TimeCutter® SS 4225 or 5000 Riding Mower

• For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).

• Ethanol: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same. Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not approved for use. Never use gasoline that contains more than 10% ethanol by volume, such as E15 (contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85 (contains up to 85% ethanol). Using unapproved gasoline may cause performance problems and/or engine damage which may not be covered under warranty.

• Do not use gasoline containing methanol.

• Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel containers over the winter unless you use a fuel stabilizer.

• Do not add oil to gasoline.

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

• Keeps fuel fresh during storage of 90 days or less (drain the fuel tank when storing the machine for more than 90 days)

• 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 fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the fuel.

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

1. Park the machine on level ground.

2. Shut off the engine and engage the parking brake.

3. Clean around the fuel-tank cap.

4. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the filler neck (Figure 7).

   Note: Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. The empty space in the tank allows the fuel to expand.

   

   Figure 7

Before you start the engine and use the machine, check the oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the Engine-Oil Level.

New engines take time to develop full power. Mower decks and drive systems have higher friction when new, placing additional load on the engine. Allow 40 to 50 hours of break-in time for new machines to develop full power and best performance.

The seat can move forward and backward. Position the seat where you have the best control of the machine and are most comfortable (Figure 10).

Figure 10

The blade-control switch (PTO) starts and stops the mower blades and any powered attachments.

Engaging the Blade-Control Switch (PTO)

Figure 12

Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the FAST position (Figure 13).

Figure 13

Disengaging the Blade-Control Switch (PTO)

Figure 14

You can move the throttle control between the FAST and SLOW positions (Figure 15).

Always use the FAST position when turning on the mower deck with the blade-control switch (PTO).

Figure 15

1. Turn the ignition key to the START position (Figure 16).

   Note: When the engine starts, release the key.

   Important: Do not engage the starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine fails to start, wait 15 seconds between attempts. Failure to follow these instructions can burn out the starter motor.

   Note: You may need multiple attempts to start the engine when you start it the first time after the fuel system has been without fuel completely.

   

   Figure 16

2. Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to shut off the engine.

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 17

1. Disengage the blades by moving the blade-control switch to the OFF position (Figure 14).

2. Engage the parking brake; refer to Park Position.

3. Move the throttle lever to between the half and full throttle position.

4. Turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key.

The drive wheels turn independently, powered by hydraulic motors on each axle. You can turn 1 side in reverse while you turn the other forward, causing the machine to spin rather than turn. This greatly improves the machine maneuverability but may require sometime for you to adapt to how it moves.

The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Place the throttle control in the FAST position for best performance. Always operate in the full throttle position when mowing.

Using the Smart Speed

The Smart Speed ^TM Control-System lever, located below the operating position (Figure 21), gives the operator a choice to drive the machine at 3 ground speed ranges—trim, tow, and mow.

Figure 21

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.

Suggested uses:	Trim	Tow	Mow
Parking	X
Heavy, wet grass	X
Training	X
Bagging		X
Mulching		X
Normal mowing			X
Transport			X

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

To stop the machine, move the motion-control levers to NEUTRAL and outward to the PARK position, disengage the blade-control switch, ensure that the throttle is in the FAST position, and turn the ignition key to OFF. Remove the key from the ignition switch.

Note: The transport position is the highest height-of-cut position at 115 mm (4-1/2 inches) as shown in Figure 22.

Figure 22

Important: Always push the machine by hand. Do not tow the machine, because damage to the hydraulic drive system may occur.

This machine has an electric-brake mechanism. To push the machine, turn the ignition key to the RUN position. The battery must be charged and functioning to disengage the electric brake.

Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine. Ensure that the trailer or truck has all necessary brakes, lighting, and marking as required by law. Please carefully read all the safety instructions. Knowing this information could help you, your family, pets, or bystanders avoid injury.

1. If you are using a trailer, connect it to the towing vehicle and connect the safety chains.

2. If applicable, connect the trailer brakes.

3. Load the machine onto the trailer or truck.

4. Shut off the engine, remove the key, set the brake, and close the fuel valve.

5. Tie down the machine near the front caster wheels and the rear bumper (Figure 25).

   

   Figure 25

Use extreme caution when loading or unloading machines onto a trailer or a truck. Use a full-width ramp that is wider than the machine for this procedure. Back up the ramp and drive forward down the ramp (Figure 26).

Figure 26

1. Back the machine up the ramp.
2. Drive the machine forward down the ramp.

Important: Do not use narrow individual ramps for each side of the machine.

Figure 27

1. Full-width ramp in stowed position
2. Side view of full-width ramp in loading position
3. Not greater than 15 degrees
4. Ramp is at least 4 times as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
5. H=height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
6. Trailer

• Before repairing the machine do the following:

  • Disengage the drives.

  • Engage the parking brake.

  • Shut off the engine and remove the key.

  • Disconnect the spark-plug wire.

• Park the machine on a level surface.

• Clean grass and debris from the cutting unit, drives, mufflers, and engine to help prevent fires.

• Clean up oil or fuel spills.

• Let the engine cool before storing the machine.

• Do not store the machine or fuel near flames or drain the fuel indoors.

• Do not allow untrained personnel to service the machine.

• Use jack stands to support the machine and/or components when required.

• Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy.

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

• Use care when checking the blades. Wrap the blade(s) or wear thickly padded gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades; do not 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, especially the blade-attachment bolts. Replace all worn or damaged decals.

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

• To ensure optimum performance and continued safety certification of the machine, use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous, and such use could void the product warranty.

• Check the parking brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

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 28 and Figure 29) with a rag.

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

   

   Figure 28

   1. Front caster tire
   

   Figure 29

   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 28 and Figure 29).

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 30).

Figure 30

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) with the oil filter

Viscosity: See the table below.

Figure 31

Type: Champion XC12YC or equivalent that is RFI compliant

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 that the air cleaner is dirty.

Set the gap to 0.76 mm (0.030 inch).

Figure 37

Installing the Spark Plug

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

Figure 38

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.

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 39).

   

   Figure 39

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

Fuse type:

• Main—F1 (30 A, blade-type)

• Charge Circuit—F2 (25 A, blade-type)

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

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

2. Lift the control pane up to access the main wire harness and fuse block (Figure 42).

3. To replace a fuse, pull out on the fuse to remove it (Figure 42).

   

   Figure 42

   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 43). 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 43

1. Valve stem

You can manually disengage the electric brake by rotating the link arms forward. Once the electric brake is energized, the brake engages again.

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 (Figure 44).

3. Rotate the shaft forward to release the brake.

Figure 44

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

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

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

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

Level the mower deck side-to-side first; then you can adjust the front-to-rear slope.

Requirements:

• The machine must be on a level surface.

• All 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 pin from the front support rod, and remove the rod from the deck bracket (Figure 59).

   

   Figure 59

   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 60).

   

   Figure 60

   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 60).

6. Attach the front support rod to the mower deck with the clevis pin and hairpin cotter (Figure 59).

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 61).

   

   Figure 61

   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 the grass deflector (Figure 61).

3. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector.

4. Replace the grass deflector (Figure 61).

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 61).

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 61.

   Important: The grass deflector must be spring loaded and in the down position. Lift the deflector up to test that it snaps to the fully 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 62).

   

   Figure 62

   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 63).

   Warning

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

   Be careful when removing the belt.

   

   Figure 63

   Mower Decks with 2 Blades

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

   Figure 64

   Mower Decks with 3 Blades

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

6. Route the new belt around the engine pulley and mower pulleys (Figure 63).

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 63).

8. Install the pulley covers (Figure 62).

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

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

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 65).

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

   

   Figure 65

   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 1 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. Contact with a blade or thrown debris can cause 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.