Troy-Bilt TB110 Push Lawn Mower
Assembly & Set-Up
Contents of Carton
- One Lawn Mower
- One Grass Catcher
- One Bottle of Oil
- One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual
- One Engine Operator’s Manual
- One-Side Discharge Chute
NOTE: Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual covers both the low and high-wheel models of this mower. While this manual illustrates the low wheel model, the instructions and the features are equally applicable to the high wheel model as well, unless otherwise noted.
Assembly
NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower.
Handle
- Remove any packing material that may be between the upper and lower handles.
- Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from the handle as shown in Figure 3-1. Do not loosen or remove adjacent hex head screws.
- While stabilizing the mower so it doesn’t move, pivot the upper handle up as shown in Figure 3-2. Do not crimp the cable while lifting the handle up.
- Remove the T-bolts from the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3-3.
- Follow the steps below to complete the handle assembly:
- Pull upward on the handle until the holes in the lower handle (shown in Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with the holes in the handle bracket. See Figure 3-4. NOTE: When pulling upward on the handle, make sure not to pull the handle all the way out.
- Insert the T-bolts removed earlier through the handle brackets and lower handle and tighten securely to secure the handle in place. See Figure 3-4.
- Reattach wing nuts and carriage bolts removed earlier into the lower holes of the handle, as shown in Figure 3-5.
- The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob, which secures the rope guide. See Figure 3-6.
- Hold the blade control against the upper handle.
- Slowly pull the starter rope handle from the engine and slip the starter rope into the rope guide. See Figure 3-6.
- Tighten the rope guide wing knob.
- Use cable tie(s) to secure cable(s) to the lower handle.
Grass Catcher
- Follow the steps below to assemble the grass catcher (if needed). Make certain the bag is turned right side out before assembling (the warning label will be on the outside).
- Place the bag over the frame so that its black plastic side is at the bottom.
- Slip the plastic channel of the grass bag over the hooks on the frame. See Figure 3-7.
- Follow the steps below to attach the grass catcher:
- Lift the rear discharge door.
- Place the grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3-8. Let go of the discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher.
To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear discharge door on the mower. Lift the grass catcher up and off the slots in the handle brackets. Release the rear discharge door to allow it to close the rear opening of the mower.
Side Discharge Chute
Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure the grass catcher is off the unit and the rear discharge door is closed.
- On the side of the mower, lift the side mulching plug as shown in Figure 3-9.
- Slide two hooks of the side discharge chute under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug. Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching.
Adjustments
Cutting Height
There is a cutting height adjustment lever located above the front and rear right wheel.
- Pull the height adjustment lever towards the wheel (the unit will tend to fall when the lever is moved outward).
- Move the lever to the desired position for a change in cutting height. See Figure 3-10 and Figure 3-11. NOTE: For mowers with low wheels, the height adjustment levers move in the opposite direction to adjust; for those with high wheels, the levers move in the same direction.
- Release the lever towards the deck.
Handle Pitch
For convenience of operation, you may adjust the pitch of the handle as follows:
- Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from the handle. See Figure 3-12.
- Position the handle in one of the three positions that is most comfortable. See Figure 3-12 inset.
- Secure into position with wing nuts and carriage bolts removed earlier.
Set-Up
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for additional engine information.
- Add the oil provided before starting the unit for the first time out of the box.
- Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate engine owner’s manual.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable, and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
Controls and Features
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop the engine and blade. WARNING: This blade control is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
One adjustment lever is located near the right rear wheel, and one is located near the right front wheel. Both levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure a uniform cut. To adjust the cutting height, refer to the “Assembly & Set-Up” Section.
Grass Catcher
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site. Once the bag is full, lift it up through the handles using the strap provided and empty it before any further mowing.
Mulch Plug
The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the side discharge chute, some mower models have the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.
Side Discharge Chute
Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions in the “Assembly & Set-Up” section to attach the side discharge chute.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on the cutting deck. Refer to the warning label on the unit.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.
Operation
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting the engine or operating the mower. Never run the 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 the engine and lawn mower.
Follow the set of instructions pertaining to your unit. Refer to the engine manual for help with the engine.
Briggs & Stratton Engine:
- Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against the upper handle. See Figure 5-1.
- Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp the recoil starter handle and pull the 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 the engine cranks. Let the rope rewind slowly each time.
Honda Engine:
- Place the fuel valve lever found on the left side of the engine into the ON (OPEN) position. See Figure 5-2.
- Move the choke lever all the way backward into the choke position.
- Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against the upper handle. The choke will now begin to slowly return to the off choke position after activating the blade control. Therefore, quickly move on to step four below.
- Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp the recoil starter handle and pull the rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. See Figure 5-2. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat until the engine cranks. Let the rope rewind slowly each time.
Stopping Engine
- Release the blade control to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower or removing the grass catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects that could damage the lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.
WARNING: The operation of any lawnmower 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.
Using as Mulcher
For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher and allow the rear discharge door to close the rear opening of the mower. For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.
Using Grass Catcher
You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.
- Attach the grass catcher following the instructions in the “Assembly & Set-Up” section. Grass clippings will automatically collect in the bag as you run the mower. Operate the mower till the grass bag is full.
- Stop the engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.
- Lift the discharge door and pull the grass bag up and away from the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair damage before restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.
Maintenance & Adjustments
Maintenance
General Recommendations
- Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
- The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here.
- Changing of engine-governed speed will void the engine warranty.
- All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.
- Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.
WARNING: Always stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and ground against engine before performing any type of maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
- Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 6-1.
- Follow the accompanying engine manual for the lubrication schedule and instructions for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
Clean the underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent the buildup of grass clippings or other debris. Follow the steps below for this job.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from the lawn mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
- Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the mower firmly.WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90° in any direction, and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine, causing a starting problem.
- Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool.
- Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to remove it now.
Engine Care
A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions.
- Maintain oil level as instructed in the engine manual.
- Service the air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicate that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the engine manual.
- Clean the spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season. Check the engine manual for the correct plug type and gap specifications.
- Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from the muffler area.
- Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer such as STA-BIL® to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in the fuel system or on essential carburetor parts.
Service
Blade Care
WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.
- Disconnect the spark plug boot from the spark plug. Turn the mower on its side, making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up (not pointed toward the ground).
- Remove the bolt and the blade bell support that hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 7-1.
- Remove the blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
- Remove the blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.
- Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges. See Figure 7-1 inset.
- Place the blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in the blade.
- Replace the hex bolt and tighten the hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min, 600 in. lbs. max.
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.
- Clean and lubricate the mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.
- Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
- Refer to the engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.
- If applicable, secure the side discharge chute to handle as shown in Figure 7-2.
- Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
- When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawnmower, before storage.
Troubleshooting
Replacement Parts
Phone (800) 828-5500 or (330) 558-7220 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.troybilt.com
Attachments & Accessories
Phone (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683 to order attachments and accessories. Have your mower’s full model number and serial number ready to ensure compatibility. Items can also be purchased online at www.troybilt.com
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Troy-Bilt TB110 Push Lawn Mower-FAQs
What type of engine does the Troy-Bilt TB110 have?
The TB110 is powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton® engine with ReadyStart™ technology for easy, no-prime, no-choke starting.
How much oil does the TB110 lawn mower need?
This mower requires about 15 ounces of engine oil. SAE 30 is commonly recommended, but SAE 10W-30 or synthetic 5W-30 can also be used depending on temperature.
What kind of fuel should I use in the TB110?
Always use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Avoid fuel with more than 10% ethanol.
How do I start the Troy-Bilt TB110 push mower?
Check oil and fuel levels, move the mower to level ground, hold the blade control handle, and pull the recoil starter until the engine starts.
Why won’t my TB110 lawn mower start?
Common causes include old fuel, a dirty air filter, clogged carburetor, or a worn spark plug. Checking and cleaning these parts usually fixes the issue.
How do I adjust the cutting height on the TB110?
The TB110 has a dual-lever, 6-position height adjustment that lets you set the cutting height between 1.25 and 3.75 inches.
How often should I service the TB110 push mower?
Basic service such as oil changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, and blade sharpening should be done every 25–50 hours of use, or at least once per season.
Is the Troy-Bilt TB110 good for small yards?
Yes, its lightweight design, easy push operation, and 21-inch cutting deck make it ideal for small to medium-sized yards.