Troy-Bilt TB22 EC 2-Cycle Trimmer Operator's Manual

Service Information

For assembly, controls, operation, or maintenance assistance, contact the Customer Support Department at 1-800-828-5500 (US) or 1-800-668-1238 (Canada). Additional information is available at www.troybilt.com or www.troybilt.ca. For service, contact the Customer Support Department for a list of authorized service dealers. Only use identical replacement parts.

Spark Arrestor Note: This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor. For replacement, ask your local service dealer to install Accessory Part #753-05997 Muffler Assembly.

Rules for Safe Operation

General Safety:

• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal. Operate only in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
• Always mix fuel and oil in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from sparks or flames. Do not smoke.
• Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
• Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately before starting the engine. Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source before starting. Do not smoke.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. Ensure a stable position for both operator and unit during starting.
• Use the right tool for the intended purpose.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit backward.
• Do not overreach. Maintain proper footing and balance. Exercise extra care on steep slopes or inclines.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Maintain a firm grip on the handles.
• Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not touch or attempt to stop the cutting attachment while it is rotating.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler; they get extremely hot and remain hot for a short time after shutdown.
• Do not operate the engine faster than necessary for the job. Do not run the engine at high speed when not in use.
• Always stop the engine when work is delayed or when walking between locations.
• If the unit strikes or becomes entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before repairing.
• Stop and switch the engine to OFF for maintenance or repair. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and accessories. Unauthorized parts may cause serious injury or damage and void the warranty.
• Keep the unit clean of vegetation and lodged materials.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive grease, or carbon buildup.

Safety Warnings for Gas Units:

• Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take precautions as listed above.
• Store fuel only in approved containers.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel when the engine is hot. Loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve pressure before fueling. Do not smoke.

California Proposition 65:

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain finished components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Safety and International Symbols:

• Safety Alert Symbol: Indicates danger, warning, or caution. Requires attention to avoid serious personal injury.
• Read Operator's Manual: WARNING: Read the operator's manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
• Wear Eye and Hearing Protection: WARNING: Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing loss. Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear protection when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.
• Unleaded Fuel: Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel. DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT. WARNING: Fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol will likely damage this engine and void the warranty.
• Oil: Refer to operator's manual for the proper type of oil.
• On/Off Stop Control: ON/START/RUN or OFF/STOP.
• Choke Control: 1. FULL choke position, 2. PARTIAL choke position, 3. RUN choke position.
• Keep Bystanders Away: WARNING: Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the operating area.
• Thrown Objects and Rotating Cutter: WARNING: Small objects can be propelled at high speed, causing injury. Keep away from the rotating rotor.
• Hot Surface: WARNING: Do not touch a hot engine. These parts get extremely hot from operation and may cause severe burns. When the unit is turned off, the engine will remain hot for a short time.
• Sharp Blade: WARNING: Sharp blade on cutting attachment shield. To prevent serious injury, do not touch the line cutting blade.

Know Your Unit

Applications:

• As a trimmer: Cutting grass and light weeds, edging, decorative trimming around trees, fences, etc.

Components: Throttle Control, D-Handle, Shaft Grip, Air Filter Cover, Spark Plug, Shaft Housing, Starter Rope Grip, Line Cutting Blade, Muffler, On/Off Control, Cutting Head, Cutting Head Shield, Fuel Cap, Choke Lever, Primer Bulb.

Assembly Instructions

Install Cutting Attachment Shield:

1. Place the cutting attachment shield onto the shaft housing. Ensure the guard mounting bracket slides into the slot on the edge of the cutting shield. Rotate the shield into place counterclockwise. The holes in the guard mounting bracket and cutting attachment shield will align.
2. From inside the cutting attachment shield, push the square bolt through the hole until the threaded end protrudes through the guard mounting bracket.
3. Place the washer on the bolt, then screw the wing nut onto the bolt and tighten.

Install and Adjust the D-Handle:

1. Push the D-handle down onto the shaft housing. The hex bolt hole in the handle should be on the left side.
2. Insert the bolt into the hex hole in the handle and push through. Place the washer on the bolt, then screw the wing nut onto the bolt. Do not tighten until the handle is adjusted.
3. Rotate the D-handle to place the grip above the top of the shaft housing, a minimum of 6 inches (15.24 cm) from the end of the shaft grip.
4. While holding the unit in the operating position, move the D-handle to the location that provides the best grip.
5. Tighten the wing nut until the D-handle is secure.

EZ-Link™ System: This system enables the use of optional Add-Ons like Trimmers (AF720), Hedge Trimmers (AH720), Brushcutters (BC720), Cultivators (GC720), Edgers (LE720), Pole Saws (PS720), Straight Shaft Trimmers (SS725), and Turbo Blowers (TB720). Note: Do not use hedge trimmers, brushcutters, or edgers with an electric-powered unit.

Removing an Add-On: Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen. Press and hold the release button. While holding the upper shaft housing firmly, pull the lower shaft housing straight out of the EZ-Link™ coupler.

Installing an Add-On: Place the unit on the ground or a work bench for easier installation/removal. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen. While holding the add-on firmly, push it straight into the EZ-Link™ coupler. Aligning the release button with the guide recess helps installation. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten. For edging with the line cutting head, lock the release button into the 90° hole.

Oil and Fuel Information

Mixing Ratio: 40:1 (1 gallon unleaded gasoline to 3.2 fl. oz. 2-cycle oil).

Fueling the Unit:

1. Turn unit on its side with the fuel cap facing up, and remove the fuel cap.
2. Fill the tank with the fuel/oil mixture. Do not overfill.
3. Wipe up any spilled gasoline.
4. Reinstall the fuel cap.
5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source before starting the engine.

Fuel Additives: The 2-cycle oil contains a fuel additive. If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil for air-cooled engines along with a fuel additive like STA-BIL Gas Stabilizer. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel. Never add fuel additives directly to the unit’s fuel tank.

Blended Fuels: Fuels with more than 10% ethanol can damage the engine and void the warranty. Use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old) if using blended fuels. Use STA-BIL® or an equivalent fuel additive.

Important Note: Old and/or improperly mixed fuel are primary reasons for unit malfunction. Use fresh, clean unleaded fuel.

Starting and Stopping Instructions

Starting Instructions:

1. Mix fuel with oil and fill the fuel tank.
2. Press the primer bulb 10 times, or until fuel is visible in the bulb.
3. Place the choke lever in Position 1.
4. Crouch in the starting position. Squeeze the throttle control lever. Pull the starter rope 5 times.
5. Place the choke lever in Position 2.
6. Squeeze the throttle control and pull the starter rope 3-5 times to start the engine. Run for 30-60 seconds to warm up.
7. Continue squeezing the throttle control, move the choke lever to Position 3, and run for an additional 60 seconds to complete warm-up. The unit may be used during this time.

Troubleshooting Starting:

• If the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 and continue warm-up.
• If the engine does not start, repeat from step 3.
• If the engine fails to start after 2 attempts, place the choke lever in Position 3, squeeze the throttle, and pull the starter rope 3-8 times.
• If the engine is already warm, start with the choke lever in Position 2. After starting, move the choke lever to Position 3.

Stopping Instructions:

1. Release the throttle control and allow the engine to cool down by idling.
2. Press and hold the On/Off Control switch in the OFF (O) position until the unit comes to a complete stop.

Electric Starter/Power Start Bit™ Accessory: This unit can use an optional electric starter or Power Start Bit™. Refer to the respective operator's manual for proper use. Contact your retailer or call 1-800-828-5500 (US) or 1-800-668-1238 (Canada) for more information and purchasing.

Operating Instructions

Holding the Unit: Stand in the operating position. Ensure proper eye protection and clothing. Hold the shaft grip with a slightly-bent right arm and the D-handle with a straight left arm. The unit should be at waist level, with the cutting head parallel to the ground.

Adjusting Trimming Line Length (Bump Head™): Lightly tap the cutting head on the ground while operating at high speed to release more line. Always keep the trimming line fully extended, as line release becomes more difficult when the line gets shorter. A blade in the cutting head shield cuts the line to the proper length. Tap the bump knob on bare ground or hard soil for best results. Do not rest the Bump Head™ on the ground while the unit is running.

Tips for Best Trimming Results:

• Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground. Allow the tip of the line to do the cutting.
• Do not force the cutting head; cutting with more than the tip reduces efficiency and may overload the engine.
• Cut tall grass (over 8 inches) in small increments from top to bottom.
• Cut from right to left whenever possible for better efficiency and to throw clippings away from the operator.
• Move the unit slowly in and out of the cutting area at the desired height, using forward-backward or side-to-side motions. Shorter cutting lengths produce the best results.
• Trim only when grass and weeds are dry.
• Line life depends on trimming techniques, vegetation type, and cutting location.

Decorative Trimming: Rotate the unit so the cutting head is at a 30° angle to the ground.

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

Maintenance Schedule:

• Before starting engine: Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.
• Every 10 hours: Clean and re-oil air filter.
• Every 25 hours: Check spark plug condition and gap.

Air Filter Maintenance:

1. Open the air filter cover by pressing the lock tab and pulling out.
2. Remove the air filter.
3. Wash the filter in detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
4. Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat the filter. Squeeze to spread and remove excess oil.
5. Replace the air filter into the air filter cover. Operating without the air filter will void the warranty.
6. Close the air filter cover by swinging it to the left and pressing it down until the lock tab snaps into place.

Idle Speed Adjustment:

The idle speed is adjustable via a screw between the air filter cover and the engine starter housing. If the engine will not idle smoothly after checking fuel mixture and cleaning the air filter, adjust the idle speed screw.

1. Start and warm up the engine for one minute.
2. Release the throttle trigger. If the engine stops, insert a small Phillips screwdriver into the idle adjustment screw and turn clockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time until the engine idles smoothly.
3. If the engine idles too fast, turn the idle speed screw counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn at a time to reduce idle speed.

Note: Careless adjustments can damage the unit. Carburetor adjustments should be made by an authorized service dealer.

Replacing the Spark Plug: Use replacement #753-06193, Champion RDJ7J, or equivalent. The correct air gap is 0.025 inch (0.635 mm). Remove the plug wire, clean around the plug, and remove the plug using a 5/8-inch socket. Do not sand blast, scrape, or clean electrodes. Replace cracked, fouled, or dirty plugs. Set the air gap using a feeler gauge. Install the new plug and tighten until snug (110-120 in. lb. torque if using a torque wrench). Do not over tighten.

Replacing the Trimming Line:

Part 1 - Removing the Inner Reel: Hold the outer spool, unscrew the bump knob counterclockwise. Remove the inner reel and spring. Clean components. Check indexing teeth and holding slots for wear.

Part 2 - Winding New Trimming Line:

• Single Line: Cut two 8-foot lengths. Insert one line into the top hole, wind tightly, and insert the end into the nearest .095 holding slot. Insert the second line into the bottom hole, wind tightly, and insert the end into the opposite .095 holding slot. Ensure winding is in the correct direction.
• Split Line: Cut one 6-foot length. Split each end about 6 inches. Insert one split end into the top hole and the other into the bottom hole. Wind tightly; the split wall divides the line. Insert the 6-inch sections into the two .095 holding slots. Ensure winding is in the correct direction.

Part 3 - Installing the Inner Reel: Pass the two line ends through the eyelets in the outer spool. Place the spring inside the inner reel. Insert the inner reel into the outer spool. Push together. While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, pull the line ends firmly to release them from the holding slots. Screw the bump knob on clockwise and tighten securely.

WARNING: Never use metal-reinforced line, wire, chain, or rope. These can break off and become dangerous projectiles. Use only the specified trimming line diameter (0.095 in.).

Cleaning and Storage

Cleaning: Use a small brush to clean the outside of the unit. Do not use strong detergents or solvents that can damage plastic. Wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth.

Storage:

• Never store a fueled unit where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Secure the unit during transport.
• Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area, locked up and out of the reach of children.
• Short Term Storage (1-2 weeks): Store the unit horizontally or vertically with the engine at the top.
• Long-term Storage: Drain the fuel tank into an approved container. Start the engine and run until it stalls to drain the carburetor. Allow the engine to cool, remove the spark plug, put 5 drops of motor oil or 2-cycle oil into the cylinder, and pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plug. Clean the unit and inspect for loose or damaged parts.

Troubleshooting

If further assistance is required, contact an authorized service dealer.

Specifications

• Engine Type: Air-Cooled, 2-Cycle
• Displacement: 25 cc
• Operating RPM: 6,300+ rpm
• Idle Speed RPM: 2,800-3,400 rpm
• Spark Plug Gap: 0.025 in. (0.635 mm)
• Lubrication: Fuel/Oil Mixture
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 10 fl. oz. (296 ml)
• Approximate Unit Weight: 10-11 lbs. (4.5 - 5 kg)
• Cutting Mechanism: Bump Head™™
• Line Spool Diameter: 3 in. (76.2 mm)
• Trimming Line Diameter: 0.095 in. (2.41 mm)
• Cutting Path Diameter: 17 in. (43.18 cm)

*All specifications are subject to change without notice.