Hey Everyone - I state in the video that the mower does not mow in reverse. Many people have commented below on how this is done. Thanks to everyone for commenting and helping out!
@Alan Silverman Correct. The yellow button on the key start when depressed will allow the mower to cut in reverse. It must be repeated if the motor is shut off. My mower was great for 50 hours and now needs a belt adjustment or a new belt.
This model doesn’t require the reverse safety switch to be disengaged. Read the instructions. Keep the key in the yellow section and just push the button. Viola!
This mower does actually have mowing in reverse capability. If you pause the video where he shows the key start, you will notice the yellow triangle as well as an indicator light to the right near the red square. Once the mower is running and the key is in the green section, you turn the key counter clock wise into the yellow section and press and hold down the yellow triangle. That will turn on the indicator light it engages the mowing in reverse feature. You then can run the mower, with the blade engaged, in forward and in reverse.
I've had this mower 5 years now. I bought it for $600.00 from my brother in law who used it twice. Wouldn't fit through his gate. The TB 30R is the best mower I've ever owned and never had a single problem with it in 4 years. Routine maintenance premium gas and keeping it clean is how she is problem free.
Thank you for a thorough review. I appreciate you taking the time to explain the controls- I had my daughter watch this video and it helped her a lot to understand the features and controls better. This video is the best review
I've had one for 5 years. I got it from Lowes and they delivered it for 999. I think they are about 1200 now. I have a small yard and my parents lived 5 houses down from me and I cut their yard too. I weight about 280 and it pulls me fine. It's easy to sharpen the blade. I just lift the front end up and sat it on cat litter plastic buckets. Because the engine is in the back, it's easy to do. I change the oil twice a season. I disconnect the battery and cover the battery connects for winter. I may need a new battery this year. I'll buy another Mower like this when this ones shot. Oh yes, air in tires. 30 in the front and 15 in the back. Thanks for your review. I like to hear what others have to say.
My new one backfired and blew the boot off the spark plug then the plug under the key fell out on its own. If it won't start check these things first. I love mine plus I have the bagger. $1700 in 2021!
Your mower has a “safety” built in for mowing in reverse. Turn the key back 1/4 turn into the yellow and hold the yellow/orange triangle down until the red light comes on and there you go mowing in reverse.
I have the bagger. Can't find any who paid extra for that. I've had a few issues with this machine bit overall I love it and it cuts as nice as my TB push mower. No more sweaty hot days pushing!
I just bought one in really great shape for $50 with a snapped connecting rod. My intention was using it for parts for a 30 year old Noma rear engine lawn tractor but I had a spare engine and I love this thing. Really easy engine swap too.
The safety procedure for mowing in reverse can be bypassed by disconnecting one wiring connector. It is located under the seat, not directly but further below in a little pocket of the frame. It is in plain view but may need a flashlight. There are several videos on here that show how. Once disconnected you will be able to mow in reverse without doing anything extra except for putting the mower in reverse.
Yes, it's easy to disable the government's 'safety' switches on the mower. I have the craftsman mower and have disabled the reverse safety and the chair exit engine kill switch. The rest of the safeties I think are useful and necessary (blade cover etc). It is very easy to disable the safety switches which are an annoyance and just a few years ago unheard of.
Just bought one for my home.. I have to modify the seat so it extends a bit more so it's not such a pain to lift your leg.. sometimes you'll need to stop or slow down so without having a gas pedal, you need to have easy access to the brake.
Maybe for you. Just bought one, it runs for about 15 minutes then shuts down. The blade makes all kinds of racket. The transmission will lock into reverse and it takes quite a bit of fiddling to get it unstuck. I took it back to Orchelin they say no returns, got to get a hold of Troy Bilt. Troy Bilt has a list of warranty and service shops in my area. Know one wants to take it for a variety of different reasons. From is it a Chinese motor to we don't do TroyBilt warranties anymore. It takes 3 days to mow my little yard because i have to wait until it decides to start again. As of right now, this is the biggest piece of garbage I've ever purchased. Can't even get Troy-Bilt on the phone. I'd love to throw the piece of garbage through their store front in Ohio.
I am a disabled vet unable to mow my lawn with a traditional push mower because of a spinal cord injury and combined with the fact my yard is slanted, I live on the side of a rolling hill, I can’t push or walk behind a mower. This mower works great going up or down the hill, sitting on the side of the seat is necessary if going across the hill so it doesn’t flip. This isn’t because of a design error but a narrow axle width. I bought this particular mower because it will easily fit through the fence gate without any modifications. Because it had a dead battery when I bought it I got a real good discount. The batteries are like $29.00 and received $100.00 off. After charging the battery, it worked great. I’ve used it for an entire season and would be lost without it. I have had excellent service from this mower and would buy it again without any hesitation. Like others have stated, once running, turn the key from the green position to the yellow position and then push the triangle button, a red LED light will illuminate and the mower can be put into reverse while mowing. It literally takes 3-4 seconds to do so I haven’t disabled the reverse or seat switch as it’s really a non issue. The blades still cut well after one season however because I like this mower so much I want to do maintenance and keep it running well. I highly recommend. If there was one thing I’d change it would be the ability to clean the deck off after mowing. I normally rinse off the mower after mowing and noticed grass and water get trapped on the mower deck.
@@100Aces Not to sure where you live, my house has a regular yard, flat, just at an angle from front to back. I also don’t mow like I stole it since my L-3 to S-1 is nothing but bone on bone with one of the disks caught between the vertebrae and the outer spine column pinching off the nerves to my left leg, causing it to severely atrophy with loss of of any movement or felling. So yeah, even tho you tried to call me out for whatever reason, I guess you can now live a happy life. Don’t worry, this second injury was after the Navy performed a laminectomy from my first injury. I waited a couple months to recover then volunteered to deploy again and was rewarded with this second injury causing me to be handicapped for the rest of my life. I’d be happy to send you pictures! I hoped you got something out of my comments about the mower, hate to think you were just trolling.
@@janej813 thank you for your kind words! God has blessed me in more ways and times than I can count. I truly don't deserve all the blessings however, God never stops giving.
Just repeating some of what others said and a little more. This is the same as the Craftsman R110, Murray M105-30, and other MTD (who actually makes these) mowers. So unplug the safety switch for the reverse cut, instead of doing that switch thing, if you want to not deal with. If you look through the slot on the reverse handle slot you can see it. As far as the seat switch, to me it is kind of weird to remove this function, noted by other comments on this thread. It protects you if you fall of or get off while in gear the mower will shutoff, but to each his/her on this topic. Also note the seat on these do adjust, there are bolts under the seat to adjust to your comfort, but maybe different on different brand names, I have the Craftsman. Lastly, like I said this is the same mower as the MTD made Craftsman R110, which you can get at Lowe's for $999~$1299 depending on your location and if it is on sale. The MTD mad Murray I found the pricing @ $1100 at Walmart. I bought the Craftsman version as Lowe's had a good sale plus my military discount made the decision easy. The Troy built prices seems a little higher, around $100~$200 from what I seen, but may not be where you are. So look before leaping would be my suggestion in saving a few $$ as there are a few brand names using the same MTD mower. Just labeling and paint scheme changes are made for the most part from what I have gathered, but do you own investigation.
Thanks for the review…I was going to purchase one of these mowers on Amazon but thanks to your review I changed my mind…I have a yard where you’ll have to reverse a lot☹️
I have the craftsman version of this which is basically the same thing. It’s a very practical mower but it has been great for me going on it’s third summer I believe. You can disconnect the safety switch to allow you to mow in reverse. I also took the deck guard off and rigged up that safety switch as well. Dangerous, yes. Do I get clobbered with grass when it’s breezy outside? Absolutely. However, if you are careful with the guard being off it really spreads out your clippings so that it doesn’t throw it out in clumps. And even if my yard has gotten slightly out of hand and tall/thick it seems to always look nice.
That mower has the override button which is the yellow button and in order to work is to turn the key to the center position and press the yellow button and wait till the red light comes on and that allows you to mow in reverse
My new one backfired and blew the boot off the spark plug! Another time the plug under the key fell out on its own! This could happen to you too! Lucky I can troubleshoot. So, if you won't start for any reason check these 2 things first.
1:38 If you look at the place the key goes into you will see an yellow triangle, if you turn the key back just a bit and press that triangle it will light up, that means you can cut in reverse and you only have press it once every time your start the mower.
Reverse is no problem. I have used this mower for 5 years. You have to put it in the middle when the light comes on your ok to mow in reverse with the blade engaged.
After 29 days I'm returning to Lowe's the Craftsmen 30" mower. The break is very hard to press and while releasing it to drive to front or to back the mower is often standing up on the back 2 wheels. Very dangerous plus smallest uneven ground (less as 12% or lager hole in the ground) I felt as the machine will overturn. It's true that the price is very affordable, easy to maneuver front wheels but the shaft to change gear hard to reach if you are on uneven terrain because you need to balance with your body the mower to avoid flip over. Another experience is that even if I changed the gear from REVERSE to FRONT (while pressing break) the mower was going to reverse! It started to move to front after I once again pressed the break and released it. Please also note that if you purchase that mower with the store delivery, you can return the mower during 30 days from the date of purchase NOT delivery date. If you got Lowe's delivery 10 days after the date of purchase you are left with only 20 days to return it.
Remember this video is 3 years old this mower is now $1499 I bought mines from Troy Bilt and it was $1729 shipped out the door. These mowers are hot now . They are good from a lot to just a Thad bit over a acre . All of these mini lawn tractors 🚜 are hard to find. They sell out so fast
I have the same mower, you made a comment that you can't mower in reverse but you can, turn the key all the on then turn it half way back to off and the blade will stay engage allowing you to mower n reverse, I do it all the time on my yard
My Mom has had this for a few years at least and she loves it. It does cut well. But the mower does mow in reverse without disengaging the blade. You turn the key to the left one click and press the yellow triangle. I just don’t know how to lower the steering wheel.
the main reason l bought it two years ago was because the motor is in the back. l have COPD and did not want to inhale fumes from the others with motor up front..my main beef about it are the controls to go forward , reverse and neutral. Its a CLUNKER and there are times when l have to use two hands to move into position.
Had a mower like this for a 75x175 feet. Wouldn't use it for anything larger. Was fine for a decade, then bought a new one. Simple, cheap, reliable and effective...
There ok for small lawns. I had to work on one recently. To get to the carburetor is a hassle...I practically tore it apart trying to get to the fouled carburetor. I can see repairmen charging extra for this unit, either Troy-bilt or its Craftsman sibling.
I got one of these as a Father’s Day present to mow and finish up an 1/4 acre area off the back of our main 1.8 acre yard which I have the yard guys do. I used it this afternoon and was surprised how it it was to use. It will only be used a few times a year so I think it will do fine.
To me, the biggest thing lacking is anti-scalp wheels. I have been searching for a kit to add on, but so far haven't found anything made for this mower. And believe me, it WILL scalp uneven lawns!!
I've honestly never looked. please let me know if you find that. I've not had that issue but I'm sure it could happen. I imagine you could either find them or look for a more expensive mower where they are applicable... or level your yard. Loads of options here. lol
@@kaiprojectsdiy Hey man, just bought same mower used - I've confused myself looking on-line for oil change and filter info - any good instructions on that? Tks
@@roybryant953 Mine didn’t come equipped with a filter. Oil drain is down next to the deck on the side. Believe same side muffler is on. Should have gotten a short section of plastic hose to attach to the drain, or else something like a hose cut in half longway.
Bought one of these. The steering would stick, had plastic body, Shifter was between the legs and a weird shift pattern, Jerked hard going into gear, not user friendly, returned to the store and bought a Snapper classic rider. (Unfortunately I dont think they're made anymore)?
It does cut in reverse with key set in safety reverse mode...Ive had this mower 5 years, still runs fine but has NEVER cut even. Causing the rider(me) to have to pretty much overlap path by half the deck, meaning it takes twice as long to mow lawn if you want your grass to look close to even...very annoying for a 1000.00 USD mower.No deck adjustment available. Real hard on your back too. I regret buying it to this day.
The only complicated part of this mower is the 5 safety interlock switches, SEAT, PTO, REVERSE, BRAKE, and DISCHARGE COVER. The BRAKE and the PTO can prevent the mower from cranking, the SEAT, REVERSE, and DISCHARGE COVER will kill the mower ignition. If the mower won't crank it's probably because the brake isn't depressed the blade is engaged, or one the two switches in not engaged or bad. If it cranks buy won't start it's probably because it's in reverse, the discharge cover is displaced, your not on the seat, or one of these 3 switches is bad or not engaged.
Mine cuts in reverse. It's a bit of a stunt to push the button and hold my happy thoughts about it...That said there is a way to disable the reverse mowing safety features, I would not do that. I have mastered the button and need all the safety I can get.
I got this mower (older model TB30) for free. My yard is not smooth and with the jumping when letting off the brake and the wheels locking when turning you could kill yourself., especially when grass is damp, the front wheels can lock all the way to either side and with no weight over them you it can slide you right into something. also being use to my old larger Troy rider I would rather have it move forward when I push down like a gas pedal as opposed to just letting off the brake like it's a car with a stuck accelarator and having to brake to slow it down.
Absolutely. I have a video of the speed painting I did for the cover. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cTwf9NeE7_0.html I also have an art channel with more of my art ru-vid.com/show-UCt6tfoLEMU6uZkRzs2KUzVw
Does it look like the top of the engine has clearance to add a recoil pull start? They are only like $15 and would be good backup if battery is dead. The engine model should support one, they probably just remove it for cost savings.
That kinda bugged me that as a "person of knowledge" reviewing didn't know or didn't care that it was combo clutch/brake. Add that to his readers (watchers) having to tell him about the reverse all made so much more sense when I realized it was just his hook to hawk his book 🤔
From a review on Home Depot: Only problem encountered: Be sure to regularly grease the Steering Rack Bearing Support (metal frame thru which the steering rack plate slides) as this is subject to much wear and will cause sudden steering failure when reaches the point that it allows the rack plate to disengage from the pinion gear. This happened in 4th year and replaced part in less than 20 minutes and $22. Simple.
I bought a 2020 bronco 42 inch 19 horse power some guy bought a brand new. He used it 3 times has less than 10 hours on it. I paid 555 for it .Did I pay too much?The great morning
I had a question in regards to the hydrostatic bypass rod. What it shows in the manual doesn’t seem to be on my TBR30 unless I’m just totally missing it. If someone could post a picture or show me that would be awesome. I’m just trying to push it from my back yard to the front yard and it’s been a nightmare all day today lol
Kai, does your mower have a lot of play in the steering? Mine has an inch or two of play in either direction and trying to figure out how to fix that problem.
Your wrong. It has a setting on the key switch where you can mow in forward and reverse without disengaging in reverse! You can put the switch in the middle.. read your manual or the instructions on the key switch!!!!
This is a very sturdy and well built mower. I thought I wouldn't like the foot operated speed control but after one use ru-vid.comUgkxTZSPVwJFBv2hORqhQamtxi-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.
looks like it's doing a good job. also, i watched another guy's review and he showed how to lift the seat and on the right side of the mower he uplugged some little thingy and then the mower becomes a reverse mower also. You might want to check it out. Here's his video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-B4QpB7gw8ck.html
@@robertswift6101 yes but drive a 30 blade takes lot of power, as well as riding it most riders have a twin blade which allow for more restisance to stoping in tall grass.
the blade is easy to sharpen I just turn mine on the side and remove the blade and sharpen it. Replace the blade and ready to go. This is a great mower I love it!!
I slipped a rubber tube about 4 inches long and 3/8 inside diameter to the bottom of the shifter that negates contact to the sensor when shifting in reverse. Zoom Zoom!
