Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual TB 1942/2246/2350/2454 Hydro 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. TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a Troy-Bilt Tractor. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. 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. 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.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 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.
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.
Children Service 1. Safe Handling of Gasoline: 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.
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 service Dealer. Do not modify engine 4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required. Notice Regarding Emissions 5.
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. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER — ROTATING BLADES Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices Figure 1 line Figure 2 (TOO STEEP) 15° Slope 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. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. Always mow up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Tractor • One 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. NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right side and front or back of the tractor are from the operating position only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified.
3. Rotate the seat into position and secure the seat into place with the previously removed shoulder screws, flange bearings and flange lock nuts. Be careful not to crimp or damage the wire harness while installing the seat. See Figure 3-3. Lower Deck Discharge Chute Deflector WARNING! Never operate the mower deck without the chute deflector installed and in the down position.
Installing the Steering Wheel (If necessary) Installing the Front Bumper (If necessary/If so equipped) The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the hardware. The hardware for attaching the front bumper is shipped installed into the bumper. 1. 1. Remove the four hex screws from the bumper. 2.
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.
c. Place the deck lift lever in the desired mowing height setting. d. Reinsert the shoulder bolt (with each deck wheel) into the index hole that leaves approximately ½-inch between the bottom of the wheel and the pavement. Tighten the flange lock nut and shoulder bolt to between 25-30 ft-lbs using a torque wrench. NOTE: Refer to Adjusting the Deck in the Maintenance & Adjustments section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.
4 Controls & Features Fuel Tank Cap Throttle/Choke Control Lever or Throttle Control Lever (If so equipped) Brake Pedal Hour Meter Ignition Module Forward Drive Pedal Choke Control (If so equipped) PTO Switch (If so equipped) Park Brake/Cruise Control Lever Reverse Drive Pedal PTO Handle Deck Lift Lever Storage Tray Cup Holder Electric PTO (If so equipped) Seat Adjustment Lever Manual PTO (If so equipped) Transmission Bypass Rod NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models.
Throttle/Choke Control Lever (If so equipped) The throttle/choke control lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine and, when pushed all the way forward, past the detent position closes the choke for cold starting. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. Ignition Module WARNING! Never leave a running machine unattended.
Park Brake/Cruise Control Lever Low Oil (If so equipped) The letters “LO” followed by the letters “OIL”, then followed by the meter’s accumulated time will indicate the tractor is low on oil. When an engine is not running and immediately after the engine is started the oil pressure may be low. This can trigger the “LO” “OIL” text. This is normal. If the low oil indication persists stop the tractor immediately and check the engine oil level as instructed in the Engine Operator’s Manual.
5 Operation WARNING! Avoid serious injury or death. Go up and down slopes, not across. Avoid sudden turns. Do not operate the tractor where it could slip or tip. If machine stops going uphill, stop the PTO and back down the hill safely. Keep safety devices (guards, shields and switches) in place and working. Remove objects that could be thrown by the blades. Know the location and function of all controls. Be sure the blades and the engine are stopped before placing hands or feet near blades.
Reverse Caution Mode 6. The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the ignition module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged. a. b. WARNING! Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE . Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area. : NOTE: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat. 1.
Driving On Slopes Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 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.
Engaging the PTO (Manual PTO tractors) 6. Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO: 1. Move the throttle to the FAST 2. Push the PTO handle forward into the engaged (ON) position. See Figure 5-4. Slowly press the forward drive pedal with your right foot until the desired speed is achieved. NOTE: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the mower cut. Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut quality.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Check & Clean Engine Cooling Fans for Debris Check Engine Oil Level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts After First 5 Hours Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours P P P Prior to Storing See Engine Manual P P Clean Battery Terminals P P P P P P P Grease All Lubrication Points P P P P P Clean Hood/Dash Panel Louvers Check Intake Screen/Clean as Needed Check Blades/Sharpen or Replace as Needed Check Tire Pressu
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. 4. Remove the oil drain hose from the clip on the left side of the frame. See Figure 6-1. 5. Remove the oil drain hose plug from the end of the hose. See Figure 6-1. Drain the engine oil into the collection container. 6. After draining the oil, wipe any residual oil from the oil drain hose.
Cleaning the Tractor 11. 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, the transmission’s cooling fan or on any other part of the machine. Smart Jet Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. Use the Smart Jet to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.
Deck Wheels 2. The wheels on the deck which are spherical shaped (50” and 54” decks have 4) are equipped with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation. Leveling the Deck (Side-to-Side) 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.
2. 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 4”. If they’re not, proceed to the next step. 3. Using the right and left lift rods, raise or lower the necessary side of the deck until both sides are measured at 4” from the pavement. 3. WARNING: Drain fuel only into an approved container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow engine to cool.
7 Service Battery Fuse 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: If removing the battery, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire.
6. Slide the rod to the right to remove it. 11. NOTE: Be careful not to damage the wire harness when removing the rod. 7. Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the bow-tie pin on the rear left side of the deck. See Figure 7-4. Remove the bow pin that secures the PTO cable to the bracket on the deck, slide the PTO cable out of the bracket and unhook the spring from the idler bracket. See Figure 7-2. Figure 7-4 Figure 7-2 8.
Cutting Blades 4. WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping the blade To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25°- to 30° angle. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to maintain proper blade balance. See Figure 7-7.
3. Carefully remove the belt from around the idler pulleys and the spindle pulleys. 50” & 54” Decks WARNING! Avoid pinching injuries. Never place your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt and a pulley while removing the belt. 4. Route the new belt as shown in the applicable figure on the following pages. See Figure 7-8 for 42” decks, Figure 7-9 for 46” decks and Figure 7-10 for 50” & 54” decks.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Excessive vibration Uneven cut 30 Cause Remedy 1. Cutting blade loose. 1. Tighten blade and spindle. 2. Damaged, unbalanced or bent cutting blade. 2. Replace blade. 1. Deck not leveled properly. 1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment. 2. Dull or damaged blade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade. 3. Uneven tire pressure. 3. Check and correct tire pressure in all four tires.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 954-05021 954-05022A 954-04077A 954-05025A Deck Belt, 42” Deck Deck Belt, 46” Deck Deck Belt, 50” Deck Deck Belt, 54” Deck 942-04308 942-04308-X 942-04244A 942-04290-X 942-05052A 942-05056A Blades, 42” Xtreme Blades, 42” Blades, 46” Xtreme Blades, 46” Blades, 50” Blades, 54” 618-06976 618-06977 618-06981 618-06978 Deck Spindle, 42” Deck Spindle, 46” Deck Spindle, 50” Deck Spindle, 54” 734-04155 734-0973 734-0973 Front Deck Wheel, 42” & 46” R
Component Part Number and Description 625-05002 Ignition Key 631-04354 631-05168 Discharge Chute Assembly, 42” & 46” Discharge Chute Assembly, 50” & 54” 634-0104 Rear Wheel Assembly, 20.0 x 8.0 x 8.0, 42”, 46” & 50“ Rear Wheel Assembly, 22 x 9.5 x 12, 54” 634-05107 634-05149 634-05082 Front Wheel Assembly, 15 x 6 x 6, 42”, 46” & 50” Front Wheel Assembly, 16 x 6.
10 Attachments & Accessories Part No.
FEDERAL and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS MTD Consumer Group Inc, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and for those products certified for sale in the state of California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system (ECS) warranty on your 2014-2015 small off-road equipment (outdoor equipment).
WARRANTED PARTS: The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group Inc demonstrates that the outdoor equipment has been abused, neglected, or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by Troy-Bilt LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/ or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “Troy-Bilt”). This warranty is in addition to any applicable emissions warranty provided with your product.