February 6, 2021
Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower
Pros:
  • Powerful Motor 163 cc can go up slight inclines without any assistance from the driver.
  • Self-drive is great, as people of any age & physical stature can use it without too much of an issue.
  • The build quality is sturdy.
  • The deck wash system helps to keep the machine in top shape by aiding in the removal of dirt and clippings.
  • 15oz SAE 30 oil included with the mower. No need to drain the oil at any point in time throughout the mower’s lifetime. Just add when required!
  • Starts with one pull owing to the Ready Start feature
  • Can handle long, thick and dense grass
  • 3 year limited warranty
  • Mulch, bag or side-discharge

Cons:

  • Plastics could have been of a higher quality
  • The 9-bushel bag feels heavy when full. The mower itself is not exactly light at 80 lbs.
  • An electric start would have been more convenient. However, we like the ready start feature and the mower starts with one pull.

Troy-Bilt TB330 Basic Info:

The Troy-Bilt TB330 is a rear-wheel drive, self propelled lawn mower. At the heart of the mower is a 163 cc Briggs and Stratton engine that generates more than enough torque to tackle small to medium plots of land. In recent years, electric mowers have become popular due to their ease of use. They make less noise, have fewer moving parts, and also produce fewer vibrations. However, many people still prefer gas-powered mowers like this Troy-Bilt as they are not limited by range (working time) and deliver ample power when required.

It’s a bit like having an electric car versus a good old pickup. Yes, an electric car looks and feels very modern and cool but if most people had to trust something to do the job irrespective of the conditions, they’d probably bet on the truck.

If you live in an area where the grass is thick or if it rains often and you find yourself mowing in damp conditions, then the Troy-Bilt TB 330 is a strong contender. It has plenty of power and the 8-inch wheels can tackle minor obstacles without a problem. Now, this is not a commercial mower so don’t expect to mow down a forest or a hill with it. What we really loved about this model is the amount of performance it delivers for the price. The simplicity and efficiency of the machine put a smile on your face.

Troy-Bilt TB330 Features:

  • The Briggs and Stratton 163 cc OHV 725ex motor is really capable and it can tackle small inclines and wet conditions without breaking too much of a sweat. It has a 1.09-quart fuel tank. This is more than enough for small to medium plots but if you’ve got a bigger sized yard, you might need to refuel if you’re using the mower at top speed.

The mower is equipped with a Ready Start feature. This means that it has a sensor to detect ambient temperature and it then adjusts the fuel to air mixture to enable the engine to start quickly. So even on cold mornings, the TB330 starts without causing a scene. The engine has 4-speed settings. The top two settings are a little brisk so you might feel rushed. Thankfully, the speed can be tweaked easily on the fly.

The handle height is adjustable for better ergonomics for people of virtually any height. We love this feature. It makes steering the slightly heavy mower quite easy. Good posture is important as gas-powered generate vibrations and may cause tiredness when used for longer periods of time.

  • TriAction Cutting System: facilitates a clean cut. The single-level height adjustment feature lets you achieve the desired trim without a hassle. The triple-action means that the grass does not slip if it is wet because of dew or rain. Even thick and long grass is trimmed neatly and gives the yard a nice manicured look.
  • Zero Oil Change System: All gas-powered engines require oil changes. This is a fairly straightforward process once you get the hang of it but it’s not really a very pleasant affair. The oil needs to be drained and sometimes it spills and doesn’t clean easily. Then you have to wipe it off the garage floor otherwise somebody might slip and fall. Troy-bilt has been in the gardening and landscaping business for a very long time and looks like they too don’t like changing oil. Hence, they have equipped the TB330 with a no oil change system. This means that you don’t have to drain the oil. Actually, there is no port for drainage! You just have to keep adding oil as necessary (until it matches the oil line). Initially, we were a little skeptical of this feature. But we trust the competence of Troy-bilt when it comes to engineering. They have been in this game for too long since 1937 actually.
  • Deck Wash System: This helps to clean out mud and grass clippings without a hassle. The Wash port helps to cleanse clippings from the underside of the mower deck.
  • 3-in-1: Users have the option to mulch, side-discharge, or bag. A 1.9-bushel capacity bag is included. It’s a fairly good size for small to medium yards. A clean look is impressive but sometimes, users prefer to mulch to maintain nourishment in the soil. Mulching also helps to insulate the soil. Side discharge can be a handy option at times.
  • 21 Inch Deck: Provides very good coverage. The deck is robust and can last years if maintained properly. The entire assembly is actually quite reliable. We would have loved the plastics to be of a higher quality but we’re trusting the 3-year limited warranty on the product.
  • 8 Inch Wheels: The front and rear wheels have a diameter of 8 inches. They provide more than enough traction on uneven and wet surfaces.

Review & Final verdict:

This is a really solid gas-powered mower for small to medium-sized lots. We like it and feel that the price is really on point. Recommended!


Daniel Simmons

About the author

TheLawnMowingKing.com brings my 25 years experience as a professional gardener and landscaper to you!

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