Troy-Bilt 440 User Manual

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. 
Lawn Mower features vary by model. Not all features 
discussed (or engines pictured) in this manual are 
applicable to all Lawn Mower models.

1.  Follow the steps below to position the handle.

a.  Lift the upper handle up from the folded position 

and pull it back to the extended position. See 
Figure 3-1. Do not crimp cables. The handle 
should click into this position.

b.  Make sure the carriage bolt is seated properly in 

the handle. Tighten star knobs to secure upper 
handle to the lower handle.

2.  Follow these steps to secure the handle. See Figure 

3-2.
a.  Remove the hairpin clip from the pivot rod. Using a 

pair of pliers, insert hairpin clip into the other hole 
on the rod. Repeat on other side. 

b.  Insert a carriage bolt from the hardware pack into 

the upper hole on the handle mounting bracket. 
Secure with one plastic wing nut, also included in 
the hardware pack. Repeat on other side.

3.  The rope guide is attached to the right side of the 

upper handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the 
rope guide. See Figure 3-3.
a.  Hold the blade control against upper handle. 
b.  Pull starter rope out of the engine. Release the 

blade control. 

c.  Slip starter rope into rope guide. 
d.  Tighten wing nut.

4.  Secure cables to the lower handle using the cable 

ties. See Figure 3-4. Insert posts on cable ties into 
holes provided on the lower handle. Pull cable ties 
tight and trim excess.

NOTE: Stand behind 
the mower as if you 
were going to operate 
it. Your right hand cor-
responds to the right 
side of the mower; your 
left hand corresponds 
to the left side of the 
mower.

IMPORTANT: For 
shipping purposes 
your mower is set with 
the wheels in a low 
cutting height position. 
For best results raise 
the cutting position 
until it is determined 
which height is best 
for your lawn, refer to 
Adjustment section for 
instructions.

Figure 3-1: Unfold handle and tighten hardware. 

Figure 3-2: Secure handle to handle mounting brackets.

Figure 3-3: Pull recoil starter through rope guide and tighten.

Figure 3-4: Use cable ties to secure cables to lower handle.

NOTE: This Operator’s 
Manual covers 
several models. Lawn 
Mower features vary by 
model. Not all features 
discussed (or engines 
pictured) in this manual 
are applicable to all 
Lawn Mower models.

Wing Nuts (2)

Hardware Pack

Carriage Bolts (2)