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Operation

5

15

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 

Troy-Bilt 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 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.

Engaging the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:

1. 

Fully depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it down with 

your foot.

2. 

Move the speed control lever all the way down and into the 

parking brake position. 

3. 

Release the clutch-brake pedal to allow the parking brake 

to engage.

To release the parking brake:

1. 

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

1. 

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing 

the deck lift lever in any of the 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.
1. 

Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

2. 

Place the PTO 

(Blade Engage)

 lever in the disengaged (OFF) 

position.

3. 

Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

4. 

Activate the choke control.

5. 

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.
6. 

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. 

Summary of Contents for TB-38

Page 1: ...ctices Set Up Operation Maintenance Service Troubleshooting Warranty WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE FAILURE TO COMPL...

Page 2: ...not be applicable to all models Troy Bilt reserves the right to change product specifications designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation If applicable the power testing info...

Page 3: ...ects 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...

Page 4: ...mselves 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 Operatio...

Page 5: ...not shift to neutral and coast downhill 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 v...

Page 6: ...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...

Page 7: ...ren and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation DANGER THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury Remove objects whic...

Page 8: ...gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope See Figure 1 and Figure 2 5 If there is a gap below the gauge the slope is too steep for safe operation See Figure 2 above 1 5 d a s h e d l i...

Page 9: ...ive battery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive battery terminal with the bolt and hex nut See Figure 3 1 2 Remove the plastic cover if present from the negative battery terminal and att...

Page 10: ...at for your tractor was not attached at the factory refer to the following steps NOTE For shipping reasons seats are either fastened to the tractor seat s pivot bracket with a plastic tie or mounted b...

Page 11: ...stem This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline For best results fill the fuel tank with only clean fresh unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher Gasohol up t...

Page 12: ...clarity Figure 4 1 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Figure 4 1 and described on the following pages WARNING Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual inclu...

Page 13: ...tailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch Module On Lights Start Figure 4 2 Clutch Brake Pedal The clutch brake pedal is located on the left side of the lawn tractor along the running board De...

Page 14: ...ng or the engine will automatically shut off RUN PARK BRAKE ON PARK BRAKE 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...

Page 15: ...rake 1 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 1 Select the height position of the cutting...

Page 16: ...engine off and remove the key IMPORTANT When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface always 1 Place the shift lever in neutral 2 Engage the parking brake 3 Shut engine off and rem...

Page 17: ...ally 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...

Page 18: ...push the end of the oil drain valve back in until the tabs click into place Re cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering the drain port Maintenance WARNING Before performing any...

Page 19: ...pe the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion 8 Replace the oil filter as instructed in the separa...

Page 20: ...distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed if necessary to the next step 3 Locate the jam nut and lock nut on the front side of the stabilizer bracket See Figure 6 4 Figure 6 3 4 After loose...

Page 21: ...consult the specific engine operator s manual included with this machine for detailed engine maintenance procedures and intervals Seat Adjustment Refer to the Set Up and Assembly section of this manua...

Page 22: ...otch on the right fender 3 Remove the belt keeper rod from around the tractor s engine pulley by removing the self tapping screw A that secures it See Figure 7 1 NOTE Make a mental note what hole the...

Page 23: ...If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle i e car truck do NOT start the vehicle s engine when jump starting your tractor 5 Start the tractor as instructed in the Operation section of this manu...

Page 24: ...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 7 6 1 5 8 inch min Figure 7 6 CAUTION If the cutting edge of...

Page 25: ...n the right fender 2 Remove the belt guards by removing the self tapping screws that fasten them to the deck See Figure 7 7 3 Remove the belt keeper rod from around the engine pulley WARNING Avoid the...

Page 26: ...Drain fuel tank Refill with clean fresh gasoline 6 Replace air cleaner paper element or clean foam precleaner Engine overheats 1 Engine oil level low 2 Air flow restricted 1 Fill crankcase with proper...

Page 27: ...plate located under the seat Refer to page 2 for more information regarding locating your model and serial numbers Component Part Number and Description 954 04062 Deck Belt 918 04474B Deck Spindle 942...

Page 28: ...any type of ground engaging attachments e g tiller or plow Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor s warranty Model Number Description OEM 190 679 Bumper OEM 190 116 38 inch Deck Mulch Ki...

Page 29: ...Notes 11 29...

Page 30: ...30 Section 11 Notes...

Page 31: ...31 Section 11 Notes...

Page 32: ...ch as Blades Bump Knobs Outer Spools Cutting Line Inner Reels Starter Pulley Starter Ropes Drive Belts Saw Blades Guide Bars Cultivator Tines Spark Plugs Carburettor Adjustments and Filters which can...

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