How to Put a Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower in Neutral(In 3 Steps)

How to Put a Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower in Neutral, Troy-Bilt lawn mowers are some of the most durable and reliable machines on the market. 

However, if you’re not familiar with the process, putting a Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral can seem confusing. 

This is especially true if you’re trying to work on the mower or simply want to move it without starting the engine.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of putting your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral, step-by-step. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, this guide will make it easy for you to get your mower into neutral.

How to Put a Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower in Neutral

How to Put a Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower in Neutral

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Control Lever

The first step in putting your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral is to familiarize yourself with the control lever. 

This lever is typically located near the seat of the mower, and it’s what you’ll use to control the speed of the machine.

The control lever typically has three positions: forward, neutral, and reverse. When the lever is in the forward position, the mower will move forward. 

When the lever is in the reverse position, the mower will move in reverse. And when the lever is in the neutral position, the mower will not move at all.

2. Turn off the Engine

Before you attempt to put your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral, you should make sure that the engine is off. 

This will prevent any accidents and make it easier to move the control lever.

To turn off the engine, simply locate the kill switch. This is typically located near the seat of the mower, and it’s usually a red or black switch that’s easy to find. 

Once you’ve found the kill switch, simply flip it to the “off” position.

3. Move the Control Lever to Neutral

With the engine turned off, you’re ready to put your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral.

To do this, simply locate the control lever, and gently push or pull it until it’s in the neutral position.

If you’re having trouble finding the control lever, refer to your mower’s owner’s manual.

This will provide you with detailed instructions and a diagram that will help you locate the control lever.

4. Verify that the Mower is in Neutral

Once you’ve moved the control lever to the neutral position, you should verify that the mower is actually in neutral. To do this, simply try to push the mower. 

If the mower moves easily, then it’s neutral. If the mower doesn’t move, or if it moves with difficulty, then it’s not in neutral and you’ll need to repeat the process.

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5. Get to Work!

With your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral, you’re ready to get to work. Whether you’re working on the mower or simply want to move it, you can do so with ease.

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How do you manually push a Troy Bilt riding lawn mower?

  • Make sure the engine is off – Before you start pushing the mower, make sure to turn off the engine and remove the key.
  • Place the transmission in neutral – Find the transmission control lever near the seat of the mower and move it to the neutral position. 
  • This will disengage the drive system and allow you to push the mower.
  • Engage the parking brake – If your Troy-Bilt riding mower has a parking brake, engage it to prevent the mower from rolling.
  • Push the mower – Once the transmission is in neutral and the parking brake is engaged, you can start pushing the mower. 
  • Make sure to push it on a flat surface and avoid pushing it up or down hills.
  • Use the handles for leverage – The handles of a riding lawn mower are designed to provide leverage when pushing the mower. 
  • Place your hands on the handles and push the mower using your body weight.

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Why does a Troy Bilt get stuck in gear?

A Troy-Bilt lawn mower can get stuck in gear for several reasons, including:

  • Broken drive belt – If the drive belt that connects the engine to the transmission is broken, the mower will not be able to move. This can cause the mower to get stuck in gear.
  • Damaged gears – Over time, the gears inside the transmission can become worn or damaged. This can cause them to bind and make it difficult to shift the mower into or out of gear.
  • Clogged transmission oil passages – If the passages in the transmission that allows oil to flow are clogged, this can cause the gears to bind and the mower to get stuck in gear.
  • Worn or damaged control cable – If the control cable that connects the control lever to the transmission is worn or damaged, this can cause the mower to get stuck in gear.
  • Bent or damaged shifter lever – If the shifter lever that moves the gears inside the transmission is bent or damaged, this can cause the mower to get stuck in gear.

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Final Remarks

Putting a Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral is a simple process that just about anyone can do. 

By following these five steps, you’ll be able to put your mower into neutral in no time. 

If you have any questions or if you’re having trouble with the process, refer to your mower’s owner’s manual for additional guidance.

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FAQ

Why would I need to put my Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral?

Putting your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral is necessary when you want to move it manually or tow it without starting the engine.

How do I put my Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral?

The steps to put a Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral may vary slightly depending on the model, but here’s a general procedure:

  • Make sure the engine is off and the ignition key is removed for safety.
  • Locate the transmission release lever or knob on your mower. It is usually situated near the rear wheels.
  • Push or pull the transmission. Release the lever or knob to disengage the transmission.
  • Once the transmission is disengaged, you can manually move or tow the mower without any resistance.

Can I put my Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral while the engine is running?

No, it is not recommended to put your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral while the engine is running. It is best to turn off the engine and remove the ignition key before attempting to put the mower in neutral.

Are there any safety precautions to keep in mind while putting my Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral?

Yes, safety should always be a priority. Here are a few precautions to follow:

  • Make sure the engine is off and the ignition key is removed.
  • Ensure the parking brake is engaged.
  • Keep your hands and feet away from the blades and other moving parts.
  • Be cautious when manually moving or towing the mower, especially on inclines or uneven terrain.

What should I do if I’m having difficulty putting my Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral?

If you’re experiencing difficulty putting your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral, consult the operator’s manual specific to your model.

The manual will provide detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips. If the issue persists, it may be best to contact a Troy-Bilt authorized service center for assistance.

Can I tow my Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral?

Yes, you can tow your Troy-Bilt lawn mower in neutral, but it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Read Here to ensure you tow it safely and avoid any potential damage.

Are there any maintenance considerations when using neutral mode?

While using the neutral mode does not directly affect maintenance, it is always a good practice to regularly inspect your mower for any signs of wear or damage.

Maintaining proper tire pressure, keeping the blades sharp, and carrying out routine maintenance are all things the manufacturer recommends.

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George Bill
George Bill

George Bill is a Mechanical Engineer by Profession and an avid gardener and has been mowing his lawn for over 20 years. He has used a variety of different mowers during this time.
George is an expert at maintaining his mowers and over the years, he has learned many tricks and techniques for getting the best results from his mowers and is always happy to share his knowledge on this site.