Commercial Walk-Behind Mower

• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer.

• Wear appropriate clothing; including safety glasses, long pants, substantial, slip-resistant footwear, gloves, and hearing protection. Tie back long hair. Do not wear jewelry.

• Inspect the area where you will use the equipment and remove all objects from the area before using the machine.

• Use extra care when handling fuels. They are flammable and its vapors are explosive.

  • Use only an approved container.

  • Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke near the machine when the engine is running.

  • Do not refuel or drain the machine indoors.

• Check that the operator's presence controls, safety switches, and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not operate the machine unless they are functioning properly.

• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning is seen, or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate the machine; seek shelter.

• Do not run an engine in an enclosed area.

• Only operate in well-lit areas, keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.

• Ensure that all drives are in neutral and that the parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start the engine from the operator’s position.

• Make sure that you have good footing while using this machine, especially when backing up.

  Note: Reduced footing could cause slipping.

• Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel side to side on hillsides. Turf conditions can affect the stability of the machine. Use caution while operating near drop-offs.

• Slow down and use caution when making turns and when changing directions on slopes.

• Never raise the deck with the PTO engaged.

• Never operate with the PTO shield or other guards not securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.

• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed or altered, unless you are using a grass catcher.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

• Stop on level ground, disengage drives, engage the parking brake (if provided), and shut off the engine before leaving the operator's position for any reason, including emptying the catchers or unclogging the chute.

• Shut off the equipment and inspect the blades after striking objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before resuming operation.

• Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting unit.

• Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.

• Never carry passengers on the machine.

• Keep pets and bystanders away.

• Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop the blades if you are not mowing.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.

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

• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into or from a trailer or truck.

• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

• To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved fuel container.

• Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.

• Allow the engine to cool before fueling.

• Do not fuel the machine indoors.

• Do not 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.

• Do not fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck, or on a trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and fuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then add fuel with such equipment as a portable container rather than from a fuel-dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change your clothing immediately.

• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Replace the fuel cap and tighten it securely.

• Disengage drives, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine and remove the key or disconnect the spark-plug wire. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning, or repairing the machine.

• Clean grass and debris from the cutting unit, the drives, the mufflers, and the engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.

• Let the engine cool before storing, and do not store it near a flame.

• Shut off the fuel while storing or transporting the machine. Do not store fuel near flames or drain it indoors.

• Park the machine on level ground. Engage the parking brake. Never allow untrained personnel to service the machine.

• Use jack stands to support components when required.

• Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy.

• Disconnect the battery or the spark-plug wire before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive last. Connect the positive first and negative last.

• Use care when checking the blades. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.

• Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts. If possible, do not make adjustments with the engine running.

• Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.

• To best protect your investment and maintain optimal performance of your Toro equipment, count on Toro genuine parts. When it comes to reliability, Toro delivers replacement parts designed to the exact engineering specifications of our equipment. For peace of mind, insist on Toro genuine parts.

• Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

• Use full-width ramps for loading machine into trailer or truck.

• Tie the machine down securely using straps, chains, cable, or ropes. Both front and rear straps should be directed down and outward from the machine.

1. Pull the upper control bar rearward and hold it in this position (Figure 6).

2. Lift the parking-brake lever up and gradually release the upper control bar (Figure 6).

   Note: The brake lever should stay in the ENGAGED (LOCKED) position.

   

   Figure 6

   1. Upper control bar
   2. Parking-brake lever—ENGAGED position
   3. Fixed bar

1. Pull the upper control bar rearward. Lower the parking-brake lever to the DISENGAGED position.

2. Gradually release the upper control bar.

1. To engage the blades, squeeze the blade-control bail against the upper control bar (Figure 8).

2. Push the blade-control lever (PTO) firmly forward, until it latches over-center.

3. Start the engine and repeat the procedure to engage the mower blades if you release the blade-control bail.

   

   Figure 8

   1. Upper control bar
   2. Blade-control bail
   3. Blade-control lever (PTO)

To disengage the blades, pull the blade-control lever (PTO) rearward all the way (Figure 8). The engine shuts off when you release the blade-control bail with the blade-control lever engaged.

Note: It is necessary to fully and manually disengage the blade-control lever.

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. Engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, and move the throttle forward.

2. Start the engine.

3. With the engine running, squeeze the blade-control bail against upper control bar and push the mower-blade control lever forward.

   Note: The mower blades should begin rotating.

4. With the engine running, release the blade-control bail.

   Note: The engine should shut off.

5. Start the engine again.

6. With the engine running, turn the key to the OFF position.

   Note: The engine should shut off.

1. To move the machine forward, move the shift lever to a forward gear (Figure 9).

2. Disengage the parking brake; refer to Disengaging the Parking Brake.

3. Slowly press the upper control bar to move forward (Figure 9).

   To move straight, apply equal pressure to both ends of the upper control bar (Figure 9).

   To turn, release pressure on the upper control bar side in the direction you want to turn (Figure 9).

   

   Figure 9

   1. Upper control bar
   2. Lower control bar
   3. Shift lever
   4. Lower handle

1. To go backward, move the shift lever to the reverse gear.

2. Disengage the parking brake; refer to Disengaging the Parking Brake.

3. Slowly squeeze the lower control bar and lower handle together to move rearward (Figure 9).

1. Disengage the mower blades.

2. Shift the transmission into first gear to drive the machine.

3. Drive machine until the caster wheels contact the curb (Figure 10).

4. Lift the front of the machine by pushing down on the lower handle (Figure 10).

5. Drive the machine until the drive wheels contact the curb (Figure 10).

6. Lower the front of the machine (Figure 10).

   Note: Both drive wheels should contact the curb and the caster wheels should be straight.

7. At the same time, engage the lower control bar and lift up on the lower handle to drive over the curb (Figure 9 and Figure 10).

   Note: Lifting up on the lower handle assists driving the machine up a curb and not spin the drive wheels.

   

   Figure 10

   1. Lower control bar engaged and mower in reverse
   2. Pull up to assist the machine.
   3. Lower control bar engaged and mower going forward

1. Disengage the mower blades.

2. Shift the transmission into reverse to drive the machine.

3. Drive the machine until the drive wheels contact curb (Figure 10).

   Note: Both drive wheels should contact the curb and caster wheels should be straight.

4. At the same time, engage the lower control bar and lift up on the lower handle (Figure 9 and Figure 11).

   Note: Lifting up on the lower handle assists driving the machine up a curb and does not spin the drive wheels.

   

   Figure 11

   1. Lower control bar (engaged)
   2. Handle

This is the full rear position (see Figure 13). The suggested use for this position is a follows:

• Use for short, light grass mowing conditions.

• Use in dry conditions.

• Use to make smaller grass clippings.

• Use to propel the grass clippings farther away from the mower.

  

  Figure 13

Use this position when bagging (Figure 14).

Figure 14

This is the full open position. The suggested use for this position is as follows (Figure 15):

• Use in tall, dense grass mowing conditions.

• Use in wet conditions.

• Use to lower the engine power consumption.

• Use at increased ground speed in heavy conditions.

  

  Figure 15

Adjust the blades by using the 4 spacers on the blade spindle bolts. This allows for a 25 mm (1-inch) adjustment range, in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments, of cutting height in any axle position. Use the same number of blade spacers on all blades to achieve a level cut (2 above and 2 below, 1 above and 3 below, etc.).

1. Disengage the PTO 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. Hold the blade bolt and remove the nut (Figure 16).

   

   Figure 16

   1. Blade
   2. Blade bolt
   3. Curved washer
   4. Spacer
   5. Thin washer
   6. Nut

4. Slide the bolt down through the spindle and change the spacers as needed (Figure 16).

5. Install the bolt and curved washer, add extra spacer(s), and secure them with a thin washer and a nut (Figure 16).

6. Torque the blade bolt to 101 to 108 N∙m (75 to 80 ft-lb).

Adjust the axle position to the selected height-of-cut setting. Refer to Height-of-Cut Chart.

1. Disengage the PTO 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. Loosen, but do not remove, the 2 axle pivot bolts and the 2 axle adjustment bolts (Figure 17).

   

   Figure 17

   1. Axle pivot bolt
   2. Axle adjustment bolt

4. Place a jack under the rear center of the engine frame. Raise the back end of the engine frame up enough to remove the front 2 axle adjustment bolts (Figure 17).

   Note: Use jack stands to support the machine.

5. Raise or lower the engine frame with the jack so that you can install the front 2 axle adjustment bolts in the desired hole location (Figure 17).

   Note: Use a tapered punch to help align the holes.

6. Tighten all 4 bolts and lower the mower.

7. Adjust the control rods and the brake linkages as required. Refer to Adjusting the Control Rods and Servicing the Brakes.

   Important: You must adjust the control rods and the brake linkage when you change the axle positions for proper traction and brake function.

1. Using the Height-of-Cut Chart, adjust the caster spacers to match with the axle hole selected (Figure 18).

   

   Figure 18

   1. Latch pin
   2. Spacer—5 mm (3/16 inch)
   3. Spacer—13 mm (1/2 inch)

2. Remove the latch pin, slide the caster from the support, and change the spacers (Figure 18).

3. Install the caster in the support and insert the latch pin (Figure 18).

1. Disengage the PTO 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. Clean the grease fittings with a rag. Make sure to scrape any paint off the front of the fitting(s).

4. Connect a grease gun to the fitting. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

5. Wipe up any excess grease.

1. Lubricate the front-wheel bearings and front spindles (Figure 22).

2. Lubricate the drive-wheel bearings (Figure 22).

   

   Figure 22

Lubricate the transmission couplers and idler arm pivots located in the back of the machine (Figure 23).

Figure 23

Grease the fitting on the mower belt-idler arm pivot (Figure 24).

Note: Remove the mower-deck cover to access the grease fitting for the mower belt-idler arm.

Figure 24

Important: Do not oil the foam or paper element.

Oil Type: Detergent oil (API service SF, SG, SH, SJ or SL)

Crankcase Capacity: 1.7 L (57 fl oz) with the filter removed; 1.5 L (51 fl oz) without the filter removed

Viscosity: Refer to the table (Figure 26).

Figure 26

Checking the Engine-Oil Level

Maintenance Service Interval	Maintenance Procedure
Before each use or daily	Check the engine-oil level.

1. Disengage the PTO 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.

Figure 27

Make sure that the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plug(s) and a gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap. Install a new spark plug(s) if necessary.

Type: NGK® BPR4ES or equivalent

Air Gap: 0.75 mm (0.030 inch)

Checking the Spark Plugs

Important: Do not clean the spark plugs. Always replace the spark plugs when they have: 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 0.75 mm (0.03 inch).

Figure 32

Installing the Spark Plugs

Tighten the spark plugs to 22 N∙m (16 ft-lb).

Figure 33

Maintain the air pressure in the rear tires at 83 to 97 kPa (12 to 14 psi). Uneven tire pressure can cause an uneven cut.

Note: The front tires are semi-pneumatic tires and do not require air-pressure maintenance.

Figure 37

Before each use, remove any buildup of grass, dirt, or other debris from the cylinder and cylinder-head cooling fins, air-intake screen on the flywheel end, and the carburetor-governor levers and linkage. This helps ensure that adequate cooling and correct engine speed, and reduces the possibility of overheating or mechanical damage to the engine.

1. Disengage the PTO 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 air-intake screen, the recoil-start handle, and the fan housing (Figure 38).

4. Clean the debris and grass from the engine parts.

5. Install the air-intake screen, the recoil-start handle, and the fan housing (Figure 38).

   

   Figure 38

   1. Air-intake screen
   2. Fan housing
   3. Recoil-start handle
   4. Bolt
   5. Nut

Before each use, check the brakes on both a level surface and slope.

Always engage the parking brake when you shut off the machine or leave it unattended. If the parking brake does not hold securely, adjust it.

Check the belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, wear, signs of overheating, or any other damage. Replace any damaged belts.

1. Remove the hairpin cotter securing the brake rod to the brake arm to relax the tension on the belt idler (Figure 40).

2. Remove the bottom bolt and loosen the top bolt of the shield to rotate it for belt clearance (Figure 40).

3. Lift the belt past the idler and off the drive pulley (Figure 40).

4. Raise the wheel off the ground enough to remove the belt.

5. Replace the traction-drive belt.

6. Secure the shield with the previously removed bolt and tighten the bolts (Figure 40).

7. Secure the brake rod to the brake arm with the hairpin cotter (Figure 40).

   

   Figure 40

   1. Hairpin cotter
   2. Brake rod
   3. Shield
   4. Drive belt

1. Disengage the PTO 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. Raise the rear of the machine and hold it up with jack stands.

4. Remove the mower belt (Figure 41).

   

   Figure 41

   1. Idler pulley in slot
   2. Traction belt
   3. Mower belt
   4. Belt guide
   5. 19 mm (3/4 inch)
   6. Mower belt

5. Loosen the pivot bolt enough to slide the idler pulley in the slot, and remove the traction belt from the engine and the drive pulleys (Figure 41).

6. Install the new drive belt around the engine and the drive pulleys (Figure 41).

7. Slide the idler pulley in the engine frame to tension the traction belt (Figure 41).

8. Install the mower belt (Figure 41).

9. Check the belt guide under the engine frame for the proper adjustment (Figure 41).

   Note: The distance between the belt guide and mower belt should be 19 mm (3/4 inch) when you engage the mower belt. Adjust the belt if necessary. The disengaged belt should not drag or fall off the pulley when the guides are properly adjusted.

Important: The brake needs to be adjusted when the belt tension or the brake linkage is adjusted.

1. Disengage the PTO 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 knobs and the belt cover on the mower.

4. Remove the idler pulley and the worn belt.

5. Install the new mower belt.

6. Install the idler pulley.

7. Engage the PTO and check the belt tension. Refer to Adjusting the Mower Belt Tension.

   Note: The proper mower belt tension is 44 to 67 N∙m (10 to 15 ft-lb) with the belt deflected 13 mm (1/2 inch) halfway between the pulleys (Figure 44).

8. Engage the PTO.

9. Check the clearance between the bell crank and the transmission output shaft (Figure 42).

   

   Figure 42

   1. 2 to 3 mm (1/16 to 1/8 inch)
   2. Bell crank
   3. Transmission output shaft
   4. Hairpin cotter
   5. Clevis pin
   6. Clevis

   Note: The clearance should be 2 to 3 mm (1/16 to 1/8 inch).

10. Remove the hairpin cotter and the clevis pin from the bell crank.

11. Rotate the clevis clockwise on the rod to increase the clearance; rotate it counterclockwise to decrease it (Figure 42).

12. Disengage the PTO.

    Note: If the assist arm does not contact the front stop on the mower deck (Figure 43), adjust the clevis to bring the bell crank closer to the transmission output shaft (Figure 42).

    

    Figure 43

    1. 13 mm (1/2 inch) deflection here
    2. Assist arm
    3. Front stop
    4. Locknut
    5. Turnbuckle

13. Check the belt guide under the engine frame for the proper adjustment (Figure 41).

    Note: The distance between the belt guide and the mower belt should be 32 mm (1-1/4 inch) when you engage the mower belt. Adjust the mower belt as necessary. The disengaged belt should not drag or fall off the pulley when the guides are properly adjusted.

Important: Adjust the brake when you adjust the belt tension or the brake linkage.

Important: The belt must be tight enough to not slip during heavy loads while cutting grass. Overtensioning the belt reduces the life of the spindle bearing, the belt, and the idler pulley.

1. Disengage the PTO 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. Loosen the locknut on the turnbuckle (Figure 44).

4. Rotate the turnbuckle toward the rear of the mower to increase the tension on the belt. Rotate the turnbuckle toward the front of the mower to decrease the tension on the belt (Figure 44).

   Note: The eyebolt threads on both ends of the turnbuckle should be engaged a minimum of 8 mm (5/16 inch).

5. Engage the PTO and check the belt tension. Adjust tension until it is correct.

   Note: The proper mower belt tension is 44 to 67 N∙m (10 to 15 ft-lb) with the belt deflected 13 mm (1/2 inch) halfway between the pulleys (Figure 44).

   

   Figure 44

   1. Mower belt with 13 mm (1/2 inch) deflection
   2. Idler pulley

6. Tighten the locknut on the turnbuckle.

7. Check the blade-brake adjustment; refer to Adjusting the Blade Brake.

The PTO-engagement linkage adjustment is located beneath the front left-hand corner of the engine deck.

1. Disengage the PTO 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. Engage the PTO lever.

4. Adjust the linkage length so that the lower end of the bellcrank just clears the axle support gusset (Figure 45).

   

   Figure 45

   1. Bellcrank
   2. Safety switch located under engine deck
   3. Bellcrank just clears the gusset with the PTO engaged
   4. Yoke
   5. Nut
   6. Assist-arm link

5. Make sure that the assist arm is against the rear assist-arm stop on the deck (Figure 46).

6. Push the blade-control lever (PTO) down to the disengaged position.

7. The assist arm should contact the front assist-arm stop on the deck. If it does not contact the stop, adjust the bellcrank so that it is closer to the gusset (Figure 46).

   

   Figure 46

   1. Yoke
   2. Nut
   3. Rear assist-arm stop
   4. Front assist-arm stop
   5. Assist-arm link
   6. Assist arm
   7. Turnbuckle

8. To adjust the assist-arm link, remove the hairpin cotter from the assist arm (Figure 46).

9. Loosen the nut against the yoke (Figure 45).

10. Remove the assist-arm link from the assist arm and rotate the link to adjust the length.

11. Install the assist-arm link into the assist arm and secure it with the hairpin cotter (Figure 46).

12. Check if the assist arm contacts the stops correctly.

To ensure a superior quality of cut, keep the blades sharp. For convenient sharpening and replacement, keep extra blades on hand.

1. Disengage the PTO 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. If necessary, adjust the spring mounting bolts so that the blade brake pad rubs against both sides of the pulley groove (Figure 54).

4. Adjust the nut at the end of the blade brake rod until there is 3 mm to 5 mm (1/8 to 3/16 inch) between the nut and the spacer (Figure 54).

5. Engage the blades.

   Note: Ensure that the blade brake pad no longer contacts the pulley groove.

   

   Figure 54

   1. Spring mounting bolts
   2. Blade brake pad
   3. 3 mm to 5 mm (1/8 to 3/16 inch)

1. Remove the locknut, bolt, spring, and spacer holding the deflector to the pivot brackets (Figure 54).

   

   Figure 55

   1. Bolt
   2. Spacer
   3. Locknut
   4. Spring
   5. Spring (installed)
   6. Grass deflector
   7. J-hook end of the spring

2. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector.

3. Place the spacer and the spring onto the grass deflector.

4. Place 1 J-hook end of the spring behind the deck edge.

   Note: Make sure that 1 J-hook end of spring is installed behind deck edge before installing the bolt as shown in Figure 54.

5. Install the bolt and the nut.

6. Place 1 J-hook end of the spring around the grass deflector (Figure 54).

   Important: The grass deflector must be able to rotate. Lift the deflector up to the full open position, and ensure that it rotates into the full down position.