TimeCutter® HD MyRide 48in, 54in, and 60in 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 NEUTRAL-LOCK position.

• The parking brake is engaged.

The safety-interlock system also is designed to shut off the engine whenever the control levers are out of the NEUTRAL-LOCK 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, engage the parking brake, and move the blade-control switch (PTO) to the ON position. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank.

2. Sit on the seat, engage the parking brake, and move the blade-control switch (PTO) to the OFF position. Move either motion-control lever (out of the NEUTRAL-LOCK position). Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank. Repeat for other control lever.

3. Sit on the seat, engage the parking brake, move the blade-control switch (PTO) to the OFF position, and move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position. Start the engine. While the engine is running, release the parking brake, engage the blade-control switch (PTO), and rise slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off.

4. Sit on the seat, engage the parking brake, move the blade-control switch (PTO) to the OFF position, and move the motion-control levers to NEUTRAL-LOCK position. Start the engine. While the engine is running, center either motion-control lever and move it forward or reverse; the engine should shut off. Repeat for other motion-control lever.

5. Sit on the seat, disengage the parking brake, move the blade-control switch (PTO) to the OFF position, and move the motion-control levers to NEUTRAL-LOCK position. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank.

The slots for the rear-shock assemblies have detent positions for reference. You can position the rear-shock assemblies anywhere in the slot, not just in the detent positions.

The following graphic shows the position for a soft or firm ride and the different detent positions (Figure 12).

Figure 12

1. Firmest position
2. Softest position
3. Detents in the slots

Note: Ensure that the left and right rear-shock assemblies are always adjusted to the same positions.

Adjust the rear-shock assemblies (Figure 13).

Figure 13

You can adjust the motion-control levers higher or lower for maximum comfort (Figure 14).

Figure 14

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 14).

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

4. Repeat the adjustment for the other control lever.

To engage the parking brake, pull up the parking brake until it latches into the detent slot (Figure 15).

Figure 15

1. Pull up the parking brake.

To disengage the parking brake, pull the lever out of the detent slot and toward you, then push it down (Figure 16).

Figure 16

1. Push the parking brake out of the detent slot and toward you.
2. Push the parking brake down.

Figure 17

Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the FAST position (Figure 18).

Figure 18

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 23

1. Disengage the blades by moving the blade-control switch to the OFF position (Figure 21).

2. Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.

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

Note: The engine stops when you move the traction-control with the parking brake engaged.

To stop, pull the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL position.

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

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

3. To go forward, slowly push the motion-control levers forward (Figure 25).

   

   Figure 25

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

2. To go backward, slowly pull the motion-control levers rearward (Figure 26).

   

   Figure 26

• Press the deck-lift pedal down to raise the deck; continue to press the pedal until the deck locks in the transport position (Figure 28).

• Push on the deck-lift pedal with your foot and pull the transport lock handle rearward to disengage the transport lock (Figure 28).

Figure 28

Transport Lock Position

You can adjust the height of cut from 38 to 114 mm (1-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches) in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments by relocating the height-of-cut pin into different hole locations.

1. Push on the deck-lift pedal with your foot and raise the mower deck to the transport-lock position (also the 114 mm (4-1/2 inches) cutting height position) as shown in Figure 29.

2. To adjust, remove the pin from the height-of-cut bracket (Figure 29).

3. Select a hole in the height-of-cut system corresponding to the desired height of cut and insert the pin (Figure 29).

4. Push on the deck-lift pedal with your foot and pull the handle rearward to disengage the transport lock (Figure 28).

5. Lower the deck slowly until the lever makes contact with the pin.

   

   Figure 29

   1. Deck-lift pedal
   2. Handle
   3. Pin
   4. Height-of-cut positions

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. Engage the parking brake, 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 31).

   Note: Do this for each lever.

5. Disengage the parking brake.

   Note: Do not start the machine.

   

   Figure 31

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

Move the bypass levers rearward through the keyhole and down to lock them in place as shown in Figure 31.

Note: Do this for each lever.

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

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

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

4. Lift the cover and rotate the air-cleaner assembly out of the engine (Figure 35).

   

   Figure 35

5. Remove the foam element from the paper element (Figure 36).

   

   Figure 36

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, disengage the blade-control switch, shut off the engine, engage parking brake, and remove the key.

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

3. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the engine, clean the area around the oil-fill cap and dipstick before removing it (Figure 38).

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

Figure 38

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 39

5. Change the engine-oil filter (Figure 40).

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

   

   Figure 40

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 41).

   

   Figure 41

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

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

   

   Figure 42

   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 43

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

Figure 44

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

2. Ensure that the parking brake is engaged, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen the 2 fasteners on the battery cover counterclockwise 1/4 turn, and remove the battery cover (Figure 46).

   

   Figure 46

   1. Battery cover
   2. Fasteners

4. Disconnect the negative (black) ground cable from the battery post (Figure 47).

   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 47).

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

7. Remove the battery hold-down (Figure 47), and lift the battery from the battery tray.

   

   Figure 47

   1. Battery
   2. Negative (–) battery post
   3. Bolt, washer, and nut for the negative (–) battery post
   4. Bolt, washer, and nut for the positive (+) battery post
   5. Positive (+) battery post
   6. Terminal boot
   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 48).

   

   Figure 48

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

1. Position the battery in the tray (Figure 47).

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 47).

6. Install the battery cover by pushing down and tightening the 2 fasteners clockwise (Figure 46).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and engage the parking brake.

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

1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 52).

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 52).

   

   Figure 52

   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 53).

   

   Figure 53

   1. Deck
   2. Spindle housing
   3. Blade

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

   

   Figure 54

   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 55).

   

   Figure 55

   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 56).

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

   

   Figure 56

   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.

The blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the blade is out of balance, or if the blade is bent. For best performance and continued safety conformance of the machine, use genuine Toro replacement blades. Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may result in non-conformance with safety standards.

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 57).

   

   Figure 57

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

1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 58).

   Note: Maintain the original angle.

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

   

   Figure 58

   1. Sharpen at original angle.

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 59).

   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 58).

   

   Figure 59

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

3. Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 57).

   Important: The curved part of the blade must be pointing 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 57).

3. Torque the blade bolt to 135 to 150 N∙m (100 to 110 ft-lb).

   

   Figure 60

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

The mower blades must be level from side to side. Check the side-to-side level any time you install the mower or when you see an uneven cut on your lawn.

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

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

3. Carefully rotate the blades side to side.

4. Measure between the outside cutting edges and the flat surface (Figure 61).

   Note: If both measurements are not within 5 mm (3/16 inch), an adjustment is required; refer to Leveling the Mower Deck.

   

   Figure 61

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

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 NEUTRAL-LOCK position, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

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

4. Measure from the tip of the front blade to the flat surface and the tip of the rear blade to the flat surface (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, continue to the Leveling the Mower Deck procedure.

   

   Figure 62

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

1. Set the anti-scalp rollers to the top holes or remove them completely for this procedure; refer to Adjusting the Anti-Scalp Rollers.

2. Set the height-of-cut lever to the 76 mm (3 inch) position; refer to Adjusting the Height of Cut.

3. Place 2 blocks each having a thickness of 6.6 cm (2-5/8 inches) under each side of the front edge of the deck, but not under the anti-scalp roller brackets (Figure 63).

4. Place 2 blocks each having a thickness of 7.3 cm (2-7/8 inches) under the rear edge of the cutting deck skirt; 1 on each side of the cutting deck (Figure 63).

   

   Figure 63

   1. Wood block—6.6 cm (2-5/8 inches) thick
   2. Wood block—7.3 cm (2-7/8 inches) thick
   3. Front edge

5. Loosen the adjustment bolts on all 4 corners so that the deck is sitting securely on all 4 blocks (Figure 64).

   

   Figure 64

   1. Deck-lift arm
   2. Chain
   3. Hook
   4. Adjustment bolt

6. Ensure that there is tension on all 4 chains (Figure 64).

7. Tighten the 4 adjustment bolts (Figure 64).

8. Ensure that the blocks fit snugly under the deck skirt and that all bolts are tight.

9. Verify that the deck is level by checking the side-to-side level and front-to-rear blade slope; repeat the deck leveling procedure if necessary.

1. Lower the mower to the 76 mm (3 inches) height-of-cut position.

2. Remove the mower belt from the engine pulley; refer to Replacing the Mower Belt.

1. Remove the hairpin cotter and washer securing the link pin to the frame and deck, and remove the link bar (Figure 65).

   

   Figure 65

   1. Link pin
   2. Washer
   3. Hairpin cotter

2. Lift up the mower deck to relieve tension from the mower deck.

3. Remove the chains from the hooks on the deck-lift arms (Figure 66).

   

   Figure 66

   1. Deck-lift arm
   2. Chain
   3. Hook
   4. Adjustment bolt

4. Raise the height of cut to the transport position.

5. Remove the belt from the clutch pulley on the engine.

6. Slide the mower out from underneath the machine.

   Note: Retain all parts for future installation.