53cm Mulching/Rear Bagging/Side Discharging Lawn Mower

Model No. 29732-Serial No. 400000000 and Up

Model No. 29734-Serial No. 400000000 and Up

Introduction

This rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower is intended to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns on residential properties. It is not designed for cutting brush or for agricultural uses.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product and accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product.

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Figure 1

  1. Model and serial number plate

Write the product model and serial numbers in the space below:

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

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Figure 2

  1. Safety-alert symbol

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

This product complies with all relevant European directives. For details, please see the separate product specific Declaration of Conformity (DOC) sheet.

Net Torque: The gross or net torque of this engine was laboratory rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1940. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine torque on this class of mower will be significantly lower. Go to www.Toro.com to view specifications on your mower model.

Safety

This machine has been designed in accordance with EN ISO 5395:2013.

General Safety

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and of throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious personal injury.

Using this product for purposes other than its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

  • Read and understand the contents of this Operator’s Manual before starting the engine.

  • Do not put your hands or feet near moving components of the machine.

  • Do not operate the machine without all guards and other safety protective devices in place and working on the machine.

  • Keep clear of any discharge opening. Keep bystanders a safe distance away from the machine.

  • Keep children out of the operating area. Never allow children to operate the machine.

  • Stop the machine and shut off the engine before servicing, fueling, or unclogging the machine.

Improperly using or maintaining this machine can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety-alert symbol, which means Caution, Warning, or Danger—personal safety instruction. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury or death.

You can find additional items of safety information in their respective sections throughout this manual.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Graphic

Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.
decaloemmarkt

Manufacturer's Mark

  1. This mark indicates that the blade is identified as a part from the original machine manufacturer.
decal104-7953

104-7953

Electric-start model only

  1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual for information on charging the battery; contains lead; do not discard.
  2. Read the Operator's Manual.
decal112-8760

112-8760

  1. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance away from the machine.
  2. Cutting/dismemberment of hand or foot—stay away from moving parts.
decal117-4143

117-4143

  1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual.
  2. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance away from the machine.
  3. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—disconnect the spark-plug wire and read the instructions before servicing or performing maintenance.
  4. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—stay away from moving parts and keep all guards and shields in place.
  5. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—do not mow up and down slopes, only mow across; stop the mower and shut off the engine, pick up debris before operating; look behind and down when reversing.

Setup

Important: Remove and discard the protective plastic sheet that covers the engine and any other plastic or wrapping on the machine.

Important: To prevent accidental starting, do not insert the key into the electric-start ignition until you are ready to start the engine (electric-start model only).

Unfolding the Handle

Warning

Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can damage the cables, causing an unsafe operating condition.

  • Do not damage the cables when folding or unfolding the handle.

  • If a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

  1. Remove the handle knobs and bolts from the machine housing (Figure 3).

  2. Attach the handle to the machine housing (Figure 3).

    g032765

    Figure 3

    1. Bolt
    2. Knob

  3. Move the handle to the operating position (Figure 4).

    g032014

    Figure 4

    1. Handle knob (2)

    Important: Route the cables to the outside of the handle as you unfold the handle (Figure 5).

    g025928

    Figure 5

    Electric-start model shown

    1. Cables
    2. Wire harness (electric-start model only)
    3. Handle

  4. Install the handle knobs and tighten them firmly by hand.

Installing the Recoil-Starter Rope in the Rope Guide

Important: To start the engine safely and easily whenever you use the machine, install the recoil-starter rope in the rope guide.

Hold the blade-control bar to the upper handle and pull the recoil-starter rope through the rope guide on the handle (Figure 6).

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Figure 6

  1. Recoil-starter rope
  2. Rope guide

Filling the Engine with Oil

Important: Your machine does not come with oil in the engine. Before starting the engine, fill the engine with oil.

Engine oil capacity: 0.53 L (18 fl oz)

Oil viscosity: SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 detergent oil

API service classification: SJ or higher

  1. Move the machine to a level surface.

  2. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 7).

    g197452

    Figure 7

    1. Full
    2. High
    3. Add

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

  4. Wait about 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 7).

    • If the oil level is below the Add mark on the dipstick, carefully pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 3 through 6 until the oil level is at the Full mark on the dipstick.

    • If the oil level is above the Full mark on the dipstick, drain the excess oil until the oil level is at the Full mark on the dipstick; 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.

Charging the Battery (Electric-Start Model Only)

Refer to Charging the Battery.

Assembling the Grass Bag

  1. Slip the grass bag over the frame as shown in Figure 8.

    g027543

    Figure 8

    1. Handle
    2. Frame
    3. Grass bag

    Note: Do not slip the bag over the handle (Figure 8).

  2. Hook the bottom channel of the bag onto the bottom of the frame (Figure 9).

    g027544

    Figure 9

  3. Hook the top and side channels of the bag onto the top and sides of the frame, respectively (Figure 9).

Product Overview

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Figure 10

Electric-start model shown

  1. Blade-control bar
  2. Ignition key (electric-start model only)
  3. Battery (electric-start model only)
  4. Fuel-tank cap
  5. Air filter
  6. Spark plug
  7. Front cutting-height lever
  8. Oil fill/ dipstick
  9. Rear door
  10. Rear cutting-height lever
  11. Handle knob (2)
  12. Recoil-start handle
  13. Self-propel drive bar
g197496

Figure 11

  1. Grass bag
  2. Side-discharge chute
  3. Battery charger (electric-start model only)
ModelWeightLengthWidthHeight
2973234 kg (76 lb)140 cm(55 inches)56 cm(22 inches)102 cm(40 inches)
2973439 kg (85 lb)140 cm(55 inches)56 cm(22 inches)102 cm(40 inches)

Operation

Before Operation

Before Operation Safety

General Safety

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

  • Check that all guards and safety devices, such as doors and/or grass catchers, are in place and working properly.

  • Always inspect the machine to ensure that the blades, blade bolts, and cutting assembly are not worn or damaged.

  • Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that the machine could throw.

  • Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving blade, causing serious injury.

    • Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (electric-start model only), and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    • Do not put your fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height.

Fuel Safety

Danger

Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property.

  • To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel, place the container and/or machine directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.

  • Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area, when the engine is cold. Wipe up any fuel that spills.

  • Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an open flame or sparks.

  • Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out of the reach of children.

Warning

Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and illness.

  • Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.

  • Keep your hands and face away from the nozzle and the fuel-tank opening.

  • Keep fuel away from your eyes and skin.

Filling the Fuel Tank

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

  • Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE by volume is acceptable.

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

  • Do not use gasoline containing methanol.

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

  • Do not add oil to gasoline.

Important: To reduce starting problems, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with gasoline less than 30 days old.

g032017

Figure 12

Checking the Engine-Oil Level

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

    Engine oil capacity: 0.53 L (18 oz)

    Oil viscosity: SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 detergent oil

    API service classification: SJ or higher

    1. Move the machine to a level surface.

    2. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 13).

      g197452

      Figure 13

      1. Full
      2. High
      3. Add

    3. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.

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

    5. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 13).

      • If the oil is below the Add mark on the dipstick, carefully pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and then repeat steps 3 through 5 until the oil level is at the Full mark on the dipstick.

      • If the oil is above the Full mark on the dipstick, drain the excess oil until the oil level is at the Full mark on the dipstick. To drain the excess oil, refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

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

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

    Adjusting the Cutting Height

    Adjust the cutting height as desired. Set the front wheels and the rear wheels to the same height.

    Note: To raise or lower the machine, move the cutting-height levers as shown in Figure 14.

    g032019

    Figure 14

    1. Raise the machine
    2. Lower the machine

    Important: The cutting height settings are 32 mm (1-1/4 inches); 44 mm (1-3/4 inches); 57 mm (2-1/4 inches); 70 mm (2-3/4 inches); 83 mm (3-1/4 inches); and 95 mm (3-3/4 inches).

    During Operation

    During Operating Safety

    General Safety

    • Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection; slip-resistant, substantial footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing, and do not wear jewelry.

    • Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

    • The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury. Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (electric-start model only), and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

    • When you release the blade-control bar, the engine should shut off and the blade should stop within 3 seconds. If not, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

    • Operate the machine only in good visibility and appropriate weather conditions. Do not operate the machine when there is the risk of lighting.

    • Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the blade. Avoid mowing in wet conditions.

    • Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.

    • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip-and-fall accident.

    • Stop the machine and inspect the blades after striking an object or if there is an abnormal vibration in the machine. Make all necessary repairs before resuming operation.

    • Before leaving the operating position, shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (electric-start model only), and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    • If the engine has been running the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you. Keep away from the hot muffler.

    • Check the grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace them with the manufacturer’s recommended parts when necessary.

    • Use accessories and attachments approved by the The Toro® Company only.

    Slope Safety

    • Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

    • Do not mow on excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.

    • Mow with caution near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

    Starting the Engine

    1. Hold the blade-control bar (Figure 15) against the handle.

      g014712

      Figure 15

      1. Blade-control bar

    2. Insert the key into the electric starter and turn it (electric-start models only; refer to Figure 16) or pull the recoil-start handle (Figure 17).

      g014717

      Figure 16

      g014718

      Figure 17

      Note: If the machine does not start after several attempts, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

    Using the Self-propel Drive (Self-Propel Model Only)

    To operate the self-propel drive, squeeze the self-propel drive bar (Figure 18) toward the handle and hold it.

    g009642

    Figure 18

    1. Self-propel drive bar

    To disengage the self-propel drive, release the self-propel drive bar.

    Note: The maximum self-propel ground speed is fixed. To reduce the ground speed, increase the space between the self-propel drive bar and the handle.

    Shutting Off the Engine

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Ensure that the engine shuts off within 3 seconds after releasing the blade-control bar.
    		•

    To shut off the engine, release the blade-control bar (Figure 19).

    Note: Remove the ignition key when you leave the machine (electric-start models only).

    Important: When you release the blade-control bar, both the engine and blade should stop within 3 seconds. If they do not stop properly, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

    g009643

    Figure 19

    Mulching the Clippings

    Your machine comes from the factory ready to mulch the grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn.

    If the grass bag is on the machine, remove it before mulching the clippings. Refer to Removing the Grass Bag.

    Bagging the Clippings

    Use the grass bag when you want to collect grass and leaf clippings from the lawn.

    Installing the Grass Bag

    1. Lift up the rear door (Figure 20).

      g032023

      Figure 20

      1. Rear door
      2. Notch in the handle bracket (2)
      3. Rod end (2)
      4. Grass bag

    2. Insert the rod ends of the grass bag into the notches in the handle brackets (Figure 20).

    3. Allow the rear door to rest on the bag.

    Removing the Grass Bag

    1. Lift up the rear door (Figure 20).

    2. Lift the grass-bag handle out from the notches on the handle brackets and remove the bag from the machine.

    3. Close the rear door.

    Side-Discharging the Clippings

    Installing the Side-Discharge Chute

    1. Lift up the rear door (Figure 21).

      g032024

      Figure 21

      1. Rear door
      2. Rod end (2)
      3. Notch in the handle bracket (2)
      4. Side-discharge chute

      Note: If the grass bag is on the machine, remove it; refer to Removing the Grass Bag.

    2. Insert the rod ends of the side-discharge chute into the notches on the handle brackets (Figure 21).

    3. Allow the rear door to rest on the chute.

    Removing the Side-Discharge Chute

    1. Lift up the rear door (Figure 21).

    2. Lift the side-discharge chute out form the notches on the handle brackets and remove the chute from the machine.

    3. Close the rear door.

    Operating Tips

    General Mowing Tips

    • Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that the machine could throw.

    • Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never deliberately mow over any object.

    • If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately shut off the engine, remove the key (electric-start model only), disconnect the wire from the spark plug, and examine the machine for damage.

    • For best performance, install a new blade before the cutting season begins.

    • Replace the blade when necessary with a Toro replacement blade.

    Cutting Grass

    • Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not cut below 51 mm (2 inches) unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down.

    • When cutting grass over 15 cm (6 inches) tall, mow at the highest cutting height setting and walk slower; then mow again at a lower setting for the best lawn appearance. If the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.

    • Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause the machine to plug or the engine to stall. Avoid mowing in wet conditions.

    • Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry conditions, follow all local fire warnings, and keep the machine free of dry grass and leaf debris.

    • Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.

    • If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try 1 or more of the following:

      • Replace the blade or have it sharpened.

      • Walk at a slower pace while mowing.

      • Raise the cutting height on your machine.

      • Cut the grass more frequently.

      • Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.

    After Operation

    After Operating Safety

    General Safety

    • Clean grass and debris from the machine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.

    • Allow the engine to cool before storing the machine in any enclosure.

    • Never 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.

    Hauling Safety

    • Remove the ignition key before loading the machine for hauling (electric-start model only).

    • Use care when loading or unloading the machine.

    • Secure the machine from rolling.

    Folding the Handle

    1. Remove the ignition key (electric-start model only).

    2. Loosen the handle knobs until you can move the handle freely (Figure 22).

      g032022

      Figure 22

      1. Handle knob (2)

    3. Move the handle forward as shown in Figure 22.

    Cleaning under the Machine

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After each use
  • Clean grass clippings and dirt from under the machine.
    		•

    1. With the engine running on a flat paved surface, spray a stream of water in front of the right rear wheel (Figure 23).

      The water will splash into the path of the blade, cleaning out the clippings.

      g002600

      Figure 23

    2. When no more clippings come out, stop the water and move the machine to a dry area.

    3. Run the engine for a few minutes to dry the underside of the machine to prevent it from rusting.

    Maintenance

    Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.

    Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Check the engine-oil level.
  • Ensure that the engine shuts off within 3 seconds after releasing the blade-control bar.
    		•
    After each use
  • Clean grass clippings and dirt from under the machine.
    		•
    Every 25 hours
  • Replace the air filter; replace it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
  • Charge the battery for 24 hours (electric-start model only).
    		•
    Every 100 hours
  • Clean the cooling system (refer to your engine owner's manual).
  • Replace the spark plug.
    		•
    Before storage
  • Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed and before annual storage.
    		•
    Yearly
  • Replace the blade or have it sharpened (more frequently if the edge dulls quickly).
    		•

    Important: Refer to your engine manual for additional maintenance procedures.

    Maintenance Safety

    • Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug and remove the ignition key (electric-start model only) before performing any maintenance procedure.

    • Wear gloves and eye protection when servicing the machine.

    • The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury. Wear gloves when servicing the blade.

    • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

    • Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable and explosive, and can cause personal injury. Run the engine dry to remove the fuel with a hand pump; never siphon the fuel.

    Preparing for Maintenance

    1. Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (electric-start model only), and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 24).

      g032025

      Figure 24

      1. Spark-plug wire

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

    Replacing the Air Filter

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Every 25 hours
  • Replace the air filter; replace it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
    		•

    1. Pull the tab to open the air-filter cover (Figure 25).

      g032020

      Figure 25

      1. Tab

    2. Replace the air filter.

    3. Close the air-filter cover.

    Changing the Engine Oil

    Changing the engine oil is not required, but if you desire to change the oil, use the following procedure.

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

    Engine oil capacity: 0.53 L (18 fl oz)

    Oil viscosity: SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 detergent oil

    API service classification: SJ or higher

    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 26).

      g197452

      Figure 26

      1. Full
      2. High
      3. Add

    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 27).

      g032764

      Figure 27

    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 about 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 26).

      • If the oil level is below the Add mark on the dipstick, 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 is at the Full mark on the dipstick.

      • If the oil level is above the Full mark on the dipstick, drain the excess oil until the oil level is at the Full mark on the dipstick.

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

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

    12. Recycle the used oil properly.

    Charging the Battery

    Electric-Start Model Only
    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Every 25 hours
  • Charge the battery for 24 hours (electric-start model only).
    		•

    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 (22°C or 70°F) whenever possible.

    1. Connect the charger to the wire harness located below the ignition key (Figure 28).

      g002889

      Figure 28

    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 the charger 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.

    Replacing the Fuse

    Electric-Start Model Only

    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.

    1. Unclip the battery cover and remove it (Figure 29).

      g032021

      Figure 29

      1. Battery cover
      2. Foam
      3. Battery
      4. Fuse holder

    2. Insert the fuse into the fuse holder (Figure 30).

      g002878

      Figure 30

    3. Install the battery cover.

    Replacing the Blade

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Yearly
  • Replace the blade or have it sharpened (more frequently if the edge dulls quickly).
    		•

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

    Examine the blade whenever you run out of gasoline. If the blade is damaged or cracked, replace it immediately. If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have it sharpened or replace it.

    1. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance.

    2. Tip the machine onto its side, with the air filter up.

    3. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady.

    4. Remove the blade (turn the blade bolt counterclockwise), saving all the mounting hardware.

    5. Install the new blade (turn the blade bolt clockwise) and all mounting hardware (Figure 31).

      g002599

      Figure 31

      Important: Position the curved ends of the blade to point toward the machine housing.

    6. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to 82 N∙m (60 ft-lb).

      Important: A bolt torqued to 82 N∙m (60 ft-lb) is very tight. While holding the blade with a block of wood, put your weight behind the ratchet or wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is very difficult to overtighten.

    Adjusting the Self-Propel Drive Cable

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

    1. Loosen the cable-support nut (Figure 32).

      g009692

      Figure 32

      1. 25 to 38 mm (1 to 1-1/2 inches)
      2. Self-propel drive bar
      3. Cable jacket
      4. Cable-support nut
      5. Cable support

    2. Hold the self-propel bail 25 to 38 mm (1 to 1-1/2 inches) from the handle (Figure 32).

    3. Pull down the cable jacket (toward the machine) until there is no slack in the cable (Figure 32).

    4. Tighten the nut on the cable support.

    5. Release the self-propel drive bar and ensure that the cable is loose.

      Note: The cable must be loose with the self-propel drive bar in the released position; otherwise, the machine may creep when you disengage the bar.

    Storage

    Store the machine in a cool, clean, dry place.

    Preparing the Machine for Storage

    1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer (such as Toro Premium Fuel Treatment) to the fuel.

    2. Run the machine until the engine shuts off from running out of fuel.

    3. Prime the engine and start it again.

    4. Allow the engine to run until it shuts off. When you can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.

    5. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug and remove the ignition key (electric-start model only).

    6. Remove the spark plug, add 30 ml (1 fl oz) of oil through the spark plug hole, and pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the off-season.

    7. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque wrench to 20 N∙m (15 ft-lb).

    8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.

    9. Electric-start model only: Charge the battery for 24 hours, then unplug the battery charger and store the machine in an unheated area. If you must store the machine in a heated area, you must charge the battery every 90 days (electric-start model only).

    Removing the Machine from Storage

    1. Remove the spark plug and spin the engine rapidly by pulling the recoil-start handle to blow the excess oil from the cylinder.

    2. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque wrench to 20 N∙m (15 ft-lb).

    3. Charge the battery for 24 hours (electric-start model only).

    4. Connect the wire to the spark plug.