Installation

Preparing the Machine

  1. Park the machine on a level surface.

  2. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake.

  3. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

  4. For easier access, raise the front of the machine and support it using jack stands rated for your machines.

    Warning

    Mechanical or hydraulic jacks may fail to support the machine and cause serious injury.

    Use jack stands when supporting the machine.

Preparing the Mower Deck

  1. Remove the existing mower blades; refer to the Operator’s Manual for the machine.

  2. Remove the 2 bolts and 2 nuts securing the cutoff baffle to the deck and remove the cutoff baffle (Figure 1).

    Note: Retain the baffle for converting back to side discharge.

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  3. Install the fasteners in the same holes that they were originally removed from (Figure 1).

Installing the Right Baffle

Parts needed for this procedure:

Right baffle1
Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)—48-inch decks only1
Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)—54-inch decks only2
Nut (5/16 inch)—48-inch and 60-inch decks only3
Nut (5/16 inch)—54-inch decks only4

48-Inch Decks

  1. Install the right baffle using 2 nuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 2. Tighten the fasteners by hand.

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  2. Secure the right side of the right baffle with 1 carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and 1 nut (5/16) inch as shown in Figure 3.

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  3. Tighten all fasteners.

54-Inch Decks

  1. Remove the nuts and bolts from the location shown in Figure 4.

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  2. Install the right baffle using 1 carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and 3 nuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 5. Tighten the fasteners by hand.

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  3. Secure the rear wall of the right baffle to the mower deck using 1 carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch) and nut (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

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  4. Tighten all fasteners.

60-Inch Decks

  1. Remove the nut and bolt from the location shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8.

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  2. Install the right baffle using 3 nuts (5/16 inch) as shown in Figure 8. Tighten the fasteners by hand.

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  3. Tighten the fasteners by hand.

Installing the Discharge Chute Cover

Parts needed for this procedure:

Discharge chute cover1
Bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)—48-inch decks only3
Bolt (3/8 x 1 inch)—54-inch and 60-inch decks only2
Nut (3/8 inch)—48-inch and 54-inch decks only3
Nut (3/8 inch)—60-inch decks only2
Nut (5/16 inch)—60-in decks only1
Bolt (3/8 x 1-1/4 inches)—54-inch decks only1
Bolt (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches)—60-inch decks only1

48-inch Decks

Install the discharge chute cover using 3 bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and 3 nuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10.

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54-inch Decks

Install the discharge chute cover using 1 bolt (3/8 x 1-1/4 inches), 2 bolts (3/8 x 1 inch) and 3 nuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 11.

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60-inch Decks

Install the discharge chute cover using 1 carriage bolt (5/16 x 1-1/4 inches), 1 nut (5/16 inch), 2 bolts (3/8 x 1 inch), and 2 nuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 12.

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Installing the Kicker Baffles

48-Inch Decks Only

Parts needed for this procedure:

Kicker baffle2
Hex-washer-head bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)4

Install the kicker baffles to the underside of the deck using 4 bolts (5/16 x 3/4 inch) at the locations shown in Figure 13.

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Installing the Left Baffle

Parts needed for this procedure:

Left baffle1
Carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch)—48-inch, 54-inch, and 60-inch decks1
Nut (5/16 inch)—48-inch decks only3
Nut (5/16 inch)—54-inch and 60-inch decks only4
  1. Install the left baffle as follows:

    • For 48-inch decks, install the left baffle using 3 nuts (5/16 inch) and 1 carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch) as shown in Figure 14.

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    • For 54-inch and 60-inch decks, remove the existing fasteners from the holes shown in Figure 15, and install the left baffle using 4 nuts (5/16 inch) and 1 carriage bolt (5/16 x 3/4 inch).

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  2. Tighten all fasteners.

Installing the Decal and Mulching Blades

Parts needed for this procedure:

Decal1
Mulching blades3
  1. Install the decal to the mower deck in the location shown in Figure 16.

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  2. Install the mulching blades on machine; refer to the Operator’s Manual for the machine.

Operation

Operating Tips

Using the Fast Throttle Setting

For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the engine at the FAST position. Air is required to thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the height of cut so low as to totally surround the mower 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.

Cutting a Lawn for the First Time

Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that the cutting height of the mower does not scalp any uneven ground. However, the cutting height used in the past is generally the best one to use. When cutting grass longer than 15 cm (6 inches) tall, cut the lawn twice to ensure an acceptable quality of cut.

Cutting a Third of the Grass Blade

Cut only about a third 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.

Alternating the Mowing Direction

Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass standing straight. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances decomposition and fertilization.

Mowing at Correct Intervals

Grass grows at different rates at different times of the year. To maintain the same cutting height, 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.

Using a Slower Cutting Speed

To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed in certain conditions.

Avoiding Cutting Too Low

When mowing uneven turf, raise the cutting height to avoid scalping the turf.

Stopping the Machine

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 or you can disengage the mower deck while moving forward.

Keeping the Underside of the Mower Clean

Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower after each use. If grass and dirt build up inside the mower, cutting quality will eventually become unsatisfactory.

Maintaining the Blade(s)

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 mower blades after each use 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.