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98 Posts
Model: Troy-Bilt Bronco 13AJ609G766
Transmission: CVT, pedal operated
Engine: Briggs and Stratton Intek V-twin
HP: 18.5
Cut Width: 42 inches
Date of Manufacture: March 2004
Date of Purchase: July 2007 (used)
Operating Hours: Unknown
Hello all! I know that Troy-Bilt has a rather low reputation (at least the MTD sourced ones) so I'd like to take this opportunity to relate my experience with it.
In July of 2007, I was mowing merrily along on my then 25 year old Craftsman LTV-10 when it started acting like it was running out of fuel. I headed over to my fueling area, and upon idling the engine down, I heard a loud, repetitive CLACK. Turned out that the crankshaft was now missing 2 teeth from the timing gear. I figured it was time for a "new" mower, so I gave away the Craftsman.
Found the Bronco in the classified ads of the local paper. It looked good and ran good so I bought it. As an aside, some of the garbage that people were trying to sell made my non-running Craftsman look good.
Since purchase, the Bronco has been used for mowing my yard (approx 2/3 of an acre) and for 2 seasons also mowing another yard (approx 1 acre). Both yards are flat and mostly smooth. Towing has been limited to a small garden cart filled with tree trimmings or grass clippings.
Engine reliability: Have had only 1 engine problem in the past 8 years. A "no-start" condition was rectified by tapping lightly on the carburetor with a wooden hammer handle. Other than that one time, it always starts right up and runs smoothly. Oil and filter changed occasionally
Mower Deck: Blades replaced once or twice, currently running gator blades. Both spindles replaced for the first time in August 2015. Primary and secondary PTO belts have been replaced 2 or 3 times. Idler pulleys (except the double pulley) have been replaced at least once.
Transmission: Primary and secondary belts have been replaced once. Otherwise, no problems with the CVT.
CVT and PTO clutches: Both clutches are of the belt tensioning type. All idlers for both clutches have been replaced once.
Tires: Original with good tread. Still hold air for a decent amount of time.
The only gripe I have is that the hood opens only on the top, it has to be dismantled to get good access to the engine.
Some people may think that replacing all the idler pulleys may be excessive, but I feel that I got a reasonable lifespan out of them.
So there you have it. Perhaps my experience is unusual, but I'm reasonably satisfied with the performance of my lawn tractor.
EDIT: Pictures were taken while writing this review
Transmission: CVT, pedal operated
Engine: Briggs and Stratton Intek V-twin
HP: 18.5
Cut Width: 42 inches
Date of Manufacture: March 2004
Date of Purchase: July 2007 (used)
Operating Hours: Unknown
Hello all! I know that Troy-Bilt has a rather low reputation (at least the MTD sourced ones) so I'd like to take this opportunity to relate my experience with it.
In July of 2007, I was mowing merrily along on my then 25 year old Craftsman LTV-10 when it started acting like it was running out of fuel. I headed over to my fueling area, and upon idling the engine down, I heard a loud, repetitive CLACK. Turned out that the crankshaft was now missing 2 teeth from the timing gear. I figured it was time for a "new" mower, so I gave away the Craftsman.
Found the Bronco in the classified ads of the local paper. It looked good and ran good so I bought it. As an aside, some of the garbage that people were trying to sell made my non-running Craftsman look good.
Since purchase, the Bronco has been used for mowing my yard (approx 2/3 of an acre) and for 2 seasons also mowing another yard (approx 1 acre). Both yards are flat and mostly smooth. Towing has been limited to a small garden cart filled with tree trimmings or grass clippings.
Engine reliability: Have had only 1 engine problem in the past 8 years. A "no-start" condition was rectified by tapping lightly on the carburetor with a wooden hammer handle. Other than that one time, it always starts right up and runs smoothly. Oil and filter changed occasionally
Mower Deck: Blades replaced once or twice, currently running gator blades. Both spindles replaced for the first time in August 2015. Primary and secondary PTO belts have been replaced 2 or 3 times. Idler pulleys (except the double pulley) have been replaced at least once.
Transmission: Primary and secondary belts have been replaced once. Otherwise, no problems with the CVT.
CVT and PTO clutches: Both clutches are of the belt tensioning type. All idlers for both clutches have been replaced once.
Tires: Original with good tread. Still hold air for a decent amount of time.
The only gripe I have is that the hood opens only on the top, it has to be dismantled to get good access to the engine.
Some people may think that replacing all the idler pulleys may be excessive, but I feel that I got a reasonable lifespan out of them.
So there you have it. Perhaps my experience is unusual, but I'm reasonably satisfied with the performance of my lawn tractor.
EDIT: Pictures were taken while writing this review
