Troy-Bilt TB130 review

It may be at the budget end of Troy-Bilt’s fleet of gas-powered lawn mowers, but the Troy-Bilt TB130 packs a lot of extra features and functionality for the price. 

An engine that never needs a full oil change is one feature you don’t expect at this price, and the Tri-action blade makes light work of even the gnarliest patches in your lawn. A rake bumper, mulching feature, large clippings bag, and 11-inch back wheels are all included too. 

Light enough to throw in the back of your pick-up, or store on a sturdy hook in your garage, this mower weighs in at just 60lbs, making it one of the lightest gas lawn mowers we’ve reviewed. Last but not least, it also comes complete with a 2-year warranty, which gives you extra peace of mind.

A word of warning though for potential purchasers with large backyards: the 159cc engine is perfect for small-to-medium lawns, but it’s unlikely to have the durability and power to tackle larger gardens. 

This review takes a closer look at the features of the Troy-Bilt TB130, and checks out what users have to say about their TB130, so you have the full picture before deciding to purchase. And if you’re still not sure, then check out our buying guide to the best gas lawn mowers for more inspiration.  

Troy-Bilt TB130: Features

While it may be cheaper than other gas-powered mowers, the TB130 does not skimp on features and usability. Alongside the 1.3-quart fuel tank and the 21-inch wide cutting deck, the other features packed into this mower are perfectly suited to medium-sized gardens up to a ¾ acre. 

Not only are the Tri-Action cutting blades very efficient for cutting grass to a decent range of heights, the Don’t Change engine also never requires a total oil change. This means you enjoy faster, easy mowing of your lawn. If you have a very large lawn or outdoor green space though, you’ll be better off considering one of the best riding lawn mowers instead as these mow large spaces faster. 

Troy-Bilt TB130: Design

In terms of design, the Troy-Bilt TB130 is not particularly revolutionary, and sticks close to the typical form of a gas mower. It has adjustable loop handles, a large bag for grass clippings, and a circular plastic housing for the Tri-Action blades. Like all of Troy-Bilt’s mowers, it maintains the classic red and black color scheme the brand is known for. If you want something a little different, check out the Weibang WB537SCV-3IN1.

The 11-inch back wheels on the TB130 are pretty hefty, allowing for easy pushing through bumpier gardens. An 11-inch wheel diameter also allows for much easier traversal up hills and slopes. For anyone whose small-medium garden is slightly sloped, large wheel rims like this would be perfect. 

With an approximate weight of 60lbs, the Troy-Bilt TB130 is also quite easy to maneuver around medium sized gardens. Its central blade deck is adjustable along six different positions between 1.25-inches and 3.75-inches, with a rake below the blade to help smooth over cut grass. 

Troy-Bilt TB130: Features

The TB130’s Don’t Change engine eliminates the need for full oil changes, and according to Troy-Bilt it only requires the occasional top up. Features like these, and the in-built rake, gear the TB130 towards maximum efficiency at all times. 

This is in spite of the lower price-point and smaller engine. This engine, like the rest of the Troy-Bilt TB130, is built in America with parts from the US and around the world. 

Troy-Bilt’s TB130 mower uses a Tri-Action blade configuration. Blades boasting Tri-Action are common among Troy-Bilt’s mowers, so it is no surprise to see them even in a cheaper mower like this. The Troy-Bilt’s TB130’s blade setup involves a rake bumper, a specialized blade and a symmetrically-arranged deck. 

All of these are geared towards leaving your lawn neat and tidy. You could also trim and neaten your garden further with one of the best lawn edgers. These are designed to get up close to edgers to produce a crisp finish.

Having these blades also allows for finely mulched clippings. These can be collected in the mower’s 1.9-bushel rear bag. This Troy-Bilt mower also comes with a mulch kit, which can aid massively in the mulching process.

Troy-Bilt TB130: How could it benefit you?

The Troy-Bilt TB130’s main benefits revolve around ease-of-use and a lack of general nuisance during the mowing process. If you’re looking for a gas mower that streamlines the process as much as possible, the TB130 is a great choice. 

• The optional side discharge chute and the 1.9 bushel volume tank will enable you to customize how your clippings are dispersed or stored.
• Having the Tri-Action blade makes up for a less powerful engine, and the rake attachment is a nice touch that keeps lawns neat.
• Larger wheels make the mower very easy to move over different slopes and inclines, which you might come across in medium-large lawns.

Troy-Bilt TB130: User reviews

The prevailing opinion of the TB130’s positive reviews are that it’s light, maneuverable, and well-made. While some users expressed concern about the largely plastic body being a bit weak, most seem to accept that this material contributes massively to how lightweight the mower is. Across 46 reviews on the Troy-Bilt website, the TB130 maintains a solid overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. 

Troy-Bilt handily gives reviewers categories that they can award further scores in, providing a more granular overview of the product. For the TB130, it fares well in every category. In terms of the “Rugged Performance” and “Reliably Consistent” section, this Troy-Bilt maintains a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars ranking, scoring 4 in the rest. 

As these reviews all live on the brand’s website, it’s worth looking around at other sites too to ensure you are getting an impartial user review opinion. On Amazon, over 38 user reviews put the TB130 at an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. These reviews concur with the ratings given on Troy-Bilt’s website, emphasizing the light build and how easy the machine is to use.  

Should you buy the Troy-Bilt TB130?

If you’re after an affordable gas-powered lawn mower that does a great job of keeping small-to-medium-sized lawns looking immaculate, the Troy-Bilt TB130 has everything you need. 

Cutting action is great, thanks to the Tri-action blade, and clippings can be mulched or discharged as you wish. Bonus features, such as a no-change oil engine and customizable chute and bag options, add extra value, while user ratings are generally very good. 

At this price point there has to be a catch, and for us, it’s the 159cc engine. An engine this size will struggle with larger gardens, so make sure you’re aware before you buy. But if you’re the proud owner of a small-to-medium-sized lawn, then the Troy-Bilt TB130 is a great investment.

If this product isn't for you

Another affordable option for small-to-medium lawns is the Craftsman M105. Weighing in at just 65lbs, this manual push mower is easy to maneuver around and features 6 cutting heights and 5 clipping disposal options.

If you want to stay with Troy-Bilt, but you need more engine power, the Troy- Bilt TB160 could be the right fit for you. It has a 160cc Honda-designed engine, a 1.9-bushel rear bag and 6 cutting height options.

If you like the idea of a Honda motor, and your budget is bigger, the Honda HRX217VKA has a powerful 200cc engine. It’s also self-propelled, making light work of medium to large lawns.