TimeCutter® SS 4250, SS 5000, or MX 5000 Riding Mower

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

• Do not place your 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 you. 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, shut off engine, and remove the key before dismounting the machine.

• Turn off the blades when not mowing. Shut off 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 tired or 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 that 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 backward.

• 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 the tires lose traction, stop the machine, disengage the blades, and proceed slowly down 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 on the machine, even with the blades off. Children may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe operation of machine.

• 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.

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 8).

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 8

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

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

Figure 12

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 15).

   

   Figure 15

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

   To turn, release pressure on the motion-control lever toward the direction you want to turn (Figure 15).

   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 16).

   

   Figure 16

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion-control levers (Figure 16).

   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 17), gives the operator a choice to drive the machine at 3 ground speed ranges—trim, tow, and mow.

Figure 17

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 21).

Figure 21

You can adjust the motion-control levers forward or rearward for your comfort.

1. Loosen the upper bolt holding the control lever to the control-arm shaft.

2. Loosen the lower bolt just enough to pivot the control lever forward or rearward (Figure 21).

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

4. Repeat the adjustment for the other 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 22).

   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 22

   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 22.

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 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 the 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 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 forward motion of the machine while mowing, a clump of grass clippings may drop onto your lawn. To avoid this, move onto a previously cut area with the blades engaged.

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 26 and Figure 27) with a rag.

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

   

   Figure 26

   1. Front caster tire
   

   Figure 27

   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 26 and Figure 27).

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 30

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, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

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

3. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the engine, clean the area around the oil-fill cap and dipstick before removing it (Figure 31).

Figure 31

Make sure that the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a spark-plug wrench for to remove and install 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 36

Installing the Spark Plug

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

Figure 37

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

1. Disengage the blade-control switch and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off 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, 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 38).

   

   Figure 38

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 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 panel up to access the main wire harness and fuse block (Figure 41).

3. To replace a fuse, pull out the fuse to remove it (Figure 41).

   

   Figure 41

   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 an uneven cut. Check the pressure at the valve stem (Figure 42). 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 42

1. Valve stem

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

Figure 43

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 (Figure 43).

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 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 58).

   

   Figure 58

   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 59).

   

   Figure 59

   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.

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 60).

   

   Figure 60

   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 60).

3. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector.

4. Replace the grass deflector (Figure 60).

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 60).

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 60.

   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 61).

   

   Figure 61

   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 62).

   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 62).

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 62).

8. Install the pulley covers (Figure 61).

Figure 62

Mower Decks with 2 Blades

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

Figure 63

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 64).

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

   

   Figure 64

   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.