TimeCutter® 5000 Riding Mower

Before starting the machine each day, perform the Each Use/Daily procedures listed in .

New engines take time to develop full power. Mower decks and drive systems have higher friction when new, placing additional load on the engine. Allow 40 to 50 hours of break-in time for new machines to develop full power and best performance.

The seat can move forward and backward. Position the seat where you have the best control of the machine and are most comfortable (Figure 9 or Figure 10).

Figure 9

Machines with MyRide

Figure 10

Machines without MyRide

You can adjust the MyRide® suspension system for a smooth and comfortable ride. The slots for adjusting the suspension have detent positions for reference, ranging from a soft to a firm ride (Figure 11).

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. Step off the machine.

4. While standing on the right side of the machine, move the adjustment lever left toward the – symbol for a softer suspension.

   Move the adjustment lever right toward the + symbol for a firmer suspension.

   

   Figure 11

   1. MyRide adjustment lever
   2. Softer suspension
   3. Firmer suspension

The blade-control switch (PTO) starts and stops the mower blades and any powered attachments.

Engaging the Blade-Control Switch (PTO)

Figure 16

Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the FAST position (Figure 17).

Figure 17

Disengaging the Blade-Control Switch (PTO)

Figure 18

You can move the throttle control between the FAST and SLOW positions (Figure 19).

Always use the FAST position when engaging the PTO.

Figure 19

Use the choke to start a cold engine.

1. Pull up the choke knob to engage the choke before using the key switch (Figure 20).

   Note: Ensure that you fully engage the choke. You may need to hold the knob up when you use the key switch.

2. Push down the choke to disengage the choke after the engine has started (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   1. ON position
   2. OFF position

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

Important: Do not engage the starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. Engaging the starter motor for more than 5 seconds can damage the starter motor. If the engine fails to start, wait 10 seconds before operating the engine starter again.

Figure 21

1. Disengage the blades by moving the blade-control switch to the OFF position (Figure 20).

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

3. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position and let the engine idle for 1 minute.

4. Turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key.

The drive wheels turn independently, powered by hydraulic motors on each axle. You can turn 1 side in reverse while you turn the other forward, causing the machine to spin rather than turn. This greatly improves the machine maneuverability but may require some time for you to adapt to how it moves.

The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Place the throttle control in the FAST position for best performance. Always operate in the full throttle position when mowing.

The Smart Speed ^TM Control-System lever, located below the operating position (Figure 25), gives the operator a choice to drive the machine at 3 ground speed ranges—trim, tow, and mow.

Figure 25

1. Smart-speed lever

To change speeds, do the following:

1. Move the motion-control levers to neutral and outward to the PARK position.

2. Disengage the blade-control switch.

3. Adjust the lever to the desired position.

The following are only recommendations for use. Adjustments vary by grass type, moisture content, and the height of the grass.

Trim

This is the lowest speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows:

• Parking

• Heavy, wet grass mowing conditions

• Training

• Trimming grass

Tow

This is the medium speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows:

• Bagging

• Mulching

• Towing attachments

Mow

This is the fastest speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows:

• Normal mowing

• Moving the machine

The mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf.

Note: The transport position is the highest height-of-cut position or cutting height at 114 mm (4-1/2 inches) as shown in Figure 26.

You can adjust the height of cut from 38 to 114 mm (1-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches) in 13 mm (1/2 inch) increments. The height of cut is controlled by the lever located to the right of the operating position (Figure 26).

Figure 26

Whenever you change the height of cut, adjust the height of the anti-scalp rollers.

Note: Adjust the anti-scalp rollers so that the rollers do not touch the ground in normal, flat mowing areas.

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. Adjust the anti-scalp rollers (Figure 27) to match the closest height-of-cut position.

   

   Figure 27

   1. Anti-scalp roller
   2. Bolt
   3. Flange nut
   4. Hole spacing

Important: You can wash the machine with a mild detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine. Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the control panel, under the seat, around the engine, hydraulic pumps, and motors.

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 and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean grass and debris from cutting unit, muffler, drives, grass catcher, and engine.

   Note: Refer to Washing the Underside of the Mower Deck for information on using the deck-washout fitting.

This machine has an electric-brake mechanism, and to push the machine, the key must be in the RUN position. The battery needs to be charged and functioning to disengage the electric brake.

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 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 both bypass levers forward through the slotted hole and down to lock them in place (Figure 28).

   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.

   Warning

   The machine could unintentionally move while the bypass levers are locked forward in the slot and injure you or bystanders.

   Lock the bypass levers rearward after moving the machine.

   

   Figure 28

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

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

   Note: Do not start the machine.

6. Move the machine as required.

   Important: Always push the machine by hand. Do not tow the machine, because towing may damage it.

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

8. Turn the key to the OFF position and remove it to avoid draining the battery charge.

9. Move both bypass levers rearward and down through the slotted hole to lock them in place.

Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine. Use a full-width ramp. Ensure that the trailer or truck has all the necessary brakes, lighting, and marking as required by law. Please carefully read all the safety instructions. Knowing this information could help you or bystanders avoid injury. Refer to your local ordinances for trailer and tie-down requirements.

Selecting a Trailer

Warning

Loading a machine onto a trailer or truck increases the possibility of tip-over and could cause serious injury or death (Figure 29).

• Use only a full-width ramp; do not use individual ramps for each side of the machine.

• Do not exceed a 15-degree angle between the ramp and the ground or between the ramp and the trailer or truck.

• Ensure that the length of the ramp is at least 4 times as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground. This ensures that the ramp angle does not exceed 15 degrees on flat ground.

Figure 29

1. Full-width ramp in stowed position
2. Side view of full-width ramp in loading position
3. Not greater than 15 degrees
4. Ramp is at least 4 times as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
5. H=height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
6. Trailer

Use jackstands to support the machine when you raise it.

Figure 32

1. Lower muffler shield

Grease Type: No. 2 lithium grease

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 grease fittings (Figure 33) with a rag.

   Note: Scrape any paint off the front of the fitting(s).

   

   Figure 33

   1. Front caster tire

4. Connect a grease gun to each fitting (Figure 33).

5. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

6. Wipe up any excess grease.

Note: Service the air cleaner more frequently (every few hours) if operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

Ensure that the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plug and a gapping tool or feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap. Install a new spark plug if necessary.

Type of Spark Plug: NGK^® BPR4ES

Air Gap: 0.75 mm (0.03 inch)

Checking the Spark Plug

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

Installing the Spark Plug

Figure 42

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. Remove the air filter from the engine.

4. Remove the engine shroud.

5. To prevent debris entering the air intake, install the air filter to the filter base.

6. Clean debris and grass from the parts.

7. Remove the air filter and install the engine shroud.

8. Install the air filter.

Never install a dirty filter after removing it from the fuel line.

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. Replace the filter (Figure 43).

   Note: Ensure that the flow-direction arrow on the replacement filter points toward the engine.

   

   Figure 43

The electrical system is protected by fuses. It requires no maintenance; however, if a fuse blows, check the component/circuit for a malfunction or short.

Fuse type:

• Main—F1 (25 A, blade-type)

• Charge Circuit—F2 (15 A, blade-type)

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 fuses.

4. To replace a fuse, pull out the fuse to remove it (Figure 46).

   

   Figure 46

   1. Charge circuit (15 A)
   2. Main (25 A)

5. Lower the seat.

Maintain the air pressure in the front and rear tires as specified. Uneven tire pressure can cause an uneven cut. Check the pressure at the valve stem (Figure 47). Check the tires when they are cold to get the most accurate pressure reading.

Inflate the front caster wheel tires to 206 kPa (30 psi) or the pressure indicated on the sidewall, whichever is lower.

Inflate the rear drive-wheel tires to 90 kPa (13 psi).

Figure 47

1. Valve stem

You can manually release the electric brake by rotating the link arms forward. Once the electric brake is energized, the brake resets.

1. Turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key.

2. Disconnect the battery.

3. Locate the shaft on the electric brake where the brake link arms are connected (Figure 48).

4. Rotate the shaft forward to release the brake.

5. Connect the battery after moving the machine.

Figure 48

1. Brake-link arm on the electric brake control module
2. Left, rear tire

When driving the machine forward full speed across a flat, level surface, if the machine pulls to 1 side, adjust the tracking.

If the machine pulls to the left, adjust the right motion-control lever; if the machine pulls to the right, adjust the left motion-control lever.

Note: You can adjust the tracking only for driving forward.

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 tracking-adjustment bolt near the motion-control lever on the particular side that needs adjusting (Figure 49).

   Note: Raise the seat for easier access to the adjustment bolt.

4. Rotate the bolt to decrease the speed for that particular wheel.

   Note: Rotate the bolt a small amount to make minor adjustments.

   

   Figure 49

   1. Bolt

5. Start the machine and drive forward across a flat, level surface with the motion-control levers fully forward to check if the machine tracks straight. Repeat the procedure as needed.

Replace the belt if it is worn. The signs of a worn belt include squealing while the belt is rotating; the blades slipping while cutting grass; and frayed edges, burn marks, and cracks on the belt.

The signs of a worn belt include squealing while the belt is rotating, blades slipping while cutting grass, and frayed edges, burn marks, and cracks on the belt. Replace the mower belt if any of these conditions are evident.

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. Set the height of cut at the lowest cutting position (38 mm or 1-1/2 inches).

4. Remove the hairpin cotter and push in the tab on the cover to remove the pulley covers (Figure 50).

   

   Figure 50

   1. Cover
   2. Hairpin cotter

5. Using a spring-removal tool (Toro Part No. 92-5771), remove the idler spring from the deck hook to remove tension on the idler pulley, and roll the belt off the pulleys (Figure 51).

   Warning

   The spring is under tension when installed and can cause personal injury.

   Be careful when removing the belt.

   

   Figure 51

   1. Idler pulley
   2. Mower belt
   3. Outside pulley
   4. Spring
   5. Engine pulley
   6. Spring-removal tool

6. Route the new belt around the engine pulley and mower pulleys (Figure 51).

7. Using a spring-removal tool (Toro Part No. 92-5771), install the idler spring over the deck hook and place tension on the idler pulley and the mower belt (Figure 51).

8. Install the pulley covers.

To ensure a superior quality of cut, keep the blades sharp. For convenient sharpening and replacement, keep extra blades on hand.

Check to ensure that the mower deck is level any time you install the mower or when you see an uneven cut on your lawn.

Check the mower deck for bent blades prior to leveling, and remove and replace any bent blades; refer to the Servicing the Cutting Blades before continuing.

Level the mower deck side-to-side first; then you can adjust the front-to-rear slope.

Requirements:

• The machine must be on a level surface.

• All tires must be properly inflated; refer to Checking the Tire Pressure.

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. Lower the height-of-cut lever to the lowest position.

4. Remove the hairpin cotter from the front support rod, and remove the rod from the deck bracket (Figure 66).

   

   Figure 66

   1. Front support rod
   2. Deck bracket

5. Carefully lower the front of the mower deck to the ground.

6. On 1 side of the machine, remove the washer and hairpin cotter from the deck pin (Figure 67).

   

   Figure 67

   1. Lift arm
   2. Hairpin cotter
   3. Washer

7. Remove the lift arm from the deck pin (Figure 67).

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the other side of the machine.

9. Slide the mower deck rearward to remove the mower belt from the engine pulley.

10. Slide the mower deck out from underneath the machine.

    Note: Retain all parts for future installation.

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. Slide the mower under the machine.

4. Lower the height-of-cut lever to the lowest position.

5. On 1 side of the machine, lift the rear of the mower deck and install the lift arm to the deck pin (Figure 67).

6. Install the lift arm using the washer and hairpin cotter (Figure 67).

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other side of the machine.

8. Attach the front support rod to the mower deck with the clevis pin and hairpin cotter (Figure 66).

9. Install the mower belt onto the engine pulley; refer to Replacing the Mower Belt.

1. Remove the nut (3/8 inch) from the rod under the mower (Figure 68).

   

   Figure 68

   1. Mower deck
   2. Grass-deflector pivot
   3. Grass deflector
   4. Rod
   5. Spring
   6. Nut (3/8 inch)

2. Slide the rod out of the deck bracket, spring, and grass deflector (Figure 68).

3. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector.

4. Install the new grass deflector (Figure 68).

5. Slide the straight end of the rod through the rear grass deflector pivot.

6. Place the spring on the rod, with end wires down, and between the grass deflector brackets.

7. Slide the rod through the second grass-deflector pivot (Figure 68).

8. Insert the rod at the front of the grass deflector into the bracket on the deck.

9. Secure the rear end of the rod into the mower with a nut (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 68.

   Important: The grass deflector must be spring-loaded in the down position. Lift the deflector up to test that it snaps into the full-down position.

Important: You can wash the machine with a mild detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine. Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the control panel, under the seat, around the engine, hydraulic pumps, and motors.

Wash the underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent grass buildup for improved mulch action and clipping dispersal.

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. Attach the hose coupling to the end of the mower washout fitting, and turn the water on high (Figure 69).

   Note: Spread petroleum jelly on the washout fitting O-ring to make the coupling slide on easier and protect the O-ring.

   

   Figure 69

   1. Washout fitting
   2. Hose
   3. O-ring
   4. Coupling

4. Lower the mower to the lowest height-of-cut.

5. Sit on the seat and start the engine.

6. Engage the blade-control switch and let the mower run for 1 to 3 minutes.

7. Disengage the blade-control switch, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop.

8. Turn the water off and remove the coupling from the washout fitting.

   Note: If the mower is not clean after 1 washing, soak it and let it stand for 30 minutes. Then repeat the process.

9. Run the mower again for 1 to 3 minutes to remove excess water.

   Warning

   A broken or missing washout fitting could expose you and others to thrown objects or blade contact. Contact with a blade or thrown debris can cause injury or death.

   • Replace broken or missing washout fitting immediately, before using machine again.

   • Never put your hands or feet under the mower or through openings in the machine.

Engine oil, batteries, hydraulic fluid, and engine coolant are pollutants to the environment. Dispose of these according to your state and local regulations.