Troy-Bilt Pony 175 Manual

11
Hydrostatic Set-Up
Parking Brake Lever/Speed Control †
Brake Pedal † /
Clutch-Brake Pedal †
Speed Control Lever †
Cup Holder
Throttle/Choke Control Lever
Ammeter †
Deck Lift Lever
PTO Lever
Ignition Switch Module
Foot Control CVT & CVT
Shift Lever †
Foot Control CVT
Drive Pedal †
Figure 3-1
Throttle/Choke Control  Lever
The throttle/choke control lever 
is located on the left side of the 
lawn tractor’s dash panel. This lever 
controls the speed of the engine, as 
well as the choke when it is pushed...

12
Shift Lever  (If Equipped)
Foot Control CVT & CVT
The shift lever is located on the left side of the 
fender and has three positions; FORWARD (F), 
NEUTRAL (N) and REVERSE (R). The brake pedal 
must be depressed and the lawn tractor must not 
be in motion when moving the shift lever. See 
Figure 3 -2 .
IMPORTANT: Never force the shift lever. Doing so 
may result in serious damage to the lawn tractor’s 
transmission.
Figure 3-2
Drive Pedal (If Equipped)
Foot Control CVT
The drive pedal is located on...

13
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT: The operator MUST be seated in the 
lawn tractor seat.
1.  Start the engine as instructed on page 13.
2.  Turn the key from the NORMAL DRIVING 
MODE (Green) position to the REVERSE 
CAUTION MODE (Yellow) position of the 
ignition switch module.  See Figure 3-4.
Start 
positio n
Indicator
 Light
Reverse 
Push 
Butto
n
Normal Driving 
Mode
Stop 
positio n
Reverse 
Caution 
Mode 
Positio
n
Figure 3-4
3.  Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUT TON 
(Orange, Triangular...

14
CVT
1.  Depress the clutch-brake pedal to release 
the parking brake and let the pedal up. 
2.  Move the throttle lever into the FAST 
(rabbit) position.
3.  Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD (F) 
or REVERSE (R) position.
CAUTION: Do NOT use the shift lever 
to change the direction of travel 
when the lawn tractor is in motion. 
Always use the clutch-brake pedal to 
bring the lawn tractor to a complete 
stop before shifting.
4.  Release the parking brake by depressing the 
clutch-brake pedal...

15
Maintenance Schedule
Before 
Each use Every
 
10 Hours Every
 
25 Hours Every  
50 Hours Every
 
100 Hours Prior
 
to Storing
Clean Hood/Dash Louvers
P P
Clean Battery TerminalsPP
Lube Front Axles and RimsPP
Clean Engine Cooling FinsPP
Lube Pedal Pivot PointsP P
IMPORTANT: It is important to consult the 
specific Engine Operator’s Manual included with 
this machine for detailed engine maintenance 
procedures and intervals.
WARNING: Before performing any 
maintenance or repairs, disengage 
PTO, move...

16
Engine
Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed in 
the Engine Operator’s Manual.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, 
parking brake and deck 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  with 
an all-purpose grease before re-installing them.
Front Axles (Hydrostatic only)
Each end of the tractor’s front pivot bar may be 
equipped with a...

17
Charging
WARNING! Batteries emit an 
explosive gas while charging. 
Charge the battery in a well 
ventilated area and keep away from 
an open flame or pilot light as on a 
water heater, space heater, furnace, 
clothes dryer or other gas 
appliances.
CAUTION: When charging your 
tractor’s battery, use only a charger 
designed for 12V lead-acid batteries. 
Read your battery charger’s Owner’s 
Manual prior to charging your 
tractor’s battery. Always follow its 
instructions and heed its warnings.
If your...

18
Seat Adjustment
Refer to Attaching the Seat in page 8 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...

19
IMPORTANT: If the cutting edge of the 
blade has already been sharpened to 
within 1-5⁄8 ” from the edge, or if any metal 
separation is present, replace the blades 
with new ones. See Figure 4-13.
1 -5 /8  in ch 
(m in.)
Figure 4-13
CAUTION: If the cutting edge of the 
blade has previously been 
sharpened, or if any metal 
separation is present, replace the 
blades with new ones.
WARNING! A poorly balanced blade 
will cause excessive vibration, may 
cause damage to the tractor and/or 
result in...

20
ProblemCause Remedy
Engine fails to start 1.  PTO engaged. 
2.  Spark plug wire disconnected.
3.  Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.   
4.  Choke not activated.
5.   Faulty spark plug.  
6.  Blown fuse(s).
7.   Engine flooded. 
8.  Parking brake not engaged.
9.   Throttle/choke control lever not in correct starting 
position. 
10.  Dead battery. 1.
  Place PTO in disengaged (PTO OFF) position. See 
p a g e  12 .
2.  Connect wire to spark plug. See Engine Operator’s Manual.
3.  Fill tank with clean, fresh...