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Operator’s Manual Hydrostatic Garden Tractor Big Red GT54 (14AQ81TK766) IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site, to obtain help from the Customer Support Department, or when contacting an authorized service dealer. TROY-BILT LLC P. O. BOX 3 6 1 1 3 1 www.troybilt.com...
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your Troy-Bilt dealer for assistance. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death.
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run into the machine. To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting into reverse. The “Reverse Caution Mode”...
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8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. 9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage.
SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP Attaching the Battery Cables NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–). • The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the positive battery terminal (+) with a screw and hex nut at the factory.
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Setting the Gauge Wheels and Roller Gauge Wheels Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right fender. Adjust the deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-inch above the ground as follows.
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR Systems Indicator/Hour Meter PTO (Power Take-off) Knob Choke Control Cup Holder Throttle Control Lever Parking Brake Button G Cruise Control Button NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position. NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.
Throttle Control Lever The throttle control lever is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. When operating the IMPORTANT: tractor with the cutting deck...
Systems Indicator Monitor / Hour Meter Battery 42.0 (Blade Engage) Located in the center of the tractor’s console, the systems indicator monitor records, and displays on its LCD, hours of tractor operation whenever the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position. The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR WARNING AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH • GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. • AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. • DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP. • IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
Starting the Engine WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions. •...
• To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind is clear then slowly depress the lower portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT your heel) until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 6. Do NOT attempt to change the direction of IMPORTANT: travel when the tractor is in motion.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area. This tractor is equipped with one of Troy-Bilt’s quality cutting decks. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual. Leveling the Deck NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 20 for information regarding tire pressure.
Parking Brake Adjustment WARNING: Never attempt to adjust the brakes while the engine is running. Always disengage PTO, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely depressed, or if the tractor’s rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied, the brake is in need of adjustment.
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Engine Refer to the engine manual for maintenance details. • Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the engine manual.
SECTION 8: SERVICE Tires WARNING: Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire. The recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 14 psi for the front tires. Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer’s recommended or maximum psi.
balanced blade will cause excessive vibration and may cause damage to the tractor and result in personal injury. When replacing the blade, be sure to IMPORTANT: install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
• Gently slide the cutting deck toward the front of the tractor allowing the hooks on the deck to release themselves from the deck stabilizer rod. • Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out from underneath the tractor. Changing the Deck Belt WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off,...
SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section 7: MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR on page 19 of this manual before storing for an extended period. Engine If the engine will be out of service for two months or more, use the following storage procedure: •...
SECTION 10: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble Possible Cause(s) Engine fails to start PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged. Parking brake not engaged. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. Throttle control lever not in correct starting position. Choke not activated Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug.
SECTION 11: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES See your dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. OEM-190-964 Rear Tire Chain Set OEM-190-823 42-inch Two-stage Snow Thrower OEM-190-833 46-inch Front Dozer Blade OEM-190-841 54-inch Deck Mulch Kit OEM-190-608 Sleeve Hitch, Manual Lift OEM-190-824...
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Model GT54 For Choke REF. PART DESCRIPTION 683-04256 Muffler Shield Assembly 710-0227 AB Screw #8-18 x.500 710-0599 TT Screw 1/4-20 x.500 710-0642 TT Screw 1/4-20 x.750 710-0654A TT Sems Screw 3/8-16 x 1 712-3005 Flange Lock Nut 3/8-16 725-0157 Cable Tie...
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CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT The California Air Resources Board and MTD Consumer Group Inc are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system warranty on your 2006 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mower must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards. MTD Consumer Group Inc must warrant the EECS on your lawn mower for the period of time listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of your lawn mower.
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The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. “MTD” warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materi- als or workmanship.
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