Thanks for making videos on the Pony. We've had ours approx, 20 years we think. One day I'll dig up paperwork and see for sure, but it's been a gem. For the most part we only cut about a half acre 6 months out of the year, but have taken it to cut other properties from time to time. We have replaced the belt, (my husband and I) it wasn't too bad for 2 people. Had to get a breaker bar to do it. We just replaced the spark plug this year and had to adjust the valves. We've also replaced the blades maybe twice. We are not mechanics, just determined DIYers and appreciate great people like you who make videos to help us!! Not all heroes wear capes. :)

What a fine video! You really gave this mower an excellent rundown, and I found your references to additional informative videos you've made really useful. I'm currently selling my 2017 Pony, which seems identical you yours except for having the 15.5 HP Briggs. I put a link to this video in my Craigslist ad, so potential buyers could access the info you provided. I initially bought the mower for my dad, but he started using a service so I've only mowed his yard with it a few times. Thought it did a fine job, though. Really, my only quibble is the lack of anti-scalp wheels. Thanks for putting up this useful video! keep up the good work!

This is a very sturdy and well built mower. I thought I wouldn't like the foot operated speed control but after one use kzfaq.infoUgkxTZSPVwJFBv2hORqhQamtxi-tAe5K2EtC , I can't believe I ever had one without it. It drives like a car with an automatic transmission. Easy to adjust mowing speed according to grass depth/thickness. I have yet to get used to the long throw of the blade engagement lever but kind of get why it is that way. It allows you to hold mowing for short moments if you need. The engine seems very substantial and the frame has very little flex, both adding up to an impressive package. All my previous tractors were 18 to21 hp with 42in decks. This one is 23/46. I mow about 1.5 acres about every 5 days here in Alaska and that mowing time has been reduced by about 20%, partly due to the very tight turning radius. No loop arounds lol. Hour meter, cruise control, reverse mowing capability,deck cleanout and easy assembly all add up to a very well thought out tractor.

You can disarm the safety lockouts for no cutting in reverse and even the seat sensor with ease. There is a metal thingy that gets bumped by the shift rod when you put it in reverse and it's connected to a spade connector that is part of the safety system. Just disconnect the spade connector. You can take the spade connectors on the left side of the seat off too to disable the seat safety switch which I've found to be annoying because if you go over lots of bumps it can trigger momentarily and make the engine sputter. Of course be careful though and I'm not responsible if you mess up or whatever.

Ok so I came to look at what to expect for the one I just got because I've never had a riding mower before. Thank u for these videos. This is helpful

Hay thanks man my neighbor has a Troy built mower and he needed his blades removed but I’ve never owned a ridin mower so your video on blade removal helped me to help him remove those blades. thanks again

Pretty solid mower that is value oriented. Same belt in 8 years is impressive!

I just picked one of these up from my neighbor for free today. Gave it an oil change and needs a battery, but it runs. Thanks for your videos.

I've got the 2015 15.5 hp engine in my Troy Bilt Pony...same as you, very little trouble, reliable, easy to do maintenance. I use it to mow, tote stuff around, and to drag my gravel driveway...I love to Briggs and Stratton engine...very powerful. This year, I changed the blades and while I had the deck off, I changed the blades drive belt at the same time. Not easy as pie to do but easily do-able. I installed a voltmeter on it to see how the charging system is doing. I made a tow pin out of a piece of rebar bent into a J shape... turned the J upside down and drilled a hole in a couple of inches up the long part of the J. I put a removable cotter pin in the hole to keep the hitch secure.

My Troy Bilt Pony takes on 1.5 acres every week and has required very little maintenance. Good rider!

I have used this model since 2011 and changed the belt once.

Thank you for the video. I have the pony x with the Toro 547cc engine, I've run it less than 100 hours, but so far so good.

i do 1.5acres with a push mower and I'm tired of it so I'm doing a bunch of research to find a good mower. this was a very thorough vid and helped me out a lot. appreciate it!

So happy watched video! Have 2021 Pony 42 it is really fast, now I know how to slow it down. Its powerful bought a TSC

Have had my Pony for about 6 years and your pros and cons are all spot on. I paid $999 for it. The only non-regular maintenance issue I have had is one of the blade belt pulleys broke out in the center but it was an easy and cheap fix. Other than that, just take care of her and she’ll take care of your lawn. I always change the filters, oil and clean my deck manually as well yearly.

I’ve had mine for over 5 years and have had no problems . And you can easily mow in reverse. Just disconnect the safety plug and that’s it !

my N779 Pony from 2005 much older than this and still going, I DO NOT advise anyone to do this unless you know what you're doing , but I removed the engine shut off safety so I can mow in reverse. I also carry a long reach tool and canvas bag onboard to pick up debris without having to get off the mower. Added the mulch kit, the anti-scalp wheels, they help and LED headlights too, they sure beat those dim incandescent.

You sold me. My 1994 Toro 12-38X transmission just blew apart today after 26 years of very hard use (and abuse). From your video, I can see all the improvements to riding mowers over the past 26 years. At $1,299 delivered from the local TSC, it's a no-brainer. I no longer abuse lawn mowers, because I don't want to go to lawn mower abuser Hell.

I've got a Troy-Bilt TB 30R (the smallest riding mower they make) - have had it for 6 years now and it's never given me a problem. I also have a TB push mower that I bought a couple years ago (replaced my Lawnboy, which the direct-drive broke after just one year).

I have the DOM 2018 Pony. I paid either 1k or 1.1k. Now it's almost 2k at HD. It's held up fairly well in three years and I don't have any major complaints. I like that you don't have to keep your foot on a pedal to keep it moving. I can mow in reverse which was difficult to learn. I do not try to turn the wheel very tightly when turning around as I think that will be a problem down the road from just listening to the way the gears handle. The major thing I don't like about it is it has no oil filter. That and the oil drain plug is hard to get to. The seat is comfortable to sit on. I don't feel like it's vibrating me to death and it goes fairly fast. Plus, it's red.

Just bought a used one last month, I got it looking like a new one, so far so good

If you want to bypass the kill switch to keep the blades running in reverse, follow the reverse rod down and you will see it contacts a metal tab when placed in reverse. I bent my tab over so it can’t make contact and kill the engine. Saves so much time when having to backup.

I have a 2008 Pony with the 17.5 hp Briggs . I still use it weekly. The engine starts and runs perfectly. I run Mobil 1 oil. I noticed a small crank shaft oil drip and replaced the shaft seal last year. While I had the machine out of service I replaced the blade spindles as a precaution. My only complaint involves scalping on ground that is not level. The scalping wheel kit is somewhat affective but has limitations probably because the kit is mounted on the rear of the deck. As long a parts are available I expect to get many many more years out of the mower.

There is a way to get it to mow in reverse. Behind the left rear tire, coming off the shift linkage, there's a small blade connector. Simply unplug that and tuck it up out of the way. You have to look for it, just follow the wires. Another tip. If you need to replace the spark plug, or do anything to the front of the engine or mower, to give you some room, tilt the hood forward. Then lift straight up on it. It sits on a couple of pins and is real easy to remove. I use a snow plow with mine and it makes it real easy to install and remove the plow. Hope that helps anyone who watches this or reads this comment. Thanks for posting the video, Flip.

Fantastic video! Best one I've seen. Thank you. So I just bought a house a month ago and in the deal included a Troy Bilt same model as yours here on the video. Just a 2015. Before using it we changed it's fuel filter, belt and blades. Put in new oil and it has a full tank of gas. The problem that I'm having with it is that after a bit of cutting it will shut off on me. The engine will turn as if it may catch but it won't. I've been out there 20-30 min trying to get it to crank back an nothing. Finally I give up and push it back to it's parking spot. I'm thinking it's either the fuel pump or the spark plug. Any suggestions are appreciated.

I've got almost the same mower but mine is a bit older and I love doing lawn care and it makes the job way easier than yousing a push mower I only have one camplat which is that when you go to work on the mower there is a flat metal plate On the back of the mower and there is no way to take it off so you just have to work around it. But other than that I have no complaints about the mower.

Thank you so much for the video! Have you heard of much problems with vibration from the mower deck?

Question..... do you know what part number is the discharge chute, for this specific model? Thank you in advance.

Great video!

You made a video several years ago regarding using Gator blades on your Troy Bilt. I just got the same mower and I am wondering if the extra width and weight of those wider Gator blades may cause too much strain on the engine. I know that I accidently installed the wrong size blades on a Craftsman mower once and I think it did some kind of damage to the engine but I am just guessing about that. I just wondered if you have an opinion about this as I would really like to try those blades when it comes time for me to change/sharpen blades on this new mower. Thank you. Very helpful videos!

Nice video...nice lines on the cut as well

I hate to admit this, but it is a testimonial to the 17.7hp B&S. I got mine in 2013 at Lowes. It had some carb work done on it so it was marked down to $1000, I offered the manager $800 and he took it. Now I have to admit I have not changed the oil, or any filters, and stored out side in Michigan. I have only a quarter acre to cut weekly. Other then changing blades, flat tires, battery, and a twice broken PTO cable, zero maintenance. Continues to do the job. I do check the oil level and top it off once with a couple ounces. I did buy a set of new belts, but they're on standby.

I’ve had my troy Bilt pony for nine years got a brand new in 2014 I am now having an issue with the steering rod/drag link and the nut holding it down is stripped for some reason it won’t come off or even tighten down

Mine cuts in reverse without any issues. I eliminated all that safety junk because I like to get done when I mow and I also don’t have to disengage the blades if I decide to get off of it while they are engaged. Mine is also fixing to get a 24 horsepower twin cylinder on it.

That’s funny! A thousand dollar mower that that sells for $2100 at Lowe’s in 2024. I like Troy-Bilt. They’re fairly easy to fix when they do break even, though they may break a little more often. However, they’re cheap and easy to fix. I just purchased one that is refurbished and has a rebuilt Craftsman branded Briggs & Stratton 18 hp Intek with an oil filter that has been rebuilt. Only paid $600 with it being refurbished and having new belts, a one-year-old battery and that engine, which is awesome. Mine is a Pony as well. They used market for Roddy lawnmowers is doing very well. People refuse to pay over $2000 for a 42 inch cut machine.

I just got the pony 42x and so far only complaint is when u let off the break the engagement is pretty harsh. Idk if that will calm down over time but still for the price it was the best mower.

My 1st troybuilt riding mower lasted 12 years .I got a new one today love it seat so soft .love it so much.easy to understand love that not hard to do.

Does not having a floating deck cause you any problems? Our ground can get bumpy because of some recent construction. Thanks for the video

Why does the mower catcher plug up if it it not on a higher speed.

Bought a 2008 model and only changed oil and replaced blades still running great on .95 tenths acre yard will always buy Troy Built

At the end of the day for $1000 bucks, you can't beat it. Yeah, to a certain extent there's a lot of junk you can buy out there as far as lawn & garden equipment goes but proper maintenance, oil changes, winterizing, proper storage you can really make that $1000 go a long way. I love to buy fancy stuff too but for a cheap 42" deck, it does well. I used to cut with a old john deere riding mower from the 90s that was sold as an "economy" option in Sears. It was sold under the Scotts brand or the Sabre brand, but it was the cheapest john deere mower you can get in 1997 and my neighbor used it up until a few years ago and I bought it for $100 used it for five years. Why not.

Any idea how to lubricate the front axles mines pretty tight about two years newer than yours? Thanks

Wow looks good, can’t believe you never had to replace the drive belt. I broke two of those mowers within a year. Much bigger property though. But still, it chewed threw a dozen belts, steel of the cutting deck failed and cracked where the spindles mount onto it. I ended up retiring one and used it for spare parts for the other.

I guess this is going to be the closest I can find on your channel to what I am trying to figure out. I have a year older model (2011) that has been working great but developed a problem this year that I can't figure out. I've fixed lots of things on the mower, and do the general maintenance myself, but diagnostics isn't my strong suit. The mower starts fine, really easily, but while it runs, it has this very odd rev / fading problem. It's very cyclic, seems to slow down or speed up depending on the speed of the engine and the fade part of the cycle actually feels like it's dragging on the engine. If this thing was a 4 cylinder engine, I'd say one spark plug was bad, but it's only got one! I cleaned out the carburator, changed the fuel filter and air filter, changed the oil at the end of last year, and got it a new battery (not related, it just needed one). I'm reading about something called a flywheel key and wondering if, a,) does this machine have one, and b.) would a sheared one cause this kind of behavior? As far as I know, this mower hasn't hit any immovable objects, something I read can cause a sheared flywheel key, but it's usually operated by my 20 y.o. son and anything is possible. Then again, I may be on the totally wrong track. Do you know of any other issue that might cause this kind of behavior? I'm afraid I just can't resist trying to pick the brain of someone who has this same mower. :p Sorry. Also on this machine, have you ever had to tighten the clutch / brake cable? I figured I'd ask if you had any pointers to offer on that repair. No worries if you haven't. I will just keep looking. Thanks!!!

What are black guilds called they open and close on deck pulleys

Whats the valve setting, igot a 500 cc power bilt.

Thank you for the video.

Question... I watched your deck leveling video. Whenever I try to adjust the front of the deck, the left side (sitting on the mower) raises up considerably before the right side (chute side.) Its throwing the left/right level off. Doesn't help to adjust the front/back level as it only lets the back down. Hope you can make sense sense of what Im trying to say lol. Any suggestions? Its the 13AN77KG 2008. Thanks.

Thank you for your terrific, detailed videos. Can you tell me, is there a way to add no-scalp wheels to this mower? I got mine use (same exact model as yours) and I noticed my lawn is brownish after the first cut. (just bought last week) and I also saw someone that showed on a different video that the front tip of the mower is supposed to be higher than the rear. You show in your other video of - How to Level the Deck, that the front should be lower than the rear. Can you please confirm and explain why ? Thank you again so much., just trying to learn.

Much appreciated!

very helpful! would this handle plowing snow?

I bought same model in 2013 but today hit a stump after 7 years and now blades don't engage and manual PTO is move freely. Do you have a video about that.

In the spring of 2019 I bought a brand new 42" Bronco version of the same tractor mower. I used it to mow about 3 acres one to two times a week for the first summer. Within about seven trips out, the PTO cable snapped. It's a tiny cable, so with some much heavier cable guided by a copper tube, I fabri-cobbled a heavy duty fix. Aside from that, the mower performed fantastically. I was surprised at the amount of abuse it could take in the form of speed, tall grass, and finding things in the grass. I usually mow at 2" or so. This acreage was previously owned by a scrap metal guy and for the first month I hit all manner of cables, steel, tarps, and whatnot hidden in the grass. Only a handful of times did something actually stall the engine. I would also like to add, unless the stick is of a certain size, I run them over and this mower took that punishment with ease. I got caught mowing after a dark a lot, so I added rock lights to the frame and back and some cheap-o LED lights to the front so I could see. I also added a digital voltage display to monitor any possible problems with the additional lighting, and there were none. The electrical system seems robust enough to handle small additions (19+ volts with no accessories at full throttle and no lower than 14.5 volts with everything on at full throttle). It's a good mower for $1,200.

This video was really helpful.

Can you add scalp wheels to this model, or have you even considered it? I just bought one today and I have a hill that got scalped...lol

Not a bad mower for the money. I paid roughly $1000 for mine in 2012. In hindsight, I'd have bought something a bit nicer. The deck is okay, but really needs the anti-scalp wheels on it. Not the easiest thing to take off and put back on, but isn't big of a hassle if you're mechanically inclined, or can watch a few of the KZfaq videos out there. I've had issues with the deck not being level and the steering wearing out (steering shaft, steering gear, etc) The steering is caused by a hill that I mow where I have to lean to one side which puts a lot of pressure on the steering and then a couple of tight turns. One of the main complaints about this is the steering and the issue there is mainly caused by the hard left/right steering and the hills. My chief complaint is the deck and frame don't seem to be very heavy (maybe 14 gauge?, if it were 12 or 13 gauge, it might feel a bit stiffer and not as "cheap"..) Overall, for $1000-ish bucks, you really can't go wrong. It's been reliable outside of a few repairs and is probably the best deal you money can buy if you're looking for a no frills, simple, cheap (if money is a factor in your purchase) mower out there.

Thank you for sharing.

I have the troy-bilt pony 2010 model. I got it from my sister that had a bad motor. It was a 17.5 hp bs . I had an old craftsman with a good 15.5 horsepower Kohler Command engine that ran real good so I put it in there and used it for a couple of years and it finally died so I got one of those Harbor Freight 22 horsepower engines and put in it and it is a beast now I use it to Bush Hog tall fields and I use it also to cut all my other properties because I didn't want to wear out my new Craftsman mower on everybody else's stuff I did also some modifications to it. I welded a bumper on it and put me a harbor freight light bar kit on it so I can cut at night but I have no other problems with it the deck was in good shape it was like new when I got it and I have not had to change anything but maybe a belt and blades. also put the tractor tires on the back because I cut a lot of low property where it is wet to keep me from getting stuck other than that I have no complaints about it It is not as smooth of a ride as either of my craftsman mower and not a tighter turn but put in low gear and Bush hog all day long.

I love MTD products. Not a fan of their Cub Cadet's and hydrostatic transmissions in general, but the rest of their products are really nice. My Yard Machine that I purchased in 2002 still runs very well. I recently got a new Troy-Bilt Bronco last August to replace my Yard Machine because the mowing deck on my Yard Machine had multiple holes in it. I took the deck off and use my Yard Machine for plowing my driveway in the winter now. I had vibrations from the mowing deck of my new Troy-Bilt when I first used it, so I changed out the blades to see if that was the issue and it was. Must be one of the new blades weren't balanced properly.

just curious, when you wash it, do you just turn the hose on the whole thing or do you just wipe down certain parts?

A small gas tank is a plus with ethanol gas the shelf life is about 30 days better to keep adding fresh gas often.

there is a little wire where the blade engaging lever is , if you remove that wire it'll cut in reverse :/ also you can buy pass the "person siting on it " the same way . just 2 little wires and unplug :/ iv done it on my troybuilt xp horse , mtd

Really useful video. I just came across them. I recently purchased the snow blade attachment period in the docks that came with it, there seems to be a requirement to remove the decklid. Is this necessary?

You have had great luck with yours I have the same one didn’t have as good luck lol but I’m going to pick a new one today so hopefully I will have the luck you have lol thanks for video

I bought a Troy Bilt in 2008 a d still cutting with it, but it has been the worse mower I have ever had before constantly working on it like the spindles, belts, bearings, blades, the deck started cracking, so I had to weld it the hood of the mower had to be welded where it was separating nothing, but repairs all the time, but engine has done well no complaints.

Nicely done

I had to replace the bearings on the spindles last year. Mine is a 2012. The main complaint I have is the cut height, numbers 1,2, & 3 are useless, #4 is the lowest I can go and I mostly use #5. Perhaps the linkage is set up wrong. I've set the wheels up with the recommended tire pressure. Can anyone tell me what the minimum and maximum blade height is for this mower? That would give me a good starting point.

Thanks again!

I purchased a used one that was maintained. All year up until now it worked great. I mow awhile and then it just shuts down.stops. I wait a few minutes, it starts up, I go a short distance and it shuts off again to the point I can’t restart it. Is something over heating? Is it not getting enough fuel ? I am not mechanically handy but would like to save $ fixing it myself. Thank you.

About to buy one in great shape tomorrow. What would u consider a good price for this? I'd appreciate any input

I got a new 2019 Troy bilt pony I had for 4 months now and I love it I cut 3 acres with it and it does fine but how do you know when you're at your 50 hours for your old change it don'ts come with hour meter?

Check you tension arm and always make sure all spindle, pullies and arm tension bolts are tight because after 3 years I had to buy both bushings and arm for mine. The bolt came lose enough to rock up and down and beat grooves in the arm and both bushings. The tension pully would lift up and down about 1 inch and I didn't catch it in time. Al way check them at least once a month while using it. The tension pully should be as tight as the other pullies .Hope this helps somebody...GOD bless!!!

I have one starts every year. Have had to change battery. I tried to raise the deck. It is really not that easy. See if you can actually level the deck. I had a real fight. The I can only cut my lawn at the highest setting. I would like to make it more adjustable. Have any ideas.

Hello,...I need your help. Got a new Pony 2 months ago and now I have it in the shop for maintenance. From day one the motor & Pony drove great,..but as soon as I engaged the deck the vibration was just too excessive. I took it back and got a 2nd one and it did the exact same thing. No one at Troy could provide any help. I took it to Maint. yard yesterday and I expect a call soon. The shop was mostly closed down and only 1 kid about 20 years old. He didn't look like he knew much,..just doing the paper work. The problem could be blades out of balance, or a dozen other things with the deck. Other deals just said it is the cheap Chineese mfg. Just standing next to the mower I can move the deck side to side by 3+ inches. When I drive it the cutting deck seams to surge faster then slower almost like a bad carborator but when I drive it without engaging the deck it is as smooth as you would ever want. Please help. My last mower was a Yard Machine and lasted 20 years until I had a shop work on it and it never ran again. Which there was a way I could contact you for help.

You can pull the safety feature off it’s located under the back of the mower then you can cut in reverse I did it to mine

Can you add anti-scalp wheels to this model?

Enjoyed the video and I was wondering if you can use 30 weight or 10w30 oil. What's the difference?

i bought mine brand new in 2015. I've went through 2 belts 2 pto cables, pulley weld snapped off. it's been nothing but problems for me

I love mine too but Iam a little rough on it though. But I need to change the deck

Hey man, what’s the part number for the air filter and fuel filter?? I just got one from my neighbor and it needs some TLC.

I have a 2011 pony that I got via someone leaving it at my rental house.. I’ve been working on it for like a month because of all the problems it had.. I’ve replaced every belt on it cleaned and rebuilt the carb did a valve adjustment ect.. I don’t really like the build quality at all and you can tell that it was cheaper model. I quess they would be ok if you were careful with them (which my ex tenant must not have been 😂) & you maintained them, but currently mine is living up to the name (MTD; Multiple Problems Daily 😂)

Have a 1995 that runs. Got another that I am not sure of the age. It needs a tune up. Cannot complain.

I got a 2017 Pony it has been good mower . it has got stuck between forward & reverse a few times , last summer the brake was getting stuck you break and let off be going slow for 30 foot them it take off , the 2 small pins on the break need to be greased every other season 20 minute fix .

Is there an hour meter?

Have you ever attached a dethatcher to it?

You can mow in reverse look under the back and unplug the wire.

Briggs & Staton are great engines - the manufacturing plant in Statesboro, GA - gives a $5000 Christmas Bonus to employees - based on Warranty Returns - so the employees are determined to produce good solid engines. Plus the engines are easy to get parts and make repairs to. I had a Honda - the carburetor kept condensing water - and would freeze and crack in the winter.

Where is the manual bypass control to allow you to push the mower manually without the rear wheels being locked???

The hood on the old tractor is 3 parts two sides and hood and oh yeah the grill I fixed

I haven't had no problems with the engine on the 04

Does it have a mulch blade?

i just got me one but not use on the year i was told by my friend its a 2-11 but the seat says 2013 and under the hood says 2011

I have this same year and model.

I have one mine was manufactured January 20th 2013 I just changed the blades on mine this last Sunday and the blaze were eat up I dread having to change the belts there is a wire on the left side rear that you can unplug and cut grass backwards I was going to fix mine that way.My coworker came to my house with some longer wrenches to get my blades off,and then Last Monday I went to Home Depot to buy new blades and I put them on.

I've seen reviews and comparisons to the higher Bronco model. They indicate the extra few hundred dollars for the Bronco is worth it.

Psst! Theres a little plug at the rear passenger wheel, you unplug it and you can cut in reverse. At least on my 2009 there is. Zip tie it up so it doesn't get caught in anything.

Is this model good for hills and slopes?

It will cut in reverse if you unhook the safety switch

What about the wire cable that turns the blades.its broken.

How the horsepower?