Troy-Bilt TB400 Gas Leaf Blower Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Troy-Bilt TB400 Gas Leaf Blower instruction manual. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new leaf blower. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the unit and keep it for future reference.

Figure 1: Front view of the Troy-Bilt TB400 Gas Leaf Blower, showcasing its red and black design with the blower tube attached.

2. Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when operating power equipment. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or property damage.

General Safety Rules:

• Read and understand all instructions before operating the blower.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, hearing protection, long pants, and sturdy footwear.
• Do not operate the blower when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep children, bystanders, and pets at least 50 feet (15 meters) away from the operating area.
• Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel leaks, or damaged parts.
• Never modify the blower.

Fuel Safety:

• Use a 40:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil mixture.
• Mix fuel in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
• Store fuel in an approved container in a cool, dry place.
• Do not smoke while handling fuel.
• Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.

3. Assembly

The Troy-Bilt TB400 comes mostly pre-assembled. The primary assembly step involves attaching the blower tube.

Attaching the Blower Tube:

1. Align the blower tube with the outlet on the main unit.
2. Push the tube firmly onto the outlet until it clicks into place or is securely seated.
3. Ensure the tube is locked in position to prevent it from detaching during operation.

Figure 2: Side view of the Troy-Bilt TB400 Gas Leaf Blower, showing the securely attached black blower tube extending from the red main unit.

4. Setup and Fueling

Fuel Mixture (40:1 Ratio):

This unit requires a mixture of unleaded gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil at a 40:1 ratio. This means for every 40 parts of gasoline, add 1 part of 2-cycle oil.

• Use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Use a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil specifically designed for air-cooled engines.
• Mix the fuel and oil thoroughly in a separate, approved fuel container before pouring into the blower's fuel tank.

Figure 3: Detailed view of the fuel tank cap and engine controls on the Troy-Bilt TB400, including the primer bulb and choke lever.

Filling the Fuel Tank:

1. Place the blower on a flat, stable surface.
2. Clean the area around the fuel cap to prevent dirt from entering the tank.
3. Carefully remove the fuel cap.
4. Pour the pre-mixed fuel into the tank, being careful not to overfill. Leave a small air gap.
5. Securely replace the fuel cap.

5. Operating Instructions

Starting the Engine (Cold Start):

1. Set the cruise control lever to the "UP" position.
2. Press the primer bulb 10 times until fuel is visible in the return line.
3. Set the choke lever to the "START" position.
4. Pull the starter rope 5 times. The engine may attempt to start.
5. Set the choke lever to the "WARM-UP" position.
6. Pull the starter rope 3-5 times until the engine starts.
7. Allow the engine to warm up for 30-60 seconds.
8. Set the choke lever to the "RUN" position.

Figure 4: Close-up of the Troy-Bilt TB400 engine, showing the "TO START" label with step-by-step instructions for cold starting, including primer bulb and choke settings.

Starting the Engine (Warm Start):

• Set the choke lever to the "RUN" position.
• Pull the starter rope until the engine starts.

Operating the Blower:

• Hold the blower firmly with both hands.
• Use the variable speed throttle to control the airflow. The TB400 offers air speeds up to 180 MPH and clearing power of up to 400 CFM.
• Direct the airflow to clear leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from surfaces.
• For extended operation, engage the cruise control feature to maintain a desired speed without continuously holding the throttle trigger.

Figure 5: A person operating the Troy-Bilt TB400 Gas Leaf Blower, effectively clearing autumn leaves from a grassy area, demonstrating its maneuverability.

Stopping the Engine:

• Release the throttle trigger.
• Press and hold the "STOP" button until the engine shuts off.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your Troy-Bilt TB400. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Air Filter:

• Inspect the air filter before each use.
• Clean or replace the air filter as needed. A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance.

Spark Plug:

• Inspect the spark plug annually or every 25 hours of operation.
• Clean or replace the spark plug if it is fouled or damaged.

Fuel System:

• Drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops before long-term storage (over 30 days).
• Alternatively, use a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.

General Cleaning:

• Keep the exterior of the blower clean and free of debris.
• Ensure cooling fins are clear to prevent overheating.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or to locate an authorized service center, please refer to the official Troy-Bilt website or contact their customer service. Contact details are typically provided in the packaging or on the product itself.

• Manufacturer: Troy-Bilt
• Customer Service (USA): 1-800-828-5500
• Customer Service (Canada): 1-800-668-1238

Additional protection plans may be available for purchase from authorized retailers.