TimeCutter® 5000 or MX 5000 Riding 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 fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to keep the fuel fresh longer when used as directed by the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer.

Important: Do not use fuel additives containing methanol or ethanol.

Add the amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner to fresh fuel as directed by the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer.

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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 (Figure 8).

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

   

   Figure 8

The safety-interlock system is designed to prevent the engine from starting unless:

• The blade-control switch (PTO) is disengaged.

• The motion-control levers are in the PARK position.

The safety-interlock system also is designed to shut off the engine whenever the control levers are out of the PARK position and you rise from the seat.

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

1. Sit on the seat, move the motion-control levers in the PARK position, and move the blade-control switch to the ON position. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank.

2. Sit on the seat and move the blade-control switch to the OFF position. Move either motion-control lever to the center, unlocked position. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank. Repeat with the other motion-control lever.

3. Sit on the seat, move the blade-control switch to the OFF position, and lock the motion-control levers in the PARK position. Start the engine. While the engine is running, engage the blade-control switch, and rise slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off.

4. Sit on the seat, move the blade-control switch to the OFF position, and lock the motion-control levers in the PARK position. Start the engine. While the engine is running, move the motion-control levers to the center, unlocked position, engage the blade-control switch, and rise slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off.

You can adjust the motion-control levers higher or lower for maximum comfort (Figure 12).

Figure 12

You can adjust the motion-control levers forward or rearward for your comfort.

1. Loosen the upper bolt holding the control lever to the control-arm shaft.

2. Loosen the lower bolt just enough to pivot the control lever forward or rearward (Figure 12).

3. Tighten both bolts to secure the control lever in the new position.

4. Repeat the adjustment for the other control lever.

Figure 14

Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the FAST position (Figure 15).

Figure 15

Note: Always use caution when backing up and turning.

1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position.

2. To go forward, slowly push the motion-control levers forward (Figure 21).

   

   Figure 21

1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position.

2. To go backward, slowly pull the motion-control levers rearward (Figure 22).

   

   Figure 22

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 deck in uncut grass. Always try to have 1 side of the mower deck free from uncut grass, which allows air to be drawn into the mower deck.

Cut grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that the cutting height of the mower deck 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, you may want to cut the lawn twice to ensure an acceptable quality of cut.

It is best to 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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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

3. Locate the bypass levers on the frame on both sides of the engine.

4. Move the bypass levers forward through the key hole and down to lock them in place (Figure 29).

   Note: Do this for each lever.

   Warning

   Contact with hot surfaces may cause personal injury.

   Keep your hands, feet, face, clothing and other body parts away the engine, muffler and other hot surfaces.

5. Turn the ignition key on and disengage the parking brake by moving 1 motion-control lever out of the PARK position.

   Note: Do not start the machine.

   

   Figure 29

   1. Bypass-lever locations
   2. Lever position for operating the machine
   3. Lever position for pushing the machine

6. When finished, ensure that the key has been returned to the STOP position to avoid draining the battery charge.

7. Move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

Move the bypass levers rearward through the keyhole and down to lock them in place as shown in Figure 29.

Note: Do this for each lever.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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 air-cleaner cover to prevent dirt from getting into the engine and causing damage.

4. Loosen the hose clamp and remove the paper element (Figure 32).

   

   Figure 32

   1. Cover
   2. Paper element
   3. Hose clamp

1. Clean the paper element by tapping it gently to remove dust.

   Note: If it is very dirty, replace the paper element with a new one.

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

3. Replace the paper element if it is damaged.

   Important: Do not clean the paper filter.

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

Crankcase Capacity: 1.8 L (61 fl oz); without filter; 2.1 L (70 fl oz) with filter

Viscosity: See the table below.

Figure 33

Note: Check the oil when the engine is cold.

Important: If you overfill or underfill the engine crankcase with oil and run the engine, you may damage the engine.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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

   Note: Ensure that the engine is cool so that the oil has had time to drain into the sump.

3. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the engine, clean the area around the oil-fill cap and dipstick before removing it (Figure 34).

Figure 34

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

2. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO) and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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

4. Drain the oil from the engine (Figure 35).

   

   Figure 35

5. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the specified oil into the filler tube and slowly add the additional oil to bring it to the Full mark (Figure 36).

   

   Figure 36

6. Dispose of the used oil at a recycling center.

1. Drain the oil from the engine; refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

2. Change the engine-oil filter (Figure 37).

   

   Figure 37

   Note: Ensure that the oil-filter gasket touches the engine, and then turn the oil filter an extra 3/4 turn.

3. Fill the crankcase with the proper type of new oil (Figure 36).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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 base of the plug to keep dirt and debris out of the engine.

4. Remove the spark plug (Figure 38).

   

   Figure 38

Important: Do not clean the spark plug(s). Always replace the spark plug(s) when it has 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 39

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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

3. Raise the seat to access the battery.

4. Disconnect the negative (black) ground cable from the battery post (Figure 42).

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

   Warning

   Incorrectly removing the cables from battery could damage the machine and cables, causing sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in personal injury.

   • Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before disconnecting the positive (red) cable.

   • Always connect the positive (red) battery cable before connecting the negative (black) cable.

5. Slide the rubber cover off the positive (red) cable.

6. Disconnect the positive (red) cable from the battery post (Figure 42).

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

7. Remove the battery hold-down (Figure 42), and lift the battery from the battery tray.

   

   Figure 42

   1. Battery
   2. Positive (+) battery post
   3. Bolt, washer, and nut
   4. Terminal boot
   5. Negative (–) battery post
   6. Wing nut, washer, and bolt
   7. Battery hold-down

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

2. Charge the battery for a minimum of 1 hour at 6 to 10 A.

   Note: Do not overcharge the battery.

3. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger from the electrical outlet, then disconnect the charger leads from the battery posts (Figure 43).

   

   Figure 43

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

1. Position the battery in the tray (Figure 42).

2. Using the fasteners previously removed, install the positive (red) battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal.

3. Using the fasteners previously removed, install the negative battery cable to the negative (-) battery terminal.

4. Slide the red terminal boot onto the positive (red) battery post.

5. Secure the battery with the hold-down (Figure 42).

6. Lower the seat.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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

1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 50).

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 50).

   

   Figure 50

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

Note: The machine must be on a level surface for the following procedure.

1. Raise the mower deck to the highest height-of-cut position.

2. While wearing thickly padded gloves, or other adequate hand protection, slowly rotate the blade into a position that allows you to measure the distance between the cutting edge and the level surface the machine is on (Figure 51).

   

   Figure 51

   1. Deck
   2. Spindle housing
   3. Blade

3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface (Figure 52).

   

   Figure 52

   1. Blade (in position for measuring)
   2. Level surface
   3. Measured distance between blade and the surface (A)

4. Rotate the same blade 180 degrees so that the opposing cutting edge is now in the same position (Figure 53).

   

   Figure 53

   1. Blade (side previously measured)
   2. Measurement (position used previously)
   3. Opposing side of blade being moved into measurement position

5. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface (Figure 54).

   Note: The variance should be no more than 3 mm (1/8 inch).

   

   Figure 54

   1. Opposite blade edge (in position for measuring)
   2. Level surface
   3. Second measured distance between blade and surface (B)

   1. If the difference between A and B is greater than 3 mm (1/8 inch), replace the blade with a new blade; refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

      Note: If a bent blade is replaced with a new blade, and the dimension obtained continues to exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch), the blade spindle could be bent. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer for service.

   2. If the variance is within constraints, move to the next blade.

6. Repeat this procedure on each blade.

Replace the blades if they hit a solid object, or if the blade is out of balance or bent.

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

2. Remove the blade bolt, curved washer, and blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 55).

   

   Figure 55

   1. Sail area of the blade
   2. Blade
   3. Curved washer
   4. Blade bolt

1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 56).

   Note: Maintain the original angle.

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

   

   Figure 56

   1. Sharpen at original angle.

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 57).

   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 56).

   

   Figure 57

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

3. Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 55).

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

2. Install the curved washer (cupped side toward the blade) and the blade bolt (Figure 55).

3. Torque the blade bolt to 81 to 108 N∙m (60 to 80 ft-lb).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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

3. Set the height of cut to 76 mm (3 inches).

4. Carefully rotate the blades side to side.

5. Measure between the outside cutting edges and the flat surface (Figure 58).

   Note: If both measurements are not within 5 mm (3/16 inch), an adjustment is required; refer to Leveling from Side to Side.

   

   Figure 58

   1. Blades side to side
   2. Outside cutting edges
   3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here.

Check the front-to-rear blade level any time you install the mower. If the front of the mower is more than 7.9 mm (5/16 inch) lower than the rear of the mower, adjust the blade level.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

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

3. Set the height of cut to 76 mm (3 inches).

4. Carefully rotate the blades so they are facing front to rear (Figure 59).

5. Measure from the tip of the front blade to the flat surface and the tip of the rear blade to the flat surface (Figure 59).

   Note: If the front blade tip is not 1.6 to 7.9 mm (1/16 to 5/16 inch) lower than the rear blade tip, continue to the Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope procedure.

   

   Figure 59

   1. Blades front to rear
   2. Outside cutting edges
   3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here.

1. Move to the left side of the machine.

2. Set the anti-scalp rollers to the top holes or remove them completely for this procedure; refer to Adjusting the Anti-Scalp Rollers.

3. Set the height-of-cut lever to the 76 mm (3 inch) position; refer to Adjusting the Height of Cut.

4. Place 2 blocks, each having a thickness of 6.6 cm (2-5/8 inches), under each side of the front edge of the deck but not under the anti-scalp roller brackets (Figure 60).

5. Place 2 blocks, each having a thickness of 7.3 cm (2-7/8 inches), under the rear edge of the cutting deck skirt, 1 on each side of the cutting deck (Figure 60).

   

   Figure 60

   1. Wood block—6.6 cm (2-5/8 inches) thick
   2. Wood block—7.3 cm (2-7/8 inches) thick

6. Remove the hairpin cotter and washer from the lower lift-arm pin (Figure 61).

   

   Figure 61

   1. Height-of-cut plate
   2. Hairpin cotter
   3. Washer

7. Rotate the height-of-cut plate to a different hole so that it supports the weight of the mower deck after you install the plate (Figure 62).

   

   Figure 62

8. Install the washer and hairpin cotter (Figure 62).

9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 for the other side of the machine.

10. Check the side-to-side level again; repeat this procedure until the measurements are correct.

11. Continue leveling the mower deck by checking the front-to-rear blade slope; refer to Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope.

1. Rotate the adjustment nut in the front of the mower (Figure 63).

   

   Figure 63

   1. Adjusting rod
   2. Adjusting block
   3. Adjustment nut

2. To raise the front of the mower, tighten the adjustment nut.

3. To lower the front of the mower, loosen the adjustment nut.

4. After adjustment, check the front-to-rear slope again, continue adjusting the nut until the front blade tip is 1.6 to 7.9 mm (1/16 to 5/16 inch) lower than the rear blade tip (Figure 59).

5. When the front-to-rear blade slope is correct, check the side-to-side level of the mower again; refer to Checking the Side-to-Side Level.