Troy-Bilt 7 Hp Horse 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.
Form No. 769-07754 
(December 13, 2011
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Printed In USA
OPOR\222S MA
0034 
Rear-Tine Tiller 
						

							2
Safe Operation Practices ........................................3
Assembly & Set-Up ..................................................7
Controls & Features ................................................13
Operation ................................................................14
Maintenance & Adjustments ................................26
Service ....................................................................38
Troubleshooting .....................................................41
Replacement Parts ................................................42
Warranty ..................................................Back Cover
Table of Contents
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
Thank you for purchasing a Troy-Bilt Garden Tiller.  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
To The Owner1  
						

							3
Training
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 
quick ly.
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 be trained and supervised by an 
adult. 
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper 
instruction. 
5. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly 
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the 
area.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to 
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign 
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal 
injury. 
2. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting 
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be 
caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare 
feet or sandals. 
3.  Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral 
(“N”) before starting the engine. 
4. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine 
running.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is 
running, except where specifically recommended in the 
operator’s manual. 
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.
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.
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. 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
11 . After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect 
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine. 
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair 
the damage before starting and operating. 
12 .  Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine 
before you leave the operating position (behind the 
handles). Wait until the tines come to a complete stop 
before unclogging the tines, making any adjustments, or 
inspections.
13 . Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. 
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless 
and deadly gas. 
14 .  Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do 
not touch.
15 . Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and 
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property 
damage or personal injury.
16 .  Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil 
too deep at too fast of a rate. 
17. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or 
vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire 
and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for 
damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.
18 .  Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and 
operating properly.
19. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.
20. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the 
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use 
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for 
assistance and the name of you nearest servicing dealer..
Maintenance & Storage
1. Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe 
working order.
2. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before 
storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their 
proper operation regularly.
3.  Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent 
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition. 
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage. 
4. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine 
and make certain the tines and all moving parts have 
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it 
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
5. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed 
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe 
operating speed of engine.
6. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 
ne cessar y.
7. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, 
transporting, and storage of this machine.
8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details 
if the machine is to be stored for an extended period.
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 unit 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. 
Operation
1.  Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with 
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. Do not operate machine while under the influence of 
alcohol or drugs. 
3.  Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. 
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the 
handles.
4. Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in 
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area. 
5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch 
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, 
let go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing 
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do 
not carry passengers.
7. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on 
hard or slippery surfaces.
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
9.  Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or 
pulling machine towards you.
10. Start the engine according to the instructions found in this 
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times. 
SECTION 2 
						

							5
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, 
etc. to protect the environment.
11 .  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 130 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.
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, 
brushcovered 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 
						

							6
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
WARNING— ROTATING TINES 
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate 
hands and feet.
WARNING— ROTATING TINES 
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate 
hands and feet.
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! 
SECTION 2 
						

							7
WARNING! To prevent personal injury or property 
damage, do not start the engine until all assembly 
steps are complete and you have read and 
understand the safety and operating instructions in 
this manual.
Recommended Tools for Assembly
• 3⁄8” open-end wrench (1)
• 7⁄16” open-end wrench (2)
• 1⁄2” open-end wrench (2)
• 9⁄16” open-end wrench (1)
• 3⁄4” open-end wrench (1)
• Flat blade screwdriver (1)
• Scissors (to trim plastic ties)
• Tire pressure gauge (1)
• 4-1⁄2” high wood block to prop machine
Contents of Hardware Pack
• 26 oz. Bottle SAE 30W Oil (1)
• Clutch Pawl Spring (1)
• Belt Adjusting Tool (1)
• Plastic Cable Ties (2)
• Curved Head Screw, 1⁄4-20 x 2 (1)
• Flanged Lock Nut, 1⁄4-20 (1)
• Pan Head Screw, #10-32 x 1⁄2  (1)
• The following parts (electric start models only), packaged 
separately.
• Nuts, 1⁄4-20 for battery terminals (2)
• Screws, 1⁄4-20 x 5⁄8 for battery terminals (2)
• Keys in ignition switch (2)
Assembly
Unpacking Instructions
NOTE: Do not severely bend any of the control cables on the 
tiller.
1. The tiller is heavy. Do not attempt to remove it from 
the shipping platform until instructed to do so in these 
assembly steps.
2. Remove all loose parts from the carton. The hardware bag 
is included in your literature packaging.
3.  Check that you have the items listed above (contact your 
local dealer or the Troy-Bilt Technical Service Department if 
any items are missing or damaged).
Handle
NOTE: When disassembling the handlebar assembly, keep the 
left-side clamp and ratchet separated from the right-side clamp 
and ratchet.
1. Disassemble the handlebar assembly. To do this, remove 
the height adjustment lever by turning the lever in a  
counterclockwise direction. See Fig. 3-1.
2. Place the handlebar ends on either side of the base, with 
the wire harness toward the rear of the base See Fig. 3-1.
3.  Install the height adjustment lever through the right-side 
clamp, handlebar end, ratchet, and base; then out through 
the left-side ratchet, handlebar end, and clamp. See Fig.3-1. 
Secure with the nut, but do not fully tighten.
NOTE: Do not force the height adjustment lever through 
the handlebars. The interlock wires may be blocking the 
lever and could be damaged. You may gently move the 
wires aside if this condition occurs.
4. Raise the handlebars to one of two height settings and 
tighten the height adjustment lever. Also, make sure all 
other mounting hardware is securely tightened. 
Contents of Carton
• One Tiller • One Handlebar Support• One Handlebar Assembly
• One Hardware Pack• One Wheels/Tines PTO Lever• One Operator’s Manual
• One Engine Operator’s Manual
Height
Adjustment
Lever
Right
Clamp
Handlebars
Right
Ratchet
Left
RatchetBaseLeft
Clamp
Nut
Wire Harness
Base
Bolt
Figure 3-1
Assembly & Set-Up3  
						

							8
Moving the Tiller off the Shipping Platform
1. Set the Depth Regulator Lever to the “TRAVEL” position. 
Do this by lifting the tiller by the handlebars, then pulling 
straight back on the lever and sliding down to the highest 
notched setting. See Fig. 3-2.
2. Set the Wheel Speed Lever to the Freewheel position. To 
do this, move the lever approximately halfway between the 
Fast and Slow settings while you rock the tiller forward and 
backward until the wheels move freely. See Fig. 3-2
3.  Lift the Handlebars high enough to clear the tiller tines 
and pull back firmly to dislodge the tiller from the platform 
wheel wells.
Wire Harness
1. Ground the green (and red for electric start tillers) wire(s) to 
the engine block. See Fig. 3-3.
2. Connect the safety wire assembly (green and yellow wires). 
See Fig. 3-4.
3.  Connect the tiller’s main harness connection to the neutral 
safety switch receptacle. See Fig. 3-5.
Depth
Regulator
Lever
Wheel
Speed
Lever
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-5
SECTION 3
						

							9
Wheels/Tines PTO Drive Lever
1. Loosen the bolt on the handlebar base and swing the 
handlebars out to the right side. See Fig. 3-1.
2. Remove both sets of nuts, star washers, screws, and one 
bushing from the yoke plates.  See Fig. 3-6. There is a 
bushing inside the short link. Be careful not to lose it when 
removing screw.
3.  Slide the plates at the end of the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever 
over the yoke plates. See Fig. 3-7. To aid in the next step, 
insert a screw temporarily into the forward most holes of 
the yoke plates and the lever.
4. Align the rear most holes of the yoke plates and the 
Wheels/Tines PTO Lever. Use long nose pliers to hold the 
bushing in place while inserting the screw through the 
lever and yoke plates. See Fig. 3-8. Install the star washer 
and the nut then hand tighten.
5. Retrieve the clutch pawl spring from hardware bag. 
Remove the temporary screw from the forward holes 
inserted in Step 3 and move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever 
fully forward. Install the wider hook end of the clutch pawl 
spring down into the small hole at the end of the handle. 
Use pliers to insert the other end into the hole in the long 
link bar. See Fig. 3-9.
NOTE: Do not bend or over stretch the spring while 
installing.
Bushing
Yoke PlatesScrew
Nut
Star Washers 
Short Link
Long Link
Figure 3-6
Plates
Wheel
Speed
Lever
Forward Hole 
Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever
Figure 3-7
Bushing
Screw
Star
WasherNut
Figure 3-8
Clutch
Pawl
Spring
Long
Link
Bar
Figure 3-9
SECTION 3 
						

							10
6. Pull the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever back to align the forward 
most holes in the yoke plate with the holes in the lever 
plates. Also align the bushing that is inside the short link 
bar. Install the screw, star washer, and nut, then tighten 
securely. Securely tighten all other hardware. Also ensure 
that the spring is properly seated at both ends. Completed 
assembly should appear as illustrated in Fig. 3-10.
7. Test the operation of the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever. Push the 
lever down until it engages in the Forward position. The 
clutch roller must rest beneath the adjustment block. Next, 
move the lever up to the Neutral position. See Fig. 3-11.
8. To test Reverse, lift and hold the lever all the way up in 
the Reverse position, then let it go. The lever should 
automatically return to the Neutral position. See Fig. 3-12. 
If not, do not use the tiller. See your local authorized dealer 
or call the TROYBILT Technical Service Department for 
instructions.
Forward Hole
Short Link Bar
Clutch Pawl Spring
Figure 3-10
Clutch Roller
Adjustment Block
Figure 3-11
Clutch RollerAdjustment Block
Figure 3-12
SECTION 3