TimeCutter® MX 4250 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.

• Always wear eye protection when operating the mower.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. Operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

• 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.

• Removing standard original equipment parts and accessories may alter the warranty, traction, and safety of the machine. Failure to use original Toro parts could cause serious injury or death. Making unauthorized changes to the engine, fuel or venting system, may violate EPA and CARB regulations.

• Replace all parts including, but not limited to, tires, belts, blades, and fuel system components with original Toro parts.

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 13

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 will 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

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

2. To go forward, slowly push the motion-control levers forward (Figure 17).

   

   Figure 17

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion-control levers (Figure 17).

   To turn, release pressure on the motion-control lever toward the direction you want to turn (Figure 17).

   The farther you move the motion-control levers in either direction, the faster the machine will move 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 18).

   

   Figure 18

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion-control levers (Figure 18).

   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 motion-control levers can be adjusted higher or lower for maximum operator comfort (Figure 22).

Figure 22

The motion-control levers can be tilted fore or aft for maximum operator 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 22). Tighten both bolts to secure the control in the new position.

3. 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, 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 as shown in Figure 23 . Ensure this is done for each lever.

5. Move the motion-control levers inward to the NEUTRAL position and turn the ignition key to the RUN position. Do not start the machine.

   The machine is now able to be pushed by hand.

   

   Figure 23

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

6. When finished, ensure the key has been returned to the STOP position to avoid draining the battery charge.

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 23. Ensure this is done 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 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.

The Smart Speed™ Control System lever, located below the operating position, gives the operator a choice to drive the machine at two speed ranges, high and low. An operator can benefit from the lower speed setting when maneuvering the machine in tight spaces or operating around delicate landscapes. The low setting can also be used 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 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 mowing direction to keep the grass standing straight. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances decomposition and fertilization.

Normally, mow every four days. But remember, grass grows at different rates at different times. So 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 two 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.

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 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 the motion-control levers are locked in the PARK position. 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

Grease Type: No. 2 general-purpose lithium-based 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, 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 27 and Figure 28) with a rag. Make sure to scrape any paint off of the front of the fitting(s).

   

   Figure 27

   1. Front caster tire
   

   Figure 28

   Located on the seat pan underside

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

4. Connect a grease gun to each fitting (Figure 27 and Figure 28). Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

5. Wipe up any excess grease.

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 31

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 32).

Figure 32

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 37

Installing the Spark Plug

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

Figure 38

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. Move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

   

   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:

• Main F1-30 amp, blade-type

• Charge Circuit F2-25 amp, blade-type

1. Remove the screws securing the control panel to the machine. Retain all fasteners

2. Lift the control pane up to access the main wiring 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 amp
   2. Charge circuit-25 amp

4. Return the control panel to its original position. 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 89.6 kPa (13 psi).

Figure 43

1. Valve stem

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

To release the brake:

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

2. Locate the shafts where the brake-link arms are connected on both sides of the electric brake (Figure 44).

3. Rotate the shafts forward to release the brakes.

   

   Figure 44

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

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 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 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 four tire 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, 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. Remove the hairpin cotter from the front support rod and remove the rod from the deck bracket (Figure 57). Carefully lower the front of the mower deck to the ground.

   

   Figure 57

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

5. Lift the mower deck and hanger brackets clear of the rear lift rod and lower the mower carefully to the ground (Figure 58).

   

   Figure 58

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

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

7. 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, 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 58).

6. Attach the front support rod to the mower deck with the clevis pin and hairpin cotter (Figure 57).

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

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

1. Disengage the spring from the notch in the deflector bracket and slide the rod out of the welded deck brackets, spring, and discharge deflector (Figure 60). Remove the damaged or worn discharge deflector.

   

   Figure 60

   1. Rod
   2. Spring
   3. Deflector
   4. Deck brackets
   5. Spring installed over the rod

2. Position the new discharge deflector with the bracket ends between the welded brackets on the deck as shown in Figure 60.

3. Install the spring onto the straight end of the rod. Position the spring on the rod as shown in so the shorter spring end is coming from under the rod before the bend and going over the rod as it returns from the bend.

4. Lift the loop end of the spring and place it into the notch on the deflector bracket (Figure 61).

   

   Figure 61

   1. Rod and spring assembly installed
   2. Loop end of the spring installed into the notch in the deflector bracket
   3. Rod, short end, moved behind mower bracket
   4. Short end, retained by mower bracket.

5. Secure the rod and spring assembly by twisting it so the short end of the rod can be placed behind the front bracket welded to the deck (Figure 61).

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

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, 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, 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 62).

   Note: Spread petroleum jelly on the washout fitting O-ring to make the coupling slide on easier and 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. Engage the blade-control switch and let the mower run for one to three minutes.

6. Disengage the blade-control switch, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key. Wait for all moving parts to stop.

7. 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.

8. Run the mower again for one to three 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.