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I bought a Husqvarna 18542 riding mower last summer to replace an old Craftsman that needed to be retired. At first the new mower worked fine, but very soon I noticed that the transmission was acting up. It would bog and load up the engine if I pushed the forward pedal further in while going uphill. Reverse seems to be hit and miss. Sometimes it goes, sometimes not. My yard is kind of hilly, so when the mower slows down because I turn to go back up the hill and I push the pedal further in, is when I'm having issues. If there's a spot where I need a little extra oomph and push the pedal in to speed up a little, it loads up and slows down again.
I bought this mower from my local Husqvarna dealer, where I also get saw parts from. I've bought saws, and a blower from them, as they've been my preferred dealer, hence the reason for going back when I needed the mower.
Last summer when I first complained about the issue with the transmission, they took it in and made some adjustments, at least that's what they told me. It seemed to be better, and I used it for the rest of the season. I also complained about a shake while the deck was running, and was told I had to have hit something. I can't remember hitting anything, but took their word for it. I replaced the blades to make sure everything was good, but it still shakes. This shaking started right as I was about to use it for the second time since new.
This year, I started using the mower again, and after a few times I started noticing the transmission issues again. After mowing a couple more times, I decided to bring it back again, since it was still under warranty.
They had it for a month, without any kind of communication with me. When I called to ask how it was going, I was just told I would get a call when it was done.
After the month of waiting, and grass growing, they finally called and said it was ready. When I picked it up, I asked what was wrong and what had been replaced. The answer was that there was an updated part installed, and all should be good. Covered under warranty.
I used it once, and it seemed fine. The second time I'm using it, it's the same story all over again. The same issues are there. I go back up to talk to them, and they tell me to bring it back in again.
I dropped it off two weeks ago, and still haven't heard anything from them.
I'm a very patient guy with stuff like this. I manage a small shop in a similar setting, so I know all the little things that can go on, but communication is key. Customers appreciate it when they are in the loop, and they are much more understanding when you keep them informed. Even if it takes a little bit of time to figure things out.
My question is if this model of mower is known for transmission problems, or if I got a lemon, or if am I using it wrong? Is this model not suited for hilly yards?
I mow my own and my elderly neighbors lawn with it, and I use it to tow a little trailer around in the firewood season.
I'm getting a little tired of waiting, but would like to know a few facts before I go up and talk to them again. Calling won't give me any answers.
I know we have several Husqvarna dealers and shop employees here on the forum, and was hoping someone could help me shed some light on this.
Sorry for the long post.
I bought this mower from my local Husqvarna dealer, where I also get saw parts from. I've bought saws, and a blower from them, as they've been my preferred dealer, hence the reason for going back when I needed the mower.
Last summer when I first complained about the issue with the transmission, they took it in and made some adjustments, at least that's what they told me. It seemed to be better, and I used it for the rest of the season. I also complained about a shake while the deck was running, and was told I had to have hit something. I can't remember hitting anything, but took their word for it. I replaced the blades to make sure everything was good, but it still shakes. This shaking started right as I was about to use it for the second time since new.
This year, I started using the mower again, and after a few times I started noticing the transmission issues again. After mowing a couple more times, I decided to bring it back again, since it was still under warranty.
They had it for a month, without any kind of communication with me. When I called to ask how it was going, I was just told I would get a call when it was done.
After the month of waiting, and grass growing, they finally called and said it was ready. When I picked it up, I asked what was wrong and what had been replaced. The answer was that there was an updated part installed, and all should be good. Covered under warranty.
I used it once, and it seemed fine. The second time I'm using it, it's the same story all over again. The same issues are there. I go back up to talk to them, and they tell me to bring it back in again.
I dropped it off two weeks ago, and still haven't heard anything from them.
I'm a very patient guy with stuff like this. I manage a small shop in a similar setting, so I know all the little things that can go on, but communication is key. Customers appreciate it when they are in the loop, and they are much more understanding when you keep them informed. Even if it takes a little bit of time to figure things out.
My question is if this model of mower is known for transmission problems, or if I got a lemon, or if am I using it wrong? Is this model not suited for hilly yards?
I mow my own and my elderly neighbors lawn with it, and I use it to tow a little trailer around in the firewood season.
I'm getting a little tired of waiting, but would like to know a few facts before I go up and talk to them again. Calling won't give me any answers.
I know we have several Husqvarna dealers and shop employees here on the forum, and was hoping someone could help me shed some light on this.
Sorry for the long post.