Troy-Bilt Horse User manual

•@
OWNER'S MANUAL
THIS TROY-BILTOWNER is chopping up and tilling under all of his garden residues,
literally turning his whole garden into afabulously fertile "compost pile"! Please see
the Back Cover for more details on just why your Troy-Bilt is actually two machines
in
one - a superior rotary tiller and acompost chopper-shredder.
Roto Tiller
Power Composter
'HORSE" MODEL I
•
for the
Troy-Bilt8 is aregistered trademark of Garden Way Manufacturing Company, Inc., Troy, New York
HORSE'- is atrademark of Garden Way Manufacturing Co., Inc.

The Troy-Bilt Tiller Factory in Troy, N. Y.
WHY WE CAll IT THE
HORSE MODEL TROY-Bll T® ROTO TlllER-
POWER COMPOSTEjl
Throughout this OWNER'S MANUAL or other
Troy-Bilt®sales literature and Order Forms, we
call
your tiller the HORSE MODEL TROY-
Bil T®. The name aptly describes its work-
horse ruggedness and distinguishes this model
from other models that have been available in
the past, or might be produced in the future.
Perhaps
you already know that our company,
Garden Way Manufacturing Company, Inc., is
aonce-removed
outgrowth of the original Roto-
tiller Corp., which was also aTroy, New York
based
company from 1934 until 1960.
Rototiller Corp. introduced rotary tillage to
the United States in the early 1930's, and led
the field for over 25 years with many unique
and important developments in roto tilling
equipment. Rototiller Corporation was sold in
1960, and moved
out of Troy at that time.
The business of supplying replacement parts
to former Rototiller dealers and thousands of
Rototiller owners was sold to our present com-
pany, which at that time was called Watco Ma-
chine Products Corp. In 1968, we changed our
name to Garden Way Manufacturing Com-
pany, Inc., to more aptly describe the compa-
ny's full commitment to promoting home vege-
table
gardening as a better way of life.
Copyright 1977. 1978 by Garden Way Manufacturino Comoanv. Inc.
In 1961, George W. Done, who was then presi-
dent and a founder of our Watco Machine Pro-
ducts Corp., designed anew medium size roto
tiller, which he called the TROJAN HORSE
MODEL.
This machine (which is much the
same machine we build today, with several
small but
important improvements) combined
all of the best ideas from George Done's 25 year
experience as chief engineer and designer for
the original Rototiller Corp.
In 1963, when we were still known as Watco
Machine Products Corp., we were forced to
change the name of our TROJAN HORSE
MODEL because
it conflicted with the product
trademark of alarge earth-moving equipment
manufacturer. It was then that we chose TROY-
Bil T® as our tiller trademark, along with the
HORSE MODEL designation. Over the years,
our TROY-Bll T® HORSE MODEL has been con-
tinually refined and improved to the point that
its performance and reliability have long been
recognized
by many thousands of serious vege-
table gardeners as
being unmatched by any
other tiller of its size or design.
GARDEN WAY MANUFACTURING co, INC
TRO~ N(W TOR'" 11180

Our Service Department
is as close as
your phone.
Have aquestion about
servicing your tiller•••
or how to operate it •..
or gardening in general?
We're as close as yourtelephone,
with our24-hour
HOTLINE ...
Here's what to do:
1
I
J
··1
"
1
,
~
.:
1.1
...
~
We keep you up-to-date at least once ayear on
service hints, latest developments
at the factory
and gardening advice, plus a helpful exchange
of news and tips from other Troy-Bilt owners
everywhere.
Naturally each Troy-Bilt
part is always in stock,
ready to
go at amoment's notice. Call anytime
of the day or night or write for immediate,
speedyshipment.
Dean Leith, Jr., Sales Manager
~ Or, if you can't find your answer in the
.., book and it's urgent, call us here at the
factory on our 24 HOUR SERVICE HOT
LINE: Area Code518, 235-6010, Troy, NewYork.
OUR TELEPHONE SERVICE
HOT LINE is in
operation 24 hours aday, 365 days ayear. It
is attended
personally from 8:00 AM to 4:30
PM (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday.
For
other hours of the day, and for weekends
and holidays, an
automatic answering machine
will record your message. One of us will take
care
of your questions the following work day.
The whole idea behind the TROY-Bll T® SER-
VICE
"HOT LINE" is to get parts, attachments
and service advice
out to you just as quickly as
possible; also, to answer any questions you
may have about tilling or gardening, by phone
or by letter, depending upon wf.lat is needed.
Nothing is more important to all of us here at
the
Tiller Factory than making sure that every
single Troy-Bilt® Owner is completely satisfied
100
per cent of the time. You're always entitled
to first rate service. Please know that we will
do 0' very best to see that you get it atall times.
Thankyou.
O
Look at the INDEX starting on page 4
to ·find the listing that covers the sUbject
you're concerned with. Then,
turn to
those pages listed and see if the solution
to your problem is listed there or on other pages
in that general
category-Possibly your search
will lead you
to another section of THIS MAN-
UAL where you will find a solution .
•Next, if you haven't found your answer,
write to our servicedepartment.

HOW TO FIND YOUR TILLER'S SEIUAL NUMBER
LOOK HERE ... Look on the Tr.ansmission Case,
Part No.
1000, on right side above wheel axle.
RECORD YOUR TILLER SERIAL NUMBER HERE:
My Troy-:BiltTiller is number _
WARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIA TILLER OPERATORS
Under California Law, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine using
hydrocarbon fuels
on any forest-covered, brush covered, or grass covered land, or land
covered with grain, hay or other flammable agricultural crop, without
an engine spark ar-
restor
in continuous effective working order. The engine that runs your tiller, like most
garden or lawn equipment,
is an internal combustion engine thC!t burns gasoline (a hYdro-
carbon fuel); therefore, to operate atiller under the conditions described above, the engine
must
be equipped with aspark arrestor muffler in proper working order. The spark arrestor
must be attached to the engine exhaust system
in such amanner that flames or heat from
the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the operator to comply with this
regulation
is amisdemeanor under California law. For aspark arrestor muffler, see your
ilocal Engine Service Dealer.
~
J' VERY IMPORTANT
\
~
~ • YOl,lr LIMITED WARRANTY goes into effect when you have filled outthe
TILLER OWNER WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM an~ have returned
it. .. to us. .
e' PLEASE, fill out the postage paid WARRANTY CARD and mail it to us
right away, so we will know that you have received your tiller and can
register your warranty!
71
'.
•
.. "2
".
.f ~ ;;; ~,~e..:: ,:t, :~ •• _ ~

\. \ ~
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SERVICE HOT LINE
HOW TO FIND TILLER SERIAL NUMBER
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1EASY ASSEMBLY OF YOUR TROY-BIL T TILLER
Six easysteps to get your tiller ready to use
in
the garden
SECTION 2 TILLER CONTROLS
Photos and sketches locate tiller controls and
show you how to operate
SECTION 3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE OPERATOR
Be alert to safety measures. Please read
more than once
SECTION 4ENGINES, ENGINE CONTROLS & OPERATION
SECTION 5 OPERATING THE TILLER
& SPECIAL TROY-BIL T METHODS FOR EASIER,
MORE ENJOYABLE GARDEN ING
SECTION 6 TILLER OPTIONS & ATTACHMENTS
Explainstires, chains, Dozer Blade & Furrower
SECTION 7 TILLER & ENGINE MAINTENANCE
SECTION 8 HOW TO REMOVE
&REPLACE
COMMON ASSEMBLIES
Replacing wheels, oil seals, tines, engine
SECTION 9 TROUBLESHOOTING TILLER &ENGINE,
TILLER & ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Identifies symptoms of a problem and refers
you to a solution-often to pages of text with
photos to assist you
1
2
4
11
15-27
28-36
37-38
39-55
56-76
77-91
92-122
123-165
166-176
LOCATING ENGINE MODEL & SPECIFICATION NUMBERS 173 &175
LIMITED WARRANTY-ON TILLER BACK INSIDE COVER
LIMITED WARRANTY-ON ENGINE BACK INSIDE COVER
FACTORY REBUILDING AGREEMENT BACK INSIDE COVER

HELPFUL INFORMATION ON USING THE INDEX
This Index has been designed to help you lo-
cate information in your OWNER'S MANUAL.
All the sUbjects are listed in alphabetical order
from A to Z. Also, we have cross-referenced
general namesandtermswhereverpossible.
To LocateA Subject When You Know ItsSpeci-
fic Name: Take the first letter, in the first name,
of the subject, and look under the columns ti-
tled Description, until you find the alphabetical
group that contains the first letter. (Example:
To locate the subject "Throttle Cable," you
would take the letter Iin I.hrottle, and then
find
the alphabetical group under Tand find
the
word Throttle.
To Locate A Subject When You Don't Know
Its Specific Name: Try to think of aname or a
term that more generally describes the subject.
(Example
1. The subject "Throttle Cable" also
can be
found by its more general name, "Ca-
ble.") (Example 2. The subject "Bolo Tines"
also can be found by the more general names,
"Tines" or "Blades.") When you have located a
subject by its general name,
you will then be re-
ferred
to its specific name by the phrase, "see
... (name of subject)."
After Locating A Subject In The Index: Refer
to the columns at the right which are titled Sec-
tion and Page.
The numbers in the column la-
belled Section refer
to what Section(s) the sub-
ject appears in. The numbers in the column la-
belled Page indicate on
what page(s) that sub-
jectappears.
DESCRIPTION
INDEX
SECTION PAGE DESCRIPTION SECTION PAGE
(5) 74
(6)
77
(1 )24-27
(1) 26
(7) 98-101
(7) 95-96
(7) 98-101
(7) 95-96
(7) 98-100
(7)
121
Adjustment Block (Belt Tightening)
See Photos2/3, 2/4,2/5 .
AirCleaner-
6HPTecumseh .
7HPKohler .
Keeping
Clean (All Models) .......•..
RegularService (All Models) .
Service,
Dry Element Type .
Service,
Polyurethane Sponge Type ..
Assembling New Tiller .
"
Attachments and Options .
Authorized Engine Service Dealers-
All Models .
Axle,
Wheel-Replacing Oil Seal .
(2)
(7)
(1 )
(4)
(4)
(7)
(4)
(7)
(7)
(7)
(1)
(6)
(4)
(8)
29
95-97
17
41-48
49
113
121
113,121
112
107
15-27
77-91
53
120-121
BarTread Tires
...................•...
Battery (alsosee Electric Start) .
New,
Won't Start .
Belts-
Adjusting .
Check for Tightness .
Installing .
Performance .
Removing .
Service
Schedule ....•...•...•......
Blades (see Tines)
BoloTines-
Assembly On Holders .
Description & Function .
Installing Tines .............•...•..
Maintenance .................•.....
Removing .
Bolts &Nuts, Maintenance .
Broadcast Planting in Wide Rows .
Buckwheat. , .
Bumper Description & Function .
(8)
(5)
(8)
(7)
(8)
(7)
(5)
(5)
(6)
137-138
61
139-140
95
141
93-94
73
69
86-87
4
.J

INDEX
SECTION PAGE DESCRIPTION SECTION
5
43
175
47
119
119
117-119
47
119
PAGE
85
67
92
46,47
43,53
55
44-45
44
148-153
153;154
53
117-119
24-27
24-27
48
40,45
112,121
39
43
42
133-135
133
131-133
133-135
49
113
24-27
47
26-27
117-120
(4)
(9)
(4)
(7)
(7)
(1 )
(4)
(1 )
(7)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(8)
(8)
(4)
(4)
(7)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(7)
(4)
(7)
(7)
(1 )
(1 )
(4)
(8)
(8)
(8)
(8)
(4)
(7)
(5)
(7)
StartingProblems ....•......•..•...
Dry Element Air Cleaner (7 HPEngine)
Engine,6
HPTecumseh-
AirCleaner .
Air Cleaner, ?ervicing ............•..
Basic Information .
Carburetor(also see Carburetor) .
Choke .
ElectricStart(see ElectricStart) .
Gasoline .
Governor
...............•..........
Head Bolt Tightening .
Oil, Changing .
Oil Level &Dipstick
.........•.......
Removing Engine .
Replacing Engine .
ServiceDealers, Authorized .
Solenoid
...........•..•......•.....
Starting .
Starting Problems
.........•..•.....
Shutoff Clip ..............•......•..
Specifications ..............•.......
Starting .
Earthworms .
EccentricShaft, External Lubrication .
ElectricStart, 6HP Engine-
Battery
'" .
BatteryStorage
.......•............
Cables, Battery ..................•..
Care &Maintenance of System .
Diodes, Rectifier(see Rectifier, below)
Key Switch
or Wires, If Faulty .
Preparation &Operation .
Rectifier, Diode .
PlowingSuggestions (6)
Drag Bar (see Depth Regulator)
DriveShaft,Transmission-
Adjusting Play .
Loose
................•............
Replacing OilSeal .
Shimming .
II
80-85
39-55
28-36
89
75-76
10,13
72
68
42
51
18
31,35
59,67
44,49
113-15
43
51
34,53
115,121
62
95
142-145
116-117
Damage, Freight. . ..
.. . .. .......... .. .(1)
Depth Regulator. .......•............. (2)
Depth,
Tilling (5)
Dipstick.Engine
Oil. ............... .. .(4)
Disc, Reverse (see Reverse)
Dozer/Snow Blade-
Description & Function. .. . . . . •. .. .. . (6)
CoverCrops (see
Gardening)·
Crankcase Breather (6 HPEngine) ..... (7)
CUltivating Tines-
Description &
Function. ....•......•. (5)
Maintenance. .............•........ (7)
Replacing &Removing. . . . . .. •.
.• ... (8)
Controls-
Engine............ (4)
Tiller. ............................. (2)
Corn Furrowing
to Plant. .............. (6)
Cornstalks,
Tilling Under. .....•....... (5)
Cable(see
Throttle Cable)
(for BatteryCable, see Electric Start)
Carburetor-
Adjusting (All Engines). ......•...... (7)
6
HPTecumseh..................... (4)
7HP
Kohler .. .................... (4)
Chains (see
Tire Chains)
Choke-
6HPTecumseh .. , .•............. .•. (4)
7HPKohler.................. .•.... (4)
Cleaner,
Air (see Air Cleaner)
Clutch Lever (see Forward/Reverse)
Clutch Spring (part#1122). ............ (1)
Composting-
LeafCompost , . (5)
PowerComposting (5)
Cooling Fins, Keeping Clean. .......... (4)
........... (7)
DESCRIPTION

INDEX
DESCRIPTION SECTION PAGE DESCRIPTION SECTION PAGE
46
52
43,53
52
92
68-72
73
69
68-72
67
60,66
68-73
72
70
67
68
73
68
73
74
64
59,67
56
59
74
68
75-76
65
62
Gasoline-
6HPTecumseh..................... (4)
7HP
Kohler. ....................... (4)
GearOil, forTilier (see Oil, Transmission Gear)
Governor-
6HPTecumseh..................... (4)
7HP
Kohler. ....................... (4)
Grease,
Lubrication Points......... ... (7)
Green Manure
Crops. ................. (5)
Gardening,
Troy-Bilt Methods-
Broadcast Planting in Wide Rows (5)
Buckwheat. ........................ (5)
CoverCrops (5)
Earthworms. ....................... (5)
Footprints/Wheelmarks,
Avoiding. ... (5)
Green
Manuring. ................... (5)
Leaf
Compost (5)
Mulch. . . (5)
Organic Matter. .................... (5)
Organic Matter,Sources of .......... (5)
Planting. . .. .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . (5)
Power
Composting ................. (5)
Saving Space (5)
Soil &Moisture
Conditions. .. . . .. . . . (5)
Tilling:
AcrossSlopes (5)
Depth.............. (5)
In
Garden. .. .(5)
Patterns "'.' . . . .. .. . (5)
Traction. ........................ (5)
Turning in Green Manure Crops. ... (5)
Under Cornstalks. .. .... .. .(5)
Uphill (5)
Verticallyon
Slopes. .............. (5)
21
29,33
30
18
60,66
29
56
106-108
175-176
170-173
49-50
113
113-116
52
55
26
148-153
153-154
46
48
176
46-47
114-115
47
46
170-173
31,32
31-50
48,50
111-112
48
173
47
42
170-173
(5)
(2)
(5)
(1 )
(2)
(2)
(1 )
Forward/Reverse Lever .
FreeWheeling ','
.....•... : .
Freight Damage .
Furrower- (see Hiller/Furrower)
II
FactoryRebuilding Agreement Inside Back Cover
Fins,
Cooling (see Cooling Fins)
Footprints,
How to Avoid .
Forward
Motion .
Stopping (4)
Throttle Cable (see Throttle Cable) (4)
Troubleshooting (9)
Engine,7 HP Kohler-
Adding Oil......................... (4)
AirCleaner.......................... (7)
Carburetor Adjustments .........•.. (7)
Governor. ......................... (4)
Head
Bolt Tightening.............. (4)
Key Switch
.... :.................. (1)
Removing
Engine................... (8)
Replacing
Engine................... (8)
Replenishing
Oil. .............. .. ... (4)
Service Dealers,
Authorized .....•... (4)
Specifications. ..................... (9)
Starting............................ (4)
Starting
Problems. ................. (7)
Stopping........ (4)
Throttle Cable (see Throttle Cable) .. .(4)
Troubleshooting (9)
Engine, Basic Information...... .(4)
Engine
Controls. ..................... (4)
Engine
Cooling.. ........... .. .. . .. . .. (4)
EngineCrankcase Breather (6 HP Eng.). (7)
Engine Model Number,
Locating. .... .. (4)
To Record. ........................ (6)
Engine Oil (see Oil, Engine)
Engine Pulley(see Pulleys, Engine)
Engine, Service
Reminders. ........... (7)
Engine
Specifications. ................ (9)
Engine
Troubleshooting (9)
6

m
Neutral .............................. (2) 29

DESCRIPTION SECTION
INDEX
PAGE DESCRIPTION SECTION PAGE
qil, Engine-
Addingto:
New Engines .
6HPTecumseh ..........•..•.....
7HP Kohler ..........•...........
Changing:
Intervals ....................•....
6HPTecumseh .
7HP
Kohler .
Oil Level &
Dipstick, 6 HPTecumseh ..
7HP Kohler .
,
Recommended Rating ......•.......
Oil, Lubrication Points .
(1)
(1 )
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(1 )
(4)
(2)
(7)
20
20
21
40
44
50
44
49
20
50
36
92
Potatoes,
Furrowing & Planting .
Power
Adjustment Screw (~ngine) .
PowerComposting .
PTO-PowerTake-Off Shaft ....•.....
Pulleys-
Drive Shaft .
DriveShaftSnap Ring .
Engine (Remove &Replace)
......•..
Functions ......................•...
Lower Drive (Remove) ......•.......
Shimming Engine .
Upper &Lower, Alignment. .
(6)
(7)
(5)
(8)
(8)
(8)
(8)
(2)
(8)
(8)
(7)
88
114-115
68
151
132-133
132
148-154
33-34
132-133
151
103
Rebuilding, FactoryAgreement Inside Back
Cover
Rectifier (Diode).. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. (1) 24-27
..................... (4) 48
OilSeals,
Removing/Replacing-
Front End (Drive Shaft) .......... .. . . (8)
Tiller Housing. ................. .. . . (8)
Tiller Housing Cover. ........•...... (8)
Tiller Shaft. ................... .. ... (8)
Transmission Drive
Shaft. ........... (8)
Wheel Shaft(Wheel AXle). .......•... (8)
Oil .. Transmission Oear-
Adding............... (1)
Changing.......................... (1)
Leaks,
Checking For. ............... (8)
Oil Fill Hole Location. .....•......... (1)
................ (2)
Operating the Tiller (see Gardening) (5)
Options &Attachments (6)
Organic
Matter. ................. •. . • . (5)
Pick Tines (see Pointed Pick Tines)
Planting (see
Gardening)
Plowing (see Dozer/Snow Blade)
Pointed Pick
Tines-
Description & Function. ........ •. ... (5)
Maintenance :.... (7)
Aeplacing & Removing. ............. (8)
Polyurethllne Air Cleaner. .. . .. . . . . . . . . (7)
131-132
127-130
131
127-130
131-132
124-126
19
19
127
19
36
56-76
77-91
67
61-62
95
145-147
112
Removing &
Replacing-
Bolo Tines. ..............•......... (8)
Cultivating
Tines. . . .. . .. . .. ... .. ... (8)
Engine..... ..... .....•............ (8)
Hood,
ForTiller..................... (8)
Lower Drive Pulley. ............ .. ... (8)
OilSeal, Drive
Shaft. ....... .. ....... (8)
OilSeals,
Tiller Shaft. ............... (8)
OilSeals, Wheel Axle. ......
.. ...•... (8)
Pointed Pick
Tines. ......... .. . .. ... (8)
Reverse Disc (see Reverse)
Throttle Cable (see Throttle Cable)
Tiller Housing Cover ,. .. . . . (8)
Transmission
", .. "., , .... ,.. (8)
Wheels (All Types) . ,
... ,,, .. , , , ,. , . . (8)
Repairing (see Removing &Replacing)
(see items
or parts involved)
Reverse-
Adjustment
Check, ................. (7)
Aligning Disc & Lower Pulley ,....... (7)
Motion, , .. , , .. ,., , . , .. ,. ,.. (2)
Removing &Replacing
Disc (7)
Servicing Disc
.. ,..... .. .. .. ... .. ... (7)
137-141
142-145
148-154
136,162
132-133
131-132
127-130
124-126
145-147
131
155-165
123
102-103
103
29,33
105,106
121
8

INDEX
Tecumseh-Lauson Engine (see Engine,6HP)
Terracing, How to (5)
173
74
131
80
74
79-80
133-135
131-132
133-135
12-13
161-165
127
132
121
155-160
160-161
(4) 42-43
(7) 107
(7) 110
(7) 106
(2) 28-36
(7) 92-122
(8)
131
(9)166#1,167#2
(8) 127-130
(9) 166-170
(9) 169,#15
(5) 60
(5)
62
(5) 74
(6) 77
(6) 77
(6) 77
(1) 22
SECTION PAGE
DESCRIPTION
Ordering. .......................... (6)
Traction. ...........•.............. (5)
Use &
Installation. .........•........ (6)
Tools,
Handy to Have.. .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . (9)
Traction. ..................•..•...... (5)
Transmission-
Drive Shaft:
Adjusting Play in (8)
Replacing
Oil Seal. ............... (8)
Shimming (8)
Gear
Oil (see Oil, Transmission Gear)
Illustration/Description of Parts .
Installing Transmission... .. ... (8)
Oil Leaks (8)
PulleySnap
Rings. ..............•.. (8)
RegularService
.............•...... (7)
Removing Transmission (8).
Shipping. ...... .. . . .. . . .. . . .. ... .. .(8)
Tiller Housing Cover (see Tiller)
Tiller Housing Cover Seal, Replacing. (8)
4" x 8" Standard Tires &Wheels .
Pressures .
Tire Chains-
Tines-
Rattle .
Untangling .
Tine/Wheel Speeds. '.' .......•........
Tires-
BarTread Tires &Wheels .........•..
7HP Kohler .
LUbricating
........•..•......•.....
Tiller Controls .
Tiller &Engine Maintenance .
Tiller Housing Cover, Replacing .
Tiller Jumps Out of Gear .
Tiller Shaft, Replacing Oil Seal .
Tiller Troubleshooting .
Tilling (see Gardening)
Tines (see Bolo, CUltivating &Pointed Pick)
Throttle Cable-
Attaching (All Models) .
Attaching, Adjusting, Maintenance:
6HPTecumseh .
PAGE
64
119
170,#2
171, #3
56-57
63-64
62-63
132
47
119
52
37-38
2
2
133
133-135
151
43
119
45
174-176
117-119
151
127-130
123
(4)
(7)
(4)
(5)
(3)
(4)
(9)
(7)
(9)
(8)
(8)
(8)
(4)
(7)
(8)
.(8)
(8)
SECTION
7 HPKohler ........•...............
Starting Problems, How to Correct .....
Siopes-
Tilling Across ... . . . . . . . .. . .. . . .. . .. .(5)
Tilling Vertically on .. .. . .. .. . .. . .... (5)
Snap Rings (8)
Snow Blade (see Dozer/Snow Blade)
Soil,
Conditions or Improvement (see Gardening)
Solenoid.. .... .. . .. . . .. . .. ...... .. . . . (7)
Spark Plug-
Description & Function .
Specifications (Gap & Type) .
Standard
Tires &Wheels (see Tires)
Starting/Stopping Engine-
6HPTecumseh .
Stopping Tiller .
Shift Lever(see Wheel Speed Shift Lever)
Shims .
Shimming Drive Shaft , ..
Shimming Engine Pulley .
Shutoff Clip, 6HP Tecumseh .
Safety
......................•...•..•.
Seals (see Oil Seals)
Serial
Number, Tiller-
To Locate .................•......•.
ToRecord .
Service
Schedules (see Maintenance)
Shaft-
Drive (see DriveShaft, Transmission)
Power Take-Off (PTa) .
Tiller ..........................•...
Wheel .
DESCRIPTION
a
II
9

INDEX
DESCRIPTION SECTION PAGE DESCRIPTION SECTION PAGE
Wheel Shaft, Replacing Oil Seal. ..... (8)
Troubleshooting
Tiller & Engine. . .. . . . (9)
Turning Around with the Tiller. .. . . . . . . (5)
124-126
166-173
58
74
77
77
123
124-126
30,34
62
174
(5)
(6)
(6)
(8)
(8)
(2)
(5)
(9)
4" x 8" StandardTires &Wheels .
Removing &Replacing, All Types .
Wheel Shaft, Replacing OilSeal .
Wheel Speed ShiftLever .
Wheel/TineSpeeds .
Warranty, Engine Inside Back
Cover
Wheels-
BarTreadTires &Wheels .
.a.
60
65
VerticalTilling, on Slopes (see Gardening)
II
~:
Untal]gling Tines. .....•.............. (5)
Uphill Tilling. ........................ (5)
II
IF YOU HAVE TO ORDER APART FOR. YOUR TILLER ...
If you need to order a tiller part, please use
the part
number found in the Master Parts Cata-
log (which was also inside the plastic envelope
with this OWNER'S
MANUAL-see "A" in the
photo below). When you've located the part
number you want, use the PARTS PRICE
LIST
and ORDER FORM. The price list will tell what
the part costs and will give aone or two word
description of the part. For example, part
#1072 reverse
disc is all you need to say, if that
is what you want. '
Please use the PARTS ORDER FORM (tear
that pageoff)
to order parts. Simply fill the form
out, enclose
it (along with YQur payment) in the
convenient envelope provided, and
drop it in
the mailbox.
Upon receipt, we'll process your
order just as qUicklyas possible.
Also, please understand
that we will ship your
parts orders to you C.O.D. if the money you
send us is
not enough to cover all costs. You'll
note
on the back of the PARTS PRICE LIST and
ORDER FORM
that we pay C.O.D. fees, ordin-
ary postage or United Parcel delivery costs. We
don't pay the freight costs for extra heavy
items
that are shipped to you'such as an engine,
atransmission
or aDozerBlade.
We've summarized all
of the above details in
parts ordering so
that you will' know what to
expect when you do order parts from the fac-
tory. If you need engine parts check with your
local Authorized Engine Service dealer. If you
need helplet us know.
10
..

Second Edition, Revised 1976, 1977
OWNER'S MANUAL
for the
Troy-Bilt Roto Tiller-Power Composter •Horse
Model
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to "power gardening the Troy-Bilt
Way." The Troy-Bilt Roto Tiller-Power Compos-
ter which you have purchased is not just anoth-
er piece of machinery. It is auseful, productive
machine and areliable gardening tool that will
last for many generations with proper care.
Your Troy-Bilt Tiller was designed to easily
chop up, shred and bury the usual vegetation in
its path
through the garden as well as cultivate
and help in other earth moving and snow re-
moval chores.
The Troy-Bilt's design, with
powered wheels in front and separately geared
Bolo tines in the rear, gives it an outstanding
combination of tilling and shredding capability
that allows the gardener to enrich his soil far
beyond his own abilities to do so by hand. The
soil enrichment is gained by tilling-in and bury-
ing in the soil all manner of organic material
that is available. By this method, the Troy-Bilt
owner will soon experience better yields than
ever before.
This is said to be the greatest sin-
gle benefit of power gardening, "the different,
better and so much more enjoyable Troy-Bilt
way."
Your Troy-Bilt Tiller was designed and manu-
factured to provide you with a highly versatile
gardening tool which will last virtually alife
time. Since we
provide a Limited Warranty with
our no time limit promise, we have to build
your Troy-Bilt as strong and trouble-free as we
know how. Of course, this is to our mutual
benefit. We have fewer service problems and
you have a truly reliable tiller.
RUGGED TILLER DESIGN
Your Troy-Bilt Tiller has a rugged gear driven
transmission that runs continuously in a bath
of gear oil, has steel worms which mesh with
forged bronze worm gears, and roller bearings
on the drive shaft and tiller shaft. The tiller's
engine hasacast iron cylinder block and crank-
case. The crankshaft is supported either by the
long bearing surface of durable bronze bush-
ings, or ball bearings. With a matched set of
belts, the engine delivers maximum power
through the tiller transmission to the wheels
and tines. The power driven wheels of your til-
ler not only propel the machine, but also serve
to hold the tiller back long enough for the tines
to do their digging completely and effectively.
This allows all of the power of the gear driven
tines to be used for digging only.
You can insure long lasting and proper perfor-
mance from your tiller and engine far beyond
the anticipation that most people have, by
always remembering to do the following:
1. Use the proper motor oil for the engine.
2. Use the
proper gear oil for the tiller's trans-
mission.
3. Use aclean, fresh regular grade of gasoline
for the engine.
4.
Check oil level of the engine every day be-
fore using and check gear oil for the tiller, as
prescribed in this manual on page 19. Check
the motor oil more frequently if the tiller is
used
for periods extending for more than two
hours without let up. During extended work,
check for dirt in engine oil, or in the air cleaner.
Do the same in dusty conditions.
5. Clean, oil and adjust linkages of external
parts of your tiller periodically-see Section 7,
pages 92 and93. Keep nuts and bolts tight.
By treating your tiller and the engine with
good care in the manner prescribed above, your
efforts will be returned many times over in the
form of a more satisfying and easier operating
machine, and much more bountiful gardening
results.
11

IMPORTANT
• Before trying to run your Troy-Bilt Tiller for
the first time, please make sure that you have
taken
the following steps:
1. Studied photographs locating controls and
compared the photos with the actual controls
on your tiller.
2. Have added 90 or 140 weight gear 011 to the
tiller transmission and #30 011 rated SE to the
engine 011 reservoir.
I ~
3. Have familiarized yourself with all of the en-
gine controls.
4. Have worked the tiller controls without en-
gine running and understand what each does.
5. Have read theSafety Precautions in Section 3.
ENTIRE GEAR TRANSMISSION ROTATES
CONTINUOUSLY IN ABATH OF GEAR OIL
1. Steel wheel shaft.
2. Bronze bushings support wheel shaft.
3. Heavy duty spur gears provide final reduction
to wheels.
4. Shaft for pinion gears is mounted on ball
bearings.
5. Heavy
duty steel pinion gear cluster rigidly
assembled with forged bronze worm gear. To-
gether they provide a reduction of high and low
speeds for wheels.
6. Bronze worm gears are forged to make them
more durable.
7. Heavy
duty cast iron transmission and tiller
housings are extra strong. Heavy weight of
transmission is better for tilling traction.
8. Steel main drive shaft.
9. Automotive-type tapered roller bearings can
withstand the heaviest loads in several
direc-
tions. They are used on main drive shaft and
tiller shaft which have such loads.
10. Steel
worms drive the bronze worm gears
of the wheel and tiller shafts.
11. Cast
iron sliding clutch engages proper spur
gear for selected wheel speed and turns wheel
shaft.
12. Steel
tiller shaft is tapered on the ends for
better holding power and for easier installation
and removal of tine holders.
12

HERE IS ALOOK INSIDE THE
TRANSMISSION CASE AND
TILLER HOUSING OF YOUR
TROY-BILT ROTO TILLER-POWER
COMPOSTER
ENGINE
UP FRONT
TINES IN
REAR
WHEELS IN
CENTER
13

STANDARD
TREAD TIRES
FUEL CAP
VENT
FUEL
LINE
ENGINE
BLOWER
HOUSING
TILLER
TRANSMISSION
14
HERE IS A TROY-BIL THORSE MODEL TILLER showing location of some parts and
assemblies of it that you'll need to know.
CAUTION: Your Troy-Bilt® Roto Tiller-Power Composter has been designed with many
safety features to protect individuals from harm. However,'it is necessary for the operator
to follow operating instructions and safety practices closely at all times. Failure to do so
could result in injury or property damage. See Safety Precautions, Pages 37 &38.

ATTENTION PLEASE • Your Troy-Bilt Roto Tiller-Power Composter Is abasically simple ma-
chine to operate and to handle, but there are certain things that you should know before opera-
ting your tiller, and certain precautions that should be followed. For this reason, there are por-
tions 0.1 this manual that should be read and understood before attempting to run the tiller. These
portions areeasilyIdentified by the pages with section numbers In red squares.
-"..
Here's All You Need To Know About
EASY ASSEMBLY
Of Your New
TROY-BILT®
HORSE MODEL
ROTO TILLER-POWER COMPOSTER
WE RECOMMEND-That you follow this simple six step check-off list for quick, complete and easy
Tiller assembly. Please note the gear oil and motor oil required are shipped to you in the tiller's
container.
STEP 1 0 Removing Tiller And Attachments
.From Shipping Container
STEP 2 0 Adding Gear Oil To Transmission
STEP 3 0 Adding Motor Oil To Engine
STEP 4 0 Attaching Forward/Reverse Lever
STEP 5 0 Attaching The Han~lebars
STEP 6PAttaching The Throttle Cable
,.
15

"'
STEP 1 D REMOVING FROM SHIPPING CONTAINER
I
16
A. (Photo 1/1) Remove the handlebars and put
them gently aside. Next, remove the Forward/
Reverse Lever and its spring taped on. Lever is
tucked between the walls of the container (see
arrow in photo), or lever is in plain view at top.
B. (Photo 1/2) For 6 HP Tecumseh-Lauson En-
gines
Only-Locate and remove the air cleaner
for your engine (see arrow in photo) which is
protected during shipment by the fiberboard
cross-piece. Set the air cleaner aside, for now.
C. (Photo 1/3) Now, lift off the sides of the con-
tainer from the base. NOTE: If you also pur-
chased a furrower or aset of pick tines, they
would ordinarily be included in the container.
Be sure to remove the
motor oil and gear oil
before lifting off sides.
D. (Photo 1/3A) Using a knife or similar cutting
tool, make two cuts through the carton from a
point in front of the inside of each wheel to the
edge
of the fibreboard base, as shown.

(Photo 1/5A) Tighten air cleanerscrews.
H. For 6HP Tecumseh Engines Only- To install
the sponge air cleaneron your engine:
(1) loosen screws
(2) place cover over air clean-
er base (see Photo 1/5)
and turn cover clock-
wise so that screws move into narrow slots
(3) tighten screws to prevent
air leaks between
the two
parts-see Photo 1/5A.
.... _-----'
F. (Photo 1/3C) Grasp the Depth Regulator
handle (the lowest lever in rear, center) and lift
and roll the tiller off the container base. If the
wheels
won't turn, move the Wheel Speed Se-
lect Lever (on the right) a short distance to free
the wheels.
E. (Photo 1/38) Once the top fiberboard is cut
and removed, you can hit the remaining por-
tions off with amallet, as shown.
G. (Photo 1/4) The Forward/Reverse Lever and
its clutch pawl spring are shown aboveremoved
from the shipping container. The lever may be
tucked between the inner and outer walls of the
container-shown by arrow in Photo 1/1.
I

t(Photo 1/6) Remove the wire holding the
yoke. This
will free up the yoke.
CLUTCH
SPRING
rI
J. (Photo 1/6A) As the last part of Step 1, look
to make sure that everything is removed from
the shipping container. Have you removed the
handlebars, Forward/Reverse Lever, and its
clutch spring (taped to rod)?
FREIGHT DAMAGE OR MISSING PARTS
iF YOU NOTICE ANY DAMAGE-either at the please let us know so we can lend ahand. You'll
time of delivery, or later during the assembly also find complete information on exactly what
process: Within 15 days of delivery, or if possi- to do in case of damage among the information
ble much sooner, you should notify the freight that was mailed to you earlier with the letter
company in writing of your' intention to file a 'confirming your order.
~Iairtl. Tell the driver or phone the terminal,
but make sure you state your intention to file aIF YOU THINK SOMETHING IS MISSING-
ciairil in writing. T~ey Will advise you how to notify the freight company just the same as
proceed from there so you'll get complete satis- above. But, if you have any questions about
faction with any claim you may have. But, if anything that we can be helpful with, please
you have any problem w.ith this procedure, call or write to us here at the factory.
18
EXPLANATION OF
'!RIGHT HAND"
~ "LEFT HAND"
Right Hand or Left Hand are determined
by standing in the operator position and
facing the direction of forward travel.
.