Commercial Walk-Behind Mower

• 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).

• 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 fuel containers over the winter unless you use a fuel stabilizer.

• Do not add oil to gasoline.

Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide the following benefits:

• Keeps fuel fresh longer when used as directed by the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer

• 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 fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the fuel.

  Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when mixed with fresh fuel. To minimize the chance of varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at all times.

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Engage the parking brake.

3. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

4. Clean around the fuel-tank cap.

5. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the filler neck.

   Note: Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. The empty space in the tank allows the fuel to expand.

1. Pull the upper control bar rearward and hold it in this position (Figure 5).

2. Lift the parking-brake lever upward and gradually release the upper control bar.

   The parking-brake lever should stay in the engaged position (Figure 5).

   

   Figure 5

   1. Upper control bar
   2. Parking-brake lever—engaged position
   3. Fixed bar

1. Pull rearward on the upper control bar and lower the parking-brake lever to the disengaged position.

2. Gradually release the upper control bar.

1. Squeeze the blade-control bail against the upper control bar (Figure 7).

2. Push the blade-control lever (PTO) firmly forward, until it latches over the center.

   Note: If you release the blade-control bail, start the engine and repeat this procedure to engage the mower blades.

   

   Figure 7

   1. Upper control bar
   2. Blade-control bail
   3. Blade-control lever (PTO)

Pull the blade-control lever (PTO) fully rearward (Figure 7).

Note: The engine shuts off if you release the blade-control bail with the blade-control lever engaged.

Test the safety-interlock system each time before you use the machine. If the safety system does not operate as described, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety system immediately.

1. Engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, and move the throttle forward.

2. Start the engine.

3. With the engine running, squeeze the blade-control bail against the upper control bar, and push the blade-control lever (PTO) forward.

   The mower blades should rotate.

4. With the engine running, release the blade-control bail.

   The engine should shut off.

5. Start the engine.

6. With the engine running, turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

   The engine should shut off.

1. Move the shift lever to a forward gear (Figure 8).

2. Disengage the parking brake.

3. Slowly press on the upper control bar to move forward (Figure 8).

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both ends of the upper control bar (Figure 8).

   To turn, release pressure on the upper control bar side in the direction you want to turn (Figure 8).

   

   Figure 8

   1. Upper control bar
   2. Lower control bar
   3. Shift lever
   4. Lower handle

1. Move the shift lever to the reverse gear.

2. Disengage the parking brake.

3. Slowly squeeze the lower control bar and lower handle together to move rearward (Figure 8).

1. Disengage the mower blades.

2. Select the FIRST GEAR position to drive the machine.

3. Drive machine until the caster wheels contact the curb (Figure 9).

4. Lift the front of the machine by pushing down on the lower handle (Figure 9).

5. Drive the machine until the drive wheels contact the curb (Figure 9).

6. Lower the front of the machine (Figure 9).

   Note: Both drive wheels should contact the curb and the caster wheels should be straight.

7. At the same time, engage the lower control bar and lift up the lower handle to drive over the curb (Figure 9 and Figure 10).

   Note: Lifting up the lower handle assists with driving the machine up a curb and not spinning the drive wheels.

   

   Figure 9

   1. Lower control bar—engaged and the machine going reverse
   2. Pull up to assist the machine.
   3. Lower control bar—engaged and the machine going forward

1. Disengage the mower blades.

2. Select the REVERSE position to drive the machine.

3. Drive the machine until the drive wheels contact the curb (Figure 9).

   Note: Both drive wheels should contact the curb and the caster wheels should be straight.

4. At the same time, engage the lower control bar and lift up the lower handle (Figure 9 and Figure 10).

   Note: Lifting up the lower handle assists with driving the machine up a curb and not spinning the drive wheels.

   

   Figure 10

   1. Lower control bar—engaged
   2. Handle

This is the full rear position. The suggested use for this position is as follows:

• Short, light grass mowing conditions

• Dry conditions

• Smaller grass clippings

• Propels grass clippings farther away from the mower

Figure 12

Use this position when bagging.

Figure 13

This is the full open position. The suggested use for this position is as follows:

• Tall, dense grass mowing conditions

• Wet conditions

• Lowers the engine-power consumption

• Allows increased ground speed in heavy conditions

Figure 14

Adjust the blades by using the 4 spacers (6 mm or 1/4 inch) on the blade spindle bolts. This allows for a 25 mm (1 inch) adjustment range, in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments, of cutting height in any axle position. Use the same number of blade spacers on all the blades to achieve a level cut (for example, 2 above and 2 below, 1 above and 3 below, etc.).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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. Hold the blade bolt and remove the nut (Figure 15).

   

   Figure 15

   1. Blade
   2. Blade bolt
   3. Curved washer
   4. Spacer
   5. Thin washer
   6. Nut

4. Remove the blade bolt from the spindle and change the spacers as needed (Figure 15).

5. Install the blade bolt, curved washer, and extra spacers, and secure them with a thin washer and a nut (Figure 15).

6. Torque the blade bolt to 101 to 108 N∙m (75 to 80 ft-lb).

Adjust the axle position to the selected height-of-cut setting. Refer to the Height-of-Cut Chart.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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. Loosen, but do not remove, the 2 axle-pivot bolts and 2 axle-adjustment bolts (Figure 16).

   

   Figure 16

   1. Axle-pivot bolt
   2. Axle-adjustment bolt

4. Place a jack under the rear center of the engine frame. Raise the rear end of the engine frame up enough to remove the front 2 axle-adjustment bolts (Figure 16).

   Note: Use jack stands to support the machine.

5. Raise or lower the engine frame with the jack so that you can install the front 2 axle-adjustment bolts in the desired hole location (Figure 16).

   Note: Use a tapered punch to help align the holes.

6. Tighten all 4 bolts and lower the machine.

7. Adjust the control rods and brake linkages as required; refer to Adjusting the Control Rods and Adjusting the Parking Brake.

   Important: You must adjust the control rods and brake linkage when you change the axle positions for proper traction and brake function.

1. Using the Height-of-Cut Chart, adjust the caster spacers to match with the axle hole selected (Figure 17).

   

   Figure 17

   1. Latch pin
   2. Spacer (5 mm or 3/16 inch)
   3. Spacer (13 mm or 1/2 inch)

2. Remove the latch pin, slide the caster from the support, and change the spacers (Figure 17).

3. Install the caster in the support and insert the latch pin (Figure 17).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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. Clean the area around the air cleaner to prevent dirt from entering the engine and causing damage (Figure 23).

4. Unscrew the cover knobs and remove the air-cleaner cover (Figure 23).

5. Unscrew the hose clamp and remove the air-cleaner assembly (Figure 23).

6. Carefully pull the foam element off the paper element (Figure 23).

   

   Figure 23

   1. Cover
   2. Hose clamp
   3. Paper element
   4. Foam element

1. Wash the foam element in liquid soap and warm water. When the element is clean, rinse it thoroughly.

2. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth.

   Important: Replace the foam element if it is torn or worn.

Important: Do not clean the paper filter, replace it (Figure 23).

1. Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, or damage to the rubber seal.

2. Replace the paper element if it is damaged.

Important: To prevent engine damage, always operate the engine with the complete foam and paper air-cleaner assembly installed.

1. Carefully slide the foam element on to the paper air-cleaner element (Figure 23).

2. Place the air-cleaner assembly onto the air cleaner base and secure it with the 2 wing nuts (Figure 23).

3. Place the air-cleaner cover into position and tighten the cover knob (Figure 23).

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

Crankcase Capacity: 1.7 L (58 oz) with the filter removed; 1.5 L (51 oz) without the filter removed

Viscosity: Refer to the table (Figure 24).

Figure 24

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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. Clean around the oil dipstick (Figure 25) so that dirt cannot fall into the filler hole and damage the engine.

   

   Figure 25

   1. Oil dipstick
   2. Filler tube

4. Unscrew the oil dipstick and wipe the end clean (Figure 25).

5. Slide the oil dipstick into the filler tube fully, but do not thread it onto the tube (Figure 25).

6. Pull the dipstick out and look at the end. If the oil level is low, slowly pour enough oil into the filler tube to raise the level to the Full mark.

   Important: Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and run the engine, as this can damage the engine.

1. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes.

2. Park the machine so that the drain side is slightly lower than the opposite side, to ensure that the oil drains completely.

3. Disengage the PTO and engage the parking brake.

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

5. Slide the drain hose over the oil-drain valve.

6. Place a drain pan below the drain hose.

7. Rotate the oil-drain valve to allow the oil to drain (Figure 26).

8. After the oil drains completely, close the drain valve.

9. Remove the drain hose (Figure 26).

   Note: Dispose the used oil at a recycling center.

   

   Figure 26

   1. Oil-drain valve
   2. Oil-drain hose

10. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the specified oil into the filler tube (Figure 25).

11. Check the engine-oil level.

12. Slowly add the additional oil to bring it to the Full mark.

Note: Change the engine-oil filter more frequently when the operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

1. Drain the oil from the engine.

2. Remove the old filter (Figure 27).

   

   Figure 27

   1. Engine-oil filter
   2. Adapter

3. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket on the replacement filter (Figure 27).

4. Install the replacement oil filter to the filter adapter, turn the oil filter clockwise until the rubber gasket contacts the filter adapter, and tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn (Figure 27).

5. Fill the crankcase with the proper type of new oil.

6. Run the engine for approximately 3 minutes, shut off the engine, and check for oil leaks around the oil filter and drain valve.

7. Check the engine-oil level and add oil, if needed.

8. Wipe up any spilled oil.

1. Disengage the PTO 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 spark plugs as shown in (Figure 28).

   

   Figure 28

Important: Do not clean the spark plugs. Always replace the spark plugs when they have: 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 0.75 mm (0.03 inch).

Figure 29

Tighten the spark plugs to 22 N∙m (16 ft-lb).

Figure 30

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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. Close the fuel-shutoff valve at the fuel tank (Figure 31).

4. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamp together and slide it up the fuel line away from the fuel filter (Figure 31).

5. Pull the fuel line off the fuel filter (Figure 31).

6. Open the fuel-shutoff valve and allow the fuel to drain into a fuel container or drain pan.

   Note: Now is the best time to install a new fuel filter, because the fuel tank is empty; refer to Replacing the Fuel Filter.

7. Install the fuel line to the fuel filter.

   Slide the hose clamp close to the valve to secure the fuel line.

   

   Figure 31

   1. Fuel filter
   2. Clamp
   3. Fuel-shutoff valve

8. Wipe up any spilled fuel.

Important: Never install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel line.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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. Close the fuel-shutoff valve at the fuel tank (Figure 31).

4. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamps together and slide them away from the filter (Figure 32).

   

   Figure 32

   1. Fuel filter
   2. Hose clamp
   3. Fuel line

5. Remove the filter from the fuel lines.

6. Install a new filter and move the hose clamps close to the filter.

7. Open the fuel-shutoff valve at the fuel tank (Figure 31).

8. Check for fuel leaks and repair, if needed.

9. Wipe up any spilled fuel.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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 existing fuel-vent filter (Figure 33).

4. Install a new fuel-vent filter.

   

   Figure 33

   1. Fuel-vent filter
   2. Right side of the engine

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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 black rubber cover from the negative cable and disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative (-) battery terminal (Figure 34).

4. Slide the red terminal boot off the positive (+) battery terminal, and remove the positive battery cable (Figure 34).

5. Remove the battery hold-down plate and remove the battery (Figure 34).

1. Place the battery in the machine (Figure 34).

2. Secure the battery with the battery hold-down plate, j-bolts, and wing nuts (Figure 34).

3. Install the positive (red) battery cable to positive (+) battery terminal with a nut, washer, and bolt (Figure 34).

4. Slide the rubber cover over the post.

5. Install the negative battery cable and ground wire to the negative (-) battery terminal with a nut, washer, and bolt (Figure 34).

6. Slide the rubber cover over the post.

   

   Figure 34

   1. J-bolt
   2. Positive battery cable
   3. Washer
   4. Nut (5/6 inch)
   5. Rubber cover (red)
   6. Battery hold-down plate
   7. Wing nut
   8. Negative battery cable
   9. Rubber cover (black)
   10. Bolt
   11. Battery

1. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be at the upper line (Figure 35).

   Do not allow the electrolyte to fall below the lower line (Figure 35).

   

   Figure 35

   1. Vent caps
   2. Upper line
   3. Lower line

2. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery.

The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just before you operate the machine. This lets the water mix thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.

1. Remove the battery from the machine; refer to Removing the Battery.

   Important: Never fill the battery with distilled water while the battery is installed in the machine. Electrolyte could be spilled on other parts and cause corrosion.

2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.

3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Figure 35).

4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until the electrolyte level is up to the upper line (Figure 35) on the battery case.

   Important: Do not overfill the battery because electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion and damage to the machine.

5. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes after filling the battery cells.

6. Add distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte level is up to the upper line (Figure 35) on the battery case.

7. Install the battery vent caps.

Important: Always keep the battery fully charged (1.260 specific gravity). This is especially important to prevent battery damage when the temperature is below 0°C (32°F).

1. Remove the battery from the machine; refer to Removing the Battery.

2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the Battery Electrolyte Level.

3. Ensure that the filler caps are installed.

4. Connect a 3 to 4 A battery charger to the battery posts. Charge the battery at a rate of 3 to 4 A for 4 to 8 hours (12 V).

   Note: Do not overcharge the battery.

5. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger from the electrical outlet, and disconnect the charger leads from the battery posts (Figure 36).

6. Install the battery; refer to Installing the Battery.

   

   Figure 36

   1. Positive battery post
   2. Negative battery post
   3. Red (+) charger lead
   4. Black (-) charger lead

If you are storing the machine for more than 30 days, remove the battery and charge it fully. Either store it on the shelf or on the machine. Leave the cables disconnected if it is stored on the machine. Store the battery in a cool atmosphere to avoid quick deterioration of the charge in the battery. To prevent the battery from freezing, make sure that it is fully charged.

1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the PTO.

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

3. Engage the parking brake.

   Note: The wheels must lock when you try to push the machine forward.

4. If the wheels do not lock, adjust the brakes; refer to Adjusting the Parking Brake.

5. Disengage the brake and press upper control bar very lightly, approximately 13 mm (1/2 inch).

   Note: The wheels should rotate freely. If not, refer to Adjusting the Parking Brake.

The brake lever is on the upper control bar. If the parking brake does not hold securely, adjust it.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, 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. Check the brake before you adjust it; refer to Checking the Parking Brake.

4. Disengage the parking brake.

5. To adjust the brake, rotate the wing nuts on the brake rods (Figure 39).

   Turn the wing nuts clockwise to tighten the brake and counterclockwise to loosen the brake.

   

   Figure 39

   1. Brake rod
   2. Wing nut

   Note: The control bar should be parallel with the reference bar when properly adjusted.

6. Check the brake operation; refer to Checking the Parking Brake.

   Important: With the parking brake disengaged, the rear wheels must rotate freely when you push the machine. If the brake action and the free-wheel rotation cannot be achieved, contact your Authorized Service Dealer immediately.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark-plug wires from the spark plugs.

1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 48).

2. If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blade; refer to Sharpening the Blades.

3. Inspect the blades, especially in the curved area.

4. If you notice any cracks, wear, or a slot forming in this area, immediately install a new blade (Figure 48).

   

   Figure 48

   1. Cutting edge
   2. Curved area
   3. Wear/slot forming
   4. Crack

1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and backward (Figure 49).

   

   Figure 49

2. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Figure 50).

   Note: Note this dimension.

   

   Figure 50

   1. Measure from the cutting edge to a level surface.

3. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.

4. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of the blades at the same position as in step 1.

   Note: The difference between the dimensions obtained in steps 1 and 2 must not exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch). If this dimension exceeds 3 mm (1/8 inch), the blade is bent and must be replaced; refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

Replace the blades if you hit a solid object or if the blades are out of balance or bent. To ensure optimum performance and continued safety conformance of the machine, use genuine Toro replacement blades. Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may result in non-conformance with safety standards.

1. Hold the blade bolt with a wrench.

2. Remove the nut, blade bolt, curved washer, blade, spacers, and thin washer from the spindle (Figure 51).

   

   Figure 51

   1. Blade
   2. Blade bolt
   3. Curved washer
   4. Spacer
   5. Thin washer
   6. Nut

1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 52).

   Note: Maintain the original angle.

   Note: The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges.

   

   Figure 52

   1. Sharpen at original angle.

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 53).

   Note: If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used.

   Note: If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the sail area only (Figure 52).

   

   Figure 53

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

3. Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

1. Install the curved washer and then the blade onto the bolt. Select the proper number of spacer(s) for the height of cut, and slide the bolt into the spindle (Figure 51).

   Important: The curved part of the blade must point upward toward the inside of the mower to ensure proper cutting.

2. Install the remaining spacer(s) and secure them with a thin washer and a nut (Figure 51).

3. Torque the blade bolt to 101 to 108 N∙m (75 to 80 ft-lb).