Introduction

Warning

This product contains a chemical or chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire. This machine does not come equipped with a spark arrester standard. You must install the spark arrester kit before operating this machine in California.

This spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002.

The enclosed Engine Owner's Manual is supplied for information regarding the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Emission Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance, and warranty. Replacements may be ordered through the engine manufacturer.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely. Keep for future reference.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product and accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product.

g017415

Write the product model and serial numbers in the space below:

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

g000502

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

For models with stated engine horsepower, the gross horsepower of the engine was laboratory rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1349. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine horsepower on this class machine will be significantly lower.

Close section

Safety

The following safety section is adapted from ANSI B71.4–2012 and EN 14910.

General Safety

This product is capable of injuring hands and feet and of throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious personal injury.

Using this product for purposes other than its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

  • Read and understand the contents of this Operator’s Manual before starting the engine.

  • Do not put your hands or feet near moving components of the machine.

  • Do not operate the machine without all guards and other safety protective devices in place and working on the machine.

  • Keep clear of any discharge opening. Keep bystanders a safe distance away from the machine.

  • Keep children out of the operating area. Never allow children to operate the machine.

  • Stop the machine and shut off the engine before servicing, fueling, or unclogging the machine.

Improperly using or maintaining this machine can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety-alert symbol, which means Caution, Warning, or Danger—personal safety instruction. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury or death.

You can find additional items of safety information in their respective sections throughout this manual.

Before Operation Safety

General Safety

  • Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.

  • Check that all guards and safety devices are in place and working properly.

  • Always inspect the machine to ensure that the cutting unit bolt, line, and disc are not worn or damaged.

  • Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that the machine could throw.

  • Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving cutting disc, causing injury.

    • Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    • Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug before adjusting the cutting height.

Fuel Safety

Danger

Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property.

  • To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel, place the container and/or machine directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.

  • Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area, when the engine is cold. Wipe up any fuel that spills.

  • Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an open flame or sparks.

  • Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out of the reach of children.

Warning

Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and illness.

  • Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.

  • Keep your hands and face away from the nozzle and the fuel-tank opening.

  • Keep fuel away from your eyes and skin.

During Operating Safety

General Safety

  • Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection; slip-resistant, substantial footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long hair, and do not wear jewelry.

  • Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • The cutting unit is sharp; contacting the disc or line can result in serious personal injury. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  • When you release the operator-presence control, the engine should shut off and the cutting unit should stop within 3 seconds. If not, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

  • Operate the machine only in good visibility and appropriate weather conditions. Do not operate the machine when there is the risk of lighting.

  • Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the cutting unit. Mow only in dry conditions, if possible.

  • Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.

  • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip-and-fall accident.

  • Stop the machine and inspect the cutting unit after striking an object or if there is an abnormal vibration in the machine. Make all necessary repairs before resuming operation.

  • Before leaving the operating position, shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  • If the engine has been running the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you. Keep away from the hot muffler.

  • Use accessories and attachments approved by The Toro® Company only.

Slope Safety

Warning

Running the engine on slopes of more than 25 degrees will cause severe engine damage due to a lack of lubrication. Some of the potential damage could include stuck valves, scored pistons, or burned crank bearings.

  • Before operating on any slope, a site survey should be completed to determine the actual slope where the unit will be operating.

  • Do not run the 4 cycle Honda engine in this product on slopes of more than 25 degrees.

  • Avoid mowing wet grass. Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.

  • Mow with caution near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

  • When using the machine, always keep both hands on the handlebar.

  • When cutting from the top of a steep slope and you need longer reach, never tie the machine to a rope; use an approved extended handlebar.

After Operating Safety

General Safety

  • Clean grass and debris from the machine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.

  • Allow the engine to cool before storing the machine in any enclosure.

  • Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as on a water heater or on other appliances.

Hauling Safety

  • Use care when loading or unloading the machine.

  • Secure the machine.

  • The engine is not to be used to lift the machine, as sharp edges could cause injury.

Maintenance Safety

  • Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug before performing any maintenance procedure.

  • Wear gloves and eye protection when servicing the machine.

  • Wear gloves when servicing the cutting unit.

  • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

  • Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable and explosive, and can cause personal injury. Run the engine dry to remove the fuel with a hand pump; never siphon the fuel.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Important: Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.

decal130-8322
decal111-9826
decal111-5392
decal94-8072
g017410
Close section
Close section

Setup

Note: Determine right and left side of the machine from normal operating position.

Assembling the Handle

  1. Slide the lower handle into the frame (Figure 3).

    g017374
  2. Secure each side with a retaining pin and a hairpin (Figure 3).

  3. Secure the footstop to the right side of the lower handle using an M6 nut, and M6 bolt, and 2 washers (Figure 3).

  4. Attach the footstop to the frame with a retaining pin and a hairpin (Figure 3).

  5. Connect the upper handle to the lower handle by securing each side with a U-bolt, an M6 washer, and a handwheel (Figure 4).

    g017373
Close section

Filling the Engine with Oil

Important: Your machine does not come with oil in the engine. Before starting the engine, fill the engine with oil.

Max. fill: 0.59 L (20 fl oz), type: Multigrade Mineral 10W-30 oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

  1. Move the machine to a level surface.

  2. Remove the dipstick (Figure 5).

    g017530
  3. Slowly pour oil into the oil-fill hole, wait 3 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick by wiping the dipstick clean and then inserting, but not screwing in, the oil-fill cap into the hole (Figure 6).

    g017532

    Note: Fill the engine crankcase with oil until the dipstick indicates that the engine oil level is correct as shown in Figure 5. If you overfill the engine with oil, remove the excess oil as directed in Changing the Engine Oil.

  4. Install the dipstick and hand tighten it securely.

    Important: Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

Close section
Close section

Product Overview

g017382
g017377
ModelCutting widthProduct width
02615400 mm (15-3/4 inches)500 mm (19-11/16 inches)
Close section

Operation

Filling the Fuel Tank

  • For best results, use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).

  • Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE by volume is acceptable.

  • Do not use ethanol blends of gasoline, such as E15 or E85, with more than 10% ethanol by volume. Performance problems and/or engine damage may result, which may not be covered under warranty.

  • Do not use gasoline containing methanol.

  • Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or in fuel containers over the winter unless fuel stabilizer has been added to the fuel.

  • Do not add oil to gasoline.

Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded regular gasoline from a major name-brand service station (Figure 9).

Important: To reduce starting problems, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with fuel less than 30 days old.

Refer to your engine owner’s manual for additional information.

g017531
Close section

Checking the Engine Oil Level

  1. Move the machine to a level surface.

  2. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.

  3. Insert, but do not screw in, the dipstick into the oil-fill hole.

  4. Remove the dipstick and check it.

  5. To determine the proper oil level on the dipstick, refer to Figure 10).

    g017530
  6. If the oil level is low, slowly pour oil into the oil-fill hole, wait 3 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick by wiping the dipstick clean and then inserting, but not screwing in, the oil-fill cap into the hole.

    Note: Max. fill: 0.59 L (20 fl oz), Multigrade Mineral 10W-30 oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

    Note: Fill the engine crankcase with oil until the dipstick indicates that the engine oil level is correct as shown in Figure 10. If you overfill the engine with oil, remove the excess oil as directed in Changing the Engine Oil.

  7. Install the dipstick and hand tighten it securely.

    Important: Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

Close section

Adjusting the Cutting Height

Warning

Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving cutting unit, causing serious injury.

  • Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  • Wear gloves while handling the cutting unit.

Caution

If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you. Keep away from the hot muffler.

Adjust the cutting height as desired.

  1. Turn the fuel switch to the OFF position.

  2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

  3. Tilt the machine on its side, with the dipstick down.

  4. Wearing protective gloves, remove the nylon cutting line.

  5. Install the nylon cutting line at the desired height.

    g017371
Close section

Starting the Engine

  1. Open the fuel tank vent by turning the vent knob at least 2 or 3 turns counterclockwise.

  2. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position (Figure 12).

    g017375
  3. Hold the operator-presence control against the handle.

    g017334
  4. Place your foot on the deck and tilt the machine toward you (Figure 14).

    g017329
  5. Pull the recoil-start handle.

    Note: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

Note: If the machine does not start after several attempts, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Close section

Adjusting the Handle Position

Refer to Figure 15 for the different handle positions.

g025627

Note: For proper storage procedure, refer to Preparing the Machine for Storage.

Close section

Shutting Off the Engine

To shut off the engine, release the operator-presence control (Figure 16).

Important: When you release the operator-presence control, the engine should shut off and the cutting line should stop within 5 seconds. If they do not stop properly, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

g017546
Close section

Operating Tips

General Mowing Tips

  • Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that the machine could throw.

  • Avoid striking solid objects with the cutting line. Never deliberately mow over any object.

  • If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately shut off the engine, disconnect the wire from the spark plug, and examine the machine for damage.

  • For best performance, install new cutting lines before the cutting season begins.

  • Replace the cutting line when necessary with a Toro replacement cutting line.

  • Ensure that the replacement cutting line is the same length as the intact cutting line.

Close section

Cutting Grass

  • Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not cut below the highest setting (30 mm or 1.2 inches) unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down. Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.

  • Mowing grass over 15 cm (6 inches) in length is not recommended. If the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.

  • Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause the machine to plug or the engine to stall. Mow only in dry conditions, if possible.

    Warning

    Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the cutting line. Mow only in dry conditions, if possible.

  • Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry conditions, follow all local fire warnings, and keep the machine free of dry grass and leaf debris.

  • If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try 1 or more of the following:

    • Inspect the cutting unit and/or replace the cutting line.

    • Walk at a slower pace while mowing.

    • Raise the cutting height on your machine.

    • Cut the grass more frequently.

    • Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.

Close section

Cutting Leaves

  • After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need to make more than a single pass over the leaves.

  • Mowing grass over 15 cm (6 inches) in length is not recommended. If the leaf cover is too thick, the machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.

  • Slow down your mowing speed if the machine does not cut the leaves finely enough.

Close section
Close section
Close section

Maintenance

Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
After the first 5 operating hours
  • Change the engine oil.
  • Before each use or daily
  • Check the engine oil level.
  • Ensure that the engine shuts off within 5 seconds after releasing the operator-presence control.
  • Clean grass clippings and dirt from the entire machine.
  • Every 100 hours
  • Check the spark plug and replace it if necessary.
  • Before storage
  • Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed and before annual storage.
  • Clean the cooling system; remove grass clippings, debris, or dirt from the engine air cooling fins and starter. Clean the system more frequently in dirty or high-chaff conditions.
  • Yearly
  • Replace the air filter; replace it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
  • Change the engine oil.
  • Preparing for Maintenance

    Warning

    Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable, explosive and can cause personal injury.

    Run the engine dry or remove the fuel with a hand pump; never siphon.

    1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 17) before performing any maintenance procedure.

      g017533
    3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s), connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.

      Important: Always tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down. If the machine is tipped in another direction, oil may fill the valve train, requiring at least 30 minutes to drain.

    Close section

    Replacing the Air Cleaner

    1. Press down on the latch tabs on top of the air-cleaner cover (Figure 18).

      g017381
    2. Open the cover (Figure 18).

    3. Remove the filter (Figure 18).

    4. Inspect the air filter.

      1. If the filter is damaged or is wet with oil or fuel, replace it.

      2. If the filter is dirty, tap it on a hard surface several times or blow compressed air less than 207 kPa (30 psi) through the side of the filter that faces the engine.

        Note: Do not brush the dirt off the filter; brushing forces dirt into the fibers.

    5. Remove dirt from the air cleaner body and cover using a moist rag. Do not wipe dirt into the air duct.

    6. Insert the filter into the air cleaner (Figure 18).

    7. Install the cover (Figure 18).

    Close section

    Changing the Engine Oil

    1. Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil to warm it.

      Note: Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.

    2. Ensure that the fuel tank contains little or no fuel so that the fuel does not leak when you tip the machine onto its side.

    3. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance.

    4. Remove the dipstick.

    5. Tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down, to drain the used oil out through the oil-fill hole.

    6. Return the machine to the operating position.

    7. Slowly pour oil into the oil-fill hole, wait 3 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick by wiping the dipstick clean and then inserting, but not screwing in, the oil-fill cap into the hole.

      Note: Max. fill: 0.59 L (20 fl oz), type: Multigrade Mineral 10W-30 oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

      Note: Fill the engine crankcase with oil until the dipstick indicates that the engine oil level is correct as shown in (Figure 19). If you overfill the engine with oil, remove the excess oil as directed in 5.

      g017530
    8. Install the dipstick and hand tighten it securely.

    9. Dispose of the used oil properly at a local recycling center.

    Close section

    Servicing the Spark Plug

    Use a Champion RN9YC spark plug or equivalent.

    1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

    3. Clean around the spark plug.

    4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.

      Important: Replace a cracked, fouled, or dirty spark plug. Do not clean the electrodes because grit entering the cylinder can damage the engine.

    5. Set the gap on the plug to 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) as shown in Figure 20.

      g000533
    6. Install the spark plug and the gasket seal.

    7. Torque the plug to 20 N-m (15 ft-lb).

    8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

    Close section

    Replacing the Nylon Cutting String

    1. Turn the fuel valve to the OFF position and close the vent knob.

    2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

    3. Turn the machine on its side, with the dipstick facing down.

    4. Wearing protective gloves, remove the nylon cutting line.

    5. Place one length of nylon cutting line into the desired cutting height setting. Ensure that a second line of the same length is placed in the corresponding cutting height on the opposite side of the cutting disc.

    Note: If using a spare reel, cut the line to a length of 200 mm (7-7/8 inches).

    Close section

    Cleaning the Machine

    Warning

    The machine may dislodge material from under the machine housing.

    • Wear eye protection.

    • Stay in the operating position (behind the handle).

    • Do not allow bystanders in the area.

    1. Tip the machine on its side, with the dipstick down.

    2. Use a brush or compressed air to remove grass and debris from the exhaust guard, the top cowl, and the surrounding deck areas.

    Close section
    Close section

    Storage

    Store the machine in a cool, clean, dry place.

    Preparing the Machine for Storage

    Warning

    Fuel vapors can explode.

    • Do not store fuel more than 30 days.

    • Do not store the machine in an enclosure near an open flame.

    • Allow the engine to cool before storing it.

    1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel as directed by the engine manufacturer.

    2. Run the machine until the engine shuts off from running out of fuel.

    3. Prime the engine and start it again.

    4. Allow the engine to run until it shuts off. When you can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.

    5. If you are storing the machine hanging on a wall, switch the fuel valve off and close the vent of the fuel cap.

    6. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

    7. Remove the spark plug, add 30 ml (1 fl oz) of oil through the spark-plug hole, and pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the off-season.

    8. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque wrench to 20 N-m (15 ft-lb).

    9. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.

    Close section
    Close section

    Troubleshooting

    ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
    The engine does not start.
    1. The wire is not connected to the spark plug.
    2. The hole in the fuel-cap vent is plugged.
    3. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the gap is incorrect.
    4. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel system contains stale fuel.
    1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
    2. Clean the hole in the fuel-cap vent or replace the fuel cap.
    3. Check the spark plug and adjust the gap if necessary. Replace the spark plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
    4. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. If the problem persists, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
    The engine starts hard or loses power.
    1. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
    2. The air filter element is dirty and is restricting the air flow.
    3. The underside of the machine housing contains clippings and debris.
    4. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the gap is incorrect.
    5. The engine oil level is too low, too high, or excessively dirty.
    6. The fuel tank contains stale fuel.
    1. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace the fuel cap.
    2. Clean the air filter and/or replace the air filter.
    3. Clean under the machine housing.
    4. Check the spark plug and adjust the gap if necessary. Replace the spark plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
    5. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if it is dirty; add or drain the oil to adjust the oil level to the Full mark on the dipstick.
    6. Drain and fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel.
    The engine runs rough.
    1. The wire is not connected to the spark plug.
    2. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the gap is incorrect.
    3. The air filter element is dirty and is restricting the air flow.
    1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
    2. Check the spark plug and adjust the gap if necessary. Replace the spark plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
    3. Clean the air filter and/or replace the air filter.
    The machine or engine vibrates excessively.
    1. The underside of the machine housing contains clippings and debris.
    2. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
    3. The cutting disc bolt is loose.
    1. Clean under the machine housing.
    2. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
    3. Tighten the cutting disc bolt.
    There is an uneven cutting pattern.
    1. You are mowing in the same pattern repeatedly.
    2. The underside of the machine housing contains clippings and debris.
    1. Change the mowing pattern.
    2. Clean under the machine housing.
    Close section