this video will cover a quick general overview of your troy bilt riding lawnmower along with some helpful tips to keep your mower running strong before beginning be sure your mower is on a flat level surface start by connecting the battery cables remove the red battery terminal cover from the red terminal attach the red cable to the positive terminal place the red cap on the positive terminal do not allow wrench to come in contact with any metal next remove the black battery terminal cover from the black terminal attach the black cable to the negative terminal check your engines oil level with the dipstick before every use since too little or too much oil can damage your engine fill the fuel tank to start the mower be sure you are seated back in the seat if you're too far forward the mower may not start engage the parking brake check to be sure the PTO lover is in the off position and activate the choke to the start position once the mower has started release the key and allow it to return to the on position now move the throttle to the rabbit position to begin driving your mower press the brake pedal to release the parking brake move the shift lever to forward then press the drive pedal to increase your speed to engage the blades first be sure that your throttle choke lever is in the rabbit position then push the PTO blade engage level forward into the on position before each mowing check your air filter for dirty loose or damaged parts it is highly recommended that the air filter spark plugs oil and oil filter are replaced every year when you prepare your mower for offseason storage one last tip to remember is to add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent fuel from spoiling there are many attachments and accessories available to help keep a beautiful lawn bagging is a highly recommended method of helping maintain a healthy lawn by reducing thatch build-up increasing oxygen and nitrogen absorption and encouraging grass to grow in the bare areas of your yard you can find a full list of attachments and accessories in your operator's manual or online at