Troy-Bilt Smart Touch 569 User manual

TRLII RILT
Operator's Manu I
Self Starter
Mulching Mower
Model 569
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-cov-
ered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable
local or state laws (if any). if a spark arrester 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 arrester 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.
PRINTED IN U,S,A,
Troy-Bilt LLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
FORM NO. 769-00982
(11/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Maintaining Your Lawn Mower 12
Slope Gauge 6 Service & Adjustments 14
Assembling Your Lawn Mower 7 Troubleshooting 16
Know Your Lawn Mower 9 Illustrated Parts List 17
Operating Your Lawn Mower 10 Warranty 20
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what itsays.
Oefore you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the informationfrom it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized
service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
• TROY-BILT LLC
O_ P.O. BOX 361131
www, troybiJt,com CLEVELAND,OH44136
330-558-7220
,1-800-520-5520j
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
PleasedoNOTretumtheunittotheretailer from whereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit troybUt.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you will
get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately
available.
The 8_'_swer you aFe The 8nswer you aFe
pleflJ_.
N_etl Io_hl ;_s,_i_l_l__ #7 /Jick hele _e fh_l
Y
t
_ To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-520-5520.
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
)ertormance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
,_ 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.
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: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation 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.
GeneralOperation
1. Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
safe operation rules should use this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,
toys and other foreign objects which could be
tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade.
Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
walt or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, stay in the operator zone behind the handles
and 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. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes
during equipment operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Never operate this machine in bare
feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can
amputate hands and feet.
9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
blade contact or thrown object injuries.
10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping
or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are
falling; release the blade control bar immediately.
11. Never pull the mower back toward you while you
are walking. If you must back the mower away from
a walt or obstruction first look down and behind to
avoid tripping and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend
your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than
half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
6. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
7. The blade control bar is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control bar must operate easily in
both directions and automatically return to the
disengaged position when released.
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing

yourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstoprotatingwithin
threeseconds.
9. Mowindaylightorgoodartificiallight;walk,notrun.
10.Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,
walkwaysorroads.
11.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
12.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomes
toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehas
stoppedrotating.
13.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,
dischargecover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolbaror
othersafetyprotectivedevicesinplaceand
working.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodosocanresultin
personalinjury.
14.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
15.Only use parts and accessories made by the
original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M). Failure
to do so can result in personal injury.
16. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance. Ca111-800-520-5520 for the
name of your nearest dealer.
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation
on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it. Before operating this unit on a
slope or hilly area, use the slope gauge on page 6 to
measure slopes. Ifthe slope is greater than 15 degrees,
do not mow it.
Do:
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise caution when changing direction.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or
bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance, release the blade control
handle immediately, and the blade will stop rotating
within 3 seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments, you could lose your footing or
balance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could
cause slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the mower and the mowing activity. They do not
understand the dangers. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind comers,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child who may run into the
mower.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer bums from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
Service
SafeHandlingofGasoline:
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.
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.
4. 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.
5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel iton 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.
6. 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.
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.

9. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengine
ishotorrunning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo
minutesbeforerefueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan½
inchbelowbottomoffillernecktoprovidespacefor
fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineand
equipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5
minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
13.Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside
wherethereisanopenflame,sparkorpilotlightas
onawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes
dryerorothergasappliances.
14.Toreducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,
leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilorfuel
spillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolatleast5minutesbefore
storing.
GeneralService:
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 and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original
equipment manufacture's (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may
lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!"
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and
trail shield 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!"
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
YourResponsibility
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.
\
WARNING

'ql SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
I uq A POWER POLE
_;, " _l,_ ,,,, ! q A CORNER OF A BUILDING
_ _ ! I I _1 OR A FENCE POST
--... ' .
: ...,voo_7._,,
EI",,,,,.,,,,,. _'LOpF
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"5
° &
=2
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15°
L
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). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
zO

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
ToolsRequired
Pair of Pliers
Funnel
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
and/or front or behind the mower is observed from the
operating position.
HardwarePack
Please identify each piece of the
hardware pack as shown in
figure here.
AssemblingHandle
1.
Wing e
Nut(2)
Remove grass bag from the unit and set it out of the
way. See Figure 1. Remove any packing material
between the handles.
2. Lift lower
handle 1. Move ba
away
3. Lift upper
handle
Figure 1
2. Raise the lower handle in the direction shown in
Figure 1 till it snaps into place.
3. Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 1.
4. Tighten the wing nuts shown in Figure 2.
Tighten these
nuts
Handle
Lower
Handle
J
Figure 2
NOTE: Route the cables inside the lower handle. Also
do not crimp the cables while rifting the handle up.
5. Pull the drive control bar all the way back.
,While holding the drive control bar, hook the "Z"
end of the drive cable into the bottom hole of the
drive control bar from inside to outside. See Figure
3.
Drive Control
Bar
7,
8.
Figure 3
Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of the
weld pin on the lower handle. See Figure 4.
Using a pair of pliers, insert this clip into the inner
hole on the weld pin. Repeat on other side. See
Figure 4.
Wing Nut
Hairpin
Clip
._-_ Carriage
Bolt
Handle
Mounting
Bracket
Figure 4
9. Insert carriage bolt from the hardware pack into the
upper hole on the handle mounting bracket. See
Figure 4 for direction of the carriage bolt.
10. Secure with plastic wing nut from the hardware
pack. Repeat on the other side.
11. Attach cables to the lower handle with the two cable
ties already on the lower handle. Insert pegs on
cable ties into the holes on the lower handle. Pull
cable ties tight and cut offthe extra.

AttachingDriveAdjusterBlock
The drive adjuster block is attached to the drive cable.
1. Remove bolt attached to the lower left handle.
2. Align the drive adjuster block with hole in handle. Its
curved side goes against the handle,
3. Secure drive adjuster block with the bolt previously
removed. See Figure 5.
Drive
Adjuster
Bolt
Figure 5
Grass Catcher Insertframe
Grassl _
Ba
Grass Catcher
Assembly
Plastic
Channel
f
AttachingStarterRope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of
the lower handle of your mower. See Figure 6.
1. With spark plug wire disconnected and grounded,
hold the blade control bar against the upper handle,
and pull the starter rope out of the engine.
2. Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown
below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide
to the handle.
Figure 7
2. Slip the side openings on the plasticchannel ofthe
grass bag over the hooks on the grass catcher
frame. Secure bag to the frame by working the six
plasticchannels.
IMPORTANT:Entire channel except the center top ofthe
bag attach from outside of bag. The center top of the
bag attaches from inside of bag. See Figure 7.
1 AttachingGrassCatcher
Blade Control Bar
_b WARNING: If using the grass catcher, the
hooks on the grass catcher must be firmly
_per Handle / seated on the chute pivot rod, and the rear
discharge door must rest firmly on top of the
grass catcher.
1. Lift the rear discharge door and place the grass
catcher on the pivot rod. Let go of the discharge
Starter "_'"_J "_'_\ Lower Handle/ door so that it rests on the grass catcher. See
Rope'_ _/ / Figure 8.
Wing Nut
Figure 6
AssemblingGrassCatcher
NOTE: If the grass catcher came pro-assembled,
proceed to the next section. If not, foflow the steps
below to assemble it before attaching to the mower.
1. Insert frame into grass bag with the black plastic
side on the bottom of bag. See Figure 7.
Grass
Catcher
Figure 8

ConvertingToMulcher
1. Lift the rear discharge door on the mower and lift
the grass catcher up. Release the discharge door
to allow it to close the rear opening of the mower.
ConvertingToSideDischarge
1. Make sure the grass catcher is off the unit and the
rear discharge door is closed. Refer to Figure 9.
2. On the side of the mower, lift the mulching plug.
See Figure 9.
3. Slide the two hooks of the side-discharge chute
under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly.
Lower the side mulching plug.
4. Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time,
even when you are not mulching.
/Mulching Plug
Hinge Pin..
/Deflector
jHooks /_
J.*
(Slide hooks under the two /
sides of hinge pin) Figure 9
SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before
operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations
in Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize
yourself with the location of various controls and
adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
_ WARNING: The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign objects being
thrown into the operator's eyes thus causing
severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
DriveControlBar
This mower is equipped with Smart Speed TM
transmission which enables the drive control bar to
adjust the mowing speed automatically with your
walking. The drive control bar is located on the upper
handle. Push the bar forward to engage drive, pull it
backwards to stop. The farther the bar is pushed
forward, the faster the mower will propel.
BladeControlBar
The blade control bar is located on the upper handle of
the mower. The blade control bar must be depressed in
order to operate the unit. Release the blade control bar
to stop the engine and the blade and to energize the
self starter.
_ WARNING: The blade control bar is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations or alter it in any way.The blade
will rotate whenever the engine is running
and when the self starter is de-energized.
Starter Rope
The starter rope is attached to the handle. Stand behind
the unit and pull the starter rope to start the unit.
GrassCatcherBag
The grass bag is used for collecting grass clippings.
Attach itto the mower for this purpose, but remove it
when the intention is to mulch the grass.
._Control Bar
eControl Bar
Cutting Height
ustment
Levers
Safety
Key
Side*Discharge
Chute Mulching
Plug
Figure 10
MulchingPlug
The mulching plug is used only for mulching purposes.
Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass
catcher, your mower has the option of recirculating the
clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.

CuttingHeightAdjustmentLever
These levers are located on each wheel and they are
used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers have to
be at the same relative position to ensure uniform cut.
SafetyKey
The safety key is located on the engine. See Figure 10.
The safety key is a safety device used to activate and
deactivate the self starter system. The self starter
system will not work without the key in it's proper
position. See your engine manual for more information
on the safety key.
NOTE: The safety key must be in the run position to
start the mower for both systems, either the self starter
or recoil starter.
StartControlLever
The start control lever is located on the upper right side
of the upper handle. See Figure 10. The start control
lever must be depressed fully while pulling the blade
control bar toward upper handle for the engine to start.
The start control lever will automatically return to the
off/up position once the blade control bar is released.
NOTE: The starter control lever must be depressed to
start the engine either with the self starter or recoil
starter system.
SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURLAWNMOWER
Gas& OilFill-Up
Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow
relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in
the engine manual.
_ WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.
BeforeStartingMower
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.
_k, WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower while
starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.
FirstTimeStartingEngine
NOTE: Use recoil starter rope to start engine for the
very first time. The mower is shipped with the safety key
in the locked position and the self starter in the de-
energized mode. Follow instructions as follows:
1. Place lawn mower on a level surface outdoors.
2. Remove plastic wrap under fuel cap.
3. Check oil level.
4. Add fuel.
5. Open shut off valve (if equipped) 1/4 turn.
6. Push spark plug wire firmly on spark plug.
7. Turn self starter safety key 1/4 turn clockwise to
RUN position.
8. Firmly push primer bulb 3 times.
9. While standing at upper handle, depress the starter
control lever fully with the thumb of your right hand.
10. Using your left hand, pull the blade control bar all
the way toward the upper handle.
11. Release the lever.
12. Grasp the recoil rope starter handle with your right
hand and slowly pull towards you until you feel a
slight resistance, then pull firmly until your arm is
fully extended.
13. If engine does not start by second pull, repeat steps
8, 9 10,11 and 12.
SecondTimeStartingEngine
NOTE: Follow these instructions if the self starter is
already in the energized mode.
10