TimeCutter® SW 4200 or SW 5000 Riding Mower

• Read the Operator's Manual and other training material.

  Note: If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read the manual language, it is the owner's responsibility to explain this material to them.

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

• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner is responsible for training the users.

• Never let children or untrained people operate or service the equipment.

  Note: Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to himself or herself, other people, or damage to property.

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

• Wear appropriate clothing; including a hard hat, safety glasses, long pants, substantial, slip resistant footwear, gloves, and hearing protection.

  Important: Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.

• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and ensure that all objects are removed from the machine before use.

• Use extra care when handling fuels. They are flammable and 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 operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide and other exhaust gasses can collect.

• 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.

• 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.

• Do not raise the mower deck with the blades running.

• Do not operate the machine without the PTO shield or other guards securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning properly.

• Do not operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed or altered, unless 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), shut off the engine before leaving the operator's position for any reason, including emptying the catchers or unclogging the chute.

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

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

• Look behind and down before backing up to ensure a clear path.

• Keep pets and bystanders away from an operating machine.

• 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 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 gasoline. Gasoline 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 fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten securely.

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

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

• Clean up oil or fuel spillage.

• Let the engine cool before storing.

• Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.

• Do not allow untrained personnel to service machine.

• Use jack stands to support 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. Reconnect the positive 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 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.

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

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

This unit has a sound pressure level at the operator’s ear of 89 dBA, which includes an Uncertainty Value (K) of 1 dBA.

Sound power level was determined according to the procedures outlined in EN ISO 5395:2013.

This unit has a guaranteed sound power level of 100 dBA, which includes an Uncertainty Value (K) of 1 dBA.

Sound power level was determined according to the procedures outlined in ISO 11094.

Measured vibration level for right hand = 1.6 m/s²

Measured vibration level for left hand = 1.6 m/s²

Uncertainty Value (K) =0.8 m/s²

Measured values were determined according to the procedures outlined in EN ISO 5395:2013.

Measured vibration level = 0.60 m/s²

Uncertainty Value (K) = 0.30 m/s²

Measured values were determined according to the procedures outlined in EN ISO 5395:2013. (Riding and Stand-Ons).

This unit has a sound pressure level at the operator’s ear of 93 dBA, which includes an Uncertainty Value (K) of 1 dBA.

Sound power level was determined according to the procedures outlined in EN ISO 5395:2013.

This unit has a guaranteed sound power level of 105 dBA, which includes an Uncertainty Value (K) of 1 dBA.

Sound power level was determined according to the procedures outlined in ISO 11094.

Measured vibration level for right hand = 1.7 m/s²

Measured vibration level for left hand = 1.7 m/s²

Uncertainty Value (K) = 0.8 m/s²

Measured values were determined according to the procedures outlined in EN ISO 5395:2013.

Measured vibration level = 0.48 m/s²

Uncertainty Value (K) = 0.24 m/s²

Measured values were determined according to the procedures outlined in EN ISO 5395:2013 (Riding and Stand-Ons).

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 gas stabilizer/conditioner to the gas.

  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 controls 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 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

1. Move the throttle to the fast position.

2. Release the parking brake. Refer to Operating the Parking Brake (SmartPark™).

3. Place your foot onto the traction-control pedal and slowly press the top of the pedal to go forward, or press on the bottom of the pedal to move backward (Figure 13).

   Note: The farther you move the pedal in either direction, the faster the machine will move in that direction.

   

   Figure 13

   1. Forward
   2. Traction-control pedal
   3. Backward

4. To slow down, release the pressure on the traction-control pedal.

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

2. Set the parking brake, stop 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 19).

   Note: Ensure this is done for each lever.

5. Turn the ignition key on and disengage the parking brake.

   Note: Do not start the machine.

   Note: The machine is now able to be pushed by hand.

   

   Figure 19

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

6. When finished, ensure that the key has been returned 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, the electric brake can be released 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 19.

Note: Ensure this is done for each lever.

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

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

3. Remove the 2 bolts and nuts that secure the discharge cover to the mower (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   1. Cap nut (1/4 inch)
   2. Discharge cover
   3. Bolt (1/4 x 2-1/2 inches)
   4. Rotate the cover up
   5. Remove the cover

4. Remove the discharge cover.

5. Lift up the grass deflector, and locate the lock nut on the deflector pivot rod.

6. Remove the existing thin nut (3/8 inch).

7. Install the cutoff baffle to the exposed pivot rod (Figure 21).

   Note: Use the existing thin nut (3/8 inch) to secure the baffle to the mower.

   Note: The cutoff baffle was shipped with the machine as a loose part.

   

   Figure 21

   1. Pivot rod
   2. Cutoff baffle (originally shipped with the machine)
   3. Existing thin nut (3/8 inch)

8. Torque the fastener to 7 to 9 N-m (14 to 18 ft-lb).

9. Lower the grass deflector over the discharge opening

   Important: Ensure that the mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf, while in side-discharge mode.

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

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

3. Remove the cutoff baffle from the mower deck (Figure 21).

4. Lift the grass deflector and slide the tabs on top of the discharge cover under the grass deflector retaining rod.

5. Rotate the discharge cover down over the opening, and onto the lower lip of the mower (Figure 22).

   

   Figure 22

   1. Discharge cover
   2. Cap nut (1/4 inch)
   3. Bolt (1/4 x 2-1/2 inches)

6. Secure the discharge cover to the lower lip of the mower with 2 bolts (1/4 x 2-1/2 inches) and 2 cap nuts (1/4 inch) as shown in Figure 22.

   Note: Do not overtighten the nuts; this could distort the cover and cause blade contact.

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

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

3. Remove the right mower blade; refer to Removing the Blades.

4. Remove the 2 knobs and curved washers that secure the right baffle to the mower (Figure 23).

   

   Figure 23

   1. Knob
   2. Curved washer
   3. Baffle stud coming through the mower

5. Remove the right baffle and lower the grass deflector over the discharge opening as shown in Figure 23 and Figure 24.

   

   Figure 24

   1. Right baffle
   2. Curved washer and knob
   3. Discharge opening

6. Install fasteners into the holes in the top of the mower to prevent flying debris.

   Warning

   Open holes in the mower expose you and others to thrown debris which can cause severe injury.

   • Never operate the mower without hardware mounted in all holes in the mower housing.

   • Install the hardware in the mounting holes when you remove the mulching baffle.

7. Install the right mower blade; refer to Installing the Blades.

8. Lift up the grass deflector. Install 2 bolts (5/16 x 3/4 inch) to the two holes along the deck cutout.

9. Install the cutoff baffle to the mower deck (Figure 25).

   Note: Use the 2 locknuts (5/16 inch) to secure the baffle to the mower deck.

   Note: The cutoff baffle was shipped with the machine as a loose part.

   

   Figure 25

   1. Bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)
   2. Cutoff baffle
   3. Locknut (5/16 inch)

10. Torque the fasteners to 7 to 9 N-m (14 to 18 ft-lb).

11. Lower the grass deflector over the discharge opening.

    Important: Ensure that the mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf, while in side discharge mode.

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

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

3. Remove the cutoff baffle from the mower deck (Figure 25).

4. Remove the right mower blade; refer to Removing the Blades.

5. Slide the right baffle under the mower deck, and secure it using 2 knobs and the curved washers (cupped side facing the mower) as shown in Figure 23 and Figure 24.

   Important: Ensure that the tab on the far right side of the right baffle is outside of the mower and is flush with the mower wall.

6. Install the right mower blade; refer to Installing the Blades.

For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the engine at the Fast throttle 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 by uncut grass. Always try to have one 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 six 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. But, remember, grass grows at different rates at different times. So to maintain the same cutting height, which is a good practice, and 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 the machine's forward motion must be stopped 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.

Ensure the parking brake is engaged and lift the seat forward.

The following components can be accessed by raising the seat:

• Serial plate

• Service decal

• Seat-adjustment bolts

• Fuel filter

• Battery and battery cables

Loosen the 2 bottom bolts of the curtain to gain access to the top of the mower deck (Figure 29).

Figure 29

1. Bottom bolt
2. Mower-deck curtain

If the front of the machine needs to be raised, use the very front edge as show in Figure 30.

Important: To prevent damage to the steering mechanism, ensure the very front edge of the machine is used for jacking points.

Figure 30

Grease Type: No. 2 general purpose, lithium-base grease

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

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

3. Clean the grease fittings (Figure 31 and Figure 32) with a rag.

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

   

   Figure 31

   1. Front caster tire
   

   Figure 32

   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 31 and Figure 32).

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

Note: Service the air cleaner more frequently (every few hours) if operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

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

Crankcase Capacity: 2.4 L (2.5 US qt)

Viscosity: See the table below.

Figure 35

Checking the Engine-Oil Level

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

Note: Check the oil when the engine is cold.

Warning

Contact with hot surfaces may cause personal injury.

Keep hands, feet, face, clothing, and other body parts away the muffler and other hot surfaces.

Important: Do not overfill the crankcase with oil, because damage to the engine may result. Do not run engine with oil below the Low mark, because the engine may be damaged.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, stop the engine, engage parking brake, and remove the key.

2. Make sure the engine is stopped, level, and is cool, so 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 36).

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

Figure 36

Make sure 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: Champion^® RN9YC or NGK^® BPR6ES

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.

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 41

Installing the Spark Plug

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

Figure 42

Clean the air intake screen from grass and debris before each use.

1. Disengage the blade control switch and apply the parking brake.

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

3. Remove the air filter from the engine.

4. Remove the engine shroud.

5. To prevent debris entering the air intake, install the air filter to the filter base.

6. Clean debris and grass from the parts.

7. Remove the air filter and install the engine shroud.

8. Install the air filter.

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

   

   Figure 43

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 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 pane up to access the main wiring harness and fuse block (Figure 46).

3. To replace a fuse, pull out on the fuse to remove it (Figure 46).

   

   Figure 46

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

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 47). 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 47

1. Valve stem

The electric brake can be release by manually rotating the link arms forward. Once the electric brake is energized the brake will reset.

To release the brake:

Figure 48

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 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. For convenient sharpening and replacement, you may want to 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.

The mower deck must be checked for bent blades prior to leveling; any bent blades must be removed and replaced; refer to the Checking for Bent Blades before continuing.

The mower deck must be leveled side-to-side first then the front to rear slope can be adjusted.

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. Ensure the parking brake is engaged, stop 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. Loosen the bottom two bolts holding the mower-deck curtain to the mower deck. Refer to Releasing the Mower-Deck Curtain.

5. Remove the hairpin-cotter pin from the front support rod, and remove the rod from the deck bracket (Figure 63).

   

   Figure 63

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

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

7. Lift the mower deck and hanger brackets clear of the rear lift rod and lower the mower carefully to the ground (Figure 64).

   

   Figure 64

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

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

9. 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. Ensure the parking brake is engaged, stop 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 64).

6. Attach the front support rod to the mower deck with the clevis pin and hairpin-cotter pin (Figure 63).

7. Install the mower belt onto the engine pulley; refer to Replacing the Mower Belt.

8. Tighten the bottom 2 bolts for the mower-deck curtain to the mower deck. Refer to Releasing the Mower-Deck Curtain.

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 65).

   

   Figure 65

   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, the spring, and the grass deflector (Figure 65).

3. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector.

4. Replace the grass deflector (Figure 65).

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 65).

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 65.

   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.

Squealing when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks, and cracks are signs of a worn mower 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. Ensure the parking brake is engaged, stop 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. Loosen the bottom two bolts holding the mower-deck curtain to the mower deck. Refer to Releasing the Mower-Deck Curtain.

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 of the pulleys (Figure 66 and Figure 67).

   Warning

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

   Be careful when removing the belt.

   

   Figure 66

   Mower decks with 2 Blades

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

   Figure 67

   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 67).

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 66 and Figure 67).

8. Tighten the bottom 2 bolts for the mower-deck curtain to the mower deck. Refer to Releasing the Mower-Deck Curtain.

Remove debris under the front of the machine with compressed air or by hand with a brush (Figure 68).

Note: Do not use water to clean under the front of the machine, this can cause build up of debris.

Figure 68

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. Ensure the parking brake is engaged, stop 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 69).

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

   

   Figure 69

   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, stop 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 one 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 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.