TimeCutter® SS 4225 or 5000 Riding Mower

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the operator's manual and on the machine before starting.

• Do not place hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing up.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the machine without deflector, discharge cover or entire grass collection system in place and working.

• Be alert, slow down and use caution when making turns. Look behind and to the side before changing directions.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove key before dismounting.

• Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop the engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop and remove the key before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge chute.

• Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.

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

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

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

• Wear appropriate clothing including eye protection and substantial, slip-resistant shoes. Tie back long hair. Do not wear jewelry.

• Always follow the recommendations for any application of counterweights.

• 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.

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.

• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises that change the operating angle, as rough terrain could overturn the machine.

• Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop while operating on a slope.

• Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and loss of control.

• Always keep the drive wheels engaged when going down slopes.

• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.

• Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.

• Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because the mower may tip backwards.

• Be aware that loss of traction may occur going downhill. Weight transfer to the front wheels may cause drive wheels to slip and cause loss of braking and steering.

• Always avoid sudden starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, stop the machine, disengage the blades and proceed slowly off the slope.

• Use extreme care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine and cause loss of control.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water. Wheels dropping over edges can cause rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death or drowning.

• Use a walk behind mower and/or a hand trimmer near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks or water.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult, not the operator.

• Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while backing or changing direction, look behind, down, and side-to-side for small children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

• Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the mower.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may obscure vision.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and the vapors are explosive.

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

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove the gas cap or add fuel when the engine is running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as near a water heater or furnace.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

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

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

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

• Never overfill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

  General Service:

• Never operate a machine inside a closed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, deadly poison that can kill you.

• Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good condition.

• Never interfere with the intended function of a safety device or to reduce the protection provided by a safety device. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage fuel soaked debris. Allow the machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturers' recommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear thickly-padded gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

• Check for proper brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction decals as necessary.

• Use only genuine Toro replacement parts to ensure that original standards are maintained.

Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide the following benefits:

• Keeps gasoline fresh during storage of 90 days or less. For longer storage it is recommended that the fuel tank be drained.

• Cleans the engine while it runs.

• Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel system, which causes hard starting.

  Important: Do not use fuel additives containing methanol or ethanol.

  Add the correct amount of gasoline stabilizer/conditioner to the gasoline.

  Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the chance of varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at all times.

Note: Ensure that the engine is shut off and the motion-control levers are in the PARKED position.

Note: You can use the fuel window to verify the presence of gasoline before filling the tank (Figure 7).

Important: Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the filler neck. The empty space in the tank allows the fuel to expand. Overfilling may result in fuel leakage, damage to the engine, or damage to the emissions system.

Figure 7

Important: Do not engage the blades when parked in tall grass. Belt or clutch damage can occur.

Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the FAST position.

Figure 11

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 14).

   

   Figure 14

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion-control levers (Figure 14).

   To turn, release pressure on the motion-control lever toward the direction you want to turn (Figure 14).

   The farther you move the motion-control levers in either direction, the faster the machine moves in that direction.

   To stop, pull the motion-control levers to neutral.

Note: Always use caution when backing up and turning.

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

2. To go backward, look behind you and down, as you slowly pull the motion-control levers rearward (Figure 15).

   

   Figure 15

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion-control levers (Figure 15).

   To turn, release the pressure on the motion-control lever toward the direction you want to turn.

   To stop, push the motion-control levers to neutral.

The Smart Speed ^TM Control-System lever, located below the operating position (Figure 16), gives the operator a choice to drive the machine at 3 ground speed ranges—trim, tow, and mow.

Figure 16

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

You can adjust the motion-control levers higher or lower for maximum comfort (Figure 20).

Figure 20

You can adjust the motion-control levers fore or aft 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 fore or aft (Figure 20).

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

4. Repeat the adjustment for the opposite control lever.

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 21).

   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 21

   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. If necessary, release the electric brake manually; 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 21.

Note: Do this for each lever.

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.

The Smart Speed™ Control System lever, located below the operating position, gives you a choice to drive the machine at 3 speed ranges—high, tow, and low. You can benefit from the lower speed setting when maneuvering the machine in tight spaces or operating around delicate landscapes. You can also use the low setting to operate the machine at a high throttle setting and blade speed while still being able to reduce ground speed to increase quality of cut.

Cut the 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 to use. When cutting grass longer than 15.2 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 1/3 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.

Normally, mow every 4 days. However, grass grows at different rates at different times. To maintain the same cutting height, which is a good practice, 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.

If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the mower you previously used, raise the cutting height to ensure that uneven turf is not cut too short.

If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at this setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower, normal setting.

If you must stop the machine's forward motion 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.

Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower after each use. If grass and dirt build up inside the mower, the cutting quality eventually becomes 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 cutter blades daily 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.

Make sure that the motion-control levers are locked in the PARK position. Lift the seat forward.

You can access the following components by raising the seat:

• Serial plate

• Service decal

• Seat-adjustment bolts

• Fuel filter

• Battery and battery cables

Grease Type: No. 2 lithium grease

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. Clean the grease fittings (Figure 25 and Figure 26) with a rag.

   Note: Make sure to scrape any paint off the front of the fitting(s).

   

   Figure 25

   1. Front caster tire
   

   Figure 26

   Located on the seat-pan underside

   1. Read the instructions before servicing or performing maintenance.
   2. Check the tire pressure every 25 operating hours.
   3. Grease every 25 operating hours.
   4. Engine

4. Connect a grease gun to each fitting (Figure 25 and Figure 26).

5. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

This engine is equipped with a replaceable, high-density paper air-cleaner element. Check the air cleaner daily or before starting the engine. Check for a buildup of dirt and debris around the air-cleaner system. Keep this area clean. Also, check for loose or damaged components. Replace all bent or damaged air-cleaner components.

Note: Operating the engine with loose or damaged air-cleaner components could allow unfiltered air into the engine, causing premature wear and failure.

1. Rotate the latches outward.

2. Remove the cover to access the air-cleaner element ().

3. Remove the element, and gently tap the element to dislodge dirt.

   Note: Do not wash the paper element or use pressurized air, as this will damage the element.

   Note: Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged element. Handle the new element carefully; do not use if the sealing surfaces are bent or damaged.

4. Clean the air-cleaner base as required and check the condition.

5. Install the paper element onto the air-cleaner base.

6. Install the cover and secure it with the latches (Figure 27).

Figure 27

1. Air-cleaner latch
2. Engine
3. Paper element
4. Air-cleaner base

Oil Type: Detergent oil (API service SJ or higher)

Crankcase Capacity: 1.9 L (64 oz) when the filter is changed

Viscosity: See the table below.

Figure 28

The spark plug is RFI compliant. Equivalent alternate brand plugs can also be used.

Type: Champion XC12YC

Air Gap: 0.76 mm (0.03 inch)

Checking the Spark Plug

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.

Note: 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 (0.030 inch).

Figure 34

Installing the Spark Plug

Tighten the spark plug to 25 to 29 N·m (18 to 22 ft-lb).

Figure 35

To ensure proper cooling, make sure that the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.

Annually, or every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and any other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure that the cooling shrouds are installed. Torque the blower housing screws to 7.5 N·m (5.5 ft-lb).

Important: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed, causes engine damage due to overheating.

Never install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel line.

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. Replace the in-line filter (Figure 36).

   

   Figure 36

The electrical system is protected by fuses. It requires no maintenance; however, if a fuse blows, check the component or circuit for a malfunction or short.

Fuse type:

• Main—F1-30 amp, blade-type

• Charge Circuit—F2-25 amp, blade-type

1. Remove the screws securing the control panel to the machine.

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

2. Lift the control panel up to access the main wiring harness and fuse block (Figure 39).

3. To replace a fuse, pull out the fuse to remove it (Figure 39).

   

   Figure 39

   1. Main—30 A
   2. Charge circuit—25 A

4. Return the control panel to its original position.

   Note: Use the screws removed previously to secure the panel to the machine.

Maintain the air pressure in the front and rear tires as specified. Uneven tire pressure can cause uneven cut. Check the pressure at the valve stem (Figure 40). Check the tires when they are cold to get the most accurate pressure reading.

Refer to the maximum pressure suggested by the tire manufacturer on the sidewall of the caster wheel tires.

Inflate the rear drive-wheel tires to 90 kPa (13 psi).

Figure 40

1. Valve stem

The electric brake releases by manually rotating the link arms forward. Once the electric brake is energized the brake resets.

To release the brake:

Figure 41

1. Brake link arm on the electric-brake-control module
2. Left rear tire

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position or disconnect the battery.

2. Locate the shaft on the electric brake where the brake-link arms are connected.

3. Rotate the shaft forward to release the brake.

Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season, because sharp blades cut cleanly without tearing or shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding the grass turns it brown at the edges, which slows growth and increases the chance of disease.

Check the cutting blades daily 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. For convenient sharpening and replacement, keep extra blades on hand.

Ensure that the mower deck is level any time you install the mower deck or when you see an uneven cut on your lawn.

Check the mower deck for bent blades prior to leveling; remove and replace any bent blades; refer to the Checking for Bent Blades before continuing.

Level the mower deck side-to-side before adjusting the front-to-rear slope.

Requirements:

• The machine must be on a level surface.

• All 4 tires must be properly inflated; refer to Checking the Tire Pressure.

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. Lower the height-of-cut lever to the lowest position.

4. Remove the hairpin cotter from the front support rod and remove the rod from the deck bracket (Figure 56).

   

   Figure 56

   1. Front support rod
   2. Locking nut
   3. Deck bracket

5. Carefully lower the front of the mower deck to the ground.

6. Lift the mower deck and hanger brackets clear of the rear lift rod and lower the mower carefully to the ground (Figure 57).

   

   Figure 57

   1. Mower deck
   2. Hanger bracket
   3. Rear lift rod

7. Slide the mower deck rearward to remove the mower belt from the engine pulley.

8. Slide the mower deck out from underneath the machine.

   Note: Retain all parts for future installation.

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. Slide the mower under the machine.

4. Lower the height-of-cut lever to the lowest position.

5. Lift the rear of the mower deck and guide the hanger brackets over the rear lift rod (Figure 57).

6. Attach the front support rod to the mower deck with the clevis pin and hairpin cotter (Figure 56).

7. Install the mower belt onto the engine pulley.

Inspect the grass deflector for damage before each use. Replace any damaged parts before use.

1. Remove the nut (3/8 inch) from the rod under the mower (Figure 58).

   

   Figure 58

   1. Mower deck
   2. Grass deflector
   3. Grass-deflector bracket
   4. Rod
   5. Spring
   6. Nut (3/8 inch)
   7. Short standoff

2. Slide the rod out of the short standoff, spring, and grass deflector (Figure 58).

3. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector.

4. Replace the grass deflector (Figure 58).

5. Slide the rod (straight end), through the rear grass-deflector bracket.

6. Place the spring on the rod, with the end wires down and between the grass-deflector brackets.

7. Slide rod through the second grass-deflector bracket (Figure 58).

8. Insert the rod at the front of the grass deflector into the short standoff on the deck.

9. Secure the rear end of the rod into the mower with a nut (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 58.

   Important: The grass deflector must be spring-loaded and in the down position. Lift the deflector up to test that it snaps to the full down position.

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

The signs of a worn belt include squealing while the belt is rotating, blades slipping while cutting grass, and frayed edges, burn marks, and cracks on the belt. Replace the mower belt if any of these conditions are evident.

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 at the lowest cutting position of 38 mm (1-1/2 inches).

4. Remove the pulley covers (Figure 59).

   

   Figure 59

   1. Cover
   2. Screw

5. Using a spring-removal tool (Toro part no. 92-5771), remove the idler spring from the deck hook to remove tension on the idler pulley, and roll the belt off the pulleys (Figure 60).

   Warning

   The spring is under tension when installed and can cause personal injury.

   Be careful when removing the belt.

6. Route the new belt around the engine pulley and mower pulleys (Figure 60).

7. Using a spring-removal tool, install the idler spring over the deck hook, and place tension on the idler pulley and mower belt (Figure 60).

8. Install the pulley covers (Figure 59).

Figure 60

Mower Decks with 2 Blades

1. Idler pulley
2. Mower belt
3. Outside pulley
4. Spring
5. Engine pulley
6. Spring-removal tool

Figure 61

Mower decks with 3 blades

1. Idler pulley
2. Mower belt
3. Outside pulley
4. Spring
5. Engine pulley
6. Spring-removal tool

Wash the underside of the mower after each use to prevent grass buildup for improved mulch action and clipping dispersal.

Important: You can wash the machine with mild detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine. Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the control panel, under the seat, and around the engine, hydraulic pumps, and motors.

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. Attach the hose coupling to the end of the mower-washout fitting and turn the water on high (Figure 62).

   Note: Spread petroleum jelly on the washout fitting O-ring to make the coupling slide on easier and to protect the O-ring.

   

   Figure 62

   1. Washout fitting
   2. Hose
   3. O-ring
   4. Coupling

4. Lower the mower to the lowest height-of-cut.

5. Sit on the seat and start the engine.

6. Engage the blade-control switch and let the mower run for 1 to 3 minutes.

7. Disengage the blade-control switch, shut off the engine, remove the ignition key, and wait for all moving parts to stop.

8. Turn the water off and remove the coupling from the washout fitting.

   Note: If the mower is not clean after a single washing, soak it and let it stand for 30 minutes. Then, repeat the process.

9. Run the mower again for 1 to 3 minutes to remove excess water.

   Warning

   A broken or missing washout fitting could expose you and others to thrown objects or blade contact, causing injury or death.

   • Replace broken or missing washout fitting immediately before using mower again.

   • Never put your hands or feet under the mower or through openings in the mower.