Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Riding Lawnmower Review

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Troy-Bilt 540cc Lawn Mower

4.5

Ease of Use:

4.8/5

Quality:

4.5/5

Performance:

4.3/5

Pros

  • It has a maintenance-free battery system
  • Reliable safety features
  • 13-gauge steel cutting deck
  • Foot Pedal automatic transmission system
  • Large 46-inch cutting deck with reverse mowing capability

Cons

  • Loose steering
  • No adequate suspension system in place
  • Needs regular maintenance

Troy-Bilt prides itself as one of the best brands when it comes to the development and construction of heavy-duty riding lawn mowers. The TB46 Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower is no exception to the brand’stradition of manufacturing high-quality riding lawn mowers.

In particular, this model is a gas propelled lawn mower and can power its way to a clean grass cut by utilizing heavy duty Briggs & Stratton Intek engine. Look away from this mower if you own a small to medium-sized lawn because it was built to serve very large lawns. You should also be ready to tackle the maintenance issues that arise from operating a heavy-duty gas mower.  Outside these little drawbacks,  it offers a comfortable ride and crisp grass cut.

  • 19hp standard Briggs & Stratton engine
  • Foot pedal automatic transmission system
  • 46-inch large mowing deck
  • Backed by 2-year limited warranty
  • Reverse mowing capability
  • Has a soft touch steering and mid-back seat rest

Troy-Bilt Lawn Mower Features

Performance

The Troy-Bilt riding lawn mower is a monster of a machine that can adequately cover one acre of land in as little as 1 hour and clear out the debris like it’s nothing. A first glance at the body design and you will discover the impressive construction of skilled craftsmen. Coupled with out-of-this-world robust features we are of the opinion that this beast will stand the test of time.

The massive power from a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine helps it climb up sloppy hills, power over stones, grind obstacles and cut through the toughest of grasses. The use of this tractor is almost limitless; don’t be afraid to push it to the extreme. Even if your lawn has overgrown twigs and lumps, TB46 can take them head-on.

Amazingly, most users are quite happy that the paint on the body still looks as good as new from the very first day it was purchased. Even though it has taken a little beating under the weather and has passed through some of the most uneven terrains. However, this does mean you have to keep it clean immediately after use.

Briggs & Stratton are renowned experts in the manufacture and development of powerful engines and parts so we are confident that TB46 engine will deliver superior power in the long run.

Ease of Use

With a little DIY skill, before you get it on its first ride you have to use a socket wrench to screw the seat and steering wheel in place. That’s about all that’s needed once the product arrives.

Check out the motor oil and gasoline level before turning on the ignition. The gasoline tank is located beneath the hood. If the level is low, add gasoline to about ¾ full of the tank to allow for some fuel expansion. The wrench fitted steering is soft to touch and smooth to maneuver. The dashboard controls and levers are within effortless reach to allow for maximum comfort. In fact, all that is expected from a quality mower is present.

Cutting Power

The inclusion of a wide 46-inch cutting deck means users can cover wide expands of land in record time. The height can be adjusted in 5 incremental positions by the help of a hand-controlled lever.

The blades are made from sturdy steel materials with enough propelling power to cut through wild growing vegetation. As it mows the lawn, grass clippings are flung or discharged at the sides but there is an option to purchase separately a rider bagger or a mulching kit.

Maintenance

As with most gas propelled lawn mowers, be ready to put in the effort to keep the mower in optimum shape by carrying out routine maintenance checks as often as possible. Here is a checklist of what you need to do if you want to enjoy the longevity of this machine:

 
  • Wash and clean up the mowing deck after every use
  • Clean the hood and dashboard
  • Use a clean cloth to wipe the battery terminals
  • Clean out the cooling fans and blades
  • Once a year, try to sharpen the cutting blades
  • If possible change worn out blades
  • Lube the front rims and axles
  • Change out the oil filter and ensure the engines are well lubricated
  • Monitor oil and gasoline levels at all times

As with most riding lawn mowers that come with large tires, you must make sure that there is sufficient pressure in the tires. With sufficient pressure on all tires, mowing routines will be much smoother.

Caution: Don’t overinflate the tires to avoid hazards. Check the owner’s manual for Psi instructions.

Safety Features of TB46 Lawn Mower

A number of safety features are expected from an expensive riding lawn mower of its caliber. Most notable include dual deck tires that prevent unnecessary scalping contact with grass. A parking brake system that comes in handy when it’s not in use and a gas pedal system that abruptly stops the mower when released.

Some Special Features

Additional features not seen on most riding lawn mowers are what differentiate this mower from the lot.  It has a reliable reverse mow feature that allows the operator mow uncut grass patches in reverse mode. Reversing is quite jerky though, which might be due to the transmission system. The cutting deck is made from 13-gauge steel as opposed to the regular 12-gauge steel of most models.

You also have the option of attaching a slow blade in front of the mower

What We Liked
  • It has a maintenance-free battery system
  • Reliable safety features
  • Good heavy-duty riding lawn mower
  • 13-gauge steel cutting deck
  • Headlight feature
  • Foot Pedal automatic transmission system
  • Large 46-inch cutting deck with reverse mowing capability
What We Didn't Like
  • Loose steering
  • No adequate suspension system in place
  • Needs regular maintenance

Final Thoughts

If you don’t have the time needed to invest in maintaining this machine then you will be better off with other models. Heavy-duty gas-powered lawn mowers have a drawback of the need for regular maintenance, so be prepared for it. Other than that, we recommend this beast of a machine for serious mowing businesses. 

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