It's not a Troy Bilt, but it's OK....

Remember, Troy Bilt is now an MTD product line.  Troy Bilt is no longer.  The name has survived by MTD buying the rights to the name.  Nothing more - nothing less.  With that said....

The purpose of the TB515 EC edger...

It's a small home and garden edger.  It's hard to pull start and I would heartily recommend purchasing the 'electric start kit' for the additional money.  It's a plug in, 120 Volt AC unit that attaches to the motor to start the engine.  You must prime the engine 10 times (or more!) and then attach the starter.  It cranks the engine and it will finally start - about less than 4 seconds.  Pull starting is out of the question for me.  It takes too long and it seems that there is not enough rope length to get it started.  Remember some things:  prime the engine, make sure the throttle is on slow, and the blade/belt is disengaged. 

Once it starts running, use the blade/belt engagement device (handle) and begin edging your sidewalk or driveway. 

One major repair not discussed:

The changing of the belt.  There is a small grooved belt between the engine pulley and blade pulley.  This belt will fail - just give it time.  There are no instructions on how to replace the belt - here are mine.  Tools and parts needed:

• New Belt (about $16 to $20)
• T40 (Torx type driver, almost like a hex wrench)
• 3/8" socket with rachet and extension
• Flat tipped screw driver

First of all safety! ! ! ! Disconnect the spark plug wire.  This will prevent the engine from starting under any condition.  Failure to remove the ignition source (spark plug wire) may cause the engine to start at any time.  Your loss of fingers or toes is at your own peril!  Now lets get down to the removal and replacement of the edger's belt.

1. Lay the unit on its side with the blade up.  All your work will be done from this area.
2. Using the flat tipped screw driver, remove the three (3) screen from the plastic belt cover.
3. Remove the belt cover.  You should observe the belt and engine pulley at this time.
4. Using the 3/8" socket (and rachet/extension) remove the belt guard.
5. Using the T40 driver, remove the three (3) bolts holding the blade, blade pulley and blade guard.

Now, remove the debris - old belt, grass clippings, and dirt.  Check to ensure both pulleys (grooved ones) are in good shape.  The blade pulley is plastic and you should look carefully at it.  Let's get ready to install a new belt.

1. Lift the blade (and pulley) assembly 'up' and out of the way.  This will provide clearance in this area.
2. Install the new belt into the blade pulley's area.  Push most of the belt into the area and "behind" the pulley.  The intent is to drop the pulley back into place and the belt will fit around the pulley.
3. Install the belt onto the engine pulley. 
4. The belt should now be wrapped around both grooved pulleys. 
5. Install the belt guard (using the 3/8" bolt that was removed).  Take care - the belt goes between the pulley and the belt guard.  The belt DOES NOT ride on top of the guard for any reason. 
6. Using the three (3) T40 screws, install the blade pulley and blade guard onto the main unit. 
7. Check to ensure the belt is on both pulleys. 
8. Engage the blade drive handle (at the top of the unit) and watch the 'engagement' pulley (the smooth one) move up and tighten the belt.  This is the drive engagement system.
9. Adjust the drive engagement pulley so that the belt is not engaged too tightly. It's best to be a little loose.  Make adjustments when the blade stalls, but the engine was running.  The adjustment nut is on the outside of the drive belt area.
10. Install the plastic belt cover and install the three (3) screws with a flat tipped screw driver.
11. Install the spark plug wire.
12. Test the unit.

I performed this repair in less than 40 minutes.  It takes a few time to juggle the new belt into the blade pulley area.  Take your time - don't get stressed out.  Good luck with the repairs.

Please rate this Guide in a postive fashion.  If you didn't like it - tell me why!  Many Thanks!