Troy-Bilt TB-38 User Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

TB-38 Lawn Tractor

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. 769-10742

(April 9, 2015)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a lawn tractor 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. Troy-Bilt
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

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

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

Controls & Features ................................................ 12

Operation ................................................................15

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................18

1

If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be
found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.

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 .................................................................... 22

Troubleshooting .................................................... 26

Replacement Parts ................................................ 27

Attachments & Accessories .................................. 28

Warranty ................................................... Back Page

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 looking beneath the seat. 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 our 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 us at 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 hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

2

General Operation

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

3. 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.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

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 picked up and thrown by
the blade(s). 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. 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.

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in
bare feet or sandals.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction
and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its
proper place.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate
hands and feet.

3

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

13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads and while not cutting grass.

14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any
public roadway.

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

16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

17. Never carry passengers.

18. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up
slowly. Always look down and behind before and while
backing to avoid a back-over accident.

19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly.
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait
until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing
grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing
any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.

21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck. This machine should not be driven up or
down ramp(s), because the machine could tip over, causing
serious personal injury. The machine must be pushed
manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

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

24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under
low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc.,
where the operator may be struck or pulled from the
machine, which could result in serious injury.

25. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake
pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting
to start engine.

26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of
a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/
or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire
hazard.

27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this
machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand
and follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory or attachment.

28. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.

29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service
representative for assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you
feel uneasy on it, 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 as
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that
area or serious injury could result.

Do:

1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so
that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes
are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine
braking action.

4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.

5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.

6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid
engagement or braking could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could
cause serious injury.

7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.

Do Not:

1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.

2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on
the ground.

4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-speeding
may cause the operator to lose control of the machine
resulting in serious injury or death.

7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded
dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5
degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends
to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control
(e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are
reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to
overturn).

4 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

Children

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

a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in

watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

area.

c. Before and while backing, look behind and down for

small children.

d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off.

They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.

e. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,

doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may
block your vision of a child who may run into the
path of the machine.

f. To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage

the cutting blade(s) before shifting into Reverse.
If equipped, the “Reverse Caution Mode” should
not be used when children or others are around.

g. Keep children away from hot or running engines.

They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

h. Remove key when machine is unattended to

prevent unauthorized operation.

2. 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.

Towing

1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.

2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.

5. Always use extra caution when towing with a machine
capable of making tight turns (e.g. “zero-turn” ride-on
mower). Make wide turns to avoid jack-knifing.

6. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

7. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

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.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.

b. 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.

c. When practical, 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.

d. 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.

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.

f. Never fuel machine indoors.

g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

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

h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

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

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

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

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

l. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

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

m. Allow a machine to cool at least five 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(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

5Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after
operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades
do not stop within the this time frame, your machine
should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD
Service Dealer.

4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear
during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.

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

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

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

8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.

10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the
machine while the engine is running.

11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover 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!”

12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect 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 270 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.

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.

When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California
models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative
emission control configuration for your model.

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.

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.

6 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

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
Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with
the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet. Be sure blades and engine are stopped before
placing hands or feet near blades.

max10"

DANGER — BYSTANDERS
Mowing in reverse is not recommended. Do not mow when children or others are around.
Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation.

DANGER — THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
Remove objects which could be thrown by the blades.

DANGER — SLOPE OPERATION
Go up and down slopes, not across. Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes
greater than 15 degrees. Avoid sudden turns. Use low speed. Do not operate machine
where it could tip or slip. If machine stops going uphill, stop blades and back down slowly.

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
Before leaving operator’s position, disengage blades, engage parking brake, shut off engine
and remove key. Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches, etc.) in place and in working
order.

DANGER — HOT SURFACES
Allow machine to cool before fueling or storing.

DANGER — HOT SURFACES
Do not drive through piles of dry leaves or tall dry grass. Keep machine free of debris.

WARNING — HOT SURFACES
Operation of this equipment may create sparks that can start fires around dry vegetation.
A spark arrestor may be required. The operator should contact local fire agencies for laws
or regulations relating to fire prevention requirements.

7Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

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).

15° Slope

Figure 2Figure 1

Slope Gauge

15° Slope

(OK) (TOO STEEP)

15° dashed line

Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope

or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. Always mow up and down slopes, never across the face of 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 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

Assembly & Set-Up

3

Tractor Set-Up

Tools Required:

• 3/8-inch wrench (or adjustable wrench)

• 7⁄16-inch wrench (or adjustable wrench)

• 1/2-inch socket wrench

Connecting the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 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.

CAUTION: When attaching battery cables, always

connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first,
followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.

For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment
may have been left disconnected from the terminals at the
factory. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:

NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The
negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).

1. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the positive
battery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive
battery terminal (+) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 3-1.

2. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the negative
battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative
battery terminal (–) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 3-1.

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the
Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to operating
the tractor.

Shipping Brace Removal

WARNING! Never operate the mower deck

without the chute deflector installed and in the
down position.

1. Check the mower deck for a shipping brace that may be
holding the chute deflector upward for shipment. If the
brace is present, it must be removed before operating the
tractor. Holding the chute deflector fully upward, remove
the shipping brace. Lower the chute deflector and discard
the shipping brace. See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-1

3. Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.

Figure 3-2

9

b

a

c

d

Attaching The Steering Wheel

If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the
hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering
wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the
steering wheel cap and remove the hardware.

1. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward,
place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.

2. Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over the
steering wheel and secure with the hex bolt. See Figure
3-3.

Figure 3-4

5. To adjust the position of the seat, remove the adjustment
knob on the bottom of the seat. Slide the seat forward or
backward as desired. Reinstall the adjustment knob. See
Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-3

3. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the steering
wheel and push downward until it “clicks” into place.

Attaching The Seat

If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, refer
to the following steps.

NOTE: For shipping reasons, seats are either fastened to the
tractor seat’s pivot bracket with a plastic tie, or mounted
backward to the pivot bracket. In either case, free the seat from
its shipping position and remove the adjustment knob from the
bottom of seat before proceeding with the instructions below.

1. As already instructed, remove the seat adjustment knob
installed by the factory in the bottom of the seat. See “a” in
Figure 3-4.

2. Align the seat over the seat pivot bracket as shown in
Figure 3-4 and fit the seat onto the pivot bracket inserting
the two tabs on the seat bottom into the slots on the pivot
bracket.

3. Slide the seat rearward in the seat pivot bracket (c),
lining up the center rear slot in the pivot bracket with the
remaining hole in the seat’s base. See Figure 3-5.

Note: Be certain the two seat tabs engauge the pivot
bracket as shown in the bottom inset of Figure 3-5.

4. Select desired position for the seat, and secure with the
adjustment knob removed earlier (d in Figure 3-5).

Figure 3-5

10 Section 3— ASSe mbly & Set-Up