Troy-Bilt 7 Speed Pony Manual

							
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Printed In USA
OperatOr’s Manual
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation •  Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting •  Warranty
 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.
Lawn Tractor — Pony
Form No. 769-03502 
(November 13, 2007) 
						

							
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
Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 828-5500 or (330) 558-7220
Write us at Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019
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Thank you for purchasing a lawn tractor manufactured by 
Troy-Bilt LLC.  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 LLC 
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and 
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor 
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing 
laboratory. 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 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 nuM ber
serial nuM ber
To The Owner1

Safe Operation Practices  ........................................3
Assembly & Set-Up  ..................................................8
Controls & Features  ................................................10
Operation  ................................................................13
Maintenance  & Adjustment  .................................16
Service  ....................................................................20
Troubleshooting  ....................................................24
Replacement Parts  ................................................25
Attachments & Accessories  ..................................26
Warranty  ................................................................27
Español  ...................................................................29
Table of Contents 
						

							
Important Safe Operation Practices2
3
General Operation
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. 
Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. 
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them 
quickly.
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. 
Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper 
instruction. 
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.
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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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the 
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate 
hands and feet.
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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 hands and feet 
and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in 
serious injury or death.
CALIFORNIA P ROPOSITION 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 
						

							
4sectiOn 2 — iM pO rtant safe Operati On practices

A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade 
contact or thrown object injuries. 
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or 
roads and while not cutting grass. 
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing 
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any 
public roadway. 
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of 
alcohol or drugs. 
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Never carry passengers.
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.
Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. 
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
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. 
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.
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.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do 
not touch.
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.
Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake 
pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting 
to start engine.
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.
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. 
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. 
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use 
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service 
representative for assistance.
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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:
Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme 
caution when changing direction on slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden 
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall 
grass can hide obstacles.
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.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel 
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. 
These can change the stability of the machine.
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.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, 
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down 
the slope.
Do Not: 
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly 
and gradually downhill, if possible.
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.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on 
the ground.
Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. 
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause 
sliding.
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.
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).
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5
secti On 2 — iM pO rtant safe Operati On practices

Children
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.
Keep children out of the mowing area and in 
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the 
operator. 
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the 
area. 
Before and while backing, look behind and down for 
small children. 
Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. 
They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere 
with safe machine operation.
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.
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.
Keep children away from hot or running engines. 
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler. 
Remove key when machine is unattended to  
prevent unauthorized operation.
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
Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for 
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the 
hitch point.
Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight 
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause 
loss of traction and loss of control.
Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
Service
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
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.
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Use only an approved gasoline container.
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.
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.
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.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other 
sources of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine 
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two 
minutes before refueling.
Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ 
inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for 
fuel expansion.
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and 
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5 
minutes before starting the engine. 
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.
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. 
Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before 
storing.
General Service
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. 
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, 
and deadly gas.
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. 
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.
Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear 
during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.
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6sectiOn 2 — iM pO rtant safe Operati On practices
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!” 
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, 
and use extra caution when servicing them.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the 
equipment is in safe working condition. 
Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other 
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
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.
Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the 
machine while the engine is running.
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!”
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed 
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe 
operating speed of the engine. 
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 
necessary. 
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, 
etc. to protect the environment.
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.
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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) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Spark Arrestor
W ARNING : This machine is equipped with an 
internal combustion engine and should not be used 
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, 
brushcovered 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.
Average Useful Life
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, buy 
a new machine or 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.
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! 
						

							

secti On 2 — iM pO rtant safe Operati On practices
Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree...
or a corner of a building...
or a fence post
Fold along dotted line (represents a 15° slope)
15°
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. 
WARNING: 
Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. 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. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. 
						

							
Assembly & Set-Up3

Assembly & Set-Up3

Tractor Set-Up
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE: This unit may have been shipped with the battery cables 
already connected.  If not, follow the instructions below for 
attaching the battery cables.
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The 
negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the 
positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and hex nut at 
the factory. Make certain that the rubber boot covers the 
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.
Remove the hex bolt and hex nut from the negative cable. 
Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the 
negative battery terminal and attach the negative cable 
(heavy black wire) to the negative battery terminal (–) with 
the bolt and nut.
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown 
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the 
Service section of this manual prior to operating the tractor.
•
•
•
Shipping Brace Removal
WARNING! Make sure the riding mower’s engine is 
off, remove the ignition key, and set the parking 
brake before removing the shipping brace. Refer to 
the Controls and Features section for instructions on 
how to set the parking brake.
Locate the shipping brace, if present, and accompanying 
warning tag found on the right side of the mower, between 
the discharge chute and the cutting deck. See Fig. 3-2.
Place the deck lift lever in the highest cutting position. 
Refer to Setting the Cutting Height in the Operation 
section of this manual.
While pushing the discharge chute towards the machine 
with your left hand, remove the shipping brace with your 
right hand by grasping it between your thumb and index 
finger and rotating it clockwise.
WARNING! The shipping brace, used for packaging 
purposes only, must be removed and discarded 
before operating your riding mower.
WARNING! The mowing deck is capable of 
throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding 
mower without the discharge cover in the proper 
operating position could result in serious personal 
injury and/or property damage.
•
•
•Figure 3-1Figure 3-
 
						

							
9
secti On 2 — asse Mbly & set-up9
secti On 2 — asse Mbly & set-up
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.
With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward, 
place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.
Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over the 
steering wheel and secure with the hex bolt. See Fig. 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 two knobs from the bottom 
of seat before proceeding with the instructions below.
Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of the 
seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot bracket.  
Fig. 3-4.
Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot bracket, 
lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket with the 
remaining two holes in the seat’s base. 
Select desired position for the seat, and secure with the 
two knobs removed earlier.
To adjust the position of the seat on models so equipped, 
loosen the two knobs on the bottom of the seat. Slide the 
seat forward or backward as desired. Retighten the two 
knobs.
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Tire Pressure
WARNING! Maximum tire pressure under any 
circumstances is 30 psi. Equal tire pressure should be 
maintained at all times. Never exceed the maximum 
inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire.
The recommended operating tire pressure is:
Approximately 10 psi for the rear tires 
Approximately 14 psi for the front tires
IMPORTANT: Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire 
manufacturer’s recommended or maximum psi. Do not 
overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting deck to 
mow unevenly.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has a capacity 
of 1 1⁄2 gallons. Do not overfill. 
WARNING! Use extreme care when handling 
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the 
vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or 
while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish 
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the 
separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your 
tractor. Read instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the 
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before 
operating. Be careful not to overfill.
•
•Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4 
						

							
Figure 4-1
Speed Control & 
Parking Brake Lever
Clutch/Brake Pedal
Shift Lever
Throttle/Choke Lever
Deck Lift LeverPTO (Blade Engage) Lever
Ignition Switch
NOTE: Steering wheel not shown for clarity
Controls & Features4
10
Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 4-1 and described on the following pages.
WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the entire Operation section, 
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with all safety rules and instructions may result in personal 
injury.