TimeCutter® MX 4250, MX5050, MX 6050, or SS 5425 Riding Mower

The safety-interlock system is designed to prevent the engine from starting unless:

• The blade-control switch (PTO) is disengaged.

• The motion-control levers are in the PARK position.

The safety-interlock system also is designed to shut off the engine whenever the control levers are out of the PARK position and you rise from the seat.

Test the safety-interlock system before you use the machine each time. If the safety system does not operate as described below, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety system immediately.

1. Sit on the seat, move the motion-control levers in the PARK position, and move the blade-control switch to the ON position. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank.

2. Sit on the seat and move the blade-control switch to the OFF position. Move either motion-control lever to the center, unlocked position. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank. Repeat with the other motion-control lever.

3. Sit on the seat, move the blade-control switch to the OFF position, and lock the motion-control levers in the PARK position. Start the engine. While the engine is running, engage the blade-control switch, and rise slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off.

4. Sit on the seat, move the blade-control switch to the OFF position, and lock the motion-control levers in the PARK position. Start the engine. While the engine is running, move the motion-control levers to the center, unlocked position, engage the blade-control switch, and rise slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off.

You can adjust the motion-control levers higher or lower for maximum comfort (Figure 13).

Figure 13

You can adjust the motion-control levers forward or rearward for your comfort.

1. Loosen the upper bolt holding the control lever to the control-arm shaft.

2. Loosen the lower bolt just enough to pivot the control lever forward or rearward (Figure 13).

3. Tighten both bolts to secure the control lever in the new position.

4. Repeat the adjustment for the other control lever.

Figure 14

Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the FAST position (Figure 15).

Figure 15

Note: A warm or hot engine may not require choking.

Important: Do not engage the starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. Engaging the starter motor for more than 5 seconds can damage the starter motor. If the engine fails to start, wait 10 seconds before operating the engine starter again.

Figure 20

1. Disengage the blades by moving the blade-control switch to the OFF position (Figure 20).

2. Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.

3. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key.

Note: Always use caution when backing up and turning.

1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position.

2. To go forward, slowly push the motion-control levers forward (Figure 22).

   

   Figure 22

1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position.

2. To go backward, slowly pull the motion-control levers rearward (Figure 23).

   

   Figure 23

The Smart Speed ^TM Control-System lever, located below the operating position (Figure 24), gives the operator a choice to drive the machine at 3 ground speed ranges—trim, tow, and mow.

Figure 24

1. Smart-speed lever

To change speeds, do the following:

1. Move the motion-control levers to neutral and outward to the PARK position.

2. Disengage the blade-control switch.

3. Adjust the lever to the desired position.

The following are only recommendations for use. Adjustments vary by grass type, moisture content, and the height of the grass.

Trim

This is the lowest speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows:

• Parking

• Heavy, wet grass mowing conditions

• Training

Tow

This is the medium speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows:

• Bagging

• Mulching

Mow

This is the fastest speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows:

• Normal mowing

• Transporting the machine

Whenever you change the height of cut, adjust the height of the anti-scalp rollers.

Note: Adjust the anti-scalp rollers so that the rollers do not touch the ground in normal, flat mowing areas.

1. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), move the motion-control levers to the PARK position, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Adjust the anti-scalp rollers as shown in Figure 26 to match the closest height-of-cut position.

   

   Figure 26

   1. Anti-scalp roller
   2. Bolt
   3. Flange nut
   4. Hole spacing

Whenever you change the height of cut, it is recommended to adjust the height of the anti-scalp rollers.

1. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), move the motion-control levers to the PARK position, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the flange nut, anti-scalp roller, and bolt from the bracket (Figure 27).

   Note: Keep the bolt and anti-scalp roller together when removing.

   

   Figure 27

   1. Flange nut
   2. Spacer
   3. Anti-scalp roller
   4. Bushing
   5. Bolt

4. Align the bolt and anti-scalp roller in the hole of the bracket that matched the closest height-of-cut position (Figure 27).

5. Insert the bolt into the bracket hole and secure the bolt and anti-scalp roller with the flange nut (Figure 27).

For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the engine at the FAST position. Air is required to thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut so low as to totally surround the mower in uncut grass. Always try to have 1 side of the mower free from uncut grass, which allows air to be drawn into the mower.

Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that the cutting height of the mower does not scalp any uneven ground. However, the cutting height used in the past is generally the best one to use. When cutting grass longer than 15 cm (6 inches) tall, you may want to cut the lawn twice to ensure an acceptable quality of cut.

It is best to cut only about a third of the grass blade. Cutting more than that is not recommended unless grass is sparse, or it is late fall when grass grows more slowly.

Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass standing straight. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances decomposition and fertilization.

Grass grows at different rates at different times of the year. To maintain the same cutting height, mow more often in early spring. As the grass growth rate slows in mid summer, mow less frequently. If you cannot mow for an extended period, first mow at a high cutting height, then mow again 2 days later at a lower height setting.

To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed in certain conditions.

When mowing uneven turf, raise the cutting height to avoid scalping the turf.

If you must stop the forward motion of the machine while mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn. To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area with the blades engaged or you can disengage the mower deck while moving forward.

Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower after each use. If grass and dirt build up inside the mower, cutting quality will eventually become unsatisfactory.

Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season because a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing or shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding turns grass brown at the edges, which slows growth and increases the chance of disease. Check the mower blades after each use for sharpness, and for any wear or damage. File down any nicks and sharpen the blades as necessary. If a blade is damaged or worn, replace it immediately with a genuine Toro replacement blade.

1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade-control switch.

2. Move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position, shut off the engine, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Locate the bypass levers on the frame on both sides of the engine.

4. Move the bypass levers forward through the key hole and down to lock them in place (Figure 28).

   Note: Do this for each lever.

5. Move the motion-control levers inward to the NEUTRAL position and turn the ignition key to the RUN position.

   Note: Do not start the machine.

   Note: You can now push the machine by hand.

   

   Figure 28

   1. Bypass-lever locations
   2. Lever position for operating the machine
   3. Lever position for pushing the machine

6. When finished, turn the key to the STOP position to avoid draining the battery charge.

Note: If the machine fails to move, the electric brake may still be engaged. You can release the electric brake if necessary; refer to Releasing the Electric Brake.

Move the bypass levers rearward through the key hole and down to lock them in place as shown in Figure 28.

Note: Do this for each lever.

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO).

3. Engage the parking brake.

4. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

5. Clean around the air-cleaner cover to prevent dirt from getting into the engine and causing damage.

6. Lift the cover and rotate the air-cleaner assembly out of the engine (Figure 34).

   

   Figure 34

7. Remove the foam element from the paper element (Figure 35).

   

   Figure 35

Wash the foam element with water and replace the foam element if it is damaged.

1. Lightly tap the element on a flat surface to remove dust and dirt.

2. Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, and damage to the seal.

   Important: Do not clean the paper element with pressurized air or liquids, such as solvent, gasoline, or kerosene. Replace the paper element if it is damaged or cannot be cleaned thoroughly.

Note: Check the oil when the engine is cold.

Important: If you overfill or underfill the engine crankcase with oil and run the engine, you may damage the engine.

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO).

3. Engage the parking brake.

4. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

5. Make sure that the engine is shut off, level, and is cool, so that the oil has had time to drain into the sump.

6. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the engine, clean the area around the oil-fill cap and dipstick before removing it (Figure 37).

7. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

Figure 37

Note: Change the engine-oil filter more frequently when operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

Note: Dispose of the used oil at a recycling center.

1. Park the machine on a level surface to ensure that the oil drains completely.

2. Disengage the PTO and ensure that the parking brake is engaged.

3. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

4. Drain the engine oil.

   

   Figure 38

5. Change the engine-oil filter (Figure 39).

   Note: Ensure that the oil-filter gasket touches the engine and then turn the filter an extra 3/4 turn.

   

   Figure 39

6. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the specified oil into the filler tube and slowly add the additional oil to bring it to the Full mark (Figure 40).

   

   Figure 40

1. Disengage the PTO and move the motion-control levers to the PARK position.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

   

   Figure 41

   Note: Due to the deep recess around the spark plug, blowing out the cavity with compressed air is the most effective method for cleaning. The spark plug is most accessible when the blower housing is removed for cleaning.

Important: Do not clean the spark plug(s). Always replace the spark plug(s) when it has: a black coating, worn electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.

If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is operating properly. A black coating on the insulator usually means the air cleaner is dirty.

Set the gap to 0.76 mm (0.03 inch).

Figure 42

Tighten the spark plug(s) to 25 to 30 N∙m (18.5 to 22.1 ft-lb).

Figure 43

1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade-control switch.

2. Move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Raise the seat to access the battery.

4. Disconnect the negative (black) ground cable from the battery post (Figure 45).

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

   Warning

   Incorrect battery-cable routing could damage the machine and cables causing sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in personal injury.

   • Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before disconnecting the positive (red) cable.

   • Always connect the positive (red) battery cable before connecting the negative (black) cable.

5. Slide the rubber cover up the positive (red) cable.

6. Disconnect the positive (red) cable from the battery post (Figure 45).

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

7. Remove the battery hold-down (Figure 45), and lift the battery from the battery tray.

   

   Figure 45

   1. Battery
   2. Positive (+) battery post
   3. Bolt, washer, and nut
   4. Terminal boot
   5. Negative (–) battery post
   6. Wing nut, washer, and bolt
   7. Battery hold-down

1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing the Battery.

2. Charge the battery for a minimum of 1 hour at 6 to 10 A.

   Note: Do not overcharge the battery.

3. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger leads from the battery posts (Figure 46).

   

   Figure 46

   1. Positive (+) battery post
   2. Negative (–) battery post
   3. Red (+) charger lead
   4. Black (–) charger lead

1. Position the battery in the tray (Figure 45).

2. Using the fasteners previously removed, install the positive (red) battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal.

3. Using the fasteners previously removed, install the negative battery cable to the negative (-) battery terminal.

4. Slide the red terminal boot onto the positive (red) battery post.

5. Secure the battery with the hold-down (Figure 45).

6. Lower the seat.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark-plug wires from the spark plugs.

1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 50).

2. If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blade; refer to Sharpening the Blades.

3. Inspect the blades, especially in the curved area.

4. If you notice any cracks, wear, or a slot forming in this area, immediately install a new blade (Figure 50).

   

   Figure 50

   1. Cutting edge
   2. Curved area
   3. Wear/slot forming
   4. Crack

Note: The machine must be on a level surface for the following procedure.

1. Raise the mower deck to the highest height-of-cut position.

2. While wearing thickly padded gloves, or other adequate hand protection, slowly rotate the blade to be measure into a position that allows effective measurement of the distance between the cutting edge and the level surface the machine is on (Figure 51).

   

   Figure 51

   1. Deck
   2. Spindle housing
   3. Blade

3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface (Figure 52).

   

   Figure 52

   1. Blade (in position for measuring)
   2. Level surface
   3. Measured distance between blade and the surface (A)

4. Rotate the same blade 180 degrees so that the opposing cutting edge is now in the same position (Figure 53).

   

   Figure 53

   1. Blade (side previously measured)
   2. Measurement (position used previously)
   3. Opposing side of blade being moved into measurement position

5. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface (Figure 54).

   Note: The variance should be no more than 3 mm (1/8 inch).

   

   Figure 54

   1. Opposite blade edge (in position for measuring)
   2. Level surface
   3. Second measured distance between blade and surface (B)

   1. If the difference between A and B is greater than 3 mm (1/8 inch), replace the blade with a new blade; refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

      Note: If a bent blade is replaced with a new blade, and the dimension obtained continues to exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch), the blade spindle could be bent. Contact an Authorized Toro Dealer for service.

   2. If the variance is within constraints, move to the next blade.

6. Repeat this procedure on each blade.

Replace the blades if they hit a solid object, or if the blade is out of balance or bent.

1. Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly padded glove.

2. Remove the blade bolt, curved washer, and blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 55).

   

   Figure 55

   1. Sail area of the blade
   2. Blade
   3. Curved washer
   4. Blade bolt
   5. Blade stiffener

1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 56).

   Note: Maintain the original angle.

   Note: The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges.

   

   Figure 56

   1. Sharpen at original angle.

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 57).

   Note: If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used.

   Note: If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the sail area only (Figure 56).

   

   Figure 57

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

3. Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 55).

   Important: The curved part of the blade must point upward toward the inside of the mower to ensure proper cutting.

2. Install the curved washer (cupped side toward the blade) and the blade bolt (Figure 55).

3. Torque the blade bolt to 47 to 88 N∙m (35 to 65 ft-lb).

1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade-control switch.

2. Move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Set the height-of-cut lever to middle position.

4. Carefully rotate the blades so that they are all side to side (Figure 58 and Figure 59).

   

   Figure 58

   Mower Decks with 2 Blades

   1. Blades side to side
   2. Sail area of blade
   3. Outside cutting edges
   4. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here
   

   Figure 59

   Mower Decks with 3 Blades

   1. Blades side to side
   2. Sail area of blade
   3. Outside cutting edges
   4. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here

5. Measure between the outside cutting edges and the flat surface (Figure 58 and Figure 59).

   Note: If both measurements are not within 5 mm (3/16 inch), an adjustment is required; continue with this procedure.

6. Move to the left side of the machine.

7. Loosen the side locking nut.

8. Raise or lower the left side of the mower deck by rotating the rear nut (Figure 60).

   Note: Rotate the rear nut clockwise to raise the mower deck; rotate the rear nut counter-clockwise to lower the mower deck. (Figure 60).

   

   Figure 60

   1. Hanger bracket
   2. Side locking nut
   3. Rear nut

9. Check the side-to-side adjustments again. Repeat this procedure until the measurements are correct.

10. Continue leveling the mower deck by checking the front-to-rear blade slope; refer to Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope.

Check the front-to-rear blade level any time you install the mower. If the front of the mower is more than 7.9 mm (5/16 inch) lower than the rear of the mower, adjust the blade level using the following instructions:

1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade-control switch.

2. Move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Set the height-of-cut lever to middle position.

   Note: Check and adjust the side-to-side blade level if you have not checked the setting; refer to Leveling from Side to Side.

4. Carefully rotate the blades so they are facing front to rear (Figure 61 and Figure 62).

   

   Figure 61

   Mower Decks with 2 Blades

   1. Blades front to rear
   2. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here
   

   Figure 62

   Mower Decks with 3 Blades

   1. Blades front to rear
   2. Outside cutting edges
   3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here.

5. Measure from the tip of the front blade to the flat surface, and the tip of the rear blade to the flat surface (Figure 61 and Figure 62).

   Note: If the front blade tip is not 1.6 to 7.9 mm (1/16 to 5/16 inch) lower than the rear blade tip, adjust the front locknut for 42-inch, 50-inch, and 54-inch decks; adjust the 2 front locknuts the same amount for 60-inch decks.

6. For 42-inch, 50-inch, and 54-inch mower decks, adjust the front-to-rear blade slope as follows:

   1. Rotate the adjustment nut in the front of the mower (Figure 63).

   2. To raise the front of the mower, tighten the adjustment nut.

   3. To lower the front of the mower, loosen the adjustment nut.

   4. After adjustment, check the front-to-rear slope again, continue adjusting the nut until the front blade tip is 1.6 to 7.9 mm (1/16 to 5/16 inch) lower than the rear blade tip (Figure 61 and Figure 62).

   

   Figure 63

   1. Adjusting rod
   2. Adjusting block
   3. Locknut

7. For 60-inch mower decks, adjust the front-to-rear blade slope as follows:

   1. Loosen the adjustment nut on the left adjusting rod (Figure 62).

   2. To raise the front of the mower, tighten the adjustment nut on the right adjusting rod.

   3. To lower the front of the mower, loosen the adjustment nut on the right adjusting rod.

   4. Tighten the adjustment nut on the left adjustment rod so that there is tension on the left deck rod.

8. When the front-to-rear blade slope is correct check the side-to-side level of the mower again, refer to Leveling from Side to Side.