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 activates the 
engine’s choke control.  See Figure 4-2. Activating the choke 
control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in 
starting the engine. 
Refer to Starting The Engine in the Operation section of this 
manual for detailed starting instructions.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is activated to start the engine. Insert key 
into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. 
Release the key into the ON position once engine has fired. See 
Fig. 4-3.
WARNING! Never leave a running machine 
unattended. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever 
into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine 
and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both Safety 
Interlock Switches and Starting The Engine in the Operation section 
of this manual for detailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch 
Module.
Clutch-Brake Pedal
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the lawn 
tractor, along the running board. Depress the clutch-brake pedal 
part way down when slowing the tractor by changing speeds 
(Refer to Speed Control Lever). Depress the pedal all the way down 
to engage the disc brake and bring the tractor to a complete stop.
NOTE: The clutch-brake pedal must be depressed to start the 
engine. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches in the Operation 
section of this manual.
Shift Lever 
The shift lever is located on the left side of the fender and has 
three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and REVERSE. The brake 
pedal must be depressed and the tractor must not be in motion 
when moving the shift lever. See Figure 4-4.
IMPORTANT: Never force the shift lever. Doing so may result in 
serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.
Figure 4-
On/Lights
Start
Figure 4-3
Figure 4-4
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secti On 4 — cOntr Ols & features 
						

							
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 control 
lever rearward and release it into a notch. 
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, fully depress the clutch-
brake pedal. Move the speed control lever all the 
way down and into the parking brake position. 
Release the clutch-brake pedal to allow the parking 
brake to engage.
To release the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake pedal and 
move the speed control lever out of the parking brake position 
into the desired position. Release the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the 
seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically 
shut off.
Deck Lift Lever 
Found on your tractor’s right fender, the deck lift lever 
is used to change the height of the cutting deck. To 
use, move the lever to the left, then place in the notch 
best suited for your application.
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever
Found on the tractor’s right fender, the PTO (blade 
engage) lever is used to engage power to the cutting 
deck. To operate, move the lever all the way forward. 
Moving the lever all the way rearward into the PTO 
OFF position disengages power to the cutting deck. 
NOTE: The PTO (blade engage) lever must be in the 
disengaged (PTO OFF) position when starting the 
engine.
1 sectiOn 4— cOntr Ols & features 
						

							
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 operator leaves 
the seat before engaging the parking brake.
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves 
the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage)  lever in the 
engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking 
brake is engaged.
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator 
engages the PTO with the parking brake ON.
The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade 
Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with 
the shift lever in Reverse.
WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the 
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was 
designed for your safety and protection.
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Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
Fully depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it down with 
your foot.
Move the speed control lever all the way down and into the 
parking brake position. 
Release the clutch-brake pedal to allow the parking brake 
to engage.
To release the parking brake:
Depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the speed 
control lever out of the parking brake position and into a 
desired speed.
Setting the Cutting Height
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing 
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height 
notches on the right side of the fender.
WARNING! Keep hands and feet away from the 
discharge opening of the cutting deck. 
Refer to Leveling the Deck in the Maintenance & Adjustments 
section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding 
various deck adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the 
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was 
designed for your safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section of this manual for 
gasoline and oil fill-up instructions.
Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) 
position.
Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
Activate the choke control.
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After 
the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON 
position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START position for 
longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage 
to your engine’s electric starter.
After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control and 
place the throttle control in the FAST position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating the 
tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and cause the 
engine to run poorly. 
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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 
unintended starting.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, ex-cessive speed 
and sudden stops.
WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor 
without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in 
the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake 
pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving 
the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off 
and remove the key.
WARNING! Always look down and behind before 
and while backing up to avoid a back-over accident.
Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and 
let the pedal up. 
Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE 
position.
CAUTION: Do NOT use the shift lever to change 
the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. 
Always use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a 
complete stop before shifting.
Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake 
pedal and positioning the speed control lever in desired 
position.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use speed positions 1 
or 2. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and 
controls before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.
Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion
The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing the 
clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be little 
difference between the highest two speeds until after the belts 
have seated themselves into the pulleys during the break-in 
period.
WARNING! Before leaving the operator’s position 
for any reason, disengage the blades, place the shift 
lever in neutral, engage the parking brake, shut 
engine off and remove the key.
IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while 
on a grass surface, always:
Place the shift lever in neutral, 
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Engage the parking brake, 
Shut engine off and remove the key. 
Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn 
‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit will 
not operate with speed control lever in a low speed position, 
proceed as follows:
Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
Restart engine.
Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
Depress clutch-brake pedal.
Place speed control lever in desired position.
Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow 
normal operating procedures.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation 
Practices section in the front of this manual to help determine 
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING! Do not mow on inclines with a slope in 
excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet 
every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause 
serious injury.
Mow up and down slopes, NEVER 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.
Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be 
made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly 
increases the chance of a roll over.
Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary 
to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and 
carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor 
over backward.
Engaging the Blades
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting 
deck. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:
Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) 
position.
Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way 
forward into the engaged (ON) position.
Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the 
most efficient use of the cutting deck.
IMPORTANT: The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the 
disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when 
traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat.  Refer to 
Safety Interlock Switches in the Operation section of this manual.
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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 information will be helpful when using the cutting 
deck with your tractor:
WARNING! Plan your mowing pattern to avoid 
discharge of materials 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.
Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit 
or grass collector is installed.
For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be 
cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the 
first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge 
to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a 
better appearance to the lawn.
Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed 
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
Mowing should always be done with the engine at full 
throttle. 
Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back 
over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut. 
Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and 
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, 
NOT clear brush.
Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when 
worn. Refer to Cutting Blades in the Service section of this 
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
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Headlights
The Headlights are ON whenever the tractor’s engine is 
running. 
The lamps turn OFF when the ignition key is moved to the 
STOP position.
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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 plastic oil drain 
sleeve is packed with this Operator’s Manual. To drain the oil, 
proceed as follows:
Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the dipstick from the oil 
fill tube.
Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve onto the oil sump. 
See Fig. 6-1.
Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container 
with a capacity of no less than 64 oz.
Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has 
finished draining. 
Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the 
Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual 
packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and 
proper viscosity of motor oil.
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Figure 6-1
Air Cleaner
Service the pre-cleaner and cartridge/air cleaner element as 
instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with 
your unit.
Spark Plug
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a 
season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start 
of each mowing season. Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner 
Manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
Lubrication
WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or 
inspecting, always disengage PTO, move shift lever 
into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine 
and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in the Engine 
Owner Manual packed with your unit.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake 
and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.
Rear Wheels
The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a 
season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose 
grease before re-installing them.
Cleaning the Engine And Deck
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off 
promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling 
fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine.
IMPORTANT: The use of a pressure washer to clean your 
tractor is NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical 
components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.
Deck Wash System™
A hex plug can be found on your tractor’s deck surface. See Fig. 6-2 
on the next page.
This plug can be replaced with a water port to be used as part of 
a separately-available deck wash system. 
The Deck Wash System™ is used to rinse grass clippings from the 
deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.
NOTE: Refer to the Attachments & Accessories section of this 
manual for information regarding this and other separately-
available attachments & accessories for your tractor.
Maintenance & Adjustments6
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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 POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the 
battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal 
first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the 
wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them 
could change the polarity and result in damage to your engine’s 
alternating system.
Cleaning Battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing 
with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the 
battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat 
terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to 
prevent corrosion.
Battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are: 
Incorrect initial activation
Overcharging
Freezing
Undercharging
Corroded connections
These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s warranty.
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Adjustments
WARNING: Never attempt to make any 
adjustments while the engine is running, except 
where specified in the operator’s manual.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any 
deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires in the Service section of 
this manual for information regarding tire pressure.
Front To Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that 
can be adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of 
the deck should be between ¼-inch and 3⁄8-inch lower than the 
rear of the deck. 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 
the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel 
with the tractor.
Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to 
the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. 
The first measurement taken should be between ¼” and 
3⁄8” less than the second measurement. Determine the 
approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and 
proceed, if necessary, to the next step.
Locate the jam nut and lock nut on the front side of the 
stabilizer bracket. See Fig. 6-3. After loosening the jam nut:
Tighten the lock nut to raise the front of the deck; 
Loosen the lock nut to lower the front of the deck.
Retighten the jam nut loosened earlier when proper 
adjustment is achieved.
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Figure 6-3
Figure 6-
Hex Plug
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secti On 6 — Maintenance & adjust Ments 
						

							
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 be equal. If they’re not, proceed to the next step.
Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap screw on the left 
deck hanger bracket. See Fig. 6-4.
Balance the deck by using a wrench to turn the adjustment 
gear (found immediately behind the hex cap screw just 
loosened) clockwise/up or counterclockwise/down. 
The deck is properly balanced when both blade tip 
measurements taken earlier are equal.
Retighten the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger 
bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.
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Figure 6-4
Seat Adjustment
Refer to the Set-Up and Assembly section of this manual for seat 
adjustment instructions.
Parking Brake Adjustment
WARNING: Never attempt to adjust the brakes 
while the engine is running. Always disengage PTO, 
move shift lever into neutral position, stop engine 
and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake 
pedal is completely depressed, or if the tractor’s rear wheels 
can roll with the parking brake applied, the brake is in need of 
adjustment. See an authorized Troybilt Service Dealer to have 
your brakes properly adjusted.
1 sectiOn 6— Maintenance & adjust Ments 
						

							
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
IMPORTANT: It is important to consult the specific engine operator’s manual included with this machine for detailed engine 
maintenance procedures and intervals.
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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.
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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 into the 
bottom notch on the right fender.
Remove the belt-keeper rod, from around the tractor’s 
engine pulley,  by removing the self-tapping screw (A) that 
secures it.  See Fig. 7-1.
Note: Make a mental note what hole the other end of the belt-
keeper rod is inserted in for reinstallation purposes.
Remove the belt (C) from around the tractor’s engine 
pulley and idler pulley(s).  See Fig. 7-1.
Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, 
locate the cotter pin that secures the deck support rod 
on the rear left side of the deck. See Fig. 7-2. Remove the 
cotter pin that secures the deck support rod, and carefully 
remove the deck support from the deck lift arm.
Repeat the above steps on the tractor’s right side.
NOTE: The deck attachment pin on the right side of the tractor is 
secured using hair pin clip as opposed to a cotter pin, which you 
might had noticed was used on the left side. This is normal and 
should be reinstalled in the same manner as removed.
Move the deck lift lever into the top notch on the right 
fender to raise the deck lift arms up and out of the way.
Gently slide the cutting deck toward the front of the tractor 
carefully guiding the hooks on the deck off of the deck 
stabilizer rod.
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Figure  -
Figure  -3
A
B
C
Figure -1