My Troy-Bilt Mower Is Slow

Governor

• Some of the Troy-Bilt riding mower and lawn tractor engines have governors on board. The governor regulates engine speed in response to the request made by activating the throttle linkage. The governor spool pushes small weights against the governor crank to help translate the engine speed to faster or slower camshaft revolution. If the governor or any parts are damaged, this translation is compromised. You could be pushing your throttle to the “fast” position but the lack of tension between the spool and crank can make your mower go slow.

Clogged Filters

• Filter clogs on your Troy-Bilt mower could cause intermittent or slow engine response, hence slowing down your mower. The fuel filter helps remove sediments from fuel as it passes through the combustion chamber. If it’s clogged, the sediments build up in the fuel lines and restrict how much fuel goes through the carburetor. A dirty air filter can restrict how much air is needed for fuel vapor creation. Inspect and clean the filters according to the maintenance schedule.

Throttle Linkage

• Throttle linkage also inhibits your mower’s speed, whether it’s a push mower or riding mower. The throttle linkage connects the throttle control to your Troy-Bilt mower engine’s valves, allowing increased or decreased combustion. If the linkage is too loose, the valves may not open all the way whenever you request faster speeds. Broken linkage could keep the valve only partially open. Refer to your engine’s service manual to adjust the linkage as necessary.

Fluid Quality

• Old fuel or dirty oil also contributes to engine or mower operation. Both can contain natural sediments and deposits that don’t get filtered out during the refining process. According to the operations manuals, you shouldn’t keep fuel in your mower that’s more than 30 days old. The sediments can clog the fuel lines, filters or contaminate the combustion process. Engine oil should also be changed according to the maintenance schedule, which is every 25 to 50 operating hours. Only use oil that meets or exceeds the quality specifications as outlined in the operating manual.