Husqvarna Blade Conversion Kit for 535LS (Pro Tips & Parts Guide)

Husqvarna 535LS Blade Conversion Kit: Unleashing Versatility

The Husqvarna 535LS is a powerful tool, but its versatility is limited in its stock configuration. A blade conversion kit unlocks a whole new level of functionality, allowing you to tackle tougher vegetation with ease. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the benefits to choosing the right parts and safely installing the kit.

Why Convert to a Blade?

I’ve found that converting my 535LS to accept blades has several key advantages:

• Increased Cutting Power: Blades are far more effective than string for cutting thick weeds, brush, and even small saplings. I’ve personally cleared areas choked with brambles and small trees that would have been impossible with just a string trimmer.
• Improved Efficiency: A blade allows you to work faster and more efficiently, especially on larger properties. Think of it as trading a butter knife for a machete when tackling tough vegetation.
• Enhanced Durability: Blades are typically more durable than trimmer line, reducing the need for frequent replacements. I’ve noticed a significant decrease in downtime since switching to a blade.
• Greater Control: I find that blades offer more precise cutting control, allowing me to selectively clear vegetation without damaging surrounding plants. This is particularly useful when working near gardens or landscaping.
• Versatility: With the right blade, you can tackle a wide range of tasks, from edging to clearing dense brush. This eliminates the need for multiple tools, saving you time and money.

Understanding the Husqvarna 535LS

Before diving into the conversion, let’s take a closer look at the Husqvarna 535LS itself. This is a professional-grade brushcutter known for its power, durability, and reliability. It features a robust engine, a comfortable harness, and user-friendly controls.

• Engine: The 535LS typically features a 34.6 cm³ X-Torq engine. This engine is designed to deliver high power with reduced emissions and fuel consumption. I’ve consistently found it to be fuel-efficient, allowing me to work longer between refills.
• Power Output: Expect around 1.6 kW (2.1 hp) of power. This is ample power for tackling demanding brushcutting tasks.
• Weight: The machine weighs approximately 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs) without cutting equipment. While not the lightest brushcutter on the market, the well-designed harness helps distribute the weight comfortably.
• Shaft and Gear Head: These components are built to withstand the rigors of professional use. The gear head is specifically designed to transfer power efficiently to the cutting attachment.
• Handle and Controls: The 535LS features an ergonomic handle and intuitive controls, making it easy to operate for extended periods. I appreciate the placement of the throttle and kill switch, which are easily accessible.

Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Priority

Working with brushcutters and blades can be dangerous. Always prioritize safety and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Eye Protection: I always wear safety glasses or a face shield to protect my eyes from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: The 535LS is a loud machine. Use earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing damage.
• Gloves: Wear sturdy work gloves to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
• Long Pants and Sleeves: Cover your skin to protect it from scratches and insect bites.
• Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from injury with steel-toed boots.
• Leg Protection: Consider wearing chaps or other leg protection, especially when working in dense brush.
• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the Husqvarna 535LS owner’s manual before operating the machine.
• Inspect the Equipment: Before each use, inspect the brushcutter and blade for any damage or wear.
• Clear the Area: Before starting the engine, clear the work area of any obstacles or bystanders.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential hazards, such as rocks, roots, and uneven terrain.

Personal Story: I once neglected to wear safety glasses while using my brushcutter. A small rock was thrown up and hit me in the face, narrowly missing my eye. That was a painful reminder of the importance of PPE.

Choosing the Right Blade for the Job

Not all blades are created equal. Selecting the right blade for the task at hand is crucial for both safety and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of common blade types and their applications:

• Grass Blades (2-4 Teeth): Ideal for cutting grass and light weeds. These blades provide a clean, even cut and are less likely to kick back than other blade types.
• Brush Blades (8-80 Teeth): Designed for cutting thicker weeds, brush, and small saplings. The number of teeth determines the aggressiveness of the cut. More teeth generally mean a smoother cut, while fewer teeth are better for tougher vegetation.
• Chisel Tooth Blades: Excellent for cutting through thick brush and small trees. These blades feature aggressive teeth that can quickly chew through tough vegetation.
• Brush Knives: Heavy-duty blades designed for clearing dense brush and small trees. Brush knives are typically made from hardened steel and can withstand significant abuse.
• Mulching Blades: Designed to chop vegetation into small pieces, which can then be left on the ground as mulch. These blades are ideal for clearing overgrown areas and preparing them for planting.
• Saw Blades: Specialized blades for cutting small trees and branches. Saw blades typically have a high tooth count and are designed for precision cutting.

Blade Material:

• Steel: Most common and affordable. Good for general use.
• Hardened Steel: More durable and resistant to wear. Ideal for demanding applications.
• Carbide-Tipped: Extremely durable and long-lasting. Best for cutting abrasive materials.

My Recommendation: For general brush clearing, I recommend an 8-tooth or 40-tooth brush blade. For cutting small trees, a chisel tooth blade or saw blade is the best choice.

Essential Parts for the Conversion Kit

A complete blade conversion kit typically includes the following parts:

• Blade Adapter: This is the most critical component of the kit. It allows you to attach the blade to the brushcutter’s drive shaft. The adapter must be compatible with both the Husqvarna 535LS and the type of blade you intend to use.
• Thrust Washer: This washer sits between the blade and the gear head, providing a smooth surface for the blade to rotate against.
• Rider Plate: This plate sits on top of the blade and helps to secure it in place.
• Lock Nut: This nut secures the blade assembly to the drive shaft.
• Spanner Wrench: This wrench is used to tighten and loosen the lock nut.

Identifying the Correct Parts:

• Consult the Husqvarna 535LS Parts Manual: This manual provides a detailed breakdown of all the parts used in the brushcutter, including the correct part numbers for the blade adapter and related components.
• Check with Your Local Husqvarna Dealer: Your local dealer can help you identify the correct parts for your specific needs.
• Online Retailers: Many online retailers sell blade conversion kits for the Husqvarna 535LS. Be sure to verify the compatibility of the kit before purchasing.

Pro Tip: I always recommend purchasing genuine Husqvarna parts whenever possible. These parts are designed to fit perfectly and perform reliably.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installing a blade conversion kit on a Husqvarna 535LS is a relatively straightforward process. However, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a safe and proper installation.

Tools Required:

• Spanner Wrench (usually included in the kit)
• Socket Wrench (size will vary depending on the lock nut)
• Screwdriver (for removing the trimmer head)
• Work Gloves
• Safety Glasses

Installation Steps:

1. Disconnect the Spark Plug: This is a crucial safety step to prevent the engine from accidentally starting during the installation process.
2. Remove the Trimmer Head: Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to remove the trimmer head from the drive shaft. The exact procedure will vary depending on the type of trimmer head installed.
3. Clean the Drive Shaft: Use a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the drive shaft.
4. Install the Blade Adapter: Slide the blade adapter onto the drive shaft. Ensure that it is properly seated and aligned.
5. Install the Thrust Washer: Place the thrust washer onto the blade adapter.
6. Install the Blade: Position the blade onto the blade adapter, ensuring that it is facing the correct direction. The cutting edge of the blade should be facing outwards.
7. Install the Rider Plate: Place the rider plate on top of the blade.
8. Install the Lock Nut: Thread the lock nut onto the drive shaft and tighten it securely using a spanner wrench and socket wrench. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the correct torque.
9. Double-Check the Assembly: Ensure that all components are properly installed and tightened. The blade should rotate freely without any wobbling or play.
10. Reconnect the Spark Plug: Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Important Considerations:

• Direction of Rotation: Ensure that the blade is installed with the correct direction of rotation. The arrow on the blade should match the direction of rotation of the drive shaft.
• Torque Specifications: Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the correct torque for the lock nut. Over-tightening can damage the drive shaft or blade adapter.
• Blade Balance: After installing the blade, check for any imbalance. An unbalanced blade can cause excessive vibration and premature wear on the brushcutter.

Personal Story: I once installed a blade backwards on my brushcutter. The result was a very inefficient and dangerous cutting experience. Always double-check the direction of rotation!

Maintaining Your Blade and Brushcutter

Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of your blade and brushcutter.

Blade Maintenance:

• Sharpening: Sharpen the blade regularly to maintain its cutting efficiency. Use a file or grinding wheel to sharpen the cutting edges.
• Balancing: Check the blade for balance after sharpening. An unbalanced blade can cause excessive vibration and premature wear on the brushcutter.
• Cleaning: Clean the blade after each use to remove any sap, dirt, or debris.
• Inspection: Inspect the blade regularly for any cracks, chips, or other damage. Replace the blade if it is damaged.

Brushcutter Maintenance:

• Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter regularly to ensure proper engine performance.
• Spark Plug: Inspect and replace the spark plug as needed.
• Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter annually to prevent fuel contamination.
• Lubrication: Lubricate the gear head regularly to prevent wear.
• Inspection: Inspect the brushcutter regularly for any loose bolts, damaged wires, or other problems.

Maintenance Schedule:

• Daily: Clean the blade and brushcutter after each use.
• Weekly: Sharpen the blade and check for balance. Inspect the air filter and spark plug.
• Monthly: Lubricate the gear head.
• Annually: Replace the fuel filter.

Pro Tip: I keep a detailed maintenance log for all my power tools. This helps me track maintenance schedules and identify potential problems early on.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper installation and maintenance, you may encounter some issues with your blade conversion kit. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Vibration: Excessive vibration can be caused by an unbalanced blade, a loose lock nut, or a damaged drive shaft. Check the blade for balance, tighten the lock nut, and inspect the drive shaft for any damage.
• Blade Slippage: If the blade is slipping on the drive shaft, the lock nut may not be tight enough, or the blade adapter may be worn. Tighten the lock nut to the proper torque and replace the blade adapter if it is worn.
• Poor Cutting Performance: Poor cutting performance can be caused by a dull blade, an incorrect blade type, or a clogged air filter. Sharpen the blade, select the correct blade type for the task, and clean or replace the air filter.
• Overheating: Overheating can be caused by a clogged air filter, a dirty spark plug, or a lean fuel mixture. Clean or replace the air filter, clean or replace the spark plug, and adjust the carburetor if necessary.

When to Seek Professional Help:

If you are unable to resolve a problem yourself, it’s best to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic. Attempting to repair a complex problem without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous and may cause further damage to the brushcutter.

Advanced Techniques and Applications

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of blade conversion and operation, you can explore some advanced techniques and applications.

• Edging: Use a grass blade to create clean, crisp edges along sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds.
• Stump Grinding: With a specialized stump grinding blade, you can grind down small tree stumps.
• Land Clearing: Use a brush knife or chisel tooth blade to clear large areas of dense brush and small trees.
• Firewood Preparation: While not its primary function, a brushcutter with a saw blade can be used to cut small branches for firewood.

Case Study: I once used my Husqvarna 535LS with a brush knife to clear a heavily overgrown lot for a community garden. The blade made quick work of the dense vegetation, allowing us to prepare the land for planting in a fraction of the time it would have taken with traditional tools.

Expanding Your Knowledge: Resources and Further Learning

To further expand your knowledge of brushcutters, blades, and related topics, I recommend the following resources:

• Husqvarna Website: The Husqvarna website offers a wealth of information about their products, including owner’s manuals, parts diagrams, and troubleshooting guides.
• Local Husqvarna Dealer: Your local dealer is a valuable resource for information, parts, and service.
• Online Forums: Online forums dedicated to landscaping and forestry can provide valuable insights and advice from experienced users.
• YouTube: YouTube is a great source for instructional videos on brushcutter maintenance, blade sharpening, and other related topics.

Recommended Reading:

• “The Chainsaw Operator’s Manual” by the US Forest Service
• “Complete Guide to Pruning” by Cass Turnbull

The Future of Brushcutting Technology

The field of brushcutting technology is constantly evolving. Here are some trends to watch for in the future:

Next Steps:

• Identify the specific tasks you want to accomplish with your brushcutter.
• Select the appropriate blade type for those tasks.
• Purchase a blade conversion kit and the necessary safety equipment.
• Follow the installation instructions carefully.
• Maintain your blade and brushcutter regularly.
• Explore advanced techniques and applications.
• Continue to expand your knowledge through available resources.

Remember, safety is paramount. Always prioritize safety and wear appropriate PPE when operating a brushcutter. With proper care and attention, your Husqvarna 535LS will provide years of reliable service. Now go forth and conquer that overgrown vegetation!

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