Troy-Bilt 3 in 1 TB566 Self-propelled mower

by Mark Halstead
(Gastonia, NC, USA)


I had the good fortune of buying this mower used for only $150. I saw it grinning from the highway and couldn't resist it. The trademark red paint was shining in the sun. The previous owner had prepared the mower for the winter, so it had no oil. Always a wary shopper, I waited until he was away to turn it over to make sure it had not seized. It seemed too good to be true. It wasn't!


When I got the mower home, before I put fresh oil in the crankcase, I pulled the cord once. Unbelievably, it started! I immediately shut it down and put it away until it was time to mow. When the time came to mow, I filled it with oil and gas and took off around my already-too-high lawn. This mower is wonderful. I have spent too many years with mowers that didn't want to start or couldn't handle grass that was just a little high. This mower mulches if you choose not to use the bag. The Briggs and Stratton 190cc engine produces 6.75 foot pounds of torque and handles even thick grass easily. I always wondered why Briggs never produced a car. The mower is self-propelled as much or as little as you like with a squeeze handle.

Needless to say, I love my Troy-Bilt. I expect plenty of good service from it so long as I take care of it. The only problem I have with the unit comes from my choosing not to use the bag. The front wheel drive assembly clogs with grass from time to time causing the drive belt to disengage. The mower mulches well, but some of the grass gets thrown through the slot where the belt exits the housing. Two screws are all one needs to remove in order to clear up the problem. I say Small price to pay. Great machine!

Comments for Troy-Bilt 3 in 1 TB566 Self-propelled mower

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Oct 08, 2010
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TB566
by: Holcoimb

I have had the TB566 for three years and put it through hell. i have never had the issues that Anonymous had, not saying that I won't though.

I have had an issue a couple of times with the belt coming off. I decided to replace it, all is well.

I think Anonymous may have bveen cutting wet grass or still slightly damp. If that was not the cause, I am perplexed. I live In north Georgia and never have these issues.

Apr 24, 2010
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My Troy Bullt 566
by: Anonymous

My old Sears mower went belly up. So I needed to by a new mower. I checked the local goodwill and swa this 566 has just been turned in for resale, 20 mins before I arrived. I bought it for 35.00, took it home, changed the filter and plug and it started off one pull !!

I LOVE IT


Oct 24, 2009
Rating
star
Mower deck clogs to easily
by: Troy

Contrary to prior comment, I bought this mower new and I have mowed my lawn a couple of times and the deck continuously clogs with grass in mulching mode. It handles well on drainage ditch which is dry! but that's only self propelled. The point is to cut the grass without having to stop. I have since returned the mower and went back to the basics and get a much nicer cut with less headaches for half the price. Yes I do cut the lawn when it is dry and late in the day after the sun has dried the morning dew off. Not worth the money and or engine damage from overheating because of clogging deck!! Yes I even bought a new mulching blade as well thinking perhaps the manufacturer installed a cheap blade. Don't pay a price because of a name. Yard machines works better. Ha!

Oct 24, 2009
Rating
star
Mower clogs to easily
by: Anonymous

Contrary to prior comment, I bought this mower new and I have mowed my lawn a couple of times and the deck continuously clogs with grass in mulching mode. It handles well on drainage ditch which is dry! but that's only self propelled. The point is to cut the grass without having to stop. I have since returned the mower and went back to the basics and get a much nicer cut with less headaches for half the price. Yes I do cut the lawn when it is dry and late in the day after the sun has dried the morning dew off. Not worth the money and or engine damage from overheating because of clogging deck!! Yes I even bought a new mulching blade as well thinking perhaps the manufacturer installed a cheap blade. Don't pay a price because of a name. Yard machines works better. Ha!

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