Troy-Bilt 420 Series User manual

SafetyoAssembly oOperation oTips &Techniques oMaintenance *Troubleshooting oParts Lists oWarranty
®
\
21" Rotary Mower -- Model Series 420
READ SAFETY RULES AND mNSTRUCTmONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: This unitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush=
coveredor grass=coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(ifany),
If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator,Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode),Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws,Federallawsapplyonfederallands,A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO,Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136=0019,
FORMNO,769=02160
PRINTEDiN U,S,A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019 10/25/2005

This Operator's Manua_ is an important part of your new lawn mower, mtwH_ he_p you assemble,
prepare, and maintain the unit for best performance. P_ease read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Smope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................ Back Cover
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOUR NEWEQUIPMENT,please
locate the model plateon the equipmentand copythe infor=
mationto thesample modelplate providedtothe right.You
can locatethe modelplate by standingat the operatingposi=
tionand lookingdown at the rearof the deck. Thisinformation
will be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb site,toobtain
assistancefromthe CustomerSupportDepartment,or when
contactingan authorizedservice dealer.
Modem Number Serial Number
O TRO_HJ[,T" TROY-BmLT LLC
Po O. BOX 361131
www.troybilt.oona CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330=558=7220
866=840=6483)
Customer Support
P_ease do NOTreturn the unit to the retai_er from which it was purchased, without first
contacting Customer Support.
if you havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveanyquestions regardingcontrol, operation,ormaintenance,youcan seek
helpfromthe experts. Choosefrom theoptions below:
, Visitwww.troybilt.com
O
O
Phonea CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-866-840-6483.
The enginemanufactureris responsiblefor all engine=relatedissueswith regardto performance, power=rating,specifications,
warranty,and service. Please refertothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packedseparatelywith your
unit, for more information.
2

yourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.
/
/
/
/
o
/
/
t
o
w_ WARNING
Do not mowon inclines
with a dope in excess
of 15degrees(a rise
of approximately
2-"
feet). A riding r
couldoverturnand
cause seriousinjury.
if operatinga walb
behindmower on such
a dope, it isextremely
footing and youcould
dip, resultingin serious
injury.
OperateRiDiNG
mowersup and down
dopes, neveracross
thefaceof dopes.
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowersacrossthe
face of dopes, never
up and downslopes.
\
3

WARNING:EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituents,andcertainvehiclecompo_
nentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand
birthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
DANGER:Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherubsforsafeoperationinthis
manuakAswithanytypeofpowerequipment,carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcan
Sa.'_e resultinseriousinjury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetandthrowingobjects.
,, Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.
Operation Children 6. Alwayswear safetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
WARNING
sut importantsafety
endangerthe personal
safetyand/orproperty
ofyourselfandothers.
qead andfollowall
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
this machine.Failure
in personalinjury,When
youseethis symbol.
HEED roTSWARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
sf this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
in this manual
and onthe machine.
Tragicaccidentscan occurifoperatorisnotalerttopresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto mowerandmowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful
careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthat may'obscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothemower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhot orrunningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsold andovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesin this
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollow allinstructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthismachinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrommower
whileit isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
area.
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefootduringa fall causedby slippingortripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmustbackthe moweraway'fromawallor
obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyou arewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholor drugs.
13.Do notengagethe self-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassits operation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmay resultinpersonalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. Aslipandfallcan causeseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis
generallyawarningoftrouble.
4

19.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoa 7. Extinguishallcigarettes cigars pipesandothersources _ i
completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog- ofignition. L{'_ "_
grogthechute. 8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill --J /,'
Thecutting bladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafter accumulatein the area. ///
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceanypartofthe body'in 9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe blade hasstopped running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
rotating, refueling.
20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan
resultin personalinjury.
21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.
22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadefor thismachineby
manufacturer.Failureto dosocanresultinpersonalinjury.
23.Ifsituationsoccurwhichare not coveredin this manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone[phone]forthe nameofyour
nearestdealer.
SJope Operation
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
canresultinsevereinjury'.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,donotmowit.Foryour
safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas partofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,do notmowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrosstheface ofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts, rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyou toslipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewillstop rotatingwithin 3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingor balance.
2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon
the slopegauge.
3. Do notmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury or propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor ona truckor trailer
bedwith a plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,then refuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwith therim ofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethan_/_inch
belowbottomoffillerneckto providefor fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.
Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkorpilotlightas onawaterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuel spillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Service:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsor inapoorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g, bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly',listed
inthismanual.Use ofpartswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance safety and!or property
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorwear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstight tobesurethe equip-
mentisin safeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera- ual beforeattemptingto
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon- Fai!ureto ComplyWith
nectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughly'inspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe these inStrUctionsmay
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower, resu!t !npersonalinjury,
8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustment WhenYouseethis
whilethe engineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail symbo.
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsorallow objectsto bethrown.Forsafety' YOUr Hespon$ B31Jty_ i'T-
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand replaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.EM.)
partsonly,listedin this manual.'Use of partswhichdo Of this powermachine
not meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedofthe engine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
5

manuaUareapplicab!e
to allLawnMower
Step 1
1 Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperand lowerhandbs
a Pullupand backon upperhandb asshownin
Step1 Makecertainthelowerhandb isseated
securelyintothe handb mountingbrackets
b Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandb Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandb
2 Locatehairpinclipin onehob ontheweldpinon each
sideof lowerhandle
a Removehairpinclipfromthis hob Usinga pairof
plbrs, inserthairpinclipintotheotherhob on the
weldpin Repeaton otherside
b inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperhob on thehandlemountingbracket
Securewithoneplasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthe hardwarepack Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack
3 Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide,
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandb.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine,Releaseblade
control
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide,
d. Tightenwingnut.
4. insertpostoncane ties intohobs providedon the
lowerhandb.Pullcane tietightandtrimexcess,
Step 2
/
accompany ng eng ne
manual BEFORE \ " _" i
operatingyour mower _ _- -
Step3 _ep4
6

m
5, An adiustingplateandthumbleverat eachwheel f ..........
positionprovidescuttingheightadiustment,
a, Depresslevertowardswheel,
b, Moveittoanyoftheninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight,SeeStep5,
c, Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck,
6, Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:
a, Placebagoverframesothatitsblackplasticside
isatthebottom, \,
b, Slipplasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame,SeeStep6,All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideof bag,
c, Attachcentertopof bagfrominsideofbag,
7, Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a, Liftreardischargedoor, Step 5
b, Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod,Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher,SeeStep7,
Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher,lift rear
dischargedooron themowerasshownin Step8, Lift
grasscatcherupandoutof thepivotrod,Releaserear
dischargedoorto allowittocloserearopeningofmower,
WARNING:Never operate mower
unJess the hooks on the grass
catcher are firmly seated in the
slots on the handJebracket as-
semblies, and the rear discharge
door rests firmly against top of
the grass catcher.
Step 6
Never operate mower
o<essthehookso,,
the grass catcher are
firmlyagainsttopof
Step 7
i ill i _n i _ii
7

m
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypassits
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Neverfuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep handsand feet
_way from the chute
tea on cutting deck.
Refer to warning
label on the unit.
Recoil
Starter
OilFill
@ass
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for each wheel)
/
GasolineFill
Nowthat youhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-
tion,getacquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures,
Thesearedescribedbelowand illustratedonthis page,
This knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequip=
mentto itsfullestpotential
Blade Control
J
Figure 1
Gas and Oil Fil_-Up
1, Checkoil levelandaddoil if necessary,Followengine
manualforthis,SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofthe
oilfill
2, Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof
The bladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandb of
themower,Depressandsqueezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit,Releaseittostopengineand
blade,
gasfill
WARNING:This bladecontrol mecha-
nism isa safety device. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadiustmentbver islocatedoneachwheeland is
usedtoadiustthecuttingheight,All fourlevershaveto
beatthesamerelativepositionto ensurea uniformcut,
Recoi_ Starter
The recoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandb,
Standbehindtheunitandpullthe recoilstarterropeto
startthe unit,
WARNING:Useextreme carewhen han-
dling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely
flammable andthe vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoors or while
the engine ishot or running.Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other
sources of ignition.
WARNING:Theoperation of any lawn
mower can result inforeign objects
being thrown intothe eyes,which can
damageyour eyesseverely. Always
wearsafety glasseswhile operating
the mower,or while performing any
adjustments or repairs on it.
8

or inenclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-
ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep
hands,feet, hair and loose clothing
awayfrom anymoving parts on engine
and lawn mower.
1, Pushprimerthreetimes,Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush,SeeFigure2,Intemperature
around55° For below,primefivetimes,Donotprime
to restarta warmengine,
2, Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle,SeeFigure2,
3, Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu=
ous,fullarmstroke,SeeFigure2,Keepinga firm
gripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly,
Repeatuntilenginecranks,Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly,
WARNING:Wait for the blade to stop
completely beforedoing anywork
on the moweror to removethe grass
catcher.
Stopping Engine
1, Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade,
2, Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine,
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower
without either the rear door or the entire
grass catcher assembly firmly secured.
Be surelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,or other
obiectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine,
Suchobiectscouldbe acddentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonaliniurytothe
operatorandothers,
Figure 2
WARNING:If you strike aforeign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug, thoroughly
inspect mowerfor anydamage,and
repair damagebeforerestarting and
operating. Extensivevibration of
mower during operation isan indica-
tion of damage.Theunit should be
promptly inspected and repaired.
1, Forbestresults,do notcut wetgrass,
2, Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone=
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass,
Using as Muncher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower,Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed,
1, Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass,
2, Neworthickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut,
Adiustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn,
3, if thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended,Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead,
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower,
1, Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsonpage
7, Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyourunthemower,Operatethemowertillthe
grassbagis full,
2, Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
controlhandle,Makesurethattheunithascometo
a completestop,
3, Liftdischargedoorand pullgrassbagup andaway
fromthemowertodisposeofthegrassclippings,
being thrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasses while
iioperating the mower,
_ngine or operating
_ower. Never tun
engine !ndoors or
in enclosed poorly
ventilated areas' En_
gine exhaust Contains
carbon monoxide, an /
odorless and deadly
gas, Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose Clothing
away from any mov ng
9

WARNING
Nways stopengine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
cJeaning, lubricating
or doing any kind of
maintenance on your
machine.
Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees
in any directions
and do not leave the
mower tipped for any
length of time. Oil can
drain intothe upper
part of the engtne
causing a starting
problem.
Figure 3
Genera_ Recommendations
1, Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubiectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladiustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
WARNING: Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and
ground against engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing
any kind of maintenance on your
machine.
Lubrication
1, Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolat least
oncea seasonwithlightoil Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections,SeeFigure3,
2, Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (or motoroil), If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to
preventrust.SeeFigure3.
Deck Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow
stepsbelowforthisiob.
!. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,orplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestson thehousing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
WARNING: Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees in any
directions and do not leavethe
mower tipped for any tength of
time. Oil can drain into the upper
part of the engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
suretoremoveitnow.
NOTE:Wedonot recommendtheuseofpressure
washersorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.Thesemay
causedamagetoelectriccomponents,spindles,puh'e_zs,
bearings,ortheengine.Theuseofwaterwillresultin
shortenedfifeand reduceserviceability.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenanceiobs requiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
enginemanual
3. Cleansparkplugandresetthegap oncea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeallgrass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrom mufflerarea.
10

WARNING:Whenremovingthe
cuttingbladeforsharpeningor
repJacement,protectyour hands
with a pair of heavygloves or use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikea foreignobject,Replacewhen
necessary,Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice,
1, Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug,Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup,
2, Removetheboltand thebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft,SeeFigure4,
3, Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,
4, Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileoron agrind-
ingwheel Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhileit
isstillonthemower,
5, Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle
ofgrind,Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe
bladebalanced,
6, Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance,
7, Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check,Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly,
WARNING: An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds. It
may cause damage to mower, and
could break causing personal
injury.
8, Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthe bladeadapterwithlightoil Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft,
9, Placethebladeontheadaptersuchthattheside
ofthe blademarked"Bottom"(orwith partnumber)
facesthegroundwhenthemowerisin theoperating
position,Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon thebladeadapterflanges,
10,Placebladebellsupporton theblade,Alignnotches
on thebladebellsupportwithsmallholesin blade,
11,Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in,Ibs,rain,,600 in,Ibs,max,
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque,
Figure 4 J
Figure 5
Replacing Rear F_ap
1, Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewire
rodwhichsecuresittothedeck,SeeFigure5,
2, Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bending
theendsofthenewrodovertosecureto deck,
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour
lawnmowerforstorage,
1, Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed
in thelubricationinstructions,
2, Wedo notrecommendthe useofa pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit,
3, Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions,
4, Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting,
5, Storemowerina dry,cleanarea,Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer,
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin apoorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment,Usinga lightoil orsilicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage,
11
When removing
thecutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
holdthe blade.
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibration when rotat-
ingat high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.

For repairs beyond
theminoradjustments
Iisted here, contact
an authorized seMce
dealer. I
Problem Cause Remedy
Enginefails to start 1. Bade controldisengaged. 1. Engagebladecontrol
2. Sparkplugwiredisconnected. 2. Connectwiretosparkplug.
3. Fueltankemptyor stalefuel. 3. Filltankwithclean,freshgasoline.
4. Enginenotprimed. 4. Primeengneasinstructed n
OperatingYourLawnMower.
5. Fautyspakpr ug. 5. Ccan,adjustgap,or repace
6. Blockedfuel line_ 6. Cleanfuelline.
7 En nefooded 7 Waita fewminutestorestart but
' g ' do notprime
Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel 2. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Ventingascapplugged. 3. Clearvent.
4. Waterordirt infuelsystem. 4. Drainfueltank.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. Dirtyaircleaner. 5. Refertoenginemanual
6. Carburetoroutofadjustment. 6. Refertoenginemanual
j
Engne overheats 1 Engineoil levelow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.
2. A rflow restricted. 2. RemoveNewerhousing
andclean.
! 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. . 3. Referto enginemanual
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adiustgapto.030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadiustment 2. Refertoenginemanual
highspeed improperlyset.
I 2....Carburetormproperyadiusted 2 Referto engnemanua
Excessive
Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.
2. Bentcuttingblade.
1. Tightenbladeandadapter.
Balanceblade.
2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not !. Wetgrass. 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet;
mulchgrass waituntillatertocut.
2 Excessvey hghgrass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight
' ' thenmowagainatdesiredheight
[ [ or makea narrowercuttingpath.
3 Du bade m
I ' ' I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsinsame
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12

WARNING
DONOTremove safety
(or any) labeJsfrom
newer for any reasen,
\
13

Mode_ Series 420
Q
Q
Q
/-
Q
Q
Q
14

1 747-1161A
2 749-1092A
3 747-04080
4 749-0928A
5 720-0279
6 710-1205
7 710-1174
8 664-04011
9 720-04072
10 738-04136
11 726-0240
12 710-0703
13 731-04134A
14 750-04162
15 732-04089A
16 732-04090A
17 731-04150C
18 731-04204
19 787-01276
20 687-02069
687-02068
21 782-5002B
22 748-0377C
23 742-0741
BladeControlHandle
UpperHandle
GrassCatcherFrame
LowerHandle
WingNut
RopeGuide
CarriageBolt,5/16-18x2
GrassBagAssembly
HandKnob
ShoulderScrew
CableTie
CarriageBolt,1/4-20
RearDischargeDoor
Spacer
TorsionSpring- LH
TorsionSpring- RH
RearBaffle
BailCover
Deck- 21"
RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH
RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH
FrontBaffle
BladeAdapter
MulchingBlade
24 710-1257
25 687-02077A
687-02076A
26 736-0524B
27 787-01290
28 720-0426
29 732-0404
30 738-0507B
31 734-04014B
32 710-04371
33 746-1130
34 687-02074A
687-02075A
35 731-04998
36 732-0700
37 712-0397
38 747-04035
39 732-04175
40 687-02071A
687-02070A
41 710-1652
42 712-04085
43 714-0104
44 710-0654A
HexBolt, 3/8-24x 1.5
PivotArmAssemblyRH(8"wheel)
PivotArmAssemblyLH(8"wheel)
BladeBellSupport
FrontAdiustmentPlate
AdiustmentLeverKnob
SpringLeverAssembly
ShoulderScrew
FrontWheel,8x 2.125
Screw,1/4-15x 1.250
ControlCable- 40"
Hr.Adi.Assy.Front- RH
Hr.Adi.Assy.Front- LH
Trailshield
TrailshMdWire
WingNut,1/4-20
RearDoorPivotRod
SpringLever
PivotArmAssembly- RH
PivotArmAssembly- LH
ABScrew
FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
HairpinClip
TT SeresScrew,3/8-16x1.0
To order replacement
parts, contact
1-800-648-6776
or visit
www.troybilt.com.
\
15

MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR
®
The limitedwarrantyset forthbelowisgivenbyTroy_BiltLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses_
sionsandterritories.
"Troy_Bilt"warrantsthis productagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkmam
shipfora periodof two(2)yearscommencingon thedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,atits option,repairorreplace,freeofcharge,anypart
foundtobedefectivein materialsor workmanship.This limitedwarranty
shallonlyapplyifthis producthasbeenoperatedand maintainedin
accordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,and
hasnotbeensubiectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,
impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,or damage
becauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromthe
installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnotapprovedby
Troy_Biltforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyour
warrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedtobefreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipforaperiodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateofpurchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries,
belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow
throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOWTO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,through yourlocal authorizedservice
dealer.To locate the dealer in yourarea, check your YellowPages,
or contact Troy-Bilt LLC at RO. Box 361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-
0019,or can 1-866-840-6483 or 1-330-558-7220,or log on to our
Web site at www.troybilt.com.
This limitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay
carrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicable
manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershaveaseparateone
yearwarranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune_ups,brakeadiustments,clutch adiustments,
deckadiustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinish
duetouseorexposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. Troy_Biltdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor
exportedoutsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsand
territories,exceptthosesoldthroughTroy_Bilt'sauthorized
channelsofexportdistribution.
f. Replacementpartsthatare notgenuineTroy_Biltparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarrantyof merchant°
ability offitness for a particular purpose, applies after the applicable
period of express written warranty aboveasto the parts as identi-
fied. Noother express warranty, whether written or oral, exceptas
mentioned above,given by anyperson or entity, includinga dealer or
retailer,with respectto any product, shall bind Troy-Bilt. Duringthe
period of the warranty,the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement
of the product as set forth above.
The provisions as set forth inthis warranty providethe sole and
exclusive remedyarising from the sale. Troy-Bilt shall not be liable
for incidental or consequential loss or damageincluding, without
limitation, expensesincurred for substitute or replacementlawncare
services or for rental expensesto temporarily replacea warranted
product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceoftheproductsold.Alteration of safety features of the
product shall void this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor
loss,damage,or injurytoyouand yourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.
This limitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaseror tothepersonforwhomit waspurchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHiSWARRANTY:This limitedwar-
rantygh,'esyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights
whichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
Troy-Bitt LLC, p.o. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: [phone]