Troy-Bilt 12234 User Manual

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10
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE
The transmission was lubricated at the
factory and should not require any further
lubrication.
However, you should check the lubricant
level after the first five (5) hours of opera-
tion and every twenty-five (25) operating
hours thereafter.  If needed, use a high-
quality, automotive-grade petroleum-
based grease.
To check the transmission:
1. 
Stop the engine, let it cool and discon-
nect the spark plug wire.
2. Place the machine down on its left side
so the right end of the tine shaft faces up.
3. Remove the right-side tines (see Tine
Removal and Installation 
in this Section).
4. Clean the transmission housing.
5. Remove the three threaded plugs (A, B
and C, Figure 11) from the transmission. 
Lubricant should be visible in the top two
holes (B and C).  If so, replace all three
plugs. If lubricant is needed, proceed as
follows. 
To lubricate the transmission:
1. 
Place the nozzle (D, Figure 11) of a
standard grease gun firmly against the
rim of the middle hole (B) and add grease
until it begins to seep from the bottom
hole (A).  Reinstall the plug in the bottom
hole (A).  Next apply grease to the top fill
hole (C) until it begins to seep from the
middle hole (B).  Reinstall the plugs in the
middle (B) and top (C) holes.
2. Before reinstalling the tines, use a fine
grade sandpaper to clean any rust off the
tine shaft.  Apply a few drops of oil to the
tine shaft to make future tine removal
easier.
OTHER LUBRICATION POINTS
• 
Handlebar Adjustment Knobs:  Spray
occasionally with a silicone type lubri-
cant.
• Throttle/Tines Control Lever Cable:
Squeeze the lever closed and spray a lu-
bricant into the cable area.
• Tine Shaft:  After each use, remove the
tines, clean the tine shaft with sandpaper
and apply a light coat of oil to the tine
shaft. 
HARDWARE/WIRING CONNECTIONS
Before each use, check that all hardware
is tight and that the On/Off Switch wire
connections are secure.  Also check that
the switch wiring is in good condition.
Figure 11: Transmission lubricant check and
fill locations. 
A
D
B
C
Before tipping engine or equipment to
service transmission, drain fuel from
tank by running engine until fuel tank is 
empty.  Allow engine to cool.
WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing
the machine, shut off engine, let all
moving parts come to a complete stop,
disconnect the spark plug wire and move
the wire away from the spark plug.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Maintenance
5
Section
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE
Before 
First
Every 3 
Every 6
Yearly
Every
Perform at every indicated month or 
Each
month
months
months 
2 years
operating hour interval, whichever 
Use
or 10 Hrs. or 25 Hrs. or 50 Hrs.
comes first.  *See Engine Owner’s Manual 
for engine related maintenance.
Check Tightness of Bolts and Nuts 
x
Check Transmission Lubricant Level 
(1) 
x
Clean Machine
x
Clean Tine Shaft
x
Engine Oil Level
Check
x
Change
x
x
Air Cleaner
Check
x
Change
(2)
Spark Plug
Check/Clean
x
Replace
Cooling Fins
Check
x
Spark Arrester 
Clean
x
Fuel Tank
Clean
x
Fuel Filter
Check
x
Clutch Shoes
Check
(3)
Idle Speed
Check-Adjust
(3)
Valve Clearance
Check-Adjust
(3)
Fuel Tubes
Check
Every 2 years (Replace if necessary) (3)
*
For commercial use, log hours of operation to determine proper maintenance intervals.
(1) Check after first 5 hours of use.
(2) Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.
(3) Item should be serviced by your servicing dealer, unless you have the proper tools and
are mechanically proficient.