Workman® MDX Utility Vehicle

Important: This machine is designed primarily as an off-road machine and is not intended for extensive use on public roads.When using the machine on public roads, follow all traffic regulations and use any additional accessories that may be required by law, such as lights, turn signals, slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs, and others as required.

This machine was designed and tested to offer safe service when operated and maintained properly. Although hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the design and configuration of the machine, these factors are also dependent upon the awareness, concern, and proper training of the operator, maintenance, and storage of the machine. Improper use or maintenance of the machine can result in injury or death.

This machine has a different feel than what drivers experience with passenger cars or trucks. So take time to become familiar with your machine.

Not all of the attachments that adapt to the machine are covered in this manual. See the specific Operator’s Manual provided with each attachment for additional safety instructions.

To reduce the potential for injury or death, comply with the following safety instructions:

Make sure that the operators are thoroughly trained and familiar with the Operator’s Manual and all labels on the machine.

• This machine is designed to carry only you, the operator, and 1 passenger in the seat provided by the manufacturer. Never carry any other passengers on the machine.

• Become familiar with the controls and know how to shut off the engine quickly.

• Never operate the machine when tired, ill, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Always wear substantial, slip-resistant shoes. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, tie back long hair, and do not wear jewelry.

• Never allow children to operate the machine. Never allow adults to operate it without proper instructions. Only trained and authorized persons should operate this machine.

• Always be aware of where bystanders are.

• Keep all shields, safety devices and decals in place. If a shield, safety device or decal is malfunctioning, illegible, or damaged, repair or replace it before operating the machine.

• Avoid driving when it is dark, especially in unfamiliar areas. If you must drive when it is dark, be sure to drive cautiously, use the headlights.

• Before operating the machine, always check all parts of the machine and any attachments. If something is wrong, stop using the machine. Make sure that the problem is corrected before the machine or attachment is operated again.

• Operate the machine only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

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

• Do not smoke near the machine.

• Use only an approved nonmetal, portable fuel container.

• Static electric discharge can ignite fuel vapors in a fuel container that is not grounded. Never fill containers inside a machine or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Remove the fuel container from the bed of the machine and place it on the ground and away from the machine before filling.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the container while filling the fuel container. Remove equipment from the bed of the machine before fueling it. Do not use a nozzle-lock-open device.

• Never remove the 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.

• 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.

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

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

• The operator and passenger should remain seated whenever the machine is in motion. The operator should keep both hands on the steering wheel, whenever possible, and the passenger should use the handholds provided. Keep arms and legs within the machine body at all times.

• Drive slower and turn less sharply when you are carrying a passenger. Remember your passenger may not be expecting you to brake or turn and may not be ready. Never carry passengers in the box or on attachments.

• Never overload your machine. The name plate (located under the middle of the dash) shows the load limits for the machine. Never overfill attachments or exceed the machine maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW).

• Failure to operate machine safely may result in an accident, tip over of the machine, and serious injury or death. Drive carefully. To prevent tipping or loss of control, take the following precautions:

  • Use extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance around sand traps, ditches, creeks, ramps, any unfamiliar areas, or other hazards.

  • Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.

  • Do not operate the machine on a slope that exceeds 18° or 32.5% gradient. Use caution when operating the machine on a slope. Normally, travel straight up and down slopes. Reduce speed when making sharp turns or when turning on hillsides. Avoid turning on hillsides whenever possible.

  • Use extra caution when operating the machine on wet surfaces, at higher speeds, or with a full load. Stopping time increases with a full load.

  • Avoid sudden stops and starts. Do not go from reverse to forward or forward to reverse without first coming to a complete stop.

  • Do not attempt sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that may cause a loss of control of the machine.

  • When dumping, do not let anyone stand behind machine and do not dump the load on anyone’s feet. Release the tailgate latches from the side of box, not from behind.

  • Keep all bystanders away. Before backing up, look to the rear and ensure that no one is behind the machine. Back up slowly.

  • Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roads. Always yield the right of way to pedestrians and other machines. Always signal your turns or stop early enough so other persons know what you plan to do. Obey all traffic rules and regulations.

  • Never operate the machine in or near an area where there is dust or fumes in the air which are explosive. The electrical and exhaust systems of the machine can produce sparks capable of igniting explosive materials.

  • Always watch out for and avoid low overhangs such as tree limbs, door jambs, over head walkways, etc. Make sure there is enough room over head to easily clear the machine and your head.

  • If you are ever unsure about the safe operation of the machine, stop your work and ask your supervisor.

• Before getting off the seat:

  • Park the machine on a level surface.

  • Lower the bed.

  • Shut off the engine and wait for all movement to stop.

  • Engage the parking brake.

  • Remove the key from the key switch.

• Do not touch the engine, transmission, radiator, muffler or muffler manifold while the engine is running or soon after it has shut off because these areas may be hot enough to cause burns.

• If the machine ever vibrates abnormally, stop the machine immediately, shut off the engine, wait for all motion to stop and inspect for damage. Repair all damage before resuming operation.

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

• Before servicing or making adjustments to the machine, park the machine on a level surface, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key from the key switch. to prevent accidental starting of the engine.

• Never work under a raised bed without placing the bed safety support on the fully extended cylinder rod.

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

• Before disconnecting or performing any work on the hydraulic system, relieve all pressure in the system by shutting off the engine, cycling the dump valve from raise to lower, and/or lowering box and attachments. Place the remote hydraulics lever in the float position. If the box must be in raised position, secure it with the safety support.

• To make sure that the entire machine is in good condition, keep all nuts, bolts, and screws properly tightened.

• To reduce the potential fire hazard, keep the engine area free of excessive grease, grass, leaves, and accumulation of dirt.

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

• Do not overspeed the engine by changing the governor settings. The maximum engine speed is 3,650 rpm. To ensure safety and accuracy, have an Authorized Toro Distributor check the maximum engine speed with a tachometer.

• If major repairs are ever needed or assistance is required, contact an Authorized Toro Distributor.

• To be sure of optimum performance and safety, always purchase genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous. Altering this machine in any manner may affect the operation of the machine, performance, durability or its use may result in injury or death. Such use could void the product warranty of The Toro® Company.

Parts needed for this procedure:

1. If the cover is installed, remove it from the hub of the steering wheel (Figure 3).

2. Remove the locknut (1/2 inch) from the steering shaft (Figure 3).

3. Slide the steering wheel, dust cover, and washer (1/2 inch) onto the steering shaft (Figure 3).

4. Secure the steering wheel to the shaft with the locknut (1/2 inch) and tighten it to 27 to 34 N∙m (20 to 25 ft-lb).

5. Install the cover on the steering wheel (Figure 3).

   

   Figure 3

   1. Steering wheel cover
   2. Locknut (1/2 inch)
   3. Washer (1/2 inch)
   4. Steering wheel
   5. Dust cover
   6. Steering shaft

1. Squeeze the battery cover to release the tabs from the battery base (Figure 4).

   

   Figure 4

   1. Battery cover

2. Remove the battery cover from the battery base (Figure 4).

3. Install the positive-battery cable (red) onto the positive (+) terminal of the battery and secure the cable with the bolts and nuts (Figure 5).

   

   Figure 5

   1. Insulator boot (positive-battery cable)
   2. Negative-battery post
   3. Negative-battery cable

4. Slide the insulator boot over the positive terminal.

   Note: The insulator boot is used to prevent a possible short-to-ground from occurring.

5. Install the negative-battery cable (black) onto the negative (–) terminal of the battery and secure the cable with bolts and nuts.

6. Align the battery cover to the battery base (Figure 4).

7. Squeeze the battery cover, align the tabs to the battery base, and release the battery cover (Figure 4).

1. Check the engine-oil level before and after you operate the engine for the first time; refer to Checking the Engine-Oil Level.

2. Check the brake-fluid level before you operate the engine for the first time; refer to Checking the Brake-Fluid Level.

3. Check the transaxle-fluid level before you operate the engine for the first time; refer to Checking the Transaxle-Fluid Level.

4. Check the air pressure in the tires; refer to Checking the Tire Pressure.

Parts needed for this procedure:

• Read the Operator's Manual and engine owner's manual.

• View the safety training material.

• Fill out the registration card.

• Complete the Predelivery Inspection Form.

• Review the Certificate of Quality.

To ensure optimum performance of the brake system, burnish (break-in) the brakes before use.

1. Bring the machine up to full speed, apply the brakes to rapidly stop the machine without locking up the tires.

2. Repeat this procedure 10 times, waiting 1 minute between stops, to avoid overheating the brakes.

   Important: This procedure is most effective if the machine is loaded with 227 kg (500 lb).

Use the accelerator pedal (Figure 7) to vary ground speed of the machine. Pressing down the accelerator pedal starts the engine. Pressing the pedal farther increases ground speed. Releasing the pedal slows the machine, and the engine shuts off.

Note: The maximum forward speed is 26 km/h (16 mph).

Use the brake pedal to stop or slow the machine (Figure 7).

The parking-brake lever is located between the seats (Figure 6 and Figure 7). Whenever you shut off the engine, engage the parking brake to prevent the machine from accidentally moving. To engage the parking brake, pull up the parking-brake lever. To disengage the parking brake, push the lever down.

The choke control is located below and to the right of the operator's seat. Use the choke to help start a cold engine by pulling the choke control outward (Figure 8). After the engine starts, adjust the choke to keep the engine running smoothly. As the engine warms up, push in the choke control to the OFF position.

Figure 8

1. Gear-shift selector
2. Choke control

The gear-shift selector is located between the seats and below the parking-brake lever. The gear-shift selector has 3 positions: FORWARD, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL (Figure 8).

Note: The engine starts and runs in any of the 3 positions.

Important: Always stop the machine before changing gears.

The horn button is located at the lower, left corner of the dash panel (Figure 9). Press the horn button to sound the horn.

Figure 9

1. Horn button (Model 07235TC)
2. Hour meter
3. Light switch
4. Oil light
5. Key switch
6. Power point

The light switch is located to the left of the steering column (Figure 9). Use the light switch to illuminate the headlights. Push up the light switch turn on the headlights or push down the switch to turn off the lights.

The hour meter is located to the left of the light switch (Figure 9). Use the hour meter to find out the total number of hours the engine has run. The hour meter starts to function whenever you turn the key switch to the ON position or if the engine is running.

The engine-oil-pressure light is located to the right of the steering column (Figure 9). The oil light warns the operator if the engine-oil pressure drops below a safe level to operate the engine. If the light comes on and remains lit, shut off the engine and check the engine-oil level. Add oil to the engine if necessary; refer to Servicing the Engine Oil.

Note: The oil light may flicker; this is normal and no action needs to be taken.

The key switch (Figure 9), is used to run and shut off the engine, and has 2 positions: ON and OFF. Rotate the key clockwise to the ON position to run the engine to operate the machine. When the machine is stopped, rotate the key counterclockwise to the OFF position to shut off the engine. Remove the key from the key switch when you leave the machine.

The power point is located to the right of the key switch (Figure 9).Use the power point to power 12 V optional electrical accessories.

The fuel gauge (Figure 10) is located on the fuel tank next to the filler cap, at the left side of the machine. The gauge displays the amount of fuel in the tank.

Figure 10

1. Empty
2. Full
3. Needle
4. Fuel gauge
5. Fuel-tank cap

The passenger handholds are located on the right side of the dash panel and at the outside of each seat (Figure 11).

Figure 11

1. Handhold (hip restraint)
2. Passenger handhold

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.

Carefully read all safety instructions and symbols in the safety section. Knowing this information could help you or bystanders avoid injury.

Figure 12

1. Wear eye protection.
2. Wear hearing protection.

• Check brake-fluid levels, and add the specified brake fluids as needed; refer to Checking the Brake-Fluid Level.

• Check the engine oil, and add the specified oil as needed; refer to Checking the Engine-Oil Level.

• Check the air pressure in the tires; refer to Checking the Tire Pressure.

• Check the brake pedal operation.

• Check to see that the lights are working.

• Turn the steering wheel to the left and right to check steering response.

• Check for oil leaks, loose parts, and any other noticeable malfunctions.

  Note: Shut off the engine and allow all moving parts to stop before checking for oil leaks, loose parts, and other wear and damage.

If any of the above items are not correct, notify your mechanic or check with your supervisor before taking the machine out for the day. Your supervisor may want you to check other items on a daily basis, so ask him or her about additional operator’s responsibilities.

Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3

1. Park the machine on a level surface, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key from the key switch.

2. Raise the hood to gain access to the master-brake cylinder and reservoir (Figure 17).

   

   Figure 17

   1. Filler neck (reservoir)
   2. Reservoir cap
   3. DOT 3 brake fluid

3. Look at the outline of the fluid level at the side of the reservoir (Figure 18).

   Note: The level should be above the Minimum line.

   

   Figure 18

   1. Brake-fluid reservoir
   2. Minimum line

4. If the fluid level is low, preform the following:

   1. Clean the area around the reservoir cap and remove the cap (Figure 17).

   2. Add DOT 3 brake fluid to the reservoir until the fluid level is above the Minimum line (Figure 18).

      Note: Do not overfill the reservoir with brake fluid.

   3. Install the reservoir cap (Figure 17).

5. Close the hood of the machine.

Tire Air Pressure Range: 55 to 103 kPa (8 to 22 psi)

Important: Do not exceed the maximum air pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.

Note: The air pressure needed in the tires is determined by the payload that you intend to carry.

1. Check the air pressure in the tires.

   Note: The air pressure range in the front and rear tires is 55 to 103 kPa (8 to 22 psi).

   • Use lower air pressure in the tires for lighter payloads, for less the soil compaction, for a smoother the ride, and to minimize tire marks in the ground.

   • Use higher air pressure in the tires for carrying heavier payloads at higher speeds.

2. If needed, adjust the air pressure in the tires by adding or removing air in the tires.

• 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: Do not attempt to push or tow the machine to get it started.

1. Sit in the operator seat, insert the key into the key switch, and rotate the key clockwise to the ON position.

   Note: When equipped with the optional backup alarm, if the gear-shift selector is moved to the REVERSE position when the key switch is in the ON position, a buzzer will sound to warn the operator that the machine is in reverse gear.

2. Move the gear-shift selector to the desired direction of travel for the machine.

3. Disengage the parking brake by pushing down on parking-brake lever.

4. Slowly step on the accelerator pedal.

   Note: If the engine is cold, press and hold the accelerator pedal about half-way down, and pull the choke knob out to the ON position. Return the choke knob to the OFF position after the engine warms up.

Important: When stopping the machine on an incline, use the service brakes to stop the machine and engage the parking brake to hold the machine in place. Using the accelerator to stall the machine on the hill can damage the machine.

1. Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

2. Slowly press the brake pedal to apply the service brakes until the machine comes to a complete stop.

   Note: The stopping distance may vary depending on the machine load and speed.

1. Stop the machine on a level surface using the service brakes by pressing the brake pedal.

2. Engage the parking brake by pulling up the parking-brake lever.

3. Rotate the key for the key switch counterclockwise to the OFF position.

4. Remove the key from the key switch.

Perform the breaking in a new machine guidelines to provide proper performance and long life for the machine.

• Ensure that the brakes are burnished; refer to Burnishing the Brakes.

• Check the fluid and engine-oil levels regularly. Remain alert for signs that the machine or its components are overheating.

• After starting a cold engine, let it warm up for about 15 seconds before using the machine.

• Vary the machine speed during operation. Avoid fast starts and quick stops.

• A break-in oil for engine is not required. Original engine oil is the same type specified for regular oil changes.

• Refer to the for any special low hour checks.

• Check the front suspension positioning and adjust it if necessary; refer to Adjusting the Front Wheel Toe-in and Camber.

Use the following guidelines when loading the cargo box and operating the machine:

• Observe the weight capacity of the machine and limit the weight of the load that you carry in the cargo box as described in Specifications and on the gross vehicle weight tag of the machine.

  Note: The load rating is specified for machine operation on a level surface only.

• Reduce the weight of the load that you carry in the cargo box when operating the machine on hills and rough terrain.

• Reduce the weight of the load that you carry when the materials are tall (and have a high center of gravity), such as a stack of bricks, landscaping timbers, or fertilizer bags. Distribute the load as low as possible, making sure that the load does not reduce your ability to see behind the machine when operating it.

• Keep loads centered by loading the cargo box as follows:

  Evenly position the weight in the cargo box from side to side.

  Important: The cargo box is more likely to tip over if it is loaded on 1 side.

  Important: Evenly position the weight in the cargo box from front to back. If you position the load behind the rear axle, this reduces the traction of the front tires, which could cause you to lose control of the steering or the machine to tip over.

• Use extra caution when transporting oversized loads in the cargo box, particularly when you cannot center the weight of the oversize load to the cargo box.

• Whenever possible, secure the load by binding it to the cargo box so it does not shift.

• When transporting liquid in a large tank (such as a sprayer tank), use caution when driving the machine uphill or downhill, when suddenly changing speed or stopping, or when driving over tough surfaces.

The capacity of the cargo box is 0.37 m³ (13 ft³). The amount (volume) of material that can be placed in the box without exceeding the load ratings of the machine can vary greatly depending on the density of the material. For example, a level box of wet sand weighs approximately 680 kg (1,500 lb), which exceeds the load rating by 113 kg (250 lb). But a level box of wood weighs 295 kg (650 lb), which is under the load rating.

See the table below for load volume limits with various materials:

Use a trailer with full-width ramps to move the machine a long distance. Make sure that the machine is securely bound to the trailer. Refer to Figure 22 and Figure 23 for the location of the tie-down points on the machine.

Figure 22

1. Towing tongue and tie-down point (front of the machine)

Figure 23

1. Rear axle tie-down points (back of the machine)

In case of an emergency, you can tow the machine for a short distance. However, this should not be a standard operating procedure.

Towing the machine is a 2-person job. If the machine must be moved a considerable distance, transport it on a truck or trailer; refer to Towing a Trailer.

1. Remove the drive belt from the machine; refer to Replacing the Drive Belt.

2. Affix a tow line to the tongue at the front of the machine’s frame (Figure 22).

3. Put the transmission of the machine in NEUTRAL and disengage the parking brake.

The machine is capable of pulling trailers. Two types of tow hitches are available for the machine, depending on your application. Contact your Authorized Toro Distributor for details.

When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your machine or trailer. Overloading either the machine or the trailer can cause poor performance or damage to the brakes, axle, engine, transaxle, steering, suspension, body structure, or tires. Always load a trailer with 60% of the cargo weight in the front of the trailer. This places approximately 10% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of the machine.

The maximum cargo load shall not exceed 749 kg (1650 lb), including the GTW. For example, if the GTW = 182 kg (400 lb) then the maximum cargo load = 5,678 kg (1,250 lb).

To provide adequate braking and traction, always load the cargo box when trailering. Do not exceed the GTW or GVW limits.

Avoid parking a machine with a trailer on a hill. If you must park on a hill, engage the parking brake and block the tires of the trailer.