TABLE OF CONTENTS Operator’s Manual for Sod Cutter SC18 Introduction ............2 Replacing the air filter ........30 Congratulations ..........2 Idle adjustment ..........31 Use ..............2 Cleaning the sludge reservoir ......31 Insure your machine ........2 Ignition system ..........32 Good service ............
INTRODUCTION 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.
Used also when there is a potential for misuse or misassembly. Decals and machine-bound instructions 8011-268 Husqvarna logotype Model designation SC18 Husqvarna crown Depth lock Max RPMs Cutting instructions DANGER Risk for injury from cutting tools Shift lever Exhaust warnings 10.
SYMBOLS AND DECALS Location of decals 8011-269 Translation of instructions Decal 5 Decal 7 UNLOCK, LOCK Warning Depth lock knob Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and certain vehicle components contain or emit Limit cutting depth to 2 1/2 inches chemicals considered by the State of California to Decal 9 cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive...
WARNING! The object of this manual is to help you use your Under no circumstances may the Husqvarna machine more safely and to give you original design of the machine be information about how to maintain your machine. modified without written approval Please read the manual carefully before attempting from the manufacturer.
The machine is tested and approved only with the equipment originally provided or recommended by the manufacturer. • 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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Preparations • Make sure that you always have first aid equipment close 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 WARNING! Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals considered to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The engine emits carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use the machine in enclosed spaces.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Make sure that the shift lever is in neutral and that the parking brake is engaged before starting the engine. • Do not shift with the throttle engaged. • Do not cut at high speed. The shift lever must be in the position with the turtle/scissor symbol when you are cutting.
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 while the engine is running.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Maintenance • Never allow persons not trained in the use of the machine to perform service on it. • Always park the machine on even ground and make sure the parking brake is engaged before performing maintenance or making adjustments.
PRESENTATION Presentation Congratulations on your choice of an exceptionally high quality product. This operator’s manual describes the Husqvarna sod cutter, model SC18. The machine is equipped with a 5.5 hp (4 kW) Honda four-cycle engine. 8011-067 Main components and operating instruments...
PRESENTATION Engine Exterior engine components and operating instruments: Throttle Starter Starter handle Fuel valve Choke control Air filter Spark plug 8011-043 Muffler 11. Oil dipstick engine 12. Oil drainage engine 13. Engine switch 14. Fuel tank 15. Fuel filler cap 21.
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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 Husqvarna 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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PRESENTATION 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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PRESENTATION Fuel tank Underneath the tank, there is a fuel filter combined with the fuel valve. The tank volume is 3.6 liters/ 0.95 US Gal. Fueling Read the safety instructions before fueling. Keep the fuel and fuel tank clean. Avoid filling the machine with dirty fuel.
PRESENTATION Handle The handle is designed to dampen vibrations. It is also equipped with a comfortable handle grip. 8011-199 Blade activation bar You use the activation bar to control the blade. To bring the blade to working position, you pull the bar towards you with one hand while lifting the handle with the other.
PRESENTATION Shift lever Always start with the shift lever in neutral, position N. Move the shift lever to the slow position (turtle/ scissor symbol) when you are cutting. To run more quickly, move the shift lever forwards, towards the rabbit symbol. Make sure that the blade is not down.
RUNNING Before starting • Read this manual carefully and make sure you understand it before attempting to use the machine. 8011-149 • Check that all daily maintenance as described in the maintenance schedule has been performed; see chapter ”Maintenance/ Maintenance schedule”. •...
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RUNNING • Check that there is sufficient fuel in the tank. Fill if necessary. 8011-223 • Check that the shift lever is in neutral and that the blade is raised, i.e. that the activation bar is extended. 8011-256 8011-257 • Check that the parking brake is engaged.
RUNNING Starting the engine Fuel valve Open the fuel valve. Turn the lever all the way to the right. 8011-072 Choke control When starting the engine warm, the lever should be in the right position; see the illustration. When starting the engine cold or partially warm, turn the lever completely or partly to the left.
RUNNING Cutting the engine If the engine has been running full out, let it run easily for about 30 seconds to 1 minute at low speed. Engine switch Turn the engine switch counterclockwise to OFF. 8011-026 Fuel valve Close the fuel valve. Turn the lever all the way to the left.
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RUNNING Move the shift lever to the slow position (turtle/ scissor symbol). IMPORTANT INFORMATION Sod cutting may only be performed at slow speed (turtle/scissor symbol). 8011-254 Press the throttle towards the handle at the same time as you press down on the handle somewhat and cut a short ways.
RUNNING Operating on hills WARNING! Do not run the machine on grades of more than 20 to prevent the machine from tipping over. When you run on hills, you may find the following: • It is more difficult to steer the machine and maintain its balance.
RUNNING Movement/Transport • Press the blade activation bar forwards to raise the blade. 8011-257 • Select the desired gear (slow-fast-reverse). 8011-066 • Press the throttle towards the handle while holding the handle hard. 8011-084 • To turn, press down on the handle (1), lift the front wheels, and turn the machine (2).
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RUNNING • Run the machine up a ramp in low gear when loading it into a truck or trailer. 8011-254 • Turn off the engine and lock the wheels with the parking brake for transport. 8011-267 • Fasten the machine properly in place with approved fasteners, such as tension belts, chains or rope, when transporting it in a truck or trailer.
RUNNING User tips IMPORTANT INFORMATION Modifications or additions made to the machine without written approval from the manufacturer may void the manufacturer’s guarantee. • To shift into reverse, you may need to move the machine forwards and backwards while pulling the shift lever. •...
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RUNNING • Should I water the lawn before cutting? Normally, it is not necessary to water the lawn before cutting. In extreme conditions, such as highly compacted clay soil, a simple test can be used to determine whether you need to water the lawn before cutting.
MAINTENANCE 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 Husqvarna service workshop. Daily Maintenance interval months/hours maint. Maintenance Page before...
MAINTENANCE 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 chapter ”Maintenance/Maintenance schedule” for the proper service interval).
MAINTENANCE Cleaning the sludge reservoir Close the fuel valve by moving the lever all the way to the left. 8011-036 Unscrew the sludge reservoir (2). Make sure not to misplace the o-ring (1). Clean the reservoir and the o-ring in white spirit and dry carefully.
MAINTENANCE 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.
MAINTENANCE Two minute rule The machine may be tipped forwards or on its side 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.
MAINTENANCE Checking the throttle cable Remove the upper guard plate and check that the throttle cable is affixed and does not bind. 8011-113 Adjusting chain tension Upper chain • Does not require adjustment. Check that the lever for automatic chain tensioning is not binding.
8011-153 particularly important if the machine is to be stored. IMPORTANT INFORMATION 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.
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 excess grease after lubrication.
LUBRICATION 3. Blade Cover the blade 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. 4. Chains Lubricate the chains so that they travel easily without binding.
LUBRICATION 6. Oil change reduction gear 1:2 with IMPORTANT INFORMATION centrifugal clutch Used engine oil is a health hazard and legislation prohibits disposal on the ground or in nature; it should always be disposed of IMPORTANT INFORMATION at a workshop or appropriate disposal Do not confuse the engine and reduction location.
LUBRICATION 7. Engine oil WARNING! The engine should be warm (but not hot) when Engine oil can be very hot if it is changing the oil. Warm oil flows out faster and drained directly after stopping the leaves a smaller quantity of old oil inside the machine.
Gearbox The gearbox (4 gears) is filled with 340 g Betonite grease. The grease is only changed during gearbox repairs. No level control is required. In case of leakage, contact an authorized Husqvarna service workshop. 8011-168 Right-angle T-drive The right-angle T-drive that drives the blade is filled to 3/4 with SAE 80W90 transmission oil.
TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom Cause Action The engine will not start • User error Fuel valve closed. Open the fuel valve. Choke valve open. Close the choke with cold engine. Engine switch in OFF position. Turn the engine switch to ON. • Fuel system Fuel tank empty.
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TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Action/comments Transmission axle damaged. Check that there is no debris stuck in the transmission chain or around the output axle. This error arises if the machine is run without the skid pan. Contact your dealer. The drive wheels do not engage. Check that the drive chain is seated in all the sprockets.
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Moisture, oil or grease on the belt are causing it to slip. Try to clean the belt with spirits and if you cannot get it clean, replace it with a new Husqvarna belt. You can increase belt tension by tightening the belt tensioning nut.
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TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Action/comments The belt is glazed or slips. Check that the belt tensioning unit is properly adjusted. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The engine must be turned off before checking clearance in the pulleys. Adjust the tap screw to achieve 2–6 mm of play between all pulleys (the belt tensioning pulley, the engine pulley and the right-angle pulley) when the belt is off.
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Check that the proper belt is being used. If not, exchange it for a new Husqvarna belt. The idler adjustment screw on the belt tensioning pulley is too tight or require lubrication.
When ordering spare parts, please specify the described in the chapter ”Lubrication/Links and purchase year, model, type, and serial number. joints”. Always use genuine Husqvarna spare parts. Cover the blade with a thin coat of oil to avoid An annual check-up at an authorized service rust.
WIRING DIAGRAM 8011-101 8011-073 Legend for color abbreviations in wiring diagram Engine switch Transistor ignition unit Black Spark plug Yellow 48 – English...
TECHNICAL DATA Dimensions Net weight: 149 kg Transport weight: 164 kg Width 610 mm Height 910 mm Length 1,370 mm Cutting depth (max) 63 mm Cutting width 460 mm Engine Make Honda Model GX160 Cylinder volume 163 cm (9.9 cu in) Power 5.5 hp (4 kW) at 3600 RPM Torque...
SERVICE JOURNAL Date, stamp, signature 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.