Troy-Bilt 675 Hp Manual

							 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.
Self Propelled Mower — Models TB 220, TB 230, TB 240, & TB 
280 ES
Form No. 769-10198 
(October 16, 2014)
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Printed In USA
OPOR\222S MA
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation •  Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting •  Warranty   
						

							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 
the right to change product specifications, designs and 
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
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.
Thank You
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 NuM ber
Serial NuM ber
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 (800) 828-5500 or (330) 558-7220
◊ Write to Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019
Safe Operation Practices ........................................3
Assembly & Set-Up ..................................................9
Controls & Features ................................................13
Operation ................................................................14
Maintenance  & Adjustment .................................16
Service .....................................................................18
Troubleshooting ....................................................22
Replacement Parts ................................................24
Attachments & Accessories ..................................26
Warranty ...................................................Back Page
2
Table of Contents
To The Owner1  
						

							3
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 light-
weight (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.
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!
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.
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.
Important Safe Operation Practices2  
						

							4
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.
2 7. 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.
7. After stopping engine, remove Electric Start Push Key (if 
equipped) and keep it in a safe place out of the reach of 
children. 
SECTION 2 — IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES  
						

							5
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 and remove 
Electric Start Push Key (if equipped) 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 
ne cessar y.
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. 
SECTION 2 — IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES  
						

							6
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. 
SECTION 2 — IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES  
						

							7
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!
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.
SymbolDescription
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. 
SECTION 2 — IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES  
						

							8
WARNING! 
Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death.
 
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. 
SECTION 2 — IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
(OK)
(TOO STEEP)
USE 
IF A SL
T
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
 15\260 dashed line
S
F
F
15\260 Slope 15\260 Slope  
						

							9
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
• Electric Start Push Key †
† If Equipped
b. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, pivot 
upper handle up as shown in Figure 3-2. Do not 
crimp cable while lifting the handle up.
B
Figure 3-2
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 Figure 3-1. Do not loosen or remove 
adjacent hex head screws.
A
A
Figure 3-1
Assembly & Set-Up3  
						

							10
C
C
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 Figure 3-6.
D
A
B
C
Figure 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 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 the 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.
2. Remove the T-bolts from the handle brackets as shown in 
Figure 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 Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up 
with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 3-4.
A
B
B
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 Figure 
3-4.
c. Reattach wing nuts and carriage bolts removed 
earlier into lower holes of handle as shown in Figure 
3-5. 
SECTION 3 — ASSEMBLY & SET-UP