Robert Garrott

Issue with HU800AWD blade adapter: WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? 1. The blade adapter shown in the manual is not the one installed; appears to be a solid pulley and not a split pulley as is installed.
2. I assume the split pulley was jammed in full closed position but vibrated loose; the "free" half of the split pulley slipped out of the blade adapter and flopped around drive shaft making a lovely grinding noise. No retainer or preload spring installed; can't see how a floating split pulley weighing only a few ounces is supposed to provide the friction to the drive belt.
3. My call to Husqvarna Customer Service was a wasted twelve minutes of my life I'll never get back. No technical assistance available, just a referral to the local dealer.
4. Local dealer #1 only does warranty work on equipment he sells (and don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out!). Local dealer #2 doesn't do repair work.
5. Option 1: Load up 200 pound mower in my SUV and drive to another town to get a warranty diagnosis and 7-10 days for parts. Option 2: Say phooey and take blade adapter to local welding shop to transform poorly designed split pulley into solid pulley.
I bought Husqvarna because of the quality reputation. I'll have to think long and hard before buying another Husqvarna product if this is the level of design and support I can expect to receive.