Troy Bilt Horse slips out of forward

13 years ago

I have an old Troy Bilt Horse with the 7 HP Kohler engine. I just put a new set of belts ($44 ouch!) on it and it still doesn't want to stay in forward motion unless I hold down the lever. I tried putting a stiffer spring on the mechanism and even replaced the worn out rivets in the assembly. The block is adjusted all the way down for the little wheel to lock into but it just works it's way up after a few feet. What am I missing here to fix this thing?

It seems like the block detent isn't deep enough or maybe the angle of the detent needs to be ground a little steeper.

What do you all think?

Comments (3)

twelvegauge
13 years ago
Don't know what year model your Horse is, but my 1987 Horse uses only ONE drive belt. Although there are two sets of pulleys you use the belt on either the front two or the back two pulleys, depending on whether you want the high speed range, or the low speed range. For the high speed range, you use the pulley set that is closest to the engine. If you've got two belts installed, so that you're using all four of the pulleys, AND IF YOUR HORSE IS A 1980'S MODEL, take one of the belts off. (I don't know about newer models.)

Also, my troubleshooting guide says that if the unit won't stay in "forward," the belt is too tight, and the block should be moved UP slightly - so if you've got the block all the way down perhaps that's too tight.
baymee
13 years ago
There is supposed to be 1/4" air gap between the roller and bottoming out on the wedge. Move the block up a bit.
artey
13 years ago
I had the same problem with an older Troybilt. I just went with slightly shorter belts purchased from an auto parts store and the problem was solved.