Troybilt 959, 12A-959K063 Owner’s Manual

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Operator's Manual

21" Self-Propelled

O

Mower

Model Series

959

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-covered 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 through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,0HI0 44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00018

(2/2002)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................................... 3

Slope Gauge ...................................................................................................................... 6

Assembling Your Lawn Mower .......................................................................................... 7

Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................................... 8

Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................................. 9

Making Adjustments .......................................................................................................... 10

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................................... 11

Servicing Your Lawn Mower .............................................................................................. 12

Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................................... 14

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 15

Parts List .......................................................................................................................... 16

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new Lawn 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 information 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 down at the rear of the deck. A sample model plate is
explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the

equipment in the space below.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the 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/Operatods

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 Dealer Referral Line.

have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section
Call 1-866-840-6483 or 1-330-558-7220 to reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line. Please

to locate this information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructionswhich, ifnot followed, could endanger

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions inthis manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal

injury. When you see this symbol--HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California

to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with

any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instruc-
tions could result in serious injuryor death.

GeneralOperation

1. Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,

understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before operation. Be completely

familiar with the controls and the proper use of this
machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.

2. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment,
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to
mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use

this machine.

4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and
other foreign objects which could be tripped over or
picked up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can
cause serious personal injury. Plan your mowing pattern
to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks,
bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction which may cause
discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

5. To help avoid blade contact or athrown object injury,stay
in the operator zone behind the handles and keep
children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet
from the mower while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

6. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to
protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and dose-fitting
slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms
and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or
light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands

and feet.

9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade
contact or thrown object injuries.

10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled
over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping.
Do not hold on to the mower if you are failing; release the
handle immediately.

11. Never pub the mower back toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping
and then follow these steps:

a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your

arms.

b. Be sure you are web balanced with sure footing.

c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way

toward you.

d. Repeat these steps as needed.

12. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

13. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units so
equipped while starting engine.

14. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the
safety device inoperative and may result in personal
injurythrough contact with the rotating blade. The blade
control handle must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position when

released.

15. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal
injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the
blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop
rotating within three seconds.

16. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Walk, never
run.

17. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.

18. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

19. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until
you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield, 5.
dischargecover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor
othersafetyprotectivedevicesinplaceandworking. 6.
Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.
Failuretodoso,canresultinpersonalinjury.

21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby

the manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in personal Service

injury.

23. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for

assistance. Telephone [phone] for the name of
your nearest dealer.

Safe Handling OfGasoline:

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme

SlopeOperation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do net
mew it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part
of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees,

de not mow it.

DO:

1. Mew across the face of slopes] never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide

obstacles.

3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
balance, release the blade control handle immediately,
and the blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.

D0Not:

f. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments,

you could lose your footing or balance.

2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on
the slope gauge.

3. De net mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause
slipping.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. They do not understand the
dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you

last saw them.

1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.

2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children.

4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child who may run into the

mower.

2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

3. Use only an approved gasoline container.

4. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on atruck or

5. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from

6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or

7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources

8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors

9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot

10. Neveroverfillfueltank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch

11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

13. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves,

15. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

GeneralService:

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain

Keep children away from hot or running engines. They
can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a
power mower. Children 14 years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained and
supervised by a parent.

care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious

personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite.

trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. Ifthis is not
possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser

nozzle.

container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

of ignition.

will accumulate in the area.

or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.

below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel
expansion.

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes
before starting the engine.

there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water
heater, space heater, furnace,clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.

or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.

area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.

the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.

3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replaceblade
withtheodginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M)blade
only,listedinthismanual"Useofpartswhichdonot
meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor
weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnect
thesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repair
thedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

YourResponsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,

this manual and on the machine.

8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheight
adjustmentwhiletheengineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand
replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.EM.)partsonly,listedinthismanual
"Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadtoimproperperformanceand
compromisesafety!"

10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingoroverspeed
theengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafe
operatingspeedoftheengine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmthe

environment.

understand and follow the warnings and instructions in

t d_ETAWAY

%_ i!i_iiii!i!S,.......

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

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SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

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_IbWARNING

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.