How to replace the drive cable on the Husqvarna lawn mower

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.

1. Wooden block: Firstly, place a wood block below both sides of the cutting deck for support or aid throughout elimination and installation procedures.
2. 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.
3. Protection: For some parts of the fix you should use some sturdy gloves.

Frequently asked questions:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.