Troy-Bild 26J Mini-Rider, Operator'S Manual

Cleaning Battery

Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing 

with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the 

battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat 

terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to 

prevent corrosion.

Deck Wash System™ (if equipped)

If your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface 

as part of its Deck Wash System™, follow these instructions to 

utilize this feature.
Use the Deck Wash System™ to rinse grass clippings from the 

deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. 

Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1. 

Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near 

enough for your garden hose to reach.

CAUTION: 

Make certain the tractor’s discharge 

chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, 

parked cars, etc. 

2. 

Disengage the PTO 

(Blade Engage)

, set the parking brake 

and stop the engine.

3. 

Thread the hose coupler 

(packaged with your tractor’s 

Operator’s Manual) 

onto the end of your garden hose.

4. 

Attach the hose coupler to the water port on the deck’s 

surface. See Fig. 6-3.

Figure 6-3

5. 

Turn the water on.

6. 

While sitting in the operator’s position on the tractor, start 

the engine and place the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) 

position.

7. 

Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the ON position.

8. 

Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck 

engaged for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the 

underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.

9. 

Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the OFF 

position.

10.  Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the 

tractor’s engine off.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake 

and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil.

Rear Wheels

The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a 

season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose 

grease before re-installing them.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half 

an hour before cleaning. Periodically remove dirt build-up from 

engine. Clean cooling fins every 25 hours. Clean with a brush or 

compressed air.

IMPORTANT: 

Do not spray engine with water to clean because 

water could contaminate fuel. Using a garden hose or pressure 

washing equipment can also force water into the air cleaner or 

muffler opening. Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper 

element, and water that passes through the element or muffler 

can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off 

promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling 

fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine.

IMPORTANT: 

The use of a pressure washer to clean your 

tractor is NOT recommended. It may cause damage to electrical 

components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.

WARNING! 

Accumulation of debris around muffler 

could cause a fire. Inspect and clean before every 

use.

Muffler

WARNING! 

Temperature of muffler and nearby 

engine areas may exceed 150˚ F (65˚C). Avoid 

contact with these areas.

Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. 

Replacement parts for the muffler must be the same and 

installed in the same position as the original parts.

Battery

The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot 

be checked.
• 

Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and 

free of corrosive build-up.

• 

After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat 

of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.

• 

Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive 

terminal to prevent shorting.

IMPORTANT: 

If removing the battery for any reason, 

disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first, 

followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the 

battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal 

first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the 

wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them 

could change the polarity and result in damage to your engine’s 

alternating system.

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ection

 6 — M

aintenance

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