Troy-Bilt Bilt 0 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. 769-08505A
(December 6, 2012)
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Printed In USA
OPOR\222S MA
0034 
Mustang Series RZT  
						

							2
Safe Operation Practices ........................................3
Assembly & Set-Up ..................................................9
Controls & Features ................................................12
Operation ................................................................15
Maintenance  & Adjustment ................................22
Service ....................................................................27
Troubleshooting ....................................................33
Replacement Parts  ...............................................34
Attachments & Accessories ..................................36
Warranties .............................................................38
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 Zero-Turn Tractor.  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. This information 
will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web 
site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized 
service dealer. Pivot the seat assembly forward to locate the 
model plate on the underside of the seat pivot bracket.
Model NuM ber
Serial NuM ber
To The Owner1  
						

							3
General Operation
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 should be trained and supervised 
by an adult. 
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper 
instruction. 
5. 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.
6. 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. 
7. 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. 
8. 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. 
9.  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. 
10. 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.
11 .  Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the 
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate 
hands and feet.
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 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
12 . A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade 
contact or thrown object injuries. 
13 . Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or 
roads and while not cutting grass. 
14 .  Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing 
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any 
public roadway. 
15 . Do not operate the machine while under the influence of 
alcohol or drugs. 
16 .  Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
17. Never carry passengers.
18 .  Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and 
while backing to avoid a back-over accident. Be aware 
and pay attention to the safety system function that 
stops power to the  blades when driving in reverse. If not 
fuctioning properly, contact an authorized dealer for safety 
system inspection and repair. 
19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. 
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
20. 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. 
21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off 
blade(s), place drive control levers  in neutral, set parking 
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
22.  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.
23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do 
not touch.
24. 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.
25.  Disengage all attachment clutches, set the parking brake 
to the ‘ON’ position and move the  RH and LH drive control 
levers to the neutral position before attempting to start the 
engine.
26.  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.
2 7. 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. 
28.  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. 
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use 
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service 
representative for assistance.
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:
1. Mow across slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme 
caution when changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden 
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall 
grass can hide obstacles.
3.  Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that you 
will not have to stop while on the slope. Avoid starting 
or stopping on a slope. If the tires are unable to maintain 
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly and 
carefully straight down the slope. 
4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel 
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. 
These can change the stability of the machine.
6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do 
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid 
acceleration or deceleration could cause the front of the 
machine to lift and rapidly roll over backwards, which 
could cause serious injury.
Do Not: 
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly 
uphill and use extra care while turning.
2. 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.
3.  Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on 
the ground.
4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. 
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause 
sliding.
6. 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). 
SECTION 2 
						

							5
Children
1. 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.
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in 
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the 
operator.  
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the 
area. 
c. To avoid back-over accidents, always look behind 
and down for small children. 
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. 
They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere 
with safe machine operation.
e. 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.
f. Keep children away from hot or running engines. 
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler. 
g. Remove key when machine is unattended to  
prevent unauthorized operation.
2. 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
1.  Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for 
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the 
hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight 
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3.  Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause 
loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
7. 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).
Service
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
1.  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.
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” 
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 machine 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. 
m. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before 
storing.
General Service
1.  Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. 
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, 
and deadly gas.
2. 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. 
3.  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 dealer.
4. Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper 
function, as described later in this manual. If the safety 
interlock system does not function properly, have your 
machine serviced professionally by an authorized dealer. 
SECTION 2 
						

							6
5. 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!” 
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, 
and use extra caution when servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the 
equipment is in safe working condition. 
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other 
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9.  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.
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the 
machine while the engine is running.
11 .  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!”
12 .  Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed 
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe 
operating speed of the engine. 
13 . Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 
ne cessar y. 
14 .  Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, 
etc. to protect the environment.
15 . 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 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.
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.
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.
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel 
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California 
models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact 
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative 
emission control configuration for your model.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING! This machine is equipped with an 
internal combustion engine and should not be used 
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-
covered 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 
						

							7
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!
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 BLADES 
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the 
blade(s) can amputate hands and feet. 
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS 
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS 
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
BYS TA N D E R S
Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in 
operation.
WARNING— SLOPE OPERATION 
Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.
DANGER — ROTATING BLADES 
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover 
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately. 
SECTION 2 
						

							8
WARNING! 
Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death.
 
Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution.
 
Always mow across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes. 
SECTION 2 
						

							9
Contents of Crate
• One RZT L Tractor• One Oil Drain Tube• One Deck Wash Hose Coupler 
• One Tractor Operator’s Manual• One Engine Operator’s Manual
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Tractor 
features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are 
applicable to all tractor models and the tractor depicted may 
differ from yours.
Tractor Preparation
Manually Moving the Tractor
1. Engage the transmission bypass rods, one on each side of 
the tractor, to move the tractor manually without starting it. 
The transmission bypass rods are located on the rear of the 
tractor, just inside each rear wheel. Engage the bypass rods 
by pulling each one out (a) and to the right (b) to lock it into 
place. See Figure 3-1.
ab
Figure 3-1
2. Disengage the bypass rods by reversing steps a & b after 
moving the tractor. See Figure 3-1.
3.  Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter from the 
manual bag and store for future use.
Install Operator’s Seat
To install the seat proceed as follows:
NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan 
attached.
1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the drive 
control levers to the tractor. Remove any packing material.
NOTE: Be careful not to cut the wiring harness connecting the 
seat and the seat switch.
2. Remove the two shoulder screws and flange lock nuts in 
the seat pan as shown in Figure 3-2.
Shoulder Screws 
Flange Lock Nuts
Wire
Harness
Seat Pan
Clamp Knob
Figure 3-2
3.  Rotate the seat into position and secure the seat into place 
with the previously removed shoulder screws and flange 
lock nuts. Be careful not to crimp or damage the wire 
harness while installing the seat. See Figure 3-2.
NOTE: Be sure to push the excess wire from the wire harness into 
the seat box hole before continuing.
Assembly & Set-Up3  
						

							10
Position Drive Control levers
The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for shipping 
purposes. The hex screws and flat washers that normally secure 
the control levers in their operating position are in a hardware 
pack inside your manual bag. The control levers must be 
repositioned to operate the tractor. To reposition the control 
levers for operation, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the hex screws and flat washers from the hardware 
pack in your manual bag.
2. Lift and swing that control lever upward until the slotted 
hole in the lever bracket aligns with one of the holes in the 
pivot bracket. See Figure 3-3.
Control Lever
Hex ScrewPivot
Bracket
Flat Washer
Figure 3-3
3.  Slide the flat washer onto the hex screw. From the outside, 
insert the hex screw with washer through the control lever 
slot and the hole of the pivot bracket.  See Figure 3-3. Using 
a 1⁄2” wrench snug the screw, but do not fully tighten.
4. Note the relative position of the control lever to the pivot 
bracket, then repeat the previous steps to reposition the 
other control lever in approximately the same  position.
CAUTION: Torque the screws down tightly to 
prevent the control levers from slipping out of 
position.
5. Refer to “Adjusting the Drive Control Levers” in the 
Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions on the final 
adjustment of the levers.
Connecting the Battery Cables
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 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.
CAUTION: When attaching battery cables, always 
connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, 
followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.
For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment 
may have been left disconnected from the terminals at the 
factory. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The 
negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
NOTE: If the positive battery cable is already attached, skip ahead 
to step 2.
1. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the positive 
battery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive 
battery terminal (+) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 
3-4.
Figure 3-4
2. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the negative 
battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative 
battery terminal (–) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 3-4.
3.  Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery 
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown 
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the 
Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to operating 
the tractor. 
SECTION 2