Troy-Bilt TB280 ES, TB230, TB260 User Manual 2

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Self Propelled Mower — Models TB230, TB260, & TB280 ES

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

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

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-07346

(November 2, 2011)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by
Troy-Bilt. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve

Table of Contents

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

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 9

Controls & Features ................................................13

Operation ................................................................14

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................16

1

the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone a authorized Troy-Bilt service dealer or contact us directly.
Troy-Bilt’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

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
machine, for more information.

Service .....................................................................18

Troubleshooting .................................................... 22

Replacement Parts ................................................ 24

Warranty ................................................................ 26

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

◊ Visit us on the web at www.troybilt.com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.troybilt.com/tutorials

◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊ Write to Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

2

Important Safe Operation Practices

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this 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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.

2

General Operation

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. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.

2. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use
of this machine before operating it.

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

4. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

5. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this
machine.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

10. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-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 light­weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers,
hands, toes and feet.

3

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

13. 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 falling; release the
handle immediately.

14. Never pull 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 mower to fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way

toward you.

d. Repeat these steps as needed.

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

16. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines
so equipped while starting engine.

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

18. 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.

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

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

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

22. 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 blade control is released.
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you
are sure the blade has stopped rotating.

23. Never operate mower without proper trail shield,
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control or other safety
protective devices in place and working. Never operate
mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can
result in personal injury.

24. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.

25. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.

26. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by
the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal
injur y.

27. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.

28. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support
for assistance or the name of the nearest service dealer.

Slope Operation

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 not mow it. For your
safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to
measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or

hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.

Do:

1. Mow 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 three (3) seconds.

Do Not:

1. 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. Do not 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 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.

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

6. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
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. Wash your skin and change clothes
immediately.

2. Use only an approved gasoline container.

3. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.

4. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

5. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

6. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.

7. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will
accumulate in the area.

8. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while engine is hot or
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.

9. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1 inch

below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion.

10. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

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

Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before
starting engine.

12. Never store the machine or fuel container near an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space
heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

13. To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves,
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.

14. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

General Service:

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade
for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with
the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”

4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before starting and operating the mower.

8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.

9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail shield
are subject to wear and damage which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety
protection, frequently check components and replace
immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!”

10. Do not change the engine’s governor setting or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

11. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
or leaks. Replace if necessary.

12. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper
disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.

15. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,

or 140 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized

service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.

5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING: This machine 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 arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor 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.

6 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

DANGER — BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.

DANGER — HAND/ FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

DANGER — THROWN DEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.

DANGER — SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°.

WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

7Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

15° Slope

Figure 2Figure 1

Slope Gauge

15° Slope

(OK) (TOO STEEP)

15° dashed line

USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE

IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!

To check the slope, proceed as follows:

1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.

2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.)

3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).

5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).

Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution.

Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death.

8 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Assembly & Set-Up

B

A

A

Contents of Carton

• One Lawn Mower • One Grass Catcher • One Bottle of Oil

• One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual • One Side Discharge Chute

3

NOTE: Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual covers both
the low and high wheel models of this mower. While this manual
illustrates the high wheel model, the instructions and features
are equally applicable to the low wheel model as well, unless
otherwise noted.

Assembly

NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying
engine manual BEFORE operating your mower.

Handle

1. Remove any packing material which may be between
upper and lower handles.

a. Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from handle as

shown in Fig. 3-1. Do not loosen or remove adjacent

hex head screws.

b. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, pivot

upper handle up as shown in Fig. 3-2. Do not crimp
cable while lifting the handle up.

Figure 3-2

Figure 3-1

9

2. Remove the T-bolts from the han dle brackets as shown in Fig.

C

C

D

A

B

C

A

B

B

3-3.

Figure 3-3

3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly:

a. Pull upward on the handle until holes in lower handle

(shown in Fig. 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with holes

in handle bracket. See Fig. 3-4.

Figure 3-5

4. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper
handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope

guide. See Fig. 3-6.

a. Hold blade control against upper handle.
b. Slowly pull starter rope handle from engine and slip

starter rope into the rope guide. See Fig. 3-6.

Figure 3-4

NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not
pull handle all the way out.

b. Insert the T-bolts removed earlier through the handle

brackets and lower handle and tighten securely to

secure the handle in place. See Fig. 3-4.

c. Reattach wing nuts and carriage bolts removed

earlier into lower holes of handle as shown in Fig.
3-5.

10 Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

Figure 3-6

c. Tighten rope guide wing knob.
d. Use cable tie(s) to secure cable(s) to lower handle.

Grass Catcher

1. Follow steps below to assemble th e grass catcher (if needed).
Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling
(warning label will be on the outside).

a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is

at the bottom.

3

2

1

2

3

1

Lower

Lower

Higher

Higher

Low Wheel

b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the

B

A

A

B

B

2

1

Side Mulching

Plug

frame. See Fig. 3-7.

1. On the side of the mower, lift the side mulching plug. See
Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-7

2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher:
a. Lift rear discharge door.
b. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle

brackets as shown in Fig. 3-8. Let go of discharge
door so that it rests on the grass catcher.

To remove grass catcher, lift rear discharge door on the mower.
Lift grass catcher up and of the slots in the handle brackets.
Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of
mower.

Side Discharge Chute

Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge,
make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door
is closed.

Figure 3-8

Figure 3-9

2. Slide two hooks of side discharge chute under hinge pin on
mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug. Do not
remove side mulching plug at any time, even when you are
not mulching.

Adjustments

Cutting Height

There is a cutting height adjustment lever located above the
front and rear right wheel.

1. Pull the height adjustment lever towards wheel (unit will
tend to fall when lever is moved outward).

2. Move lever to desired position for a change in cutting

height. See Fig. 3-10 and Fig. 3-10A.

Figure 3-10

11Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

NOTE: For mowers with low wheels, the height adjustment

3

2

1

2

3

1

Lower

Lower

Higher

Higher

High Wheel

Tighten

Loosen

levers move in the opposite direction to adjust; for those
with high wheels, the levers move in the same direction.

Figure 3-10A

3. Release lever towards deck.
IMPORTANT: Both the front and rear wheels must be

placed in the same relative position. For rough or uneven
lawns, move the height adjustment levers to a higher
position. This will stop scalping of grass.

2. Position the handle in one of the three positions that is most

comfortable. See Fig. 3-11 inset.

3. Secure into position with wing nuts and carriage bolts
removed earlier.

Drive Control

The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control handle
housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will
need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel
itself with the drive control engaged or if the mower’s wheels
hesitate with the drive control engaged. If either of these
conditions occur, rotate adjustment wheel clockwise to tighten

cable or counterclockwise to loosen the cable. See Fig. 3-12.

Handle Pitch

For convenience of operation, you may adjust the pitch of the
handle as follows:

1. Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from handle. See Fig.

3-11.

Figure 3-11

Figure 3-12

Set-Up

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for additional
engine information.

1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out
of the box.

2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
separate engine owner’s manual.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

12 Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

Controls and Features

Blade Control

Recoil Starter

Deck Wash

Cutting Height
Adjustment

Lever
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever

Side Discharge

Chute

Drive Control

Electric Start
Ignition Switch

4

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower.
Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the
unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.

WARNING: This blade control is a safety device.

Never attempt to bypass its operations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on top of the upper handle and is
used to engage the drive. Squeeze it against the upper handle
to engage the drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from
propelling.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

One adjustment lever is located on the right rear wheel and one
is located on the right front wheel. Both levers have to be at the
same relative position to ensure a uniform cut. To adjust the
cutting height, refer to the “Assembly & Set-Up” Section.

Figure 4-1

Deck Wash (If Equipped)

Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface
as part of its deck wash system. Use the deck wash to rinse grass
clippings from the deck’s underside.

Side Discharge Chute

Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass
clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions in the
“Assembly & Set-Up” section to attach the side discharge chute.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the

chute area on cutting deck. Refer to warning label
on the unit.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.

Electric Start Ignition Switch (If Equipped)

The electric start ignition switch is located on the right side of
the upper handle. It is used only for the electric starter.

13

Operation

OFF

ON

1

3

2

4

1

2

2

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator

is standing near the lawn mower while starting
engine or operating mower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.

Follow the set of instructions pertaining to your unit. Refer to
engine manual for help with the engine.

Briggs & Stratton Engine:

1. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control
against upper handle. See Fig. 5-1.

2. Recoil Start: Holding these two handles together firmly,
grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid,
continuous, full arm stroke. See Figure 5-1. Keeping a firm
grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.
Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time
slowly.
Electric Start (If Equipped): Turn ignition key to the right
to start the engine. Release the key after the engine starts.

5

Figure 5-1

Honda Engine:

1. Place the fuel valve lever found on the left side of the
engine into the ON (OPEN) position. See Fig. 5-2.

2. Move the choke lever all the way backward into the choke
position.

3. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control
against upper handle. The choke will now begin to slowly
return to the off choke position after activating the blade
control. Therefore, quickly move onto step four below.

4. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil
starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous,
full arm stroke. See Fig. 5-2. Keeping a firm grip on the
starter handle let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat until
engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely

before performing any work on the mower or to
remove the grass catcher.

Figure 5-2

14

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects
which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could
be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator and others.

1. Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control
against the upper handle to propel mower.

WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can

result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Using as Mulcher

For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher and allow the rear
discharge door to close the rear opening of mower. For effective
mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to
grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use
the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.

Using Grass Catcher

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are
operating the mower.

1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the
“Assembly & Set-Up” section. Grass clippings will
automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate
mower till grass bag is full.

2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control.
Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.

3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from
the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass
clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the

engine. Remove wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and
repair damage before restarting and operating.
Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.

15Section 5 — oper ation

Maintenance & Adjustments

6

Maintenance

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules when performing any
maintenance.

• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain
the lawn mower as instructed here.

• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
warranty.

• All adjustments should be checked at least once each
season.

• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are
tight.

WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark

plug, and ground against engine before performing
any type of maintenance on your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once
a season with light oil. This control must operate freely in

both directions. See Fig. 6-1.

2. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory
and does not require lubrication.

3. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication
schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.

Deck Care

Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent
build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below
for this job.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.

2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side
with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.

WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in

any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for
any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part
of the engine causing a starting problem.

3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable
tool.

4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you had

put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to remove it
now.

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Figure 6-1