Troybilt 12AF753B063 Owner’s Manual

0 TRtII BILT --

Operator's Manual

Wide-CutTM 33"

Combination Mower

Models 753B

F753B

(fuel tank styles vary by engine model)

IMPORTANT:READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-cov-

ered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester

for the muffler is available by contacting the service department at Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OH 44136-0019

PRINTED IN USA FORM NO. 770-10602E

(03/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

Safety ................................................................... 1

Assembly................................................................. 4

Features and Controls....................................................... 8

Operation ................................................................ 11

Maintenance .............................................................. 16

Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 24

Lubrications............................................................... 25

Troubleshooting ........................................................... 27

Parts List................................................................. 28

Warrany Information........................................................ BackCover

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new Wide-Cut TM mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and

maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the infor-

mation from it in the space provided below. This information is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an authorized dealer.

You can locate the model number by looking at the rear surface of the tine shield. A sample model plate is ex- plained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in

the space below

Copy Model Number Here

OTRItV BILT. TROY-BILT LLC

www.troybilt.com CLEVELAND, 0H44136

_. 866-840-6483_

P. 0. BOX 361131

330-558-7220

Copy Serial Number Here

ENGINEINFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating,

specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance

of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this in-

Call 1- (330) 558-7220 or 1- (866) 840-6483 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have formation. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

Safety

SafetyAlertSymbol

WARNING:

_, his is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this

The engine exhaust from this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California

to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc- tive harm.

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practicesfor Walk-Behind Mowers

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the

following safety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.

hazards. Wheneveryou seethis symbol, readandobeythe

safety messagethat follows it. Failureto obey the safety

message could result in personal injury or property damage.

Owner's Manual to alert you to potential

I. GENERALOPERATION

Read,understand,andfollow all in- structionson the machineandin the

manuals.Bethoroughlyfamiliar with thecontrols andthe proper useof

themower beforestarting.

Donot put handsorfeet nearor under rotatingparts. Keepclear of

themower bladeand discharge openingatall times.

3. Onlyallow responsibleindividuals, whoarefamiliar with the instruc-

tions,to operatethe mower.

4. Clearthe areaof objectssuch as rocks,toys, wire, bones,sticks, etc.,

which could be pickedupand thrown by the blade.

5. Besurethe areais clearof other peoplebeforemowing.Stop mower

if anyoneentersthearea. Keepby- standersat least25 feetawayfrom

the areaofoperation.

6. Do not operatethemowerwhen barefootor wearingopensandals.

Alwayswearsubstantialfoot wear.

Donot pull mower backwards unlessabsolutelynecessary.Look downand behindbeforeandwhile

moving backwards.

8. Do not operatethemowerwithout properguards,plates,grasscatcher

or other safetyprotectivedevicesin place.

9. Referto providedinstructionsfor properoperationand installationof

accessories.Onlyuseaccessories approvedby GardenWay

Incorporated.

10. Stopthebladewhencrossinggravel drives,walks, or roads.

11. Stoptheengineand disconnectthe sparkplug wire from thesparkplug

wheneveryou leavethe unit, before cleaningthe moweror unclogging

the chute.

12. Shutthe engineoff, wait untilthe blade comesto a completestop, and

disconnectthespark plugwire be-

fore installing or removingthe

mulchercoveror the optionalgrass

catcher. Makecertainthat thegrass catcheris securelyattachedbefore

operatingthe mower.Emptythe

grass catcheraftereachuse-

decomposingdebriscouldgenerate

enoughheatto catchfire.

13. Mow in daylightor goodartificial

light.

14. Do not operatethemowerwhile

underthe influenceofalcoholor drugs.

Section1: Safety

15.

Neveroperatemowerin wet grass.

Alwaysbesureof your footing; keep a firm hold onthe handleandwalk;

never run.

16.

Disengagethe WheelDriveLeveron

self-propelledmodelsbeforestarting theengine.

17.

If the unit should start to vibrateab- normally,stop theengineanddis- connectthe sparkplug wire. Then

checkimmediatelyfor thecause. Vibrationis generallyawarning of

trouble.

18. Alwayswearsafetygogglesor safety glasseswith sideshieldswhenoper-

ating mower.

19. Watchfor traffic whenoperating near,or whencrossingroadways.

20. Neverattemptto carrychildrenor otherpassengerson themower.

Theycouldfall off and beseriously injured,or theycould interferewith

thesafeoperationof the mower.

21. Checkthe operationof the Operator

PresenceControlBarbeforeeach use.Seethe MaintenanceSectionof

this manualfor instructions. If the enginerunslongerthanthreesec-

ondsafter theOperatorPresence Control Baris released,the system

is not working properly. Immediately contactyour localservicedealeror

thefactory TechnicalService

Departmentfor instructions. Donot usethe moweruntilthe mechanism

is repaired.

22. Themoweris equippedwitha safety dischargechute,comeswith special

mulchercovers,and offers an op-

tionalgrass catcher. Thesafetydis- chargechute mustbeworking prop-

erly atalltimes. Neverattemptto disconnector otherwisecausethis

dischargechuteto ceaseworking. If

used,mulchercover or grass

catcherattachmentmust beinstalled properlyandfunction correctly. Do not useyour equipmentotherwise.

23. Neverrun theenginein an enclosed area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,adeadlygasthat is odor-

less,colorless,andtasteless.Always

runtheengineoutdoorsand make

surethere is adequateventilation.

II. SLOPEOPERATION IV.SERVICE

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidentswhichcanresult

in severeinjury. All slopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoufeel uneasyona

slope,donotmowit.

DO:

Mow acrossthefaceof slopes;never upand down. Exerciseextremecau-

tion whenchangingdirection on slopes.Avoid slopesgreaterthan

150. Removeobjectssuch asrocks,tree

limbs,etc.

Watchfor holes,ruts, or bumps.Tall grass can hideobstacles.

DONOT:

Donot mowneardrop-offs, ditches, or embankments.Theoperatorcould

loosefooting or balance.

Donot mowexcessivelysteepslopes. Donot mowon wet grass.Reduced

footing could causeslipping. 5.

III. CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe opera- torisnotalerttothepresenceofchil-

dren.Childrenare oftenattractedtothe mowerandtothe mowingactivity.

Neverassumethatchildrenwill remain whereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildren out of the mowing areaand underthe watchful careof

a responsibleadult.

Bealertandturn moweroff if chil- drenenterthearea.

Beforeandwhile movingbackwards, look behindand down for small

children.

4. Neverallow children to operatethe mower.

5. Useextracarewhen approaching blind corners, shrubs,trees,or other

objectsthat mayobscurevision.

1. Useextracare in handlinggasoline andotherfuels.Theyareflammable

andtheir vaporsare explosive. a) Useonlyan approvedcontainer. b) Neverremovegascap or add

fuelwhen the engineis running. Allowengineto coolbeforerefu-

eling.Do not smoke.

c) Neverrefuelthe machine

indoors.

d) Neverstore themachineor fuel

containerinsidewhere there is an openflame,such asawater

heater,etc.

e) Movemowerawayfrom any

gasolinefumes beforestarting theengine.

2. Neverrunan engineinside aclosed area.

3. Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairs with the enginerunning. Disconnect

thesparkplug wire and keepthe wireawayfrom the plugto prevent

accidentalstarting.

Keepall nuts andbolts,especially thebladeattachmentbolts,tight and

keepequipmentin goodcondition. Nevertamperwith safety devices.

Checktheir operationregularly.

6. Keepmowerfree of grass,leavesor otherdebris build-up. Cleanup oil or

fuelspillage.Allow mowerto cool beforestoring.

7. Afterstriking an object,stop the en- gineand disconnectthe sparkplug

wire. Inspectthe mowerand repair, if necessary,beforerestarting.

8. Neverattemptto makemowercut- ting heightadjustmentswhilethe

engineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponentsaresub- jectto wear, damageanddeteriora-

tion, which couldexposemoving parts or allowobjectsto bethrown.

Frequentlycheckcomponentsand replacewith factory recommended

parts,when necessary.

Section1: Safety

13.

Toaccessthe undersideof the

mower,tip the mower rearward.Do nottip the mowerforward or on ei-

ther of its sides,unlessspecifically

advisedto do so in this manual.

10. Mower bladesaresharp andcan cut.Wrap the bladeor weargloves,

and useextracautionwhenservic- ing them.

11. Do notchangetheenginegovernor settingor overspeedthe engine.

12. Do nottouch enginepartswhich may behot from operation.Allow

partsto cool completelybeforein- specting,cleaningor repairingthe mower.

14.

Maintainor replacesafetyand in- structionaldecals. Referto the sep-

aratePartsCatalogfor replacement decalinformation.

15. For unitsequippedwith electric start:

a) Batteriesproduceexplosive

gases.Keepsparks,flame, cigarettes,etc.,away. Ventilate

theareawhenchargingthe bat- tery.Do not chargethebatteryin

anairtight space.

SAFETYDECALS

Makecertainall safetydecalsonthis equipmentare keptcleanandin good condition. Thedecalsareshown (at reducedsizes) below. If you needa replacementdecal,pleasereferto the PartsCatalogthataccompaniedthis Manual.

b) Donot usea batterycharger

otherthan the oneprovidedwith

the mower.

c) Thebatterycontainstoxic mate-

rials. Do notdamagethe battery

case.If thecaseis brokenor

damaged,avoidcontactwith the batterycontents.

d) Properlydisposeof adamaged

or worn outbattery.Checkwith localauthorities for proper dis-

posalmethods.

e) Donot short circuit the battery.

Severeburnsandfire can result.

Onleftside ofmowerdeck

OnControlPanel(for electricstartmodel)

OnControlPanel (for recoilstartmodel)

Beneathbelt/pulleycover

DANQER

Ondischargechute

Assembly

ASSEMBLYSTEPS

To preventpersonal injury or property

damage, do not attempt to start the engine until all assembly steps are

complete and you have read and understand the safety, controls and

operatinginstructionsinthismanual.

INTRODUCTION

Pleasecarefullyfollow theseassembly

stepsto properlyprepareyour machine for use. Werecommendthatyou read

this Sectionin its entiretybeforebegin-

ningassembly. NOTE:All referencesto left, right,front

and rearof the machineare determined

bystandingbehindthehandlebarsand

facingthe direction offorward travel.

INSPECTIONAFTERDELIVERY

Inspectthe shippingcrateand machine immediatelyafterdelivery. Makesure neitherthe carton/cratenor the contents

havebeendamaged. If you find or suspectany damage,con-

tact thecarrier(truckingcompany)

immediately. Informthem of thespecific damageandthatyou wish to file a claim.

To protectyour rights, besureto put this in writing to thecarrierwithin 15

days. Thecarrierwill letyou knowhow

to proceedwithyour claim. Pleaseletus

knowif you needany assistance.

STEP1: Unpacking Mower

NOTE:LEFTand RIGHTsides ofthe unit

areasviewedfrom the operator'sposi- tion behindthehandlebars.

1. Cutstraps, if present,securingunit to pallet. Leaveuniton pallet during as- sembly(to safelyremoveunit from pal-

let, wait until youhavecompletedas- semblysteps 1-4).

2. Removeanyprotectivepackaging from aroundthe handlebars.Cutthe

plastictie strapsholdingthecontrol rods and struts tothe handlebars.

STEP2: Attach Handlebars to Engine Deck

NOTE:Fourscrews(D, Figure2-2)are usedto connectthehandlebarsto the

enginedeck. At the factory, two of these screws (front) arethreadeddirectlyinto

lock nuts weldedto thebacksidesof the deck.The remainingtwo screws (rear)

securethe lowerhandleto the deck.

1. Removeandsavethe two 5/16"-18 x 3/4"screws (front) mentionedin the

NOTEabove.

2. Loosen,but do NOTremove,the two 5/16"-18x 3/4" screws(rear). Leavethe

cardboardinsertfound betweenthe left- hand handlebarandenginedeck,in place.

3. Carefullypivotthehandlebarsover theengineandpositionthe handlebar

TOOLS/MATERIALSNEEDED: ends(E, Figure2-2) againstthe sides of

• Wire Cutter

• Two7/16" Wrenches

• 3/8" Wrench

• 1/2" Wrench

• Scissorsor PenKnife

• Needle-nosePliers

• Tire Gauge this pointin assembly.

theenginedeck.Do not alloow thehan- dlebarsto rubagainsttheenginewhile

pivoting them.

4. Looselysecurethe right-handhandle- barendto the deck byreinsertingthe

screw(D, Figure2-2) removedearlier.

Donot securethe left-handhandleat

5. Removethecardboardinsertfrom betweentheleft-handhandlebarand

enginedeck

8. Removethenut from the lower screw (B,Figure2-1) which securesthecon-

soleto thehandlebaron theleft-hand

Figure2-1

D D ,

Figure2-2:Attachhandlebarsandstruts toenginedeck.

sideof the unit.

7. Positiona handlebarstrut's smaller hole (A, Figure2-1) overthescrew(B,

Figure 2-1) on the INSIDEofthe con-

sole,with the strut's flat sideagainstthe console.

8. Usingthe nut removedearlier,secure thestrut to theconsole/handlebar.

9. Align theloose endof theleft-hand handlebarstrut (A,Figure2-2) overthe

front holein the handlebarend.Secure thestrut and handlebartothedeckwith

the5/16"-18x3/4" screw(D, Figure2-2)

removedearlier.

10. Removethe screw (front) that is looselysecuringthe right-handhandle-

barendto the deck.and repeat6-9 on

the right-handsideof the unit.

11. On both sidesofthe unit, securely tightenthe screws(D, Figure2-2)atthe

lowerends of the handlebarbeforetight- eningthescrews (B & F,Figure2-1) on

theconsole.

Section2: Assembly

STEP3 ATTACHINGTHEBATTERY CABLES(MODEL F753B)

Thepositive batteryterminal is marked Pos.(+). Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).

Themowerisshipped with thepositive (Red)cablesecuredto the positiveter-

minal (+) onthe battery.Attachthe ground (Black)cableto the negativeter- minal (-) onthe battery,asfollows:

1. Removethe plasticbatterycover (G, Figure.2-3) byunthreadingthe two wing

nuts (H, Figure. 2-3) which secure it to

the batteryhold-down rods (I, Figure.2-

2. Remove the hex bolt and hex nut

from the groundcable/ heavyblackwire

(E,Figure.2-3).

3. Securetheground cableto thenega- tive batteryterminal (-) with the bolt and

hexnut just removed.

IMPORTANT:

• If the batteryis putinto serviceafter

the dateshownontop of battery, chargethe batteryasinstructedin the

Maintenencesectionof this manual prior to operatingthetiller.

STEP4: Attach Control Rods A. AttachWheelDriveControlRod

1. Locatethewheel drivecontrol rod(F, Figures2-4A & 2-7) and removethe an-

gledendfrom theleft handlebarby re- movingthe hairpinclip whichsecuresit

to theWheelDriveControllever(V,

Figure2-4A)

2. Atleft sideof enginedeck,insert swivelblock (H,Figures2-4 & 2-5) on wheeldrive control rod into wheeldrive

control arm (U, Figure2-4).

3. Adda5/16"washer(A, Figure2-4) andsecurewith a hairpinclip (B).

4. Atupperend ofcontrol rod,re-insert

the angledend into the Wheel Drive

Controllever(V,Figure2-4A) and re-

attach with hairpinclip (BB) removed

earlier.

B.AttachOperatorPresenceControl Rod

1. LocatetheOperatorPresenceControl rod (E, Figures.2-4and 2-5). At bottom

ofcontrol rod, insert swivelblock (G, Figures2-4 & 2-5) into control arm (T,

Figure2-4).

Black

(NegativeCable)

Controlrodsare adjusted at the fac-

tory andshouldnot requireadditional adjustmentduringassembly.Afteras-

sembling unit, control rod adjustment should be checked (and

re-adjusted,ifnecessary)accordingto informationin Maintenance Section.

Failureto follow this instructioncould

result in severe personal injury or

propertydamage.

2. Addone5/16"washerand secure

with hairpinclip.

C.AttachBladeDriveControlRod

1. Locatethe bladedrivecontrol rod (C, Figure2-5). Insertoneendof control rod

into bladedrivebracket(D,Figure2-5).

Add one5/16"washerandattachwith

hairpinclip (CC).

2. Insertthe otherendof rod into bot-

tom endof BladeDriveControl lever(J,

Figure2-5). Add one5/16"washerand

attachwith hairpin clip (AA).

D. AttachandAdjustGearSelectLever NOTE:The retainingplate(N,Figure2-5)

mentionedin thefollowing stepsis se-

curedto the rearofthe mowerwith two screws (O, Figure2-5) and1/4"-20 lock-

nuts.Removethe retainingplateand

saveit, along with thetwo screws,be- fore proceedingwith assembly.

Red /

(PositiveCable)

Figure2-3: Connectwireterminalstobatteryterminals.

H A,B _G

Figure2-4:Left-handcontrolrodsdetail.

Section2: Assembly

Figure2-4A:Attachwheeldrivecontrolrod tolever.

1. Removethevinyl grip (B,Figure2-6) from the gearselectlever (I). Placethe

woodedgeagainsttheedgeofthe grip andslowly pull off the grip.

2. Insertnylon bushing(Z, Figure2-6) up into console(L).

3. Slidespringandwashers(J) down ontogearselectlever.

4. Insertgearselectlever(I) upthrough nylonbushing(Z)in handlebarconsole (L).Guidepin (K)ongearselectleverinto

grooveinshift quadrant(P).

5. Holdlower part of gearselectlever(I, Figure2-7) againstbracket(M). Position

retainingplate(N), removedearlier, as shown in Figure2-7 (platebelow

bracket). Secureplatewith two 1/4"-20x 1/2"screws(0) and1/4"-20 Iocknutsre-

movedearlier.

G N

Figure2-5:Rearviewofcontrolrods.

6. Slidegrip (B, Figure2-6) backonto gearselectlever (I).

7. Rotategearselectlever(I, Figures2- 6 & 2-7) clockwiseuntilspur (K - short

rod) ongearselectrod stops in theneu- tral position detenton theshift pattern

quadrant(Figure2-6).

8. Moveshift arm (X, Figure2-7)from sideto sideas necessaryintoeachtrans-

missiongeardetentuntil transmissionis in neutral.

NOTE:Movingshift arm(X) allthe wayto theleft, andthen onenotch backtothe

right, should puttransmissioninto neu- tral. Whentransmissionis in neutral,unit

will movefreely whenpushedwhilehold- ingthe OperatorPresenceControllever

(W, Figure2-5) down.If transmissionis NOTin neutral,therewill beaslight drag

on the wheelswhenpushingunit.

Pin(K)mustbe inthisdetent

whentransmissionneutralis --_

adjusted.

Figure2-6: Detail - GearSelectLeverin Neutral(N) position.

Section2: Assembly

9. Whenshift arm (X)is in neutralposi-

tion, rotateshift link (P)toward endof gearselectlever rod (I). Adjustlength

of shift link (P)asnecessaryto fit into hole in bottomof gearselectlever(I).

NOTE:Pin(K) on GearSelectLever(I) must beheld inthe neutralposition

detentonthe shift quadrant(seeFigure 2-6) while shift link(P, Figure2-7) is

adjusted.

10. Inserthookedendof shift link (P, Figure2-7) into holein bottom end of

gearselectlever (I) andsecurewith hairpinclip (Q).

NOTE:Itmay benecessaryto lift gear selectlever (I) to install shift link (P).

11. Removeunitfrom shippingcrate. Toremove,hold down Operator

PresenceControllever (W, Figure2-5) which releasesthewheelbrake.

12. Withunit on levelground,hold downOperatorPresenceControllever

(W, Figure2-5) and pushunitforward and backward.Thewheelsshouldmove

freely.If not, adjust length of shift link (P, Figure2-7)as necessary.

13. Putthe GearSelectLeverin neutral (N), releaseall of the control leversand

try to pushthe unitforward and back- ward. Thewheelsshould notturn. If

they doturn, an adjustmentisneces- sary. DONOTOPERATETHEUNIT

UNTILTHEWHEELBRAKEMECHANISM HASBEENADJUSTEDAND ISWORK-

INGPROPERLY.See"WheelBrake

Adjustment"in Section5 "Maintenance."

STEP5: Secure Wire Harness

1. Atthe unattachedendof theelectrical wire harness,therearefour wires at- tachedto a largeplasticconnectorand two wires attachedto a small plastic

connector.. Plugthelargeconnector intothe bottom ofthe ignitionkeyswitch

that is locatedonthe undersideofthe handlebarconsole(notpictured).

3. Usetwo cableties to securethewire harnessto theright handlebarandaway o.

from any movingparts. Placethe ties propersaTety,operationand mainte- anequaldistanceapart, nanceinformation.

STEP6: Check Motor Oil Level

1. Movemowerto a levelarea.Press and hold OperatorPresenceControl

lever(W,Figure2-5) to movemower.

2. Themoweris shippedwith oil in the engine.However,youMUSTcheckthe

oil levelaccordingto theinstructionspro-

videdintheseparateEngineOwner's

Manualincludedinthe unit'sliterature packagebeforestartingthemower.

I f o

Figure2-7: Detail- TransmissionNeutralAdjustment.

• Keepoil levelatthe FULLmarkon the dipstick to avoidenginedamage.

• Changeoil accordingtoscheduleand instructionsin Section5 "Maintenance."

STEP7: Check Tire Pressure

1. Useatire gaugeto checktheair

pressurein the reartires. The air pres-

sureshould bebetween15-20 PSI (20

PSImaximum).

2. Keepbothtires equallyinflatedto

helppreventmachinefrom pullingto oneside.

STEP8: After Assemblingand

Before UsingUnit

1. ReadthisentireOwner'sManualfor

2. Makesuresparkplug wire iscon-

nectedto sparkplug beforestarting unit.

Do not use the mower if the wheels

continue to turn after releasing the Operator Presence Control and the

WheelDriveControl. Severe personal injury or property

damagecouldresult if this instruction isnotfollowed.

FeaturesandControls

Before operating mower, be sure to read all safety, controlsandoperating

instructions in this Manual and on

decalslocatedonmachine. Severe personal injury or property

damage couldresult it this instruction

isnotfollowed.

IMPORTANT: THE MOWER IS

EQUIPPED WITH A BLADE-BRAKE- CLUTCHCONTROLSYSTEMWHICH IS

DESIGNED TO STOP THE MOWER BLADESWITHIN THREE(3) SECONDS

AFTERRELEASEOF THE OPERATOR PRESENCECONTROL. THIS SYSTEM

WILL STOPTHEBLADESBUTNOTTHE ENGINE.THEREFORE,YOUCANDISEN-

GAGETHE BLADEDRIVEAT ANYTIME WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP AND

RESTARTTHEENGINE.THIS FEATURE

IS PARTICULARLYUSEFULWHENYOU NEEDTO CROSSGRAVELDRIVESOR ROUGHTERRAIN AND YOU DO NOT

WANT THE SPINNING BLADES TO STRIKE STONES OR HIDDEN

OBSTACLES.

MOWERFEATURESAND CONTROLS

This sectiondescribesthe various

featuresand controlson the unit. Refer to the nextsection "Operation"for

detailedoperatinginstructions. Also, readthe separateEngineOwner's

Manualfor adetailedexplanationofthe proper useofthe enginecontrols.

Operator Presence Control

TheOperatorPresenceControllever

(A, Figure3-1) regulatesthe operationof

the rearwheelbrakeandtheseparate

BladeDriveControl. Alwaysengagethis control beforeengagingtheseparate

bladedriveor wheeldrivecontrols.

Alwaysdisengagethis control before

startingthe engine.

Toengagethe OperatorPresence

Control,pressand holdthe leveragainst

the handlebargrip. Doingso releases the brakeontherearwheels,allowing

the wheelsto turn. Theengagedposition

alsopermits the separateBladeDrive Controlto lock in its engagedposition

(allowsthe mowerbladesto turn).

Releasingthe lever (disengaged position) appliesthe rearwheelbrake andquicklystopsthe wheels. Releasing

the leverwill alsodisengagethe Blade

DriveControl,which will apply a brake

that stops the bladeswithinthree (3) seconds.

Blade Drive Control

Usethis lever(B, Figure3-1) to en-

gagedriveto themower blades.

Toengagethe blades,first engagethe

OperatorPresenceControl(A,Figure3-

1). Then,pushthe spring-loadedBlade DriveControllever(B)forward until it

stays in theengagedposition.

Tostop the blades,releasethe

OperatorPresenceControl(A). Doingso

will disengagethe BladeDriveControl

(B) andautomaticallyapplythe brake

that stops the blades.

AlwaysdisengagetheBladeDrive

Controlbeforestarting the engine. This helpsto ensurethatthe bladeswill not

startturning whenthe enginestarts.

The blade-brake-clutchcontrolsystem shouldstop the mower blades within

three (3) secondsafter release of the OperatorPresenceControl.

If the bladesdo not stopwithin three (3) seconds, put the Engine Throttle

Control in the STOP position. Disconnectthe sparkplugwire and do

not operatethe moweruntil the blade- brake-clutchcontrol systemhas been

repaired.

Disengage

Engage

Figure3-1

B- BLADE

DRIVECONTROL

A-OPERATOR

PRESENCECONTROL

C- GEAR

SELECTLEVER

Disengage

Engage

Section3: FeaturesandControls

Operating Symbols Varioussymbolsare usedon the mowerto indicatecontrol settings (your modelmay nothaveall of the

symbols).Thesesymbolsareshown below with a descriptionof their meaning.

ENGINE ENGINE ENGINE

FAST SLOW CHOKE ENGAGE DISENGAGE STOP START RUN

Gear Select Lever

Usethis lever (C,Figure3-1) to select

anyof four forward groundspeeds(1 -

Slow,2 and3 - Medium,4 - Fast),N (Neutral)and R (Reverse).Thegearshift

patternisshown in Figure3-2.

Toavoiddamagingthetransmis-

sion, donotshiftgearswhenthe

mowerismoving.

Forforward travel,useoneof the four

numberedsettings.Toselectreverse,

shift to neutralandthenpull upon the

lever.Turnthe leverto theR (reverse) positionand releasethe lever.

Putthe leverin N (neutral)to manu-

ally pushthe mowerand whenthe

moweris not in use.

Figure3-2: Shiftpattern

onconsole.

PresenceControlalong with theWheel DriveControl.

Whenstarting theengine,theWheel

DriveControlshouldbedisengaged(re- leased).This helpsto ensurethat the

wheelswill not start turning whenthe enginestarts.

Do notengagetheWheel DriveControl

without first engaging the Operator

Presence Control. Doing so could resultin wear or damageto the wheel

brakemechanism.

A- OPERATOR

PRESENCECONTROL

Disengage

Engage

trated) onthe right sideofthe mower deckshow the cutting heightsettings

rangingfrom A(highest)to G(lowest).

Figure3-4

Mulcher Cover

Themulchercover (F,Figure3-5) is

pre-installedatthe factory. It must be kept in placewhen using the unit asa

mulchingmower. The mulchercoveris

designedto keepthedischargechute

raisedupwhile you mow. Whenthe

cover is removedfor side-discharge

mowing,the dischargechutelowers.

Referto "4. SelectMulching or Side-

DischargeMowing"in the Operation

Sectionfor mulchercoverinstallation instructions.

Wheel Drive Control

Usethis lever (D, Figure3-3)to en-

gageanddisengagedriveto the wheels.

Toengagethe wheels,first selecta

forward or reversegearwith theGear

SelectLeverandsqueezetheOperator PresenceControl(A, Figure3-3). Then,

squeezetheWheelDriveControllever

(D)againstthe handlebargrip. The

ground speedcanbevariedby increas-

ing or decreasingpressureon the lever.

Toavoidsuddenacceleration,slowly squeezetheleverwhenfirstengaging thewheels.

Releasethe WheelDriveControlto

disengagethewheels.Thewheelswill

graduallyslow to a stop. NOTE:Tostop the wheelsquickly, releasethe Operator

J Engage

Disengage

D- WHEEL

DRIVECONTROL

Figure3-3

Cutting Height Control Lever

Usethis lever(E, Figure3-4) to adjust

thecutting heightfrom 1to 4 inches.

Notethat actualcutting heightswill vary

accordingto soil conditions.

Turnthe leverclockwiseto raisethe

heightor counterclockwiseto lowerthe height. Adecalandpointer (notillus-

Figure3-5

Section3: FeaturesandControls

Engine Throttle Control

This lever(G,Figure3-6) is usedto

adjust enginespeedsandto stopthe en- gine. Alwaysrun engineat fastspeed

settingfor bestmower performance. Thethrottle settings areshown below.

I_1 CHOKE-Usewhen

_._ SLOW- Usewhenidling

Ignition/Starter Switch -

(Electric Start Model)

Thisthree-positionswitch (H, Figure

3-6) is usedto startand stop the engineon electric start models. Theig-

nitionkeysettings areshown below.Do notturn the keyuntilyou havereadthe

OperationSectioninthis Manual.

Alwaysremoveignition keywhen

leavingmower unattendedor when n-

specting,cleaningor servicing mower.

startinga coldengine.

FAST- Use during mower

operation.

engine.

STOP- Stopsengine.

H- IGNITION/STARTER

SWITCH

Figure3-6

Engine Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarter (I, Figure3-7)is

usedto "pull-start" the engine. Detailed

instructionsfor usingtherecoilstarter arefound in theOperationSectionof this

Manualandin the EngineOwner's Manual.Donot pull the recoilstarter

untilyou havereadthe Operation

Section.

I - RECOIL

STARTER

Figure3-7

G- THROTTLECONTROL

STOP- Stopsengine.

RUN- Afterstarting, key

returnsto run position.

START - Starts engine. Releasekey when engine

starts.

Operation

Before operating mower, be sure to read all safety, controlsandoperating

instructions in this Manual and on

decalslocatedonmachine. Severe personal injury or property

damage couldresult if this instruction

isnotfollowed.

BEFOREOPERATINGMOWER

1. Pre-OperaUon Checklist

With the sparkplug wiredisconnected from thespark plug,performthefollow-

ing checksandservicesbeforeeachuse:

1. ReviewSection1:"Safety"andSection 3, "FeaturesandControls"in this man-

ual. ReadtheseparateEngineOwner's Manualprovidedwith theunit.

2.Checkunitfor looseor missinghard- ware.Tightenor replaceasneeded.

3. With the uniton levelground,check theengineoil level accordingto the

instructionsin the EngineOwner's

Manual. Theoil levelshould beat the FULLmarkonthe dipstick or up tothe

top ofthe oil fill holeon engineswith- out a dipstick.

4. Checkall leversfor freedomof move-

ment.Readjustor repairas needed beforestarting engine.

5. Checkthatall guards andshieldsare in placeandproperly secured.

6. Inspecttheareato mowedandre-

moveanydebris which couldbe

pickedup andthrown bythe mower

blades.

7. Checkthatthe mulchercoveris prop- erlyinstalledin the dischargeopening

(seeinstructions in this Section). Removethe mulchercoverto usethe

side-dischargemowingfeature.

8. Onelectricstart models,checkthat all wiring connectionsarecleanand

tight.

9. Checktheair pressurein the rear tires (15-20 PSI). Keeptires inflated

equally.

GASOLINEISHIGHLYFLAMMABLEAND ITS VAPORSAREEXPLOSIVE.To help

preventseverepersonalinjuryor prop- ertydamage:

• Follow gasoline safety rules in

Section1: "Safety" of this Manualand in the separate Engine Owner's

Manual.

• Neverremovethe gasolinefill cap or add fuel when indoorsor when engine

is runningor still hot.Allow engineto coolat leastthree (3) minutesbefore

refueling.

• Keep smokingmaterials, sparksor flamesfar awayfromfuel tank andfuel

container.

• Store gasoline in an approvedfuel containerandin a well-ventilatedarea.

Storeit safely outof the reachof chil- dren. Do notstore gasolinewhereva-

porscan reachan opensparkor flame or where ignition sourcesare present

(suchas hot water or space heaters,

furnaces,clothesdryers, stoves,elec- tric motors,etc.).

• Fill tankto 1/2"below bottomoffiller neckto allowfor fuel expansion.Wipe

up spilled gasoline immediately and

movemowerawayfromgasolinefumes before starting engine. Securely re-

place caps on fuel tank and fuel container.

10.Removethefuelcap andcheckthe

levelof gasolineaccordingto the in-

structions in the EngineOwner's

Manual.Cleanaroundfuel fill area beforeremovingfuel cap. Donot

checkfuel level or addfuelwhile in- doorsor if engineis running or hot.

Allow engineto cool for three (3)

minutes. Fillthe tankwith fresh,

cleanunleadedgasolinewith a mini-

mum octanerating of 77. Leave1/2" ofspacefor fuel expansion.Donot

mix oil with gasoline.Donot use

gasolinewhich containsMethanol.

SeetheEngineOwner'sManualfor

instructions and precautionsregard-

ingthe useofgasolinesthat are blendedwith alcoholsor ethers

(calledoxygenatedor reformulated

gasolines). Securelyreplacecapson fuel tankandfuel container.

11.Attach sparkplug wireto spark plug after completingabovechecklist.

2. Set Mower Cutting Height

To avoid personalinjury, do notadjust

cuttingheightwhile wheels or blades

are turning. Release all handlebar

controlsandwait for all motionto stop beforeadjustingcuttingheight.

1. Releaseall controls beforeadjusting thecutting height.

2. Adjustthecutting heightfrom 1to 4 inchesby rotatingthe CuttingHeight

Controllever(Figure3-4) eitherclock- wiseto raisethe heightor counterclock-

wiseto lowerthe height. Notethat ac- tualcutting heightswill vary according

to grassandsoil conditions. A decaland pointeron the right side of the mower

deckindicatesthe height setting.

3. In heavyor tall grass,it is usually betterto makethefirst cut at a higher

settingandthen makeasecondcut at thedesiredheight. In roughterrain, a

highersetting is recommendedasit will

minimizethe chancesof the bladestrik-

ing the ground or hidden obstructions.

+ 29 hidden pages

Troybilt 12AF753B063 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual