Troy-Bilt Pony Manuel D’Utilisation

If you strike a foreign object, stop the 

engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and 
ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the 
machine for any damage. Repair the damage before 
restarting and operating.

If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) 
lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP 
position. 
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent 
unintended starting.

Avoid sudden starts, ex-cessive speed 

and sudden stops.

Do not leave the seat of the tractor 

without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in 
the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake 
pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving 
the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off 
and remove the key.

Always look down and behind before 

and while backing up to avoid a back-over accident.

Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and 
let the pedal up. 
Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE 
position.

Do NOT use the shift lever to change 

the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. 
Always use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a 
complete stop before shifting.

Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake 
pedal and positioning the speed control lever in desired 
position.

First-time operators should use speed positions 1 

or 2. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and 
controls before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.

Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion
The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing the 
clutch-brake pedal.

NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be little 
difference between the highest two speeds until after the belts 
have seated themselves into the pulleys during the break-in 
period.

Before leaving the operator’s position 

for any reason, disengage the blades, place the shift 
lever in neutral, engage the parking brake, shut 
engine off and remove the key.

When stopping the tractor for any reason while 

on a grass surface, always:

Place the shift lever in neutral, 

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Engage the parking brake, 
Shut engine off and remove the key. 

Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn 
‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit will 
not operate with speed control lever in a low speed position, 
proceed as follows:

Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
Restart engine.
Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
Depress clutch-brake pedal.
Place speed control lever in desired position.
Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow 
normal operating procedures.

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation 
Practices section in the front of this manual to help determine 
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in 

excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet 
every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause 
serious injury.

Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on 
slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden 
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall 
grass can hide obstacles.
Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be 
made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly 
increases the chance of a roll over.
Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary 
to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and 
carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor 
over backward.

Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting 
deck. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:

Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) 
position.
Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way 
forward into the engaged (ON) position.
Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the 
most efficient use of the cutting deck.

The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the 

disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when 
traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat.  Refer to 
Safety Interlock Switches in the Operation section of this manual.

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