Troy-Bilt ZT50 Manuel D’Utilisation

This tractor is equipped with a safety 

interlock system designed for protection of the 

operator. Do not operate the tractor if any part of the 

system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the 

functions of the interlock system for proper operation.

For personal safety, the operator must 

be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the 

engine.

Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.

1. 

Engage the parking brake. Refer to Fig. 5-1.

2. 

Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down) 

3. 

position. Refer to Fig. 5-1.
Move the throttle/choke control into the full choke position.

4. 

 NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary 

to place the throttle/choke control in the choke position.
 Turn the ignition key clockwise to the “START” position 

5. 

and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not 

crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at 

a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn 

the key to “OFF” and wait at least 15 seconds to allow the 

engine’s starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If 

after a few attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep 

trying to start it with the choke closed as this will cause 

flooding and make starting more difficult.
As the engine warms up, gradually pull the throttle/choke 

6. 

control lever rearward past the choke detent position. 

Do not use the choke position to enrich the fuel mixture, 

except as necessary to start the engine.
Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle 

7. 

before putting the engine under load.
Observe the hour meter / indicator panel. If the battery 

8. 

indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately stop 

the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your Troy-Bilt dealer.

When starting the engine at temperatures near or below 

freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the 

engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as 

follows:

Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery 

1. 

has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.
Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has 

2. 

higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline 

left over from summer.
Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.

3. 

Batteries contain sulfuric acid and 

produce explosive gasses. Make certain the area is 

well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and 

avoid sparks or flames near the battery.

If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, 

recharge the battery. If a battery charger is  unavailable and 

the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be 

necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:

Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor 

1. 

battery’s positive terminal; then connect the other end of 

that cable to the booster battery’s positive terminal.
Connect one end of the other cable to the booster 

2. 

battery’s negative terminal; then connect the other end of 

that cable to the  frame of the disabled tractor, as far from 

the battery as possible.
Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting 

3. 

instructions previously provided; then disconnect 

the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their 

connection.
Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired 

4. 

as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.

Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position.

1. 

Move the  RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in 

2. 

the neutral position. 
Engage the parking brake. 

3. 

Move the throttle/choke control to midway between the 

4. 

SLOW and FAST positions. 
Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the 

5. 

key from the ignition switch.

NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent 

accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left 

unattended.