TimeMaster® 30in Lawn Mower

1. Rotate the upper handle so that it nests together with the lower handle (Figure 3), and tighten both knobs on the handle to lock the upper handle in place (Figure 4).

   

   Figure 3

   1. Upper handle
   2. Knob (2)

2. Release the handle-lock lever (Figure 4).

   

   Figure 4

   1. Handle-lock lever

3. Pull the handle rearward and lock it into position (Figure 4).

Important: Your machine does not come with oil in the engine, but it does come with a bottle of oil. Before starting the engine, fill the engine with oil.

Engine Oil Specifications

1. Move the machine to a level surface.

2. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 5).

   

   Figure 5

   1. Full
   2. High
   3. Low

3. Carefully pour about 3/4 of the engine capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.

4. Wait 3 minutes for the oil to settle in the engine.

5. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.

6. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, then remove the dipstick.

7. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 5).

   • If the oil level on the dipstick is too low, carefully pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 5 through 7 until the oil on the dipstick is at the correct level.

   • If the oil level on the dipstick is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil on the dipstick is at the correct level; refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

   Important: If the oil level in the engine is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

8. Install the dipstick into the oil-fill tube securely.

Important: Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

Electric-Start Model Only

Refer to Charging the Battery.

1. Slip the grass bag over the frame as shown in Figure 6.

   

   Figure 6

   1. Handle
   2. Frame
   3. Grass bag

   Note: Do not slip the bag over the handle (Figure 6).

2. Hook the bottom channel of the bag onto the bottom of the frame (Figure 7).

   

   Figure 7

3. Hook the top and side channels of the bag onto the top and sides of the frame, respectively (Figure 7).

1. Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 30).

   

   Figure 30

   1. Spark-plug wire

3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s), connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.

   Important: Before tipping the machine to change the oil or replace the blades, allow the fuel tank to run dry through normal usage. If you must tip the machine prior to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel pump to remove the fuel. Always tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down.

1. Loosen the fastener and remove the air-filter cover (Figure 31).

   

   Figure 31

   1. Cover
   2. Fastener
   3. Filter
   4. Base

2. Remove and inspect the filter.

   • If the filter is damaged or is wet with oil or fuel, replace it.

   • If the filter is dirty, tap it on a hard surface several times or blow the debris outward from the interior of the filter using compressed air at less than 207 kPa (30 psi).

     Note: Do not brush or blow dirt from the outside of the filter; either forces dirt into the fibers.

3. Clean the air-filter body and cover using a damp rag. Keep dirt away from the air opening.

4. Install the filter onto the base.

5. Install the cover and screw the fastener down securely.

Note: Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil to warm it. Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.

Engine Oil Specifications

1. Move the machine to a level surface.

2. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance.

3. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 32).

   

   Figure 32

   1. Full
   2. High
   3. Low

4. Tip the machine onto its side (so that the air filter is up) to drain the used oil from the oil-fill tube (Figure 33).

   

   Figure 33

5. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the operating position.

6. Carefully pour about 3/4 of the engine capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.

7. Wait 3 minutes for the oil to settle in the engine.

8. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.

9. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, then remove the dipstick.

10. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 32).

    • If the oil level on the dipstick is too low, carefully pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 8 through 10 until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

    • If the oil level on the dipstick is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

11. Install the dipstick into the oil-fill tube securely.

12. Recycle the used oil properly.

Charge the battery for 24 hours initially, then monthly (every 25 starts) or as needed. Always use the charger in a sheltered area, and charge the battery at room temperature (about 22°C or 70°F) whenever possible.

Note: The machine is not equipped with an alternator charging system.

1. Connect the charger to the wire harness located below the ignition key (Figure 34).

   

   Figure 34

2. Plug the charger into a wall outlet.

   Note: When the battery no longer holds a charge, recycle or dispose of the lead-acid battery according to local codes.

Note: Your battery charger may have a 2-color LED display that indicates the following states of charging:

• A red light indicates that the charger is charging the battery.

• A green light indicates that the charger is fully charged or is disconnected from the battery.

• A flashing light that alternates between red and green indicates that the battery is nearly fully charged. This state lasts only a few minutes until the battery is fully charged.

If the battery does not charge or the engine does not run with the electric starter, the fuse may be blown. Replace it with a 40 A plug-in type fuse.

Important: You cannot start the machine with the electric starter or charge the battery unless a working fuse is installed.

1. Open the sealed fuse holder and replace the fuse (Figure 35).

   

   Figure 35

   1. Fuse holder

2. Close the cover to the fuse holder, and ensure that it is sealed tightly.

Electric-start model only

Whenever you install a new self-propel cable or if the self-propel drive is out of adjustment, adjust the self-propel drive.

1. Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to loosen the cable adjustment (Figure 37).

   

   Figure 37

   1. Handle (left side)
   2. Adjustment knob
   3. Self-propel-drive cable
   4. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten the adjustment.
   5. Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen the adjustment.

2. Adjust the tension on the cable (Figure 37) by pulling it back or pushing it forward and holding that position.

   Note: Push the cable toward the engine to increase the traction; pull the cable away from the engine to decrease the traction.

3. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise to tighten the cable adjustment.

   Note: Tighten the knob firmly by hand.

1. Remove the blade-drive system cover (Figure 38).

   

   Figure 38

   1. Bolts
   2. Cover

2. Brush or blow out debris from the inside of the shield and around all the parts.

3. Hold a 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) feeler gauge, a piece of paper, or a note card against the wall and slide it down behind the belt tension spring.

   Note: If there is a visible gap between the gauge and the spring, tighten the adjusting bolt and the nut until the paper barely slides freely in and out of the gap (Figure 39).

   

   Figure 39

   1. Belt-tension spring
   2. Adjusting bolt
   3. Gap
   4. Adjusting nut
   5. Blade-drive belt
   6. Wall

   Important: Do not overtighten the adjusting bolt. This could damage the blade-drive belt.

4. Install the blade-drive system cover that you previously removed.

Important: You will need a torque wrench to install the blades properly. If you do not have a torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Examine the blades whenever you run out of fuel. If the blades are damaged or cracked, replace them immediately. If the blade edges are dull or nicked, have them sharpened and balanced, or replace them.

Note: Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season, because sharp blades cut cleanly without tearing or shredding the grass blades.

1. Rotate the blades to the position shown in Figure 42.

   

   Figure 42

   1. Front of cutting deck
   2. Measure at locations A and B
   3. Measure from the cutting edge to a smooth, level surface

2. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edges at locations A and B (Figure 42), and record both dimensions.

3. Rotate the blades so that their opposite ends are at locations A and B (Figure 42).

4. Repeat the measurements in step 2 and record them.

   Note: If the difference between the dimensions A and B obtained in steps 2 and 4 exceeds 3 mm (1/8 inch), the blade is bent and you will need to replace it. Refer toRemoving the Blades and Installing the Blades.

Replace the blades when the machine hits a solid object or when a blade is out of balance or bent. Use only genuine Toro replacement blades.

1. Use a block of wood to hold each blade steady and turn the blade bolt counterclockwise as shown in Figure 43.

   

   Figure 43

2. Remove each blade as shown in Figure 44.

   

   Figure 44

   1. Spindle (2)
   2. Blade driver (2)
   3. Blade (2)
   4. Blade bolt (2)

3. Inspect the pins on the blade drivers for wear and damage.

1. Install the first blade so that it is horizontal, along with all mounting hardware as shown in Figure 44.

   Note: Tighten the bolt with your fingers.

   Important: Position the curved ends of the blades to point toward the machine housing. Be sure to nest the raised areas on each blade driver with the recesses in the head of its corresponding spindle, and the pins on the other side of each blade driver with the holes in its corresponding blade.

2. Steady each blade with a board and turn the blade bolt clockwise with a torque wrench as shown in Figure 45; torque the blade bolt to 82 N∙m (60 ft-lb).

   Important: A bolt torqued to 82 N∙m (60 ft-lb) is very tight. Put your weight behind the wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is very difficult to overtighten.

   

   Figure 45

3. Rotate the installed blade 1/4 turn until it is vertical, and install the other blade in the same manner as the first (refer to step 1).

   Note: The blades should be perpendicular, forming an inverted “T” as shown in Figure 46.

   

   Figure 46

   1. Blade (2)

4. Tighten the second blade; refer to step 2.

5. Rotate the blades by hand a full 360° turn to ensure that they do not touch.

   Note: If the blades touch each other, they are not mounted correctly. Repeat steps 1 through 3, until the blades no longer touch each other.