Troy-Bilt 7 Speed Pony Manual

Throttle / Choke Control
The throttle control lever is located on the right side of the 
tractor’s dash panel, see Fig. 4-1. This lever controls the speed 
of the engine, as well as the choke when it is pushed all the way 
forward. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a 
uniform engine speed. 
IMPORTANT: When operating the tractor with the cutting deck 
engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is always in the FAST 
(rabbit) position.
Moving the throttle lever all the way forward...

Speed Control Lever
The speed control lever, located on the left side of 
the tractor’s dash console, allows you to regulate 
the ground speed of the lawn tractor. 
To use, depress the clutch-brake pedal and move 
the lever out of the parking brake notch and 
forward to increase the tractor’s ground speed. 
When a desired speed has been reached, release 
the lever into an appropriate notch to maintain 
that speed. 
To slow the tractor’s ground speed, depress the 
clutch-brake pedal and move the speed...

Operation5
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Operation5
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Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the 
protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever 
malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact an authorized 
Troybilt service dealer.
The safety interlock system prevents the engine from 
cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, 
and the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is in the disengaged (OFF) 
position.
The engine will automatically shut off if the...

14sectiOn 5— Operati On
14 sectiOn 5— Operati On

Stopping the Engine
WARNING! If you strike 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 
restarting and operating.
If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) 
lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP 
position. 
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent...

15
secti On 5 — Operati On
15
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Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then 
place it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to 
Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section.
Mowing
WARNING! 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.
The following...

Maintenance
WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or 
repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral 
position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove 
key to prevent unintended starting.
Engine 
Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for engine 
maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the 
Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. Follow 
the instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil
For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase, a...

Battery
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot 
be checked.
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and 
free of corrosive build-up.
After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat 
of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.
Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive 
terminal to prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, 
disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first, 
followed by the...

Side to Side
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side 
adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:
With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the 
deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate 
both blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade 
tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the 
right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken 
should...

Maintenance Schedule
Before 
Each use
Every 
10 Hours
Every 
25 Hours
Every  
50 Hours
Every 
100 Hours
Prior 
to Storing
Clean Hood/Dash LouversPP
Check Engine Oil LevelPP
Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged PartsP
Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam PrecleanerP
Replace Air Filter ElementP
Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil FilterP
Clean Battery TerminalsPP
Lube Front Axles and RimsPP
Clean Engine Cooling FinsPP
Lube Pedal Pivot PointsPP
Check Spark Plug Condition & GapPP
Replace Fuel FilterP...

Service7
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Service7
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Carefully remove the PTO cable from the rear of the 
cutting deck by removing the hair pin clip which secures it. 
Remove the spring from the deck idler bracket. See Fig. 7-3.
Gently slide the cutting deck (from the left side) out from 
underneath the tractor.
9.
Cutting Deck Removal
To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:
Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) 
position and engage the parking brake.
Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever...