I have just 10 hours on a newly purchased Husq YT42DXLS with the 21.5hp Kawasaki engine. This unit replaces an old (at least 15 years) old Craftsman that I had with the 20hp Kohler twin. The engine was still running great, but the tractor itself was starting to have costly repairs and as I do my own maintenance it was just "time"
Observations:
1. The new tractor cuts very well and the engine is very solid. I am pleased with the purchase.
2. The engine really is a gas hog. I could cut my 1.5 acres at least 2x and sometimes 3 on a gallon of gas with the Craftsman. The new tractor uses about a gallon for each cut. Although it is only slightly more powerful it just uses a lot of gas. I don't know why.
3. I had to add 1/2 qt. of oil after 5 hours of use. The second 5 hours has resulted in no oil use so I suspect all is well.
Question:
The tractor has a fuel level "gauge" which is actually a slot cut into the metal frame of the housing to see into the plastic tank.
I have been unable to figure out how to tell how much gas is in the tank. I just cant see any fuel through the window at any level. Does anyone have any ideas, or suggestions regarding viewing the fuel level?
Thanks
#2
cpurvis
Hang on to that Craftsman if you've got one that'll cut 4.5 acres on one gallon of gas. That's more efficient than a diesel.
Surprising, I have read several posts about the great fuel economy of the Kawasaki.
I have a Husqvarna YT46LS and seems the fuel sight is at the lower part of the tank and when refueling, once the fuel fills to the top of the sight I can add quite a bit more fuel [more than a gallon] to top off the tank. After you use 1/2 a tank, while mowing you should be able to glance down and easily see the fuel sloshing around in the sight.
I have not measured the fuel use on my Husqy with Intek 24, but it is a gas hog compared with my dyt 4000 Intek 24. The husqy is ? 300 lbs heavier. The sight window is widely criticized on my unit. The transparency is about like a bathroom window . I use the view of the tank from the back. Just below the seat there is a "step" in the tank which is easily seen. Gas level with that step is a little over one gallon. When it disappears you have to try to see what the front window shows which is difficult. At least there is a reserve with valve on my model.
I had a Craftsman DYT4000 with the 18.5 Intek, manual transmission, was a great mower, plenty powerful enough for a 42" deck. Had it 13 years and was wearing out, decided to buy a new mower. Hard to find a new mower with a manual transmission and could not find one in the size that I wanted with a single cylinder engine.
I decided on a Husqvarna YT46LS hydro. Bought a used tire and rim set , the wider 20x10x10" tires, that used to come standard on a lot of mowers, sanded and painted the rims Husqvarna gray. The ride is so much smoother than the skinny tires that came on it.
Came with a Kohler 7000 series 26 h.p. engine that seems to do well enough on gas.
Seems there is a horsepower war between brands. My first mower was a 1979 cub cadet with an 11 h.p. engine, although out weighing these new mower by a lot, the 11 hp was plenty enough.
I suppose in 10 years we will have 30+ hp mowers that weigh 400 lbs?
Seems like no one has info on how to figure out gas level. Now have another question:
What mulch kit will fit this unit. I have had trouble finding the right part. It may be 587 41 23 01, but so far have not been able to confirm. Does anyone know?
