Troy-Bilt C3X/D3X User Manual

Be sure no one other than the operator 

is standing near the lawn mower while starting 

engine or operating mower. Never run engine 

indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. 

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an 

odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and 

loose clothing away from any moving parts on 

engine and lawn mower.

Refer to engine manual for help with the engine.
1. 

Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control 

against upper handle. See Figure 5-1.

Recoil Start: Holding these two handles together firmly, 

grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, 

continuous, full arm stroke. See Figure 5-1. Keeping a firm 

grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly. 

Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time 

slowly. 

Electric Start (If Equipped): Turn ignition key to the right 

to start the engine. Release the key after the engine starts.

1. 

Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.

Wait for the blade to stop completely 

before performing any work on the mower or to 

remove the grass catcher.

Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects 

which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could 

be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause 

serious personal injury to the operator and others.
1. 

Once the engine is running and while continuing to hold 

the blade control down, squeeze either (or both) drive 

controls against the upper handle to propel mower. See 

Figure 5-2.

2. 

To change speed, move speed control to the desired speed.
NOTE:  When selecting a drive speed, use the first speed 

until you are comfortable and familiar with the operation 

of the mower.
IMPORTANT: If you are shifting speeds while the mower 

is stationary it may be difficult to shift into first speed 

under certain conditions.  This is easily remedied by briefly 

engaging the drive lever.

The operation of any lawn mower can 

result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, 

which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear 

safety glasses while operating the mower, or while 

performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

NOTE: Your mower is equipped with an advanced internal 

drive system for ease of use and smooth shifting. When 

turning or pulling the unit rearward, you may notice higher 

than normal resistance in the rear wheels under certain 

conditions.  This is perfectly normal and can be remedied 

by allowing the unit to roll forward slightly without the 

drive lever(s) engaged before pulling backwards.