20in Turf Seeder

Capacity: 5.6 L (1.48 US gallons)

Recommended Fuel:

• 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 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; run the machine dry before storing it for more than 30 days.Do not use fuel additives other than a fuel stabilizer/conditioner. Do not use fuel stabilizers with an alcohol base such as ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol.

Check the engine oil before starting the engine; refer to Checking the Engine-Oil Level.

1. Bring the machine to a full stop.

2. Disengage the cutting blades.

3. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

4. Unlock the cutting-blade depth handle by pulling upward.

   

   Figure 9

   1. Unlock
   2. Cutting-blade depth handle
   3. Lock

5. Move the lever to the desired working depth slot setting. Rotate and push the handle down to lock the handle.

6. Adjust the setting down as the cutting blades wear.

1. Bring the machine to a full stop.

2. Disengage the cutting blades.

3. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

4. To change the seeding rate, loosen the knob on the seeding-rate gauge located on the front of the seed hopper. Move the gauge pointer to the desired position, and tighten the knob.

   

   Figure 10

   1. Gauge pointer

Note: Refer to the seeding graph, located on the machine, to determine the correct gauge setting for the type of grass and the thickness to be planted.

• To install the seed cover (Figure 11), place it over the seed hopper and fasten it to the latch posts on either side using the rubber latches.

• To remove the seed cover, pull each rubber latch down and away from the latch posts and remove the cover.

Figure 11

1. Seed cover
2. Seed hopper
3. Rubber latch
4. Latch post

1. Ensure that the blade-control bail is in the OFF position.

2. Move the engine switch to the ON position, and open the fuel-shutoff valve.

3. Move the choke lever to the left if you are starting a cold engine.

   Note: A warm or hot engine may not require choking.

4. Move the throttle lever midway between the SLOW (turtle) and FAST (rabbit) positions.

5. Pull the recoil-start handle sharply to start the engine.

6. After the engine starts, gradually move the choke to the right.

   Note: If the engine stalls or hesitates, move the choke left again until the engine warms up.

7. Move the throttle lever to the desired setting.

1. Bring the machine to a full stop.

2. Release the blade-control bail. The blades stop, and the engine continues to run.

3. Place the throttle midway between the SLOW and FAST positions.

4. Allow the engine to run for a minimum of 15 seconds, then turn the engine on/off switch to the OFF position to shut off the engine.

   Important: In an emergency, shut off the engine immediately.

5. Close the fuel-shutoff valve.

6. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

1. Start the engine.

2. Move the self-propel drive bail from the NEUTRAL position.

   • To move forward, squeeze the self-propel drive bail against the handle (Figure 12).

     

     Figure 12

     1. Self-propel drive bail (neutral position)
     2. Reverse—push down and away from the handle
     3. Forward—pull toward the handle
     4. Handle

     Note: You can vary the ground speed by increasing or decreasing the distance between the self-propel drive bail and the handle. Lower the drive bail toward the neutral position to decrease the ground speed when making a turn or if the machine is moving too fast. If you release the drive bail, it returns to neutral and the machine stops moving. Squeeze the drive bail closer to the handle to increase the ground speed. When you hold the drive bail tight against the handle, the machine moves at the maximum ground speed. Release the drive bail to stop moving or whenever you leave the machine.

   • To turn left or right, decrease the speed, push down on the handles, and turn the machine in the desired direction; then resume normal operation.

   • To move in reverse, release the drive bail and allow it to return to neutral. Push the drive bail down and away from the handle. The ground speed varies as the distance increases or decreases from the neutral position.

3. To disengage the self-propel drive and place the machine into the neutral position, release the drive bail.

   Note: If the machine creeps forward or rearward when the drive bail is in the neutral position, shut off the engine and adjust the self-propel drive cable; refer to Adjusting the Self-Propel Drive.

1. Start the engine.

2. Push and hold the blade-control lock forward to release the blade-control bail (Figure 13).

   

   Figure 13

   1. Blade-control lock (locked position)
   2. Push
   3. Blade-control bail
   4. Squeeze against handle

3. Squeeze the blade-control bail against the handle and release the blade-control lock; the blades engage.

4. Release the blade-control bail to disengage the blades. The blade-control lock resets to lock the blade-control bail.

1. If seeding, fill the seed hopper and set the seeding rate gauge; refer to Adjusting the Seeding-Rate Gauge.

2. Adjust the cutting-blade depth to the desired setting; refer to Adjusting the Cutting-Blade Depth.

3. Start the engine.

4. Set the engine throttle to the FAST position.

5. Push down on the handle to raise the front wheels slightly off the ground.

6. Squeeze the blade-control bail against the handle to engage the blades. Slowly lower the front wheels to the ground, allowing the blades to gradually work into the grass and soil.

7. If seeding, push the seeder-control lever forward to start the seed flow.

   Note: There is no need to turn the seeder-control lever off and on for each turn. The seed flow slows and/or stops when the machine is stopped or slowed for turning. To reduce seed loss, raise the front wheels as the machine is turned.

   Note: The machine seeds at the same rate going forward or rearward.

   Note: If there is excessive thatch, it may be necessary to remove the thatch prior to seeding.

8. Engage the self-propel drive bail to begin operating.

Be sure that the fuel shutoff valve is closed.

Securely fasten the machine to the trailer with straps, chains, cables, or ropes.

Be sure that the trailer has all necessary lighting and marking as required by law, and use safety chains.

If you need to push the machine unpowered, you must release the hydrostatic drive. To release the drive, pull the hydrostatic-drive bypass lever (Figure 14) out and down, locking it in the out position. The front wheels now rotate freely.

To engage the drive, pull up on the bypass lever until it snaps back into the machine.

Figure 14

(Rear of machine shown)

1. Hydrostatic-drive bypass lever

Before performing any maintenance on the engine, belt, or cutting blades, disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 15).

Figure 15

1. Spark-plug wire

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire.

2. Engage the parking brake.

3. Lubricate the fittings (Figure 16) with 1 or 2 pumps of NLGI grade No. 2 multi-purpose grease.

   

   Figure 16

   1. Grease fitting

Important: Do not operate the engine without the air filter assembly; extreme engine damage will occur.

1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop; refer to Maintenance Safety.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug; refer to Disconnecting the Spark-Plug Wire.

3. Unhook the latch that secures the air-cleaner cover ().

   

   Figure 17

   1. Air-cleaner cover
   2. Latch
   3. Foam element
   4. Paper element
   5. Air-cleaner base

4. Remove the air-cleaner cover.

   Note: Be careful to prevent dirt and debris from falling into the base.

5. Remove the foam and paper elements from the base ().

6. Remove the foam element from the paper element ().

7. Inspect the foam and paper elements, and replace them if they are damaged or excessively dirty.

8. Clean the paper element by tapping it gently to remove the dirt.

   Note: Never try to brush dirt off the paper element; brushing forces the dirt into the fibers. Replace the element if tapping it fails to remove the dirt.

9. Clean the foam element in warm, soapy water or in a nonflammable solvent.

   Note: Do not use gasoline to clean the foam element because it could create a risk of fire or explosion.

10. Rinse and dry the foam element thoroughly.

11. Wipe dirt from the base and the cover with a moist rag.

    Note: Be careful to prevent dirt and debris from entering the air duct leading to the carburetor.

12. Install the air-cleaner elements and ensure that they are properly positioned.

13. Install the cover and hook the latch to secure it.

Toro Premium Engine Oil is available from your authorized Toro dealer.

Important: Use 4-cycle detergent engine oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service category SJ or higher.

Crankcase Capacity: 1.1 L (44.7 fl oz)

Important: If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine. This type of damage is not covered by the warranty.

Note: Use SAE 10W-30 for general use. You can use the other viscosities shown in the chart when the average temperature in your area is within the indicated range (Figure 18).

Figure 18

Spark plug specification: Champion RC12YC spark plug or equivalent.

1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

3. Clean around the spark plug.

4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.

   Important: Replace a cracked, fouled, or dirty spark plug. Do not clean the electrodes, because grit entering the cylinder can damage the engine.

5. Set the gap on the plug to 0.76 mm (0.03 inch); refer to .

   

   Figure 21

   1. Side electrode
   2. Center electrode insulator
   3. Air gap—0.76 mm (0.03 inch)

6. Carefully install the spark plug by hand (to avoid cross threading) until it is hand tight.

7. Tighten the spark plug an additional 1/2 turn if it is new; otherwise, tighten it an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn.

   Important: A loose spark plug can become very hot and can damage the engine; overtightening a spark plug may damage the threads in the cylinder head.

8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

Note: A spark arrester is available as an option. If you require a spark arrester, contact your Authorized Service Dealer.Toro spark arresters are approved by the USDA Forestry Service.

1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2. Wait for the muffler to cool.

3. Remove the spark arrester from the exhaust outlet by removing the screws from the muffler cover and exhaust deflector.

4. If there are any breaks or holes in the screen, replace the spark arrester.

5. Use a brush to carefully remove carbon deposits from the spark-arrester screen.

6. Install the spark arrester on the exhaust outlet.

1. Shut off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Engage the parking brake.

   Note: Drain gasoline from a cold engine only.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

3. Close the fuel shutoff valve.

4. Disconnect the fuel line by loosening the tube clamp at the carburetor.

5. Open the fuel valve by turning the lever to the open position.

6. Drain the gasoline completely from the tank and fuel line into an approved fuel container.

7. Close the fuel valve.

Maintain the air pressure in the tires as specified. To get the most accurate reading, check the tires when they are cold.

Pressure: 165 kPa (24 psi)

Figure 22

1. Valve stem

If the machine creeps either forward or rearward when the engine is on and the self-propel drive bail is in neutral, complete the following procedure:

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire.

2. Raise the cutting blades to the highest position.

3. Squeeze the self-propel drive bail to the handle until the transmission is fully stroked.

   • If the bail contacts the handle, release the bail. If the bail does not contact the handle, then proceed to step 4.

   • Loosen the top adjustment nut 1 turn, and tighten the bottom adjustment nut.

   • Squeeze the bail to the handle.

   • Repeat this step until there is a gap of up to 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) between the self-propel drive bail and the handle.

   • Once the gap is achieved, proceed with step 4.

     

     Figure 23

     1. Adjustment nuts
     2. Cable
     3. Jam nut
     4. Turnbuckle
     5. Self-propel drive bail

4. Remove the hairpin and rotate the turnbuckle clockwise 1 full turn.

5. Install the hairpin and rotate the jam nut against the turnbuckle.

6. Start the engine and test the adjustment, repeating this procedure as necessary.

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire. Engage the parking brake.

2. Remove the transmission from the machine.

3. Carefully clean the area around the expansion tank and oil-fill port.

   Important: Do not allow any dirt or contamination to enter the hydraulic system.

4. Remove and retain the oil-fill port fitting, and position the transmission so that the oil drains completely out of the housing.

5. When all the oil has drained from the transaxle, remove and retain the #10-32 x 1/2 inch self-tapping screw and the ratchet fastener holding the expansion tank to the housing.

6. Remove the expansion tank, and drain the oil.

   Note: Do not remove the vent cap from the tank.

   Note: Do not remove the tank hose or the O-ring unless a replacement is needed.

7. Install the expansion tank by first inserting the hose into the tank. Place the tank opening over the O-ring, and push down to ensure a proper seal. Install the #10–32 x 1/2 inch self-tapping screw, and torque it to 25 in-lb (2.8 N⋅m).

8. Fill the transaxle at the oil-fill port until the oil level is between 1/2 and 1-1/4 inches (between 13 and 32 mm) below the top of the fill port.

   Note: Toro Premium Hydro Oil is recommended. Mobil 1 15W-50 is an acceptable alternative.

9. Reinstall the oil-fill port fitting.

1. Loosen the 2 capscrews, and 2 flange-head bolts that secure the belt guard to the machine (Figure 24).

   

   Figure 24

   1. Capscrews
   2. Flange-head bolts

2. Remove the belt guard from the machine (Figure 24).

1. Align the belt guard, capscrews, and flange-head bolts with the holes in the side frame plate and the spring bracket (Figure 25).

   

   Figure 25

   1. Capscrews
   2. Flange-head bolts

2. Assemble the belt guard to the machine with the 2 capscrews, and 2 flange-head bolts (Figure 25).

3. Torque the capscrews and flange-head bolts to 1378 to 2542 N∙cm (175 to 225 in-lb).

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire. Engage the parking brake.

2. Remove the belt cover from the left side of the machine.

3. Check the belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, or any other damage.

4. If a belt is damaged, replace it.

5. Check the drive-belt tension; refer to Adjusting the Self-Propel Drive-Belt Tension.

If the self-propel drive belt squeals during operation (such as when moved from neutral to forward or reverse), tighten the belt as follows:

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire.

2. Raise the cutting blades to the highest position.

3. Remove and retain the 4 bolts, lock washers, and 2 spacers securing the belt cover to the left side of the machine, and remove the cover.

4. Check the tension of the belt. It should not flex more than a 6 mm (1/4 inch) with moderate finger pressure applied to the span just above the machine frame (Figure 26).

   

   Figure 26

   1. Belt
   2. Pulley carriage
   3. Nut

5. To tighten the belt, loosen the 4 mounting nuts and bolts securing the pulley carriage to the frame, and move the carriage to the left, tightening the belt; then secure the 4 mounting nuts and bolts (Figure 26).

6. Install the belt cover using the hardware retained in step 3.

When the cutting blades are worn down and no longer functioning properly, replace them as follows:

Important: Perform this procedure when the fuel tank is empty or nearly empty.

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire. Engage the parking brake.

2. Turn the fuel shutoff valve to the OFF position, and drain the fuel from the fuel tank; refer to Draining the Fuel Tank.

3. Remove the 4 bolts, lock washers, and 2 spacers securing the belt cover on the left side of the machine, and remove the cover.

4. Remove the blade drive belt from the machine.

5. Tilt the machine rearward until the upper handle rests on the ground, and place a jack stand under the machine.

   Note: If necessary, use 2 people to tilt the machine rearward.

   Caution

   Raising the machine and relying solely on mechanical or hydraulic jacks could be dangerous. The mechanical or hydraulic jacks may not provide enough support or may malfunction allowing the machine to fall, which could cause injury.

   Do not rely solely on mechanical or hydraulic jacks for support. Use adequate jack stands or equivalent support.

6. Lower the cutting blades to the lowest position.

7. Spin the cutting blade assembly. It should spin freely. If it makes a grinding noise and is halting, the bearings are worn; replace them when the blades are replaced.

8. Inspect the blades for damage and wear, and replace them as required.

   Danger

   A worn or damaged blade can break. A piece of the blade could be thrown into the area of the operator or a bystander, resulting in serious personal injury or death.

   • Inspect the blade periodically for wear or damage.

   • Replace a worn or damaged blade.

9. Remove the 4 carriage bolts and locknuts securing the cutting blade assembly (Figure 27), and remove it from the fork mounting bracket.

   

   Figure 27

   1. Carriage bolt
   2. Fork mounting bracket
   3. Flanged bearing with setscrews
   4. Lock nut
   5. Pulley
   6. Tapered hub with setscrews
   7. Washer
   8. Bolt
   9. Key
   10. Pulley spacer
   11. Slicer-shaft nut
   12. Slicer-shaft spacer
   13. Cutting blade
   14. Blade spacer
   15. Shaft

10. Remove the 2 bolts and washers attaching the pulley to the bearing. Loosen the setscrews on the bearing, and slide the key off the shaft (Figure 27). Remove the bearing and pulley by removing the bearing fasteners from the fork mounting bracket.

11. Loosen the 2 setscrews located on the flanged bearing, and slide the bearing off the shaft.

12. Loosen and remove the slicer-shaft nut and pulley spacer from the shaft.

13. Carefully slide the alternating blades and spacers off the shaft, and replace them as necessary.

14. Reverse the procedure to install the assembly.

    Note: Rotate each blade 1/6 turn from the previous blade.

    Warning

    Incorrect installation of the blade or components used to retain the blade can be dangerous. Failure to use all original components and assembled as shown could allow a blade or blade component to be thrown out from under the deck resulting in serious personal injury or death.

    Always install Toro blades, blade drivers, and blade bolts as shown.

15. Return the machine to the upright position.

16. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

Note: Trapped debris may prevent the seed gate from moving freely.

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire. Engage the parking brake.

2. Check to verify that the seed gate moves freely and is clear of debris.

3. If the seed gate does not open to the stop when the seeder-control lever is in the ON position, clean the gate assembly; refer to Cleaning the Seed Gate.

If the seed gate is partially open when the seeder-control lever is in the OFF position, complete the following:

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire.

2. Raise the cutting blades to the highest position.

3. Pull the seeder-control lever to the OFF position.

4. Loosen the nuts on the seed-gate control cable (see Figure 28).

   

   Figure 28

   1. Jam nut
   2. Cable

5. Move the cable right to close the seed gate or left to open it.

   Important: Do not tighten the cable to the point the seed gate is tight to the right with extreme tension on the cable as this will damage the gate and the cable. Only adjust it until the openings in the bottom of the seeder are closed.

6. Tighten the jam nuts and test the seeder-control lever to ensure that the seed gate opens and closes correctly.

Wash the machine as needed using water alone or with a mild detergent. You may use a rag when washing the machine

Important: Do not use brackish or reclaimed water to clean the machine.

Important: Do not use power-washing equipment to wash the machine. Power-washing equipment may loosen important decals or wash away necessary grease at friction points. Avoid excessive use of water near the control panel and engine.

Important: Do not wash the machine with the engine running. Washing the machine with the engine running may result in internal engine damage.

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire.

2. Clean all debris from the engine air-intake screen and around the engine.

3. Wipe up any excessive grease or oil around the engine.

1. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the spark-plug wire.

2. To ensure the best performance, keep the underside of the machine clean.

   Caution

   The machine may dislodge material from under the housing.

   • Wear eye protection.

   • Stay in the operating position (behind the handle).

   • Do not allow bystanders in the area.

3. Turn the fuel shutoff valve to the OFF position, and drain the fuel from the fuel tank; refer to Draining the Fuel Tank.

4. Tilt the machine rearward until the upper handle rests on the ground, and place a jack stand under the machine.

   Note: If necessary, use 2 people to tilt the machine rearward.

5. Remove the debris with a hardwood scraper or other suitable device. Avoid burrs and sharp edges.

6. Return the machine to the upright position.

7. Fill the fuel tank.

8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

3. Remove and retain the 4 bolts, lock washers, and 2 spacers securing the belt cover to the left side of the machine.

4. Remove the cover, and brush out all the debris around the belt area.

5. Install the belt cover, and tighten all the hardware.

6. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

3. Drain the fuel from the fuel tank; refer to Draining the Fuel Tank.

4. Tilt the machine rearward until the upper handle rests on the ground, and place a jack stand under the machine.

   Note: If necessary, use 2 people to tilt the machine rearward.

5. Clean the debris between the frame and the seed gate.

6. Lubricate the sliding surface between the frame and seed gate with a dry lubricant.

7. Return the machine to the upright position.

8. Fill the fuel tank.

9. Connect the wire to the spark plug.