sparser sowing. Preparing the lawn • Cut the grass to approximately 1-1.5 cm (1/2"). •...
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS General use The object of this manual is to help you use your Husqvarna machine more safely and to give you information about how to maintain your machine. Please read the manual carefully before attempting to use the machine. If after reading the operator’s manual you are still unsure about the safety risks associated with use of the machine, you should not use the machine.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Husqvarna original spare parts are designed and specified to maintain high quality and correct fit for optimal durability and lifespan. From a safety point of view, you should only use Husqvarna original spare parts. • Check that all safety decals are in place. See the chapter ”Symbols and decals”.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Preparations • Make sure that you always have first aid equipment at hand when using the machine. • Make sure nobody else is in the vicinity of the machine when you start the engine, engage the drive or run the machine. •...
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Running • Do not use the machine on grades of more than 20°. We recommend working across slopes rather than up and down. This will yield a more even result. Do not leave the machine standing on a slope unattended. •...
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Movement/Transport • To turn and steer the machine, press down on the handle and turn on the back wheels. • Turn off the engine and allow it to cool at least 2 minutes before transport. • Collapse the handle if the machine is equipped with a collapsible handle.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Fuel system WARNING! Gasoline and gasoline fumes are poisonous and extremely flammable. Be especially careful when handling gasoline, as carelessness can result in personal injury or fire. • Only store fuel in containers approved for the purpose. • Never remove the fuel cap and fill the fuel tank when the engine is running.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Maintenance • Never make adjustments with the engine running. • Disengage the drive units, shut off the engine and wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop before making adjustments, performing maintenance or cleaning the machine. •...
Presentation Congratulations on your choice of an exceptionally high quality product. This operator’s manual describes the Husqvarna dethatcher. The machines are available in two basic designs—DT18C and DT18. The machines are equipped with a 4 or 5.5 hp Honda four-cycle engine. DT18C is the smaller machine.
Main components and operating instruments Engine Depth knob with depth lock Depth lever Knob for collapsible handle (DT18C) 14 – English PRESENTATION Control for seed hopper (Option DT18) Clutch bar Handle 8011-104...
Engine Exterior engine components and operating instruments Throttle control Starter Starter handle Fuel valve Choke Air filter Spark plug Muffler 11. Oil dipstick engine 12. Oil drainage engine 13. Oil level meter 14. Engine switch 15. Fuel tank 16. Fuel filler cap The reduction gear only appears on a special version of DT18C with spring tines.
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Starter The starter is of the magnapull type with spring return. To replace the return spring or starter cord, contact an authorized service workshop. Starter handle Misuse of the starter handle can damage the starter. Never twist the starter cord around your hand.
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Spark plug The engine spark plug is hidden under the ignition cable shoe. When performing service, it is important that the engine cannot start accidentally. For this reason, always remove the ignition cable shoe from the spark plug. To avoid pulling the cable, the cable shoe is equipped with a special handle;...
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Fuel tank Underneath the tank, there is a fuel filter combined with the fuel valve. The tank can be filled with 2.5 liters/0.66 US Gal in the DT18C or 3.6 liters/0.95 US Gal in the DT18. Fueling Read the safety instructions before fueling. Keep the fuel and fuel tank clean.
Cutting unit Depth lever Use the depth lever to raise and lower the blades between working and transport position. When the lever is up, the blades are in working position. Depth knob The knob is used to adjust the cutting depth of the blades.
Blade versatility Flail blade Thatch is the dense layer of clippings, roots and stems that forms between the soil and the base of the grass. As thatch builds up, it prevents water, air and fertilizer from being absorbed into the soil. This causes shallow root development leading to vulnerability to drought and frost.
Starting the engine Check that all daily maintenance as described in the maintenance schedule has been performed. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the tank. Fuel valve Open the fuel valve. Turn the lever all the way to the right. Choke When starting the engine warm, the lever should be in the right position;...
Starter handle Misuse of the starter handle can damage the starter. Do not twist the starter cord around your hand. Pull out the handle slowly until the gears mesh. Then give a sharp pull on the starter handle. Do not pull out the starter cord completely and do not let go of the starter handle when extended.
Before you start • Mow the lawn to its normal length. • Allow the lawn to dry. Wet conditions can cause extensive damage to healthy grass. • Set blade depth so that the blades just touch on a flat surface such as a sidewalk or driveway.
Maintenance schedule The following is a list of maintenance procedures that must be performed on the machine. For those points not described in this manual, visit an authorized service workshop. Maintenance Check the engine oil level Replace engine oil Check gearbox oil level Replace gearbox oil Check the air filter Clean the air filter...
Replacing the air filter If the engine seems weak, produces black smoke or runs unevenly, the air filter may be clogged. For this reason, it is important to clean and replace the air filter regularly (see the maintenance schedule for the proper service interval). WARNING! Allow the exhaust system to cool before performing service.
Cleaning the sludge reservoir Close the fuel valve. Unscrew the sludge reservoir (2). Make sure not to misplace the o-ring (1). Clean the reservoir and the o-ring in e.g. white spirit and dry carefully. Put the o-ring in place in its track and replace the sludge reservoir.
Ignition system The engine is equipped with an electronic ignition system. Only the spark plug requires maintenance. For recommended spark plug, see chapter ”Technical data”. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Fitting the wrong spark plug type can damage the engine. Remove the ignition cable shoe and clean around the spark plug.
Cutting unit Checking the drive belt Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug cable. Remove the belt guard (see illustration) on the left side of the machine. Check that the belt is running in the proper track; the pulleys should guide the belt in a straight line.
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Wear/Rotation/Replacing flail blades After you have used your dethatcher for some time, the blades will begin to wear on the striking edge. When this happens, their dethatching performance will diminish. A new combing edge may be obtained by rotating the entire rotor shaft assembly laterally (end to end).
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Replacing worn flail blades Allow the engine to cool. Disconnect the spark plug. Tip the machine forward; see the section ”Two minute rule”. IMPORTANT INFORMATION When tipping the machine forward observe the ”Two minute rule”. Remove and dispose of the spring clips (3) (locking washer type) that hold the blade shaft (2) in place (see the sketch).
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Wear/Replacing delta blades Over time and due to wear, the blades will diminish in length. Once the blades have worn down by about 19 mm (3/4"), the overall length of the blade at the longest point of the blade will be about 64 mm (2 1/2"), and it will be necessary to replace the blades.
Two minute rule The machine may be tipped forward to facilitate access for cleaning or service, but no longer than 2 minutes. If the machine is held in this position for too long, the engine can be damaged by gasoline draining into the crankcase.
LUBRICATION Lubrication schedule 8011-281 General Stop the engine and remove the ignition cable before attempting to lubricate the machine. Unless otherwise specified, when lubricating with grease use Husqvarna’s Universal Grease no. 5310038- 01 or Husqvarna’s Lubrication Grease UL 21 no. 5310060-74. Wipe away excessive grease after lubrication.
1. Engine oil The engine should be warm (but not hot) when changing the oil. Warm oil flows out faster and leaves a smaller quantity of old oil inside the engine. Place a suitable vessel underneath the oil drainage screw. Remove the oil dipstick (1) and the oil drainage screw (4).
2. Oil change reduction gear 1:6 The reduction gear only appears on a special version of model DT18C. The engine’s reduction axle does not have a drainage screw, but the oil can be drained through the level plug hole (2) by tipping the machine forward.
3. Depth knob with depth lock Lubricate the threads regularly with grease to avoid binding or locking. It is particularly important to lubricate the threads after cleaning. 4. Blades Cover the blades with a thin coat of oil to avoid rust. This is particularly important prior to winter storage or if the machine will not be used for a period of longer than 30 days.
Symptom Cause The engine will not start • User error Fuel valve closed. Choke valve open. Engine switch in OFF position. • Fuel system Fuel tank empty. Machine stored without observing proper procedure from chapter ”Storage/Winter storage” Contamination, water or ice in fuel system.
Winter storage At the end of the season, the machine should be readied for storage (or if it will not be in use for longer than 30 days). Fuel allowed to stand for long periods of time (30 days or more) can leave sticky residues that can plug the carburetor and disrupt engine function.
Engine switch Transistor ignition unit Spark plug Oil level meter 40 – English WIRING DIAGRAM Legend for color abbreviations in wiring diagram Black Yellow 8011-287 8011-050...
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Assembly – delivery service Fit the handle and tighten it in place. The handle for the DT18C model is collapsible but the DT18 model has a fixed handle. Fill the engine with the manufacturer- recommended oil. See chapter ”Lubrication/ Engine oil”.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Assembly directions, catcher bag DT18 (P/N 540000061) Remove both back wheels (F), the wheel plate (E) with accessories. Remove the guard (B), the neoprene deflector (C) and the deflector strap (D) by removing the ten (6 + 4) slotted screws. WARNING! Do not use or start the engine until the catcher bag is in place.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Assembly directions, seed hopper SD18 (P/N 540000060) Remove both back wheels (E), the wheel plate and accessories. Remove the guard (B), the neoprene deflector (C) and the deflector strap (D) by removing the ten (6 + 4) slotted screws (A). A) Fit the bearing and bearing flanges (Q) from the inside of the machine with setscrews and nuts (see illustration).
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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Adapt the handle for assembly of the control lever mounting by drilling two holes in the handle (see illustration). Fit the seed control lever on the handle with the accompanying 1/4" hex screws (Z), washers (Y) and hex nuts (W). Affix the cable to the handle in three places using the cable brackets (X) (see illustration).
Instructions for the catcher bag WARNING! Machines equipped with a catcher must not be used with defective catcher bags or without the catcher bag. They pose a risk of thrown stones, eye injury and inhalation of pollution. Connecting the catcher plate Fit the hooks from the plate in the tracks at the back of the machine.
Instructions for the seeder IMPORTANT INFORMATION The equipment is only intended to sow grass seeds on lawns. All other use such as spreading lime or manure is incorrect and could damage the equipment. General information The seed hopper is mounted on the rear of the machine.
Action Delivery service Break the packaging and make sure the machine has not been damaged in transport. Where applicable, assembly accompanying components. Check that the machine design corresponds to the customer order. Check that the right amount of oil is in the engine and transmission.