Troybilt 11A-426A711 Owner’s Manual

Safetyo Assembly o Operation oTips &Techniques oMaintenance *Troubleshooting o Parts Lists oWarranty

®

\

21" Rotary Mower -- Model Series 420

READ SAFETY RULES AND mNSTRUCTmONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: This unitis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush=
coveredor grass=coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(ifany),

If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator,Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveis requiredbylaw
(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode),Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws,Federallawsapplyonfederallands,A sparkarrester

forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealerorcontacttheservicedepartment,RO,Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136=0019,

FORMNO,769=02160

PRINTEDiN U,S,A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019 10/25/2005

This Operator's Manua_ is an important part of your new lawn mower, mtwH_ he_p you assemble,

prepare, and maintain the unit for best performance. P_ease read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Smope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOUR NEWEQUIPMENT,please
locate the model plateon theequipmentand copy the infor=

mationto the sample modelplate providedtothe right. You
can locatethe model plate by standingat the operatingposi=

tionand lookingdown at the rearof the deck. This information
will be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb site,toobtain

assistancefromthe CustomerSupport Department,or when
contactingan authorizedservicedealer.

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

Safety Labels .................................................... 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

Warranty ............................................ Back Cover

Modem Number Serial Number

O TRO_HJ[,T" TROY-BmLT LLC

www.troybilt.oona CLEVELAND, OH 44136

Po O. BOX 361131

330=558=7220

866=840=6483)

Customer Support

P_ease do NOTreturn the unit to the retai_er from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

if you havedifficulty assemblingthis productor haveany questions regardingcontrol, operation,or maintenance,you can seek
helpfromthe experts. Choose from the options below:

, Visitwww.troybilt.com

O

Phonea Customer Support Representativeat 1-866-840-6483.

O

The enginemanufactureris responsibleforall engine=relatedissueswith regardto performance,power=rating,specifications,
warranty,and service. Please refertothe engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packedseparately with your
unit,for more information.

2

yourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.

/

t

/

/

/

/

/

o

WARNING

w_

Do not mowon inclines

with a dope in excess

of 15 degrees (a rise

of approximately

2-"

feet). A riding r
couldoverturnand

cause serious injury.

if operatinga walb
behindmoweron such

a dope, it isextremely

footing and you could

dip, resultingin serious
injury.

OperateRiDiNG
mowersupand down

dopes, neveracross

o

3

theface of dopes.

Operate
WALK-BEHIND

mowersacrossthe

face of dopes, never

up and down slopes.

\

WARNING:EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituents,andcertainvehiclecompo_
nentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand

birthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.

DANGER:Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherubsforsafeoperationinthis

manuakAswithanytypeofpowerequipment,carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcan

Sa.'_e resultinseriousinjury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetandthrowingobjects.

,, Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.

Operation

WARNING

sut importantsafety

endangerthe personal
safetyand/orproperty

ofyourselfandothers.
qead andfollowall

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate
this machine.Failure

in personalinjury,When

youseethis symbol.

HEED roTSWARNING!

Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use

sf this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand
andfollow thewarnings

and instructions
in this manual

and on the machine.

Children 6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringopera-

Tragicaccidentscan occurifoperatorisnotalerttopresence
ofchildren.Childrenare oftenattractedto mowerandmowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful
careof aresponsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif a childentersthearea.

3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,look behindanddown
forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmay'obscure
yourvisionofa childwho mayrun intothemower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhot orrunningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsold andovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesin this
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollow allinstructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseof thismachinebefore
operatingit.Keepthismanualin asafeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththese rulesof safe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeign objects,whichcouldbetrippedover or
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontact orathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feet frommower
whileit isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

tionandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperate
thismachinein barefeet,sandals, slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingortripping.
Do notholdonto the mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe
handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyou mustbackthe moweraway'froma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollow thesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyou arewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthemowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.

12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholor drugs.

13.Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassits operation.Doingso makesthesafetydevice
inoperativeandmay resultinpersonal injurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass. Alwaysbesure of
yourfooting. A slipandfallcan causeseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstart tovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheck immediatelyforthecause.Vibrationis
generallyawarningoftrouble.

4

19.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoa 7. Extinguishallcigarettes cigars pipesandothersources _ i
completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog- ofignition. L{'_ "_

grogthechute. 8. Neverfuelmachineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill --J /,'

Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewsecondsafter accumulatein the area. ///
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceanypartofthe body'in 9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or

the bladeareauntilyou aresurethe blade hasstopped running. Allowengineto cool atleasttwo minutesbefore

rotating, refueling.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan
resultin personalinjury.

21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancauseaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyuseparts andaccessoriesmadefor thismachineby

manufacturer.Failureto dosocanresult inpersonalinjury.

23.Ifsituationsoccurwhichare not coveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone[phone]forthe nameofyour

nearestdealer.

SJope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
canresultinsevereinjury'.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeel uneasyonaslope,donotmowit.Foryour

safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas partofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrosstheface ofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,orbumpswhich
can causeyou toslipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesure ofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause

seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasetheblade controlhandleimmediately,and

the bladewillstop rotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donotmowneardrop-offs, ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degrees asshownon
the slopegauge.

3. Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes,

whichcanignite.

2. Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckor trailer

bedwith a plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson the
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer

andrefuelit on theground.Ifthisis notpossible,then refuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththerim of thefuel tankor
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethan_/_inch
belowbottomof fillerneckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeit off theengineand equipment.
Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting
engine.

13.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkorpilot lightas onawater heater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuel spillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.

General Service:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand
deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

damage(e.g, bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly',listed

inthismanual.Use of partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance safety and!or property

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesare sharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorwear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobe surethe equip-
mentisin safeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera- ual beforeattemptingto
tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon- Fai!ureto ComplyWith

nectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughly'inspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe these inStrUctionsmay

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower, resu!t !npersonalinjury,

8. Neverattempttomakea wheelorcuttingheight adjustment When Yousee this

whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail symbo.
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose

movingpartsorallow objectsto bethrown.Forsafety' YOUr Hespon$ B31Jty_ i'T-

protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand replaceim-
mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.EM.)

partsonly,listedin this manual.'Useof partswhich do Of this powermachine
not meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedofthe engine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

5

manuaUareapplicab!e
to allLawnMower

Step 1

1 Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperand lowerhandbs
a Pullupand backon upperhandb as shownin

Step1 Makecertainthe lowerhandb isseated
securelyintothe handb mountingbrackets

b Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandb Makesurethateach carriageboltis
seatedproperlyinthe handb

2 Locatehairpinclipin onehob ontheweldpinoneach

sideof lowerhandle
a Removehairpinclipfromthis hob Usinga pairof

plbrs, inserthairpinclipintotheotherhob on the
weldpin Repeaton otherside

b inserta carriageboltfromthe hardwarepackinto

theupperhob on thehandlemountingbracket
Securewithoneplasticwingnut,also included
inthe hardwarepack Repeatonotherside with
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack

3 Theropeguideis attachedtotheright sideof the

upperhandle Loosenthewingnut whichsecuresthe
ropeguide,

a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandb.
b. Pullstarterropeoutofthe engine,Releaseblade

control

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide,
d. Tightenwingnut.

4. insertpostoncane ties into hobs providedon the
lowerhandb. Pullcane tie tightandtrimexcess,

Step 2

/

accompany ng eng ne

manual BEFORE \ " _" i

operatingyour mower _ _- -

Step3 _ep4

6

5, An adiustingplateandthumbleverat eachwheel f ..........

positionprovidescuttingheightadiustment,

a, Depresslevertowardswheel,

b, Moveitto anyof theninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight,SeeStep5,

c, Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck,

6, Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:

a, Placebagoverframeso thatitsblackplasticside

isat thebottom, \,

b, Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagover hooksonthe

frame,SeeStep6,All the plasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideof bag,

c, Attachcentertopof bagfrominsideof bag,

7, Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:

a, Liftreardischargedoor, Step 5

b, Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod, Letgo

ofdischargedoorso that itrestson thegrass
catcher,SeeStep7,

Toremovegrasscatcherorconvertto a mulcher,liftrear
dischargedooron themoweras shownin Step8, Lift
grasscatcherupandoutof the pivotrod,Releaserear
dischargedoorto allowitto closerearopeningofmower,

m

Never operate mower

o<essthehookso,,

the grass catcher are

WARNING:Never operate mower
unJess the hooks on the grass

catcher are firmly seated in the
slots on the handJebracket as-

semblies, and the rear discharge
door rests firmly against top of

the grass catcher.

firmlyagainsttopof

Step 6

i ill i _n i _ii

Step 7

7

WARNING

The blade control
mechanism is a

safety device. Never
attempt to bypassits

operations.

Use extreme care
when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Neverfuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine
is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

other sources of
ignition.

Keep hands and feet

_way from the chute

tea on cutting deck.

Refer to warning

label on the unit.

Recoil

Starter

@ass

GasolineFill

Figure 1

Nowthat youhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-

tion,getacquaintedwithitscontrolsandfeatures,
Thesearedescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page,
This knowledgewillallowyouto useyournewequip=

mentto itsfullestpotential

Blade Control
The bladecontrolis attachedto theupperhandb of

themower,Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupper

handletooperatetheunit,Releaseittostopengineand

blade,

WARNING:This bladecontrol mecha-
nism isa safety device. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadiustmentbver is locatedoneachwheeland is

usedto adiustthecuttingheight,All fourlevershaveto

beatthe samerelativepositionto ensurea uniformcut,

Recoi_ Starter
The recoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandb,

Standbehindthe unitandpullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit,

m

OilFill

Cutting Height

Adjustment Lever

(for each wheel)

/

J

Gas and Oil Fil_-Up

1, Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary,Followengine

manualforthis,SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofthe
oilfill

2, Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof
gasfill

WARNING:Useextreme care when han-
dling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely

flammable andthe vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoors orwhile

the engine is hot or running.Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesandother
sources of ignition.

WARNING:Theoperation of any lawn
mower can result inforeign objects
being thrown intothe eyes,which can
damageyour eyesseverely. Always
wearsafety glasses while operating
the mower, or while performing any
adjustments or repairs on it.

8

or inenclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-
ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep
hands,feet, hair and loose clothing
awayfrom anymoving partsonengine

and lawn mower.

1, Pushprimerthreetimes,Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush,SeeFigure2,In temperature
around55° F or below,primefivetimes,Donotprime
to restarta warmengine,

2, Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle,SeeFigure2,

3, Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeout witha rapid,continu=
ous,fullarm stroke,SeeFigure2,Keepinga firm
gripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly,

Repeatuntilenginecranks,Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly,

WARNING:Wait for the blade to stop

completely beforedoing anywork
on the moweror to removethe grass

catcher.

Stopping Engine

1, Releasebladecontroltostopthe engineandblade,

2, Disconnectsparkplugwire fromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine,

Using Your Lawn Mower

WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower

without either the rear door orthe entire
grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Be surelawnisclear ofstones,sticks,wire,or other
obiectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine,
Suchobiectscouldbe acddentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonaliniuryto the
operatorandothers,

Figure 2

WARNING:If you strike aforeign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug, thoroughly
inspect mowerfor anydamage,and
repair damagebefore restarting and
operating. Extensivevibration of
mower during operation isan indica-
tion of damage.Theunit should be
promptly inspected and repaired.

1, Forbestresults,do notcut wetgrass,
2, Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone=

thirdof thetotallengthofthe grass,

Using as Muncher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower,The reardischargedoorshouldbeclosed,
1, Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass,

2, Neworthickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut,

Adiustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn,

3, if thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended,Usethe
grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead,

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower,
1, Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsonpage

7, Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyou runthemower,Operatethemowertillthe
grassbagis full,

2, Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade

controlhandle,Makesurethattheunit hascometo
a completestop,

3, Liftdischargedoorand pullgrassbagupandaway

fromthemowertodisposeofthe grassclippings,

being thrown into

the eyes, which can
damage your eyes

severely. Always wear
safety glasses while

iioperating the mower,

_ngine or operating

_ower. Never tun

engine !ndoors or

in enclosed poorly

ventilated areas' En_

gine exhaust Contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas, Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose Clothing

away from any mov ng

/

9

WARNING

Nways stop engine,

disconnect spark
plug, and ground

against engine before
cJeaning, lubricating

or doing any kind of
maintenance on your

machine.

Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees
in any directions

and do not leave the
mower tipped for any

length of time. Oil can
drain intothe upper

part of the engtne
causing a starting

problem.

Figure 3

Genera_ Recommendations

1, Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoes notcover
itemsthathavebeensubiectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefull valuefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.

4. Alladiustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.

5. Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethese
aretight.

WARNING: Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and

ground against engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing

any kind of maintenance on your
machine.

Lubrication

1, Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolat least

oncea seasonwithlightoil Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinboth directions,SeeFigure3,

2, Lubricatethewheelsat leastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (or motoroil), If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivotarm andinner
surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to
preventrust.SeeFigure3.

Deck Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuse to
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow

stepsbelowforthisiob.
!. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,orplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestson thehousing.Keepthe
sidewiththe aircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

WARNING: Never tip the mower

more than 90 degrees in any
directions and do not leave the

mower tipped for any tength of

time. Oil can drain into the upper
part of the engine causing a

starting problem.

3. Scrapeandclean theundersideofthe deckwitha
suitabletool Do notspraywithwater.

4. Putthe mowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadput plasticunderthe gascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

NOTE:Wedonot recommendtheuse ofpressure

washersorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.Thesemay
causedamagetoelectriccomponents,spindles,puh'e_zs,
bearings,ortheengine.Theuse ofwaterwill resultin
shortenedfifeand reduceserviceability.

Engine Care

A listofkeyenginemaintenanceiobs requiredforgood
performanceby themoweris givenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand

instructions.

1. Maintainoil levelas instructedin enginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
enginemanual

3. Cleansparkplugandresetthegaponcea season.

Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthe start
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto permit
properaircirculation.Removeallgrass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrom mufflerarea.

10

WARNING:Whenremovingthe
cuttingbladeforsharpeningor

repJacement,protectyour hands

with a pair of heavygloves or use

a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikea foreignobject,Replacewhen
necessary,Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice,

1, Disconnectsparkplugwire fromsparkplug,Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup,

2, Removethe boltand the bladebellsupportwhich

holdthebladeandthe bladeadaptertotheengine

crankshaft,SeeFigure4,
3, Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,
4, Thebladecan be sharpenedwitha file oron agrind-

ingwheel Do notattemptto sharpenthebladewhileit
isstillonthe mower,

5, Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle

ofgrind, Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthe

bladebalanced,

6, Removebladefromthe adapterfortestingbalance,
7, Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check,Removemetalfromthe heavysideuntilit

balancesevenly,

WARNING: An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds. It

may cause damage to mower, and
could break causing personal

injury.

8, Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthe bladeadapterwithlightoil Slidethe blade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft,
9, Placethebladeontheadaptersuchthattheside

ofthe blademarked"Bottom"(orwith partnumber)

facesthe groundwhenthe mowerisin the operating

position,Makesurethatthebladeis alignedand

seatedon thebladeadapterflanges,

10,Placebladebellsupporton theblade,Alignnotches

on thebladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade,

11,Replacehexboltandtightenhex boltto torque:450

in,Ibs,rain,,600 in,Ibs,max,

Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodically
checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque,

J

Figure 4

Figure 5

Replacing Rear F_ap

1, Toremoverearflap,cutoff the flatendofthewire

rodwhichsecuresittothe deck,SeeFigure5,

2, Attachthe newflapand newrodto deck,bending

theendsofthe newrodovertosecureto deck,

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour

lawnmowerfor storage,
1, Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyas described

in thelubricationinstructions,

2, Wedo not recommendthe useof a pressurewasher

orgardenhoseto cleanyourunit,

3, Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions,

4, Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting,

5, Storemowerina dry,cleanarea,Do notstorenext

tocorrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer,

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin apoorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment,Usinga lightoil orsilicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage,

When removing

thecutting blade
for sharpening or

replacement, protect

your handswith a

pair of heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

holdthe blade.

An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive

vibration when rotat-

ingat high speeds. It
may cause damage

to mower, and could
break causing per-

sonal injury.

11

For repairs beyond

theminoradjustments

Iisted here, contact

an authorized seMce

dealer.

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefailsto start 1. Bade controldisengaged. 1. Engagebladecontrol

2. Sparkplugwire disconnected. 2. Connectwiretosparkplug.

3. Fueltankemptyor stalefuel. 3. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.

4. Enginenotprimed. 4. Primeengneas instructed n
OperatingYourLawnMower.

5. Fautyspakpr ug. 5. Ccan,adjustgap,or repace

6. Blockedfuel line_ 6. Cleanfuel line.

7 En nefooded 7 Waita fewminutestorestart but

' g ' do notprime

Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightenspark

plugwire.

2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel 2. Cleanfuel line;fill tankwithclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Ventingas capplugged. 3. Clearvent.

4. Waterordirt infuel system. 4. Drainfueltank.Refillwith

freshfuel.

5. Dirtyaircleaner. 5. Refertoenginemanual

6. Carburetoroutof adjustment. 6. Refertoenginemanual

j

Engne overheats 1 Engineoil levelow. 1. Fill crankcasewithproperoil.

I

2. A rflow restricted. 2. RemoveNewerhousing

andclean.

! 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. . 3. Referto enginemanual

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adiustgapto.030".

(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadiustment 2. Refertoenginemanual

highspeed improperlyset.

I 2....Carburetormproperyadiusted 2 Referto engnemanua

Excessive

Vibration

1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.

2. Bentcuttingblade.

1. Tightenbladeandadapter.
Balanceblade.

2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwill not !. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassis wet;

mulchgrass waituntillatertocut.

2 Excessvey hghgrass 2. Mowonceat a highcuttingheight

' ' thenmowagainat desiredheight

[ [ or makea narrowercuttingpath.

3 Du bade

I ' ' I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

m

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfourwheelsinsame

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

12

WARNING

DONOTremove safety

(or any) labeJs from

newer for any reasen,

13

\

Mode_ Series 420

Q

Q

Q

Q

/-

Q

Q

14

1 747-1161A

2 749-1092A
3 747-04080

4 749-0928A
5 720-0279

6 710-1205
7 710-1174
8 664-04011

9 720-04072

10 738-04136
11 726-0240

12 710-0703
13 731-04134A

14 750-04162
15 732-04089A
16 732-04090A

17 731-04150C
18 731-04204
19 787-01276

20 687-02069

687-02068

21 782-5002B
22 748-0377C

23 742-0741

BladeControlHandle
UpperHandle

GrassCatcherFrame

LowerHandle

WingNut

RopeGuide
CarriageBolt,5/16-18x2
GrassBagAssembly

HandKnob

ShoulderScrew
CableTie

CarriageBolt,1/4-20

RearDischargeDoor

Spacer
TorsionSpring- LH

TorsionSpring- RH

RearBaffle

BailCover

Deck- 21"

RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH

RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH

FrontBaffle

BladeAdapter

MulchingBlade

24 710-1257
25 687-02077A

687-02076A

26 736-0524B
27 787-01290
28 720-0426

29 732-0404
30 738-0507B
31 734-04014B
32 710-04371

33 746-1130
34 687-02074A

687-02075A

35 731-04998
36 732-0700
37 712-0397

38 747-04035
39 732-04175
40 687-02071A

687-02070A
41 710-1652
42 712-04085

43 714-0104
44 710-0654A

HexBolt, 3/8-24x 1.5
PivotArmAssemblyRH(8" wheel)

PivotArmAssemblyLH(8"wheel)
BladeBellSupport
FrontAdiustmentPlate

AdiustmentLeverKnob
SpringLeverAssembly

ShoulderScrew
FrontWheel,8x 2.125
Screw,1/4-15x 1.250

ControlCable- 40"
Hr.Adi.Assy.Front- RH

Hr.Adi.Assy.Front- LH

Trailshield
TrailshMdWire

WingNut, 1/4-20

RearDoorPivotRod
SpringLever

PivotArmAssembly- RH
PivotArmAssembly- LH

ABScrew
FlangeLockNut,3/8-16

HairpinClip

TT SeresScrew,3/8-16x 1.0

To order replacement

parts, contact

1-800-648-6776

or visit

www.troybilt.com.

15

\

MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR

®

The limitedwarrantyset forthbelowis givenbyTroy_BiltLLCwithrespect

tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses_
sionsandterritories.

"Troy_Bilt"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkmam
shipfor a periodof two(2)yearscommencingon thedateof original
purchaseandwill,atits option,repairorreplace,freeofcharge,anypart
foundto bedefectivein materialsor workmanship.This limitedwarranty
shallonly applyif this producthasbeenoperatedand maintainedin
accordancewiththe Operator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,and
hasnotbeensubiectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,
impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamage
becauseofother perilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromthe
installationor use ofany part,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedby

Troy_Biltforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyour

warrantyastoany resultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedtobefreefromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipforaperiodof thirty(30)daysfromthedateofpurchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries,
belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow
throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

NOWTO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,through your local authorizedservice
dealer.To locate the dealer inyourarea, check your YellowPages,
or contact Troy-Bilt LLC at RO. Box 361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-
0019,or can 1-866-840-6483 or 1-330-558-7220,or logon to our

Web site at www.troybilt.com.
This limitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:

a. Theengineorcomponentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay

carrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicable
manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershaveaseparateone

yearwarranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchas lubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune_ups,brakeadiustments,clutch adiustments,
deckadiustments,andnormaldeteriorationof theexteriorfinish
duetouse orexposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. Troy_Biltdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor

exportedoutsideofthe UnitedStates,its possessionsand
territories,exceptthosesold throughTroy_Bilt'sauthorized

channelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineTroy_Biltparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

Noimpliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarrantyof merchant°

ability offitness for a particular purpose, applies after the applicable

period of express written warranty aboveasto the parts as identi-

fied. Noother express warranty,whetherwritten or oral, exceptas

mentioned above,given by anyperson or entity, includinga dealer or
retailer,with respectto any product, shall bind Troy-Bilt. Duringthe
period of the warranty,the exclusive remedyis repair or replacement

of the product as setforth above.
The provisions as set forth inthis warranty providethesole and

exclusive remedyarising from the sale. Troy-Bilt shall not be liable
for incidental orconsequential loss or damage including, without

limitation, expensesincurred for substitute or replacementlawncare

services or for rental expensesto temporarily replacea warranted

product.
Somestatesdonot allowtheexclusionorlimitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty

lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplyto you.
Innoeventshall recoveryof anykind begreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alteration of safety features of the
product shall void this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor
loss,damage,orinjurytoyouand yourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingout ofthe misuseorinabilityto usethe product.

This limitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthanthe original

purchaseror tothe personforwhomitwaspurchasedasagift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHiSWARRANTY:This limitedwar-

rantygh,'esyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights

whichvaryfromstateto state.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

Troy-Bitt LLC, p.o. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: [phone]