FIXING A BROKEN TROY BILT BRONCO TRACTOR

[@barrygrant2907]

I just spent the last week or so working on my Murray 40-In tractor. Started out as replacing the front wheels bushings with bearing and went south from there. Had a rusted-through rim and had to replace the wheel and tire. Decided to go ahead and do some early "spring-cleaning" and replaced the blade belt and sharpened blades. Greased everything and that old (2005) Murray is running as smooth as new. Your video-and others--gave me the confidence to really break the tractor down and give it the love it deserved.

[@freedommowers420]

That means a lot that I was able to help give you the confidence. I really hope that it goes smooth for you and you have a nice mower for years to come.

[@darrelldubree9658]

Those units are , what they are. If used as they were designed and taken care of, they will do the job. Many folks need these units. If they can not push or can not afford to pay someone to mow or cant afford more expensive machines. Lets keep them going, why pay three times the price for a new one, when most of the time it is repairable, just simple lack of maintenance or using machine outside of its design. Thank you , my friend, keep up the good work :)

[@3gchapa]

Question. I've had the same model in video since 2014. It recently started losing power like the blades slow dwn and lose power when going over a decent chunck of grass (6 to 7 in height ). I've checked the gaps and are up to speck. Did oil change, air filter, gas filter, carburetor is new as well. I treat gas b4 using and I have a shutoff valve on gasoline to prevent left over gas in carburetor. Can the loss in power be from the a belt? That's one of the things I haven't replaced. What do you all think.

[@darrelldubree9658]

@@3gchapa Belt could be the issue. If you are slipping the drive pulley, you should smell belt getting hot. Make sure it is tight, and your blades are sharp. Check all your idlers and spindle bearings. Mow as you described, shut it down and feel the belt and see if it is hot and loose :) Be careful not to burn yourself :)

[@darrelldubree9658]

@@3gchapa Also, keep in mind, that even when all is in order, slow down your ground speed, when in tall grass. :)

[@ozzietadziu]

I have owned the exact same TroyBilt Bronco model for 10 years now, and with regular maintenance I haven't had a lick of trouble with it. The Koeller engine is dependable and starts every time. Since I store it in an unheated shed, I remove the battery (original) in the fall and keep it in my basement on a float charger. I add some stabilizer to any left-over gas and that works fine. Change oil in the spring.

[@freedommowers420]

They honestly are good machines as long as they are maintained. Most people just beat them up and blame the mower.

[@georgenichols5796]

bumper paint works good for faded plastics

[@williammoore5924]

Alex, Tks again for sharing your knowledge and time with us. I’m retired and have so enjoyed Helping those in my area with their small engine needs from time to time. It is amazing how Quickly the word gets out. It’s lots of fun and helps keep me busy and out of the house. Only possible regret I may have is, I didn’t take this on 30 yrs ago. 😊Tks again Alex.

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you for the support and kind words. I really enjoy working on them, and troubleshooting. It helps keep my hands and mind busy as well.

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Alex that tractor didnt look much better than that in the showroom! I dont know alot about pricing tractors to sell, but i would want at least half of what it sold for new. That tractor doesn't look to have many hours on it. You fixed all the issues caused by the fiddle fairies and it should sell easily! I know what you mean about needing more room in the shop. I feel the same way in mine! I like seeing the stars and stripes hanging on your shop wall. Thanks for your military service!🇺🇸✌🎥

[@freedommowers420]

Roger!! You are awesome. Thank you as always for the support. I am getting a little better at this detailing thing. It always is a treat when someone has been fiddling before I get something. Makes you want to pull your hair out haha. Hope things are good your way friend.

[@paulgendron8416]

​I love the video. I have a Troy Bilt Pony and this has given me plenty of information to go a little further with repairs on it. Keep up the good work. Oh, BTW mine was built in 2011 and I bought it in 2018/2019 for $500. It ran good but as with anything used, it needed some repairs. The only thing I sent it out for was for a steering issue where the bolt on the end of the steering column had to be removed. Now I do all the maintenance myself.

[@renatogoncalves2412]

Awesome video. Thx for sharing. I just started flipping these small tractors in Orlando, FL. I am out of a job. In a month a half i flipped 8 of them with margins averaging 85%. Here in Orlando you can get around $750 for it. Good luck.

[@borg386]

I have given away multiple mowers in the past ,just because I didn't know how to fix them. Probably simple things. My loss your gain many times over. Gonna give this hustle a try when I retire.

[@Disdained_talent1]

I have the same mower, works great. Regarding the discharge chute, I saw someone use some ATF on one once, darkened it up!!!

[@freedommowers420]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bertgrau3934]

Another good job. That looks good sounds good. If you want to sale it, I'm sure you can get your money back and maybe a little profit. Have a great day. 😊 In my area, Northwest Arkansas, it would probably bring around $400 to $600, as good as it looks maybe even more. Around here people like a really clean machine and will pay a little more.

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you so much.

[@mudell.hunter0426]

I was gonna say around $600 here in NE Wis. too.

[@liljoeii6091]

Watching as you was testing a battery I am trying to learn how to do it.Just have a harbor freight tester yours looks like mine I was hoping to see you test the coil Very good video thank you

[@freedommowers420]

Yes I just have the harbor freight volt meter as well. I need to get an upgrade, but it gets the job done. Thank you for the support.

[@liljoeii6091]

@@freedommowers420 I was just trying to learn how to do it. That's all I was saying. I didn't mean nothing bad about it. They work really good. Looking for any tips to learn to use it

[@Diver830ft]

I just picked up a Troy built bronco. Kohler 5400 series. 19 hp. Cleaned the gas tank. Clean the carb. Replace spark plug. It starts. Change the oil and filter. When I engage the pto it stalls. And dies. Even though I return the pto to off.

[@philliphall5198]

The deck hangers are junk and not strong enough 😢😢😢 Good job 😮😊

[@lawrencecarroll2031]

I think it would probably bring 6 to 8 hundred in my market (Chicagoland). Good video, keep them coming.

[@freedommowers420]

That’s about what I was thinking. Thank you very much for the support.

[@Maximus43968]

That little unit put up a good fight but cleaned up very nice. I mainly use dawn dish soap in my ultra sonic but l put my carbs in a zip lock freezer bag and fill the bag as well. (Got that from Steve's Small Engine Saloon) Didn't want to take credit for it but has worked well for me. My area (northeast Ohio) at the moment l would say $550 to $650 right now. Spring time time $750 to $800 (but the way price keep going up spring time could be easy $1,000).

[@freedommowers420]

That is a good idea. I have seen a few different ways to use the ultrasonic for what we use them for. I’m testing out a few different ways. No doubt on the pricing. The market has been going crazy!! Thank you for the support 😎🇺🇸

[@Speedytrip]

That cleaned up nice!

[@jesterr7133]

I could probably get $600 for that one in my area. I can't wait to finish the one I am working on right now and see what I can get for it. It is a Craftsman with a 26hp Kohler engine and a 54in cutting deck. It's a beast. I have about $400 into it, so I am hoping it will bring $800. It only has 700 hours on it, and a ton of new parts.

[@jesterr7133]

I found out the hard way on a 26hp Kohler Courage. They do not like to run without the air filter on. I left it off for testing, and could not get the mower to run for anything. It would barely even fire on starting fluid. I could not figure out why it was too lean to start, so I just put the filter back on when I couldn't think of anything else. It fired right up and ran perfect. Kohlers are great engines, but you have to do everything by the book on them. You can't cut any corners or they won't run.

[@richardchayer6597]

Im here in Utah and all the mowers- snowblower i get my hands on are all sunfaded. I spend more time buffing the paint then getting them running. Lol

[@freedommowers420]

We get a lot of sun faded equipment here. Sun just cooks them. I spend usually as much time or more detailing and painting than fixing. Funny how that works right!! I appreciate the support 🙌

[@elizabethcarter2439]

Were are you located i have two riding lawnmower a Troy bilt and Murray my troy bilt stop cranking

[@Nimrod10.8]

The mower turned out nice, but how to keep your yard looking so nice? Beautiful grass to test the mowers on

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you. We have very good soil in this area, and I just cut on a regular basis. I greatly appreciate you stopping by and watching.

[@haitisongs]

Great job! I think those can go for around $600 in this condition.

[@chadfield376]

I hope you checked the sump bolts under the flywheel to make sure those were tight; if they work themselves loose, the flywheel will hit them and cause a “Kohler crack” on the started side. Price wise, I have same mower but the Pony version that came with the Intek Briggs that grenaded on me while trying to sort the engine issues out, now looking for a v-twin to put in its place and sell for $550 ish next spring.

[@freedommowers420]

I did. I checked them all while I had the cover off. Surprisingly they were all tight on this one. Usually at least one is backed out some. Thank you for stopping by 😎🇺🇸

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

I was wondering if it is safe to use gasoline in the ultrasound? If so it seems like it would work good. Oh, the reason they used roofing screws in the seat was those plastic holdown pieces had fallen in. As you sit on the seat and if not tight I can see them getting pushed in.

[@clivepeck7056]

Mine tend to be very loud, what you think is the reason for that?

[@stevemellas3087]

good job brother there is two problems with the 17 hp Koeller engine their famous for valve cover gaskets blowing out and crank case bolts backing out other than that their ok.

[@larryanglea3458]

looks great, runs good.

[@mattdaddy78]

What did you use to polish the headlights

[@philliphall5198]

He never answered any questions we have so I UN done him 😢

[@georgemartinezjr]

I l8je the Idea about soaking the Carb in a Pertex measuring cup first

[@budcats1]

Can I please get told what kind of oil to use in this thing ? I got the same thing im gonna replace oil gas after I find out I can get the power throw the wires like you did I just don't got a tester like you tho so it's a bit hard for me

[@JamesSilcox-n5e]

I use any 10w30 Synthetic.

[@scotthogan6891]

In what I mean is previous owner did not put lawn mower back up with old gas in it

[@Joshuam808.]

For the Shute use a blow torch that worked wonders for me

[@georgemartinezjr]

Is the Fuse good???

[@kimchristensen5951]

Try a little Armor all on the discharge cover, may work.

[@freedommowers420]

I did try that as well and for some reason this one just stays grey. I have tried a few tricks, but either way it should be a nice unit for someone. Thank you for the tip and support.

[@kenvrla9678]

Gotta depress the left clutch down all the way to turn over motor.

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you.

[@scotthogan6891]

Why would you clean the carburetor out and then put more old gas in?

[@robertmailhos8159]

The solenoid not being connected to the frame is the one reason for it not starting as you said The people who you bought the mower from have been in there 😮😮

[@freedommowers420]

Yes if it where a 3 post solenoid it would have not worked at all, but yes people getting in here was the cause of the problems. At least we got it fixed and running strong again 😎

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@freedommowers420 yes you did that mower a favor by the fixing the problem s that you found wrong with it 👍👍

[@ITOLDUDA]

I have no idea why you pull down the throttle repeatedly on every video as soon as they fire. They typically are tuned to run at full throttle. In fact, many owner's manuals will say that excessive running at slow speeds are not recommended and could cause harm to various parts of the engine. I've never seen anyone pull down the throttle like that. It's almost like running at full throttle annoys you or something lol

[@freedommowers420]

I don’t mind running them full throttle all day long. I always like the get the engine a little warm though to get the oil circulating and warm up the piston rings. I don’t think it’s good to start any cold engine and immediately go full throttle. Thank you for stopping by.

[@deekw7519]

Running a cold engine full throttle is hard on them years ago the choke was Manuel and you could keep the throttle down to start the engine they want them to run at Full Throttle so that they take out the Rings and The connecting rod

[@ITOLDUDA]

@@deekw7519 As someone who went to school to learn small engines, this is blatantly false. Running at full throttle allows the engine to warm up and quickly distributes oil throughout the engine. Putting a load on a cold engine is a recipe for disaster. Idling at full throttle significantly speeds up the warmup time, allowing for proper operation.

[@freedommowers420]

@@deekw7519 my point exactly, but I guess the guy thinks it is a good idea to start up and just go full throttle. I’m sure he is the expert though. I’m just a guy tinkering on my back yard.

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Hey Mates it’s just Small engines and lawnmowers. Not The ‘Space Shuttle’🚀🛩️✈️✈️🗽🗽🗽mates Everyone has there on way of doing things. Let’s just get along mates God Bless u Mate Alex@Freedom mowers and everyone on here. Thanks 🙏🏻 for all your support for mate Alex and commenting.

[@nicklee8103]

Those red wires you traced from the batter area behind the "dashboard", when you connected them were they supposed to go to your ammeter instead of join together? On my troy bilt right about my ignition is the ammeter (shows ampherage) and I have 2 red wires that supposedly go to that. Im having a big electrical issue on mine and I cant figure out whats going on.

[@freedommowers420]

Yes I believe those would have gone to the amp meter. The Troy bilt in this video didn’t have one. I’ll see if I have another one here I can look at.

[@nicklee8103]

@@freedommowers420 thanks for the reply. No matter what I can't get power to my starter. Starter, battery and solenoid are all new. Battery harness was replaced last year so still in good condition. Idk where the disconnect is occurring. Maybe my ammeter is bad? I'll try joining my 2 reds like you did and see what happens. Beyond frustrating. Thanks for the close up of your rider though it's the closest I've come to a video on here of someone doing so so I can see what the setup looks like wiring wise. Mines all torn apart at the moment, body panel and all is off

[@scotthogan6891]

What does the fuel smell like?

[@scotthogan6891]

I know that you didn't pull the spark plug out you had to see what it looks like

[@scotthogan6891]

Do you smell any burnt terminals?

[@AJ31CO]

Where are you finding these cheap mowers. I'm in the south and I rarely see a mower less than a $1,000. Even the rusted clapped broken ones are $500 plus

[@freedommowers420]

Man I just scan the marketplace on the regular and talk to people. A lot of folks have asked me to help fix something for them and give me an old mower.

[@jibnerjuarez4288]

Theres alot free or 100-400 bucks

[@Huntersprojects]

When do you switch to snowblowers? I’m already doing snowblowers? I stop fixing mowers after September

[@freedommowers420]

It’s just stating to cool off here in my area. We rarely see any snow here in SE North Carolina. I’ve never even seen a snow blower here. Mainly in the fall and winter here we deal with chainsaws and leaf cleanup equipment.

[@Huntersprojects]

@@freedommowers420 hmmm forgot about that yeah I’ve already seen blowers and chainsaws usually in august is when people start thinking about snow and we’ve just had our cold “snap” so I’m dragging out the snowblower and getting them going

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@freedommowers420 How far are you from Raleigh?

[@sneak6654]

Pour a little bit of automatic transmission fluid on a rag and rub on the plastic side chute , it will make it look brand new and it works on all weather beaten plastic. A car detailer showed me that trick and I use all the time, it’s cheap and it works great.

[@georgemartinezjr]

What did shine the Seatwith

[@freedommowers420]

WD40 on a towel.

[@georgenichols5796]

spray called bumper paint would make the shoot look great!

[@freedommowers420]

I’ll see if I can find some. Thank you.

[@scotthogan6891]

You have not check the spark plug?

[@therrienmichael08]

This video started playing on its own...Next riding mower will probably be battery powered Greenworks.

[@jerryboyle92]

Seat switch?

[@allenhonaker4107]

Try some kiwi black shoe polish on the faded vhute

[@scotthogan6891]

Check for any disconnected or loosed ground wires

[@scotthogan6891]

Do you Melanie Bert terminals?

[@scotthogan6891]

You went from no start to having bad gas

[@farmboy4012]

Scrubbing Bubbles is good for cleaning plastic.

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you for that tip!!

[@scotthogan6891]

Check for a blown fuse in line

[@scotthogan6891]

He may have water in the gas

[@Wwefan42-cr3sq]

I had a Koehler courage and I got rid of. It

[@paulmonk7820]

Do you have the wiring diagram?😮

[@freedommowers420]

I don’t have the diagram for this machine unfortunately.

[@paulmonk7820]

@@freedommowers420 Thanks, that always makes signal tracing easier.

[@user-dt9md9gt8d]

Why not pour out all the old gas right off the bat?

[@GoKartsorGoneFishin]

600 bucks in my neck of the woods

[@freedommowers420]

For sure. That’s about what I was thinking!!

[@DIZ4SHIZNITS]

Easy money

[@dwaynecollins4974]

That deck must be a replacement. Troy-Bilt decks are usually red and they don't have the anti-scalp wheels. Well, at least mine doesn't..😅

[@Weezulguy]

Black with wheels here

[@EdDoering]

No wheels - you probably have the Pony version. It has no wheels.

[@dwaynecollins4974]

Oh, you're correct. I do have the pony version.

[@paulmonk7820]

So, it's possible they did disable it by unplugging that connector. 9:37

[@freedommowers420]

Possibly.

[@scotthogan6891]

981 from the store to now bad gas

[@scotthogan6891]

Hugh have not

[@gregwhaley1395]

Kohler courage are junk

[@philliphall5198]

I agree ☝️

[@dadefope80]

@1:04 Oh look it's the "Bucket of Crap" courage engine. Those things are trash.

[@freedommowers420]

Yes they certainly weren’t a good design.

[@edsahara]

@@freedommowers420 Never had a problem with my 15 year old machine.

[@freedommowers420]

@@edsahara if taken care of they will last a good amount of time. The issue most people have is that the design on these allowed the upper portion (sump) on the kohler courage to have the bolts vibrate loose. They would cause oil leaks and cracked blocks. Briggs engines have plenty of issues as well. Thank you for stopping by and leaving the comment. I always value everyone’s thoughts.

[@tarob01]

Those Kohler engines are junk

[@freedommowers420]

The kohler courage single cylinders have lots of issues. The courage twins and commands were good engines.

[@jamessharier7529]

Use common sense Before you work on anything always get some info and manuals before you tear into it,

[@jonnewbauer9124]

TOY BILTS ARE JUNK