TimeCutter® 42in Riding Mower

Use only clean, fresh (no more than 30 days old), fuel from a reputable source.

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). Do not fill the fuel tank completely full

   

   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 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 10).

Figure 10

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 11

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 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

Note: Always use caution when backing up and turning.

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.

In certain conditions, mowing at a slower ground speed can improve cut quality.

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. Refer to Servicing the Cutting Blades.

1. If you are using a trailer, connect it to the towing vehicle and connect the safety chains.

2. If applicable, connect the trailer brakes and lights.

3. Lower the ramp, ensuring that the angle between the ramp and the ground does not exceed 15 degrees (Figure 27).

4. Back the machine up the ramp (Figure 28).

   

   Figure 28

   1. Back the machine up the ramp.
   2. Drive the machine forward down the ramp.

5. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and move the motion-control levers outward to the PARK position.

6. Tie down the machine near the front caster wheels and the rear frame with straps, chains, cable, or ropes (Figure 29). Refer to local regulations for tie-down requirements.

   

   Figure 29

   1. Tie-down points

1. Lower the ramp, ensuring that the angle between the ramp and the ground does not exceed 15 degrees (Figure 27).

2. Drive the machine forward down the ramp (Figure 28).

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. Lift the cover and rotate the air-cleaner assembly out of the engine (Figure 32).

   

   Figure 32

5. Separate the foam and paper elements (Figure 33).

   

   Figure 33

1. Wash the foam element in liquid soap and warm water. When the element is clean, rinse it thoroughly.

2. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth.

   Important: Replace the foam element if it is torn or worn.

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.

1. Install the foam element over the paper element.

   Note: Ensure that you do not damage the elements.

2. Align the holes of the filter into the manifold ports.

3. Rotate the filter down into the chamber and fully seat it against the manifold (Figure 34).

   

   Figure 34

4. Close the cover.

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

Crankcase Capacity: 2.4 L (81 fl oz) with oil filter

Viscosity: See the table below.

Figure 35

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 36).

Figure 36

1. Park the machine on a level surface to ensure that the oil drains completely.

2. Disengage the blade-control switch, 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 37).

   

   Figure 37

5. Change the engine-oil filter (Figure 38).

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

   

   Figure 38

6. 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 39).

   

   Figure 39

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

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. Allow the engine to cool.

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 40).

   

   Figure 40

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 41

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 44).

   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 44).

   Note: Retain all fasteners.

7. Remove the battery hold-down (Figure 44), and lift the battery from the battery tray.

   

   Figure 44

   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 45).

   

   Figure 45

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

1. Position the battery in the tray (Figure 44).

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 44).

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 53).

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 53).

   

   Figure 53

   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 54).

   

   Figure 54

   1. Deck
   2. Spindle housing
   3. Blade

3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface (Figure 55).

   

   Figure 55

   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 56).

   

   Figure 56

   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 57).

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

   

   Figure 57

   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 58).

   

   Figure 58

   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 59).

   Note: Maintain the original angle.

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

   

   Figure 59

   1. Sharpen at original angle.

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 60).

   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 59).

   

   Figure 60

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

3. Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 58).

   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 58).

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 61).

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

   

   Figure 61

   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 62).

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 62).

   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 62

   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 63).

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 63).

   

   Figure 63

   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 64).

   

   Figure 64

   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 65).

   

   Figure 65

8. Install the washer and hairpin cotter (Figure 65).

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 Checking the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope.

1. Rotate the adjustment nut in the front of the mower (Figure 66).

   

   Figure 66

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

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

3. To lower the front of the mower deck, 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; refer to Checking the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope.

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