Troy-Bilt 7 Hp Horse Manual

11
Engine Throttle Lever and Cable
For shipping purposes, the throttle cable, together with the 
throttle lever, is wound around the engine. Carefully unwind 
the cable. If the throttle control label is covered with a clear 
protective coating, peel it off.
WARNING! To avoid electric shock from a short 
circuit (electric start tillers only), never allow the 
throttle cable to touch the battery. Route the cable 
below the battery, on the outside of the battery 
holder.
To attach the throttle lever and...

12
3. Use a 5⁄8” long screw and 1⁄4-20 hex nut to connect the 
positive (+) battery cable to the positive (+) battery post. 
Make sure that this is the cable on the left side, with one 
end attached to the solenoid. See Fig 3-14.
WARNING! To Avoid Personal Injury or Property 
Damage: Do not touch the positive battery terminal 
and any surrounding metal objects with tools, 
jewelry or other metal items. Failure to comply could 
cause a short circuit leading to electrical burns or an 
explosion of battery...

13
Handlebar Height
Adjustment Lever
Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever
Forward
Interlock
Levers
Depth Regulator
Lever
Wheel Speed Lever
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
Figure 4-1
Tiller controls and features are described below and illustrated in 
Fig. 4-1.
WARNING! Be familiar with all the controls and 
their proper operation. Know how to stop the 
machine and disengage it quickly.
NOTE: For detailed information on all engine controls refer to the 
separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
Use...

14
Starting the Engine
The following steps describe how to start and stop the engine.
NOTE: Do not attempt to engage the tines, wheels, or any PTO 
attachment until you have read all of the operating instructions 
in this section. 
Pre-Start Checklist
Make the following checks and perform the following services 
before starting the engine.
1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and Features & Controls 
sections in this Manual. Read the separate Engine 
Operator’s Manual.
2. Check the tiller for loose or...

15
 Starting Electric Start Engine with Recoil Starter
You may, at some point, have to start an electric start engine with 
the recoil starter rope. Before attempting to do so, perform the 
following applicable steps:
• If you suspect the battery charge is weak, and there is no 
visible damage. Disconnect the cables from the battery 
and clean both cable terminals, and the battery posts 
in accordance with the instructions provided in the 
Maintenance & Adjustments section. Reconnect the cables 
and...

16
6. When the tiller moves forward, relax and let the wheels 
power the tiller along while the tines dig. Walk behind 
and to one side of the tiller. Walk on the side that is not yet 
tilled. Use a firm grip on the handlebars but keep your arm 
relaxed. See Fig. 4-3.
NOTE: Let the tiller move ahead at its own pace. Do not 
push it ahead — this reduces operator control and tilling 
efficiency. Do not push the handlebars down in an attempt 
to dig deeper — this takes weight off the wheels, reduces...

17
Choosing Wheel & Tine Speeds
The tiller has four FORWARD wheel/tine speed combinations for 
handling a variety of tilling tasks and gardening jobs. Experiment 
with the tine depth, engine speed, and wheel/tine speed to 
determine the combination that provides the best results. Here 
are some tips:
1. Advance the throttle lever so the engine has sufficient 
p ower.
2. When tilling untilled or hard earth, do not set the Depth 
Regulator too deep. The tiller will buck and the engine will 
load down.
3....

18
Changing Belt From Low Range to High Range
1. To avoid personal injury, shut off the engine, let all moving 
parts come to a complete stop, then disconnect the spark 
plug wire from the spark plug and move the wire away 
from the spark plug before making any adjustments. Wait 
for the engine and muffler to cool down.
2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL.
WARNING! The HIGH speed belt range position 
combined with a FAST wheel speed setting propels 
the tiller at the fastest pace....

19
3. Stand on the left side of the tiller. Use your right hand to 
hold the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up into REVERSE 
position. Use your left hand to move the belt off the 
top-front engine pulley groove to top-rear engine pulley 
groove. See Fig. 4-9.
4. Go to the right side of the tiller and finish seating the belt.
5. Still holding the lever up in REVERSE position, and working 
from the left side of the tiller, move the belt from the lower 
front transmission groove to the lower rear transmission...

20
Avoid Tilling Wet, Soggy Soil
• Tilling wet soil often results in large, hard clumps of soil 
that can interfere with planting. If time permits, wait 
a day or two after heavy rains to allow the soil to dry 
before tilling. Test the soil by squeezing it into a ball. If it 
compresses too easily, it is too wet to till.
Avoid Making Footprints
• When possible, walk on the untilled side of the tiller to 
avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled soil. See Fig. 
4-3. Footprints cause soil compaction...