Troy-Bilt TB554 9-Inch 158cc Briggs & Stratton 500 Series Gas-Powered Lawn Edger with Curb Wheel
by Troy-Bilt
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List Price: Our Price: $276.00 You Save: $23.00 (8%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $214.99 (click here) Category: Lawn & Patio See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Troy-Bilt TB554 9-Inch 158cc Briggs & Stratton 500 Series Gas-Powered Lawn Edger with Curb Wheel
Customer Review: Edges well.. but hard starting
Summary: 3 Stars
I just purchased a Troy-Bilt 4HP triple blade Edger at Lowes yesterday. The unit edges well. We have a long driveway (500 ft.) with lots of curves, and I believe we can keep grass from growing into the driveway with this unit. On the downside, I've only tried to start it a couple times, with poor success both times. Right out of the box, it took about 15 pulls to start the first time. After running for several minutes, I released the safety bar, which kills the engine (there is no clutch to stop the blade... releasing the bar kills the engine). Then, with the engine already warm from just runing, it took another 10-15 pulls to re-start. The unit has no choke, only a primer bulb which I believe contributes to hard starting. Zapped by "big brother" again!
UPDATE: After using this edger for about 2 months, I believe my rating to be a little to hard. The problem is that the number of pump primes needed to start the machine cold is considerably more than stated in the instructions, at least on my edger. The instructions written on the edger say to pump it 3X. The instructions in the users manual say to pump the primer 6X. By experience, I've learned that if I pump it 12X, it usually starts on the first pull. As long as I know this, it is not really a problem. Our driveway is 450 feet long, so requires 900 feet of edging total (because there are two sides). The edger does a good job. However, it will only dig a maximum of 2 1/4". This is lower than other edgers I've used. Because the edge of our drive is higher than the ground, if I edgw with the wheels on the hard driveway surface per the instructions, I can only dig less than an inch deep. If I want to edge deeper (up to 2 1/4"), I have to have the wheels on the ground. This is contrary to the instructions, but works. Because I'm satisfied with the edger, and have overcome the initial starting problem, I would change my rating to a 4.0 if amazon allowed that.
Customer Review: Disappointing Product
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased this unit at Lowes on 3/18/2009 to replace a worn-out Craftsman unit that was 20 years old. I purchased the Troy-Built because of prior satifaction with another Troy-Built product, a backpack leaf blower.
I was disappointed with several features of this product after I got it home and tried to use it. 1) As others have commented, the engine is quite reluctant to start, requiring much more priming than the manual would lead you to believe. 2) There is no choke or throttle control. 3) There is no blade clutch which means that the bail has to be held at all times for the engine to start or run, and the blade is turning at all times that the engine is running. 4) The blade turns forward which means that it tends to pull the tool away from the operator, making control more difficult since the operator is pushing the tool at the same time the blade is pulling it. 5) The first time I used the tool, it threw the belt; re-installing it was more tedious than necessary. 6) The right rear wheel is intended to be height adjustable so as to control the angle when edging along a curb. This adjustment requires pulling a metal finger in-ward with one hand while the right rear of the tool is raised off of the ground, presumably gravity would then pull the wheel downward to the proper placement. My example, required a hammer to attempt to knock the wheel into the next notch. This technique also requires either two people or three hands. It cannot be done two handed.
Overall, this was not what I expected from a company with a reputation as good as Troy Built. It is possible that I just got a bad unit, but having successfully returned to Lowe's with no hassle at all, I think that I will shop around some more to find the features that I think are necessary.
Customer Review: Received DOA (dead on arrival). Ouch baby...
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased the Troy-Bilt 158cc Briggs & Stratton 500 Series Gas Powered Lawn Edger. The order was fulfilled by Amazon. When it arrived, the box was a bit banged up but not bad enough in my opinion to refuse delivery. A day later I opened the box...
I was shocked how badly it was packed. No filling, no stuffing, just the bare edger floating in a thin box with no paperwork (no owners manual, no warranty, nothing). I also noticed the pull start assembly on top was deformed - most likely due to the packaging, no telling how many times it bounced around on its way to me. So I attempted to dry start the unit; shocks; it wouldn't even turn.
When I contacted Amazon, they told me no return on this unit. I attempted to argue that it was DOA. They said they would not accept return of hazardous materials. Interesting take on their part... It was okay for them to ship out hazardous materials but not accept the same in return - though no oil or gasoline was ever poured into the unit.
Since they would not reconsider, I did the next best thing I could - I contacted my credit card company and disputed the charge. We'll see where it goes...
All in all, I cannot rate the edger because I could never start it. It may be a great unit. I can certainly rate Amazon, and it's not looking good for them.
Customer Review: Buzinga
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a different take on this little edger. I bought mine from a local guy who sells yard stuff along the road a mile from my house. ( I know, it sounds stupid )He gets stuff people have returned to Lowes, Sears, etc., and does what needs to be done during the winter, then sells them. It looked new, did not even have any oil in it yet, and I brought it home for $120. But, would it start and actually "edge" ???
After I put in some new gas, put in the right oil and pushed in the rubber carburator doodad 3 times, within a few pulls, it popped right off. I did not get a manual with this machine, so I had to guess at a few things. I have never edged a yard, nor seen it done, but, hey, it isn't rocket science!. So, I got started. It worked pretty well. My thick sod was quite moist and I think this machine will work better when the sod is drier. I stalled it a few times, but that was my fault. After I got used to everything, it all went pretty well. I probably edged between 125-150 feet of driveway in less than an hour. The first time there is a lot of sod and heavy stuff to clear. I suspect it will be smooth sailing next time.
So, to recap, got a good deal on an edger. It works well. It starts, it edges. It is easy to use. Buzinga!
Customer Review: Poor Carburetor
Summary: 1 Stars
I will agree with many others on this site. The unit is hard to start and will not run after a short operating time. The reason is the carburetor. The thing is poorly designed and Troy-Bilt and Briggs & Stratton will not stand behind this product.
The unit comes with a two year warranty which is one reason I bought it. But when it does not start or run and you take it in they will tell you it is a carburetor problem and that it is your fault for using bad / dirty gas. They will not honor the warranty. The same gas that runs your mower, weed whacker, chain saw, pressure washer and generator just fine. They also fail to mention that the gas cap is indeed vented. The usual repair charge is $60 but after only getting 6 difficult starting uses in less than 6 months I returned it for a refund.
I have never received such rude customer service as I did from Troy-Bilt. Something tells me they are used to hearing about the poor performance of this unit.
Caveat Emptor
I am looking at a McClane now.