Introduction

This rotary-blade lawn cutting deck is mounted to a ride-on machine and is intended to be used by professional, hired operators in commercial applications. It is primarily designed for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns in parks, sports fields, and on commercial grounds. It is not designed for cutting brush, mowing grass and other growth alongside highways, 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. The model and serial numbers are stamped into a plate that is mounted on the mower housing. Write the numbers in the space provided.

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety alert symbol (Figure 1), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

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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.

Warning

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

Use of this product may cause exposure to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety

This machine has been designed in accordance with EN ISO 5395:2013 and ANSI B71.4-2012.

Improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner 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 the instruction may result in personal injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

Training

  • Read the operator's manual and other training material carefully. Be familiar with the controls, safety signs, and the proper use of the equipment. If the operator or mechanic cannot read the language of this manual, it is the owner's responsibility to explain this material to them.

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

  • All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner is responsible for training the users

  • Never let children or untrained people operate or service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

  • The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to people or damage to property.

Preparation

  • Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer.

  • Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.

  • Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects such as rocks, toys, and wire which can be thrown by the machine.

  • Check that operator's presence controls, safety switches and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning properly.

Safe Handling of Fuels

  • To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

  • Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

  • Use only an approved fuel container.

  • Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.

  • Allow engine to cool before refueling.

  • Never refuel the machine indoors.

  • 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.

  • Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

  • Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a fuel dispenser nozzle.

  • Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock open device.

  • If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

  • Never overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten securely.

Operation

  • Never run an engine in an enclosed area.

  • Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.

  • Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is engaged before starting engine. Only start engine from the operator's position. Always use the seat belt when the ROPS is in the raised position. Do not use the seat belt when the ROPS is in the lowered position.

  • Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf conditions can affect the machine's stability. Use caution while operating near drop-offs.

  • Slow down and use caution when making turns and when changing directions on slopes.

  • Never raise deck with the blades running.

  • Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly, and functioning property.

  • Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.

  • Stop on level ground, lower the cutting units, disengage drives, engage parking brake (if provided), shut off engine before leaving the operator's position for any reason.

  • Stop equipment and inspect the blades after striking objects or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before resuming operations.

  • Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.

  • Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of a clear path.

  • Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away.

  • Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.

  • Do not operate the mower under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate the machine; seek shelter.

  • Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

  • Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

  • The operator shall turn on flashing warning lights, if provided, whenever traveling on a public road, except where such use is prohibited by law.

Maintenance and Storage

  • Disengage drives, lower the cutting units, move traction pedal to Neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key. Wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, cleaning or repairing.

  • Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives and muffler. Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flames, and engine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.

  • Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flame.

  • Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.

  • Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.

  • Use jack stands to support components when required.

  • Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy.

  • Disconnect battery before making any repairs. Disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive last. Reconnect positive first and negative last.

  • Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.

  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. If possible, do not make adjustments with the engine running.

  • Charge batteries in an open well ventilated area, away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.

  • Keep all parts in good working condition and all hardware tightened. Replace all worn or damaged decals.

Hauling

  • Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

  • Use full width ramps for loading machine into trailer or truck.

  • Tie the machine down securely using straps, chains, cable, or ropes. Both front and rear straps should be directed down and outward from the machine

Toro Mower Safety

The following list contains safety information specific to Toro products or other safety information that you must know that is not included in the CEN, ISO, or ANSI standard.

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

Use of this product for purposes other than its intended use could prove dangerous to user and bystanders.

  • Know how to stop the engine quickly.

  • Do not operate the machine while wearing tennis shoes or sneakers.

  • Wearing safety shoes and long pants is advisable and required by some local ordinances and insurance regulations.

  • Handle fuel carefully. Wipe up any spills.

  • Check the safety interlock switches daily for proper operation. If a switch should fail, replace the switch before operating the machine.

  • Using the machine demands attention. To prevent loss of control:

    • Do not drive close to sand traps, ditches, creeks, embankments, or other hazards.

    • Avoid sudden stops and starts.

    • When near or crossing roads, always yield the right-of-way.

    • Lower the cutting unit when going down slopes.

  • If the cutting unit discharge area ever plugs, shut the engine off before removing the obstruction.

  • Cut grass slopes carefully. Do not start, stop, or turn suddenly.

  • Do not touch the engine or muffler while the engine is running or soon after it has stopped because these areas could be hot enough to cause burns.

Maintenance and Storage

  • Check the blade mounting bolts frequently to be sure that they are tightened to specification.

  • Make sure that all hydraulic line connectors are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition before applying pressure to the system.

  • Keep your body and hands away from pin hole leaks or nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high pressure. Use paper or cardboard, not your hands, to search for leaks. Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate the skin and cause serious injury.

  • Before disconnecting or performing any work on the hydraulic system, all pressure in the system must be relieved by stopping the engine and lowering the cutting units to the ground.

  • If the engine must be running to perform a maintenance adjustment, keep hands, feet, clothing, and any parts of the body away from the cutting units, attachments, and any moving parts. Keep everyone away.

  • Do not overspeed the engine by changing governor settings. To ensure safety and accuracy, have an Authorized Toro Distributor check the maximum engine speed with a tachometer.

  • The engine must be shut off before checking the oil or adding oil to the crankcase.

  • Make sure that the mower fuel tank is empty if the machine is to be stored in excess of 30 days. Do not store the mower near any open flame or where gasoline fumes may be ignited by a spark.

  • Perform only those maintenance instructions described in this manual. If major repairs are ever needed or if assistance is desired, contact an Authorized Toro Distributor.

  • To best protect your investment and maintain optimal performance of your Toro equipment, count on Toro genuine parts. When it comes to reliability, Toro delivers replacement parts designed to the exact engineering specifications of our equipment. For peace of mind, insist on Toro genuine parts.

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 lost.

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Setup

Warning

If you leave the key in the ignition switch, someone could accidentally start the engine and seriously injure you or other bystanders.

Remove the key from the ignition switch before you do any maintenance.

Danger

If the engine is started and the PTO shaft is allowed to rotate, serious injury could result.

Do not start the engine and engage the PTO switch when the PTO shaft is not connected to the gearbox on the cutting unit.

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

Note: We recommend that the appropriate adapter kit be installed prior to deck installation. The 100-inch Rear Discharge Deck must be used in conjunction with one of the following adapter kits:

Adapter Kit, Model 31102 is used for all Groundsmaster® 360 Series 2WD Traction Units, 2013 and before Groundsmaster® 360 Series 4WD Traction Units, and 2014 Groundsmaster® 360 Series Traction units in the following serial ranges:

ModelSerial range
31223314000101 to 314000104
30536314000101 to 314000105
30539314000101 to 314000116

Adapter Kit, Model 31103 is for Groundsmaster® 360 Series 4WD traction units in the following serial ranges:

ModelSerial range
31223314000105 and up
30539314000117 and up
All other 4WD models314000001 and up

Note: Revision J or later of the Toro Diagnostic software must be installed in the vehicle controller system to operate the deck as designed.

Product Overview

Note: Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

Width of cut2.54 m (100 inches)
Height of cutAdjustable from 25 to 127 mm (1 to 5 inches) in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments
Net weight358 kg (790 lb)

Trailer Dimensions

Ensure that your trailer or transport vehicle (Figure 2) has enough room to carry the deck in addition to the traction unit. Refer to Figure 3 for the dimensions of the deck when the wing decks are in the raised position.

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Attachments/Accessories

A selection of Toro approved attachments and accessories is available for use with the machine to enhance and expand its capabilities. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer or Distributor or go to www.Toro.com for a list of all approved attachments and accessories.

Operation

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

Caution

If you leave the key in the ignition switch, someone could accidently start the engine and seriously injure you or other bystanders.

Remove the key from the ignition before you do any maintenance.

Adjusting the Height of Cut

The height of cut can be adjusted from 25 to 127 mm (1 to 5 inches) in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments.

Center Deck

The height of cut on the center deck is achieved by moving the stop pin into different hole locations.

  1. With the engine running, push back on the mower lift switch until the mower is fully raised and release the switch immediately.

  2. To adjust, rotate the stop pin until the nub on it lines up with the slots in the holes in the height-of-cut bracket and remove it (Figure 4).

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  3. Select a hole in the height-of-cut bracket corresponding to the height of cut desired, insert the pin, and rotate it down to lock it in place (Figure 4).

    Note: There are 4 rows of hole positions (Figure 4). The top row gives you the height of cut listed above the pin. The second row down gives you the height listed plus 6 mm (1/4 inch). The third row down gives you the height listed plus 12 mm (1/2 inch). The bottom row gives you the height listed plus 18 mm (3/4 inch). For the 127 mm (5 inch) position there is only one hole, located in the second row. This does not add 6 mm (1/4 inch) to the 127 mm (5 inch) position.

  4. Adjust the anti-scalp rollers and skids as required.

Wing Decks

The height of cut on the wing decks is achieved by positioning the caster wheel axles in the upper or lower holes of the caster forks, add or remove an equal number of spacers from the caster forks and secure the height-of-cut collar to the desired holes in the height-of-cut rod.

  1. Start the engine and raise the cutting unit off the floor so that the height of cut can be changed. Stop the engine and remove the key after the cutting unit is raised.

  2. Position the caster wheel axles in the same holes in both caster forks. Refer to Figure 5 to determine the correct holes for the setting.

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    Note: When operating in a 64 mm (2-1/2 inch) cutting height or higher, the axle bolt must be installed in the lower caster fork hole to prevent grass buildup between the wheel and the fork. When operating in a cutting height lower than 64 mm (2-1/2 inch) and grass buildup is detected, reverse the machines direction to pull any clippings away from the wheel/fork area.

  3. Remove the tensioning cap from the spindle shaft (Figure 5) and slide the spindle out of the caster arm. Put the 2 shims (1/8 inch) onto the spindle shaft as they were originally installed. These shims are required to achieve a level across the entire width of the cutting units. Slide the appropriate number of 1/2 inch spacers onto the spindle shaft to get the desired height of cut; then slide the washer onto the shaft.

    Note: When using 25 mm (1 inch), 38 mm (1-1/2 inch), or occasionally 51 mm (2 inch) height of cut, move the skids and roller to the highest holes.

  4. Secure the adjustment with the tensioning cap.

Adjusting the Skid(s)

Mount the skids in the lower position when operating in a 64 mm (2-1/2 inch) or higher cutting height and in the higher position when operating in a cutting height lower than 64 mm (2-1/2 inches).

Note: When the skids become worn, you can switch the skids to the opposite sides of the mower, flipping them over. This will allow you to use the skids longer before replacing them.

  1. Disengage the PTO and set the parking brake.

  2. Move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Loosen the screw at the front of each skid. (Figure 6).

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  4. Remove the flange-head bolts and nuts from each skid.

  5. Move each skid to the desired position and secure them with the flange-head bolts and nuts.

    Note: Only use the top or center sets of holes to adjust the skids. The bottom holes are used when switching sides, at which time they become the top holes on the other side of the mower.

Adjusting the Rollers

Mount the rollers in the lower position when operating in height of cuts higher than 64 mm (2-1/2 inches) and in the higher position when operating in height of cuts lower than 64 mm (2-1/2 inches).

  1. Disengage the PTO and set the parking brake.

  2. Move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  3. Raise the front of the machine and support it on jack stands.

  4. Remove the fasteners securing each roller on your mower and move the rollers up or down as desired (Figure 7).

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  5. Install the fasteners as illustrated.

Leveling the Mower

Note: Leveling tools specific to this cutting unit are available from your Authorized Toro Distributor.

Leveling Front to Back

Cutting unit pitch is the difference in height of cut from the front of the blade plane to the back of the blade plane. Toro recommends a blade pitch of approximately 8 to 11 mm (5/16 to 7/16 inch). This means the back of the blade plane is 8 to 11 mm (5/16 to 7/16 inch) higher than the front.

  1. Position the machine on a level surface on the shop floor.

  2. Set the mower to the desired height of cut, move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the ignition key.

  3. Rotate the center blade so that it points straight forward.

  4. Using a short ruler, measure from the floor to the front tip of the blade.

  5. Rotate the same blade tip to the rear and measure from the floor to the tip of the blade at the rear of the mower.

  6. Subtract the front dimension from the rear dimension to calculate the blade pitch.

  7. Adjust the U-bolt jam nuts (Figure 8) securing the rear deck chains (Figure 9) to the mower deck to raise the rear of the mower so that the blade pitch is set to 8 to 11 mm (5/16 to 7/16 inch).

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Leveling Side to Side

If the cut is uneven across the mower swath, correct it as follows:

  1. Position the machine on a level surface on the shop floor.

  2. Set the cutting unit to the desired height of cut, move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, set the parking brake, and remove the ignition key.

  3. Check and adjust front and rear tractor tire pressure; refer to the traction unit Operator’s Manual.

  4. Check for bent blades.

  5. Remove the covers from the top of the cutting units.

  6. Rotate the blade on each spindle until the ends face forward and backward.

  7. Measure from the floor to the front tip of the cutting edge.

  8. Adjust the jam nuts securing the deck chains to the mower deck until the mower deck is level (Figure 9).

Operating Tips

Folding the Caster Arm

To gain access to or from the operator area when the wing decks are folded up, release the caster arm latch (Figure 10) and rotate the caster arm away from the traction unit.

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Important: Make sure to rotate the caster arm back to the machine before mowing.

Using the Transport Latches

Before transporting the machine, raise the wing decks and secure the wing deck transport latches (Figure 11).

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Using the Fast Throttle Setting and Adjusting the Ground Speed

To maintain enough power for the machine and deck while mowing, operate the engine at the fast throttle position and adjust your ground speed for conditions. A good rule to follow is: decrease ground speed as the load on the cutting blades increases, and increase ground speed as the load on the blades decreases.

Alternating Mowing Direction

Alternate mowing direction to avoid making ruts in the turf over time. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances decomposition and fertilization.

Selecting the Cutting Speed

To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed.

Selecting the Proper Height-of-Cut Setting to Suit Conditions

Remove approximately 25 mm (1 inch) or no more than 1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. In exceptionally lush and dense grass, you may have to slow down the forward speed and/or raise the height of cut to the next higher setting.

Cutting Long Grass

If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at this setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower, normal setting.

Keeping 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.

To reduce the risk of fire hazard, keep the engine, muffler, battery compartment, parking brake, cutting units, and fuel storage compartment free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease. Clean up any spilled oil or fuel.

Use compressed air or a leaf blower to clean the belt drive area. Make sure to install any removed guards or covers when cleaning has been completed.

Maintaining the Blade

Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season because a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing or shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding, which turns grass brown at the edges, slows growth and increases the chance of disease. Check the blades daily for sharpness, and for any wear or damage. Sharpen the blades as necessary. If a blade is damaged or worn, replace it immediately with a genuine Toro replacement blade. Refer to Servicing the Cutting Blades.

Maintenance

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
After the first 2 hours
  • Tighten the caster wheel nuts.
  • After the first 10 hours
  • Tighten the caster wheel nuts.
  • After the first 50 hours
  • Change the mower deck gearbox lubricant.
  • Before each use or daily
  • Lubricate the caster arm bushings.
  • Lubricate the caster wheel bearings.
  • Check the mower blades.
  • Every 50 hours
  • Lubricate the grease fittings.
  • Tighten the caster wheel nuts.
  • Every 150 hours
  • Check the lubricant in the mower deck gearbox.
  • Every 400 hours
  • Change the mower deck gearbox lubricant.
  • Caution

    If you leave the key in the ignition switch, someone could accidentally start the engine and seriously injure you or other bystanders.

    Remove the key from the ignition switch before you do any maintenance.

    Warning

    If you raise the machine using only a jack to support it while you work under the mower deck, the jack could tip, causing the mower deck to fall, crushing you or bystanders.

    Always secure the machine with at least 2 jack stands when you have the mower deck raised.

    Caution

    On the top of the mower deck are two links that connect them to the frame. Connected to these links are torsion springs that are under tension (Figure 12). If you disconnect the link the stored energy in the torsion spring will be released and could cause the links to move, damaging your hands or fingers.

    Be careful when removing the mower deck from the frame and secure the links before disconnecting them from the frame.

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    Lubrication

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Lubricate the caster arm bushings.
  • Lubricate the caster wheel bearings.
  • Every 50 hours
  • Lubricate the grease fittings.
  • The machine has grease fittings that must be lubricated regularly with #2 general-purpose, lithium-based grease. If the machine is operated under normal conditions, lubricate all bearings and bushings after every 50 hours of operation or immediately after every washing.

    Lubricate the following areas:

    • Caster fork shaft bushings (4) (Figure 13)

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    • Deck links (5) (Figure 14)

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    • Idler arm pivots (4) (Figure 15)

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    • Wing deck hinges (10) (Figure 16)

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    • Folding caster arm pivot (1) (Figure 17)

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    • PTO drive shaft (2) (Figure 18)

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    • Spindle shaft bearings (5) (Figure 19)

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    Servicing the Mower Deck Gearbox Lubricant

    The gearbox is designed to operate with SAE 80W-90 gear lube. Although the gearbox is shipped with lubricant from the factory, check the level before operating the cutting unit for the first time and every 150 operating hours thereafter. Change the lubricant in the gearbox every 400 operating hours.

    Checking the Mower Deck Gearbox Lubricant

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Every 150 hours
  • Check the lubricant in the mower deck gearbox.
    1. Position the machine and cutting unit on a level surface.

    2. Lower the mower deck to the 2.5 cm (1 inch) height of cut.

    3. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal and set the parking brake.

    4. Move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

    5. Lift the footrest, exposing the top of the mower deck.

    6. Remove the dipstick/fill plug from the top of the gearbox (Figure 20) and make sure that the lubricant is between the marks on the dipstick.

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    7. If the lubricant level is low, add enough lubricant until the level is between the marks on the dipstick.

      Note: Do not overfill the gearbox, or the gearbox may be damaged.

    Changing the Mower Deck Gearbox Lubricant

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 50 hours
  • Change the mower deck gearbox lubricant.
  • Every 400 hours
  • Change the mower deck gearbox lubricant.
    1. Position the machine and cutting unit on a level surface.

    2. Lower the mower deck to the 2.5 cm (1 inch) height of cut.

    3. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal and set the parking brake.

    4. Move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

    5. Lift the footrest, exposing the top of the mower deck.

    6. Remove the dipstick/fill plug from the top of the gearbox (Figure 20).

    7. Place a drain pan under the drain plug located under the front of the gearbox and remove the plug, draining the lubricant into the pan.

    8. Replace the drain plug.

    9. Add enough lubricant, approximately 414 ml (14 fl oz), until the level is between the marks on the dipstick.

      Note: Do not overfill the gearbox, or the gearbox may be damaged.

    Servicing the Drive Belts

    Refer to Figure 21 for routing the drive belts appropriately.

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    Servicing the Bushings in the Caster Arms

    The caster arms have bushings pressed into the top and bottom of the tube and after many hours of operation, the bushings will wear. To check the bushings, move the caster fork back and forth and from side to side. If the caster spindle is loose inside the bushings, the bushings are worn and must be replaced.

    1. Raise the cutting unit so that the wheels are off the floor. Block the cutting unit so that it cannot accidentally fall.

    2. Remove the tensioning cap, spacer(s), and thrust washer from the top of the caster spindle.

    3. Pull the caster spindle out of the mounting tube. Allow the thrust washer and spacer(s) to remain on the bottom of the spindle.

    4. Insert a pin punch into the top or bottom of the mounting tube and drive the bushing out of the tube (Figure 22).

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    5. Drive the other bushing out of the tube.

    6. Clean the inside of the tubes to remove any dirt.

    7. Apply grease to the inside and outside of the new bushings.

    8. Using a hammer and a flat plate, drive the bushings into the mounting tube.

    9. Inspect the caster spindle for wear and replace it if it is damaged.

    10. Push the caster spindle through the bushings and the mounting tube.

    11. Slide the thrust washer and the spacer(s) onto the spindle.

    12. Install the tensioning cap on the caster spindle to retain all parts in place.

    Servicing the Caster Wheels and Bearings

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    After the first 2 hours
  • Tighten the caster wheel nuts.
  • After the first 10 hours
  • Tighten the caster wheel nuts.
  • Every 50 hours
  • Tighten the caster wheel nuts.
    1. Remove the locknut from the bolt holding the caster wheel assembly between the caster fork (Figure 23).

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    2. Grasp the caster wheel and slide the bolt out of the fork or pivot arm.

    3. Remove the bearing from the wheel hub and allow the bearing spacer to fall out (Figure 23).

    4. Remove the bearing from the opposite side of the wheel hub.

    5. Check the bearings, spacer, and inside of the wheel hub for wear. Replace any damaged parts.

    6. To assemble the caster wheel, push the bearing into the wheel hub.

      Note: When installing the bearings, press on the outer race of the bearing.

    7. Slide the bearing spacer into the wheel hub. Push the other bearing into the open end of the wheel hub to captivate the bearing spacer inside the wheel hub.

    8. Install the caster wheel assembly between the caster fork and secure it in place with the bolt and locknut.

    Servicing the Cutting Blades

    Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season because sharp blades cut 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 blades daily for sharpness, and for any wear or damage. Sharpen the blades as necessary. If a blade is damaged or worn, replace it immediately with a genuine Toro replacement blade.

    Danger

    A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece of the blade could be thrown toward you or a bystander, resulting in serious personal injury or death.

    • Inspect the blade periodically for wear or damage.

    • Replace a worn or damaged blade.

    Inspect and check the blades every 8 hours.

    Before Inspecting or Servicing the Blades

    1. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal, and set the parking brake.

    2. Move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

    Inspecting the Blades

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Check the mower blades.
    1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 24). If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blades. Refer to Sharpening the Blades.

    2. Inspect the blades, especially the sail area (Figure 24). If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in this area (Figure 24), immediately install a new blade.

      Danger

      If you allow the blade to wear, a slot will form between the sail and flat part of the blade. Eventually a piece of the blade may break off and be thrown from under the housing, possibly resulting in serious injury or death to you or bystanders.

      • Inspect the blade periodically for wear or damage.

      • Never try to straighten a blade that is bent or weld a broken or cracked blade.

      • Replace a worn or damaged blade.

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    Checking for Bent Blades

    1. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal and set the parking brake.

    2. Move the throttle lever to the Slow position, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

    3. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and backward (Figure 25).

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    4. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Figure 25). Note this dimension.

    5. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.

    6. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of the blades at the same position as in step 3 above. The difference between the dimensions obtained in steps 3 and 4 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.

      Warning

      A blade that is bent or damaged could break apart and could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.

      • Always replace bent or damaged blade with a new blade.

      • Never file or create sharp notches in the edges or surfaces of blade.

    Removing the Blades

    Blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the blade is out of balance or is 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.

    Warning

    Contact with a sharp blade can cause serious injury.

    Wear gloves or wrap sharp edges of the blade with a rag.

    1. Hold the blade end using a rag or a thickly-padded glove.

    2. Remove the blade bolt, the anti-scalp plate, and the blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 28).

    Sharpening the Blades

    Warning

    When sharpening blade, pieces of blade could be thrown and cause serious injury.

    Wear proper eye protection when sharpening blades.

    1. Sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 26).

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

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    2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 27).

      Note: If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the sail area only (Figure 28). Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

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    Installing the Blades

    Note: The 2 wing-deck blades are not the same as the 3 center blades.

    1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 28).

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

    2. Install the anti-scalp plate and blade bolt (Figure 28).

    3. Torque the blade bolt to 115 to 150 N-m (85 to 110 ft-lb).

    Adjusting the Deck-Limit Chains

    Use 2 deck shims Toro Part No. 138-8243 or 2 feeler gauges—0.15 mm (0.060 inch)

    Preparing the Deck

    1. Start the engine, lower the left and right decks, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    2. At the outer decks, wipe clean the tab of the inner channel (Figure 29).

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    3. At the front of the deck, fully loosen the outboard serrated-flange nuts securing the 4 U-bolts (Figure 30).

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    4. At the back of the deck, fully loosen the inboard serrated-flange nuts securing the 4 U-bolts (Figure 31).

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    Assembling the Shim to the Deck

    1. Install the deck shims at the front of the deck as shown in Figure 32.

      Note: Insert the part of the long tab of the shim under the belt cover.

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    2. Install the deck shims at the front of the deck as shown in Figure 33.

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      Note: If you are using feeler gauges, use a piece of tape to adhere a feeler gauge—0.15 mm (0.060 inch) to the tab of the inner channel (Figure 34).

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    3. Start the engine, fully raise the left and right decks, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    Tensioning the Chains

    1. At the front of the deck, tighten the outboard serrated-flange nuts until the chains are tensioned (Figure 35).

      Note: Ensure that the deck shim (or feeler gauge) contacts then pivot link.

      Important: Ensure that the upper and lower serrated-flange nut pairs are adjusted evenly.

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    2. Thread the inboard serrated-flange nuts (Figure 35) and torque them to 103 to 127 N∙m (76 to 94 ft-lb).

    3. At the back of the deck, tighten the inboard serrated-flange nuts until the chains are tensioned (Figure 36).

      Note: Ensure that the deck shim (or feeler gauge) contacts then pivot link.

      Important: Ensure that the upper and lower serrated-flange nut pairs are adjusted evenly.

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    4. Thread the outboard serrated-flange nuts (Figure 36) and torque them to 103 to 127 N∙m (76 to 94 ft-lb).

    5. Start the engine, lower adjusted deck, raise the other deck, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    6. Remove the shims or feeler gauges (Figure 37).

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    7. Repeat steps in Assembling the Shim to the Deck and Tensioning the Chains for the other mower deck.