Flex-Force Power System™ 60V MAX 36cm and 43cm Lawn Mower

This rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower is intended to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns on residential properties. It is not designed for cutting brush or for agricultural uses. It is designed to use Toro Flex-Force lithium-ion battery pack Model 81825 (provided with Model 21836), Model 81850 (provided with Model 21843 and Model 21844) and 81860 or 81875. These battery packs are designed to be charged only by battery charger Model 81802 (provided with Models 21836, 21843, and 21844), or 81805. Using these products for purposes other than their intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

Models 21836T, 21843T, and 21844T do not include a battery or a charger.

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.

Visit www.Toro.com for more information, including safety tips, training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine the manufacturer parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or the manufacturer Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers in the space provided.

Important: With your mobile device, you can scan the QR code on the serial number decal (if equipped) to access warranty, parts, and other product information.

Figure 1

1. Model and serial number location

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 2), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

Figure 2

Safety-alert symbol

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

For assistance, please see www.Toro.com/support or contact your Authorized Service Dealer before returning this product.

This product complies with all relevant European directives; for details, please see the separate product specific Declaration of Conformity (DOC) sheet.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING—When using an electric machine, always read and follow basic safety warnings and instructions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, including the following:

I. Training

1. The operator of the machine is responsible for any accidents or hazards occurring to others or their property.

2. Do not allow children to use or play with the machine, battery pack, or the battery charger; local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

3. Do not allow children or untrained people to operate or service the machine. Allow only people who are responsible, trained, familiar with the instructions, and physically capable to operate or service the machine.

4. Before using the machine, battery pack, and battery charger, read all the instructions and cautionary markings on these products.

5. Become familiar with the controls and proper use of the machine, battery pack, and battery charger.

II. Preparation

1. Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, out of the operating area.

2. Do not operate the machine without all guards and safety devices, such as deflectors and grass catchers, in place and functioning properly on the machine.

3. Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that could interfere with the operation of the machine or that the machine could throw.

4. Before using the machine, ensure that the blade, blade bolt, and blade assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace any damaged or unreadable labels.

5. Use only the battery pack specified by Toro. Using other accessories and attachments may increase the risk of injury and fire.

6. Plugging the battery charger into an outlet that is not 100 to 240 V can cause a fire or electric shock. Do not plug the battery charger into an outlet other than 100 to 240 V. For a different style of connection, use an attachment plug adapter of the proper configuration for the power outlet if needed.

7. Do not use a damaged or modified battery pack or battery charger, which may exhibit unpredictable behavior that results in fire, explosion, or risk of injury.

8. If the supply cord to the battery charger is damaged, contact an Authorized Service Dealer to replace it.

9. Do not use non-rechargeable batteries.

10. Charge the battery pack with only the battery charger specified by Toro. A charger suitable for 1 type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.

11. Charge the battery pack in a well-ventilated area only.

12. Do not expose a battery pack or battery charger to fire or to temperatures higher than 68°C (154°F).

13. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Otherwise, you may damage the battery pack and increase the risk of fire.

14. Dress properly—Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection; long pants; substantial, slip-resistant footwear (not barefoot or wearing sandals); and hearing protection. Tie back long hair and do not wear loose clothing or loose jewelry that can get caught in moving parts. Wear a dust mask in dusty operating conditions.

III. Operation

1. Contact with the moving blade will cause serious injury. Keep your hands or feet away from the cutting area and all moving parts of the machine. Keep clear of any discharge opening.

2. Using this machine for purposes other an its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.

3. Disengage the self-propel drive (if equipped) before starting the machine.

4. Do not tilt the appliance when starting the motor.

5. Prevent unintentional starting—Ensure that the safety key is removed from the machine before connecting the battery pack and handling the machine.

6. Use your full attention while operating the machine. Do not engage in any activity that causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property damage may occur.

7. Stop the machine, remove the safety key, remove the battery pack from the machine, and wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing the machine.

8. Remove the battery pack and safety key from the machine whenever you leave it unattended or before changing accessories.

9. Do not force the machine—Allow the machine to do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

10. Stay alert—Watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating the machine. Do not use the machine while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

11. Operate the machine only in good visibility and appropriate weather conditions. Do not operate the machine when there is the risk of lightning.

12. Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine toward you.

13. Keep proper footing and balance at all times, especially on slopes. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Use extreme caution when changing directions on slopes. Do not mow exceedingly steep slopes. Walk, never run with the machine.

14. Do not direct the discharge material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction; material may ricochet toward you. Stop the blade(s) when crossing surfaces other than grass.

15. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause you to lose your balance or footing.

16. Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the blade. Avoid mowing in wet conditions or when it is raining.

17. If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately shut off the machine, remove the safety key, remove the battery pack, and wait for all movement to stop before examining the machine for damage. Make all necessary repairs before resuming operation.

18. Stop the machine and remove the safety key before loading the machine for hauling.

19. Under abusive conditions, the battery pack may eject liquid; avoid contact. If you accidently come into contact with the liquid, flush with water. If the liquid contacts your eyes, seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery pack may cause irritation or burns.

IV. Maintenance and Storage

1. Stop the machine, remove the safety key, remove the battery pack from the machine, and wait for all movement to stop before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing the machine.

2. Do not attempt to repair the machine except as indicated in the instructions. Have an Authorized Service Dealer perform service on the machine using identical replacement parts.

3. Wear gloves and eye protection when servicing the machine.

4. Replace the blade if it is bent, worn, or cracked. An unbalanced blade causes vibration, which could damage the motor or cause personal injury.

5. When servicing the blade, be aware that the blade can still move even though the power source is off.

6. Check the grass collection bag frequently for deterioration or wear, and replace a worn bag with a Toro [replacement] bag.

7. For best performance, use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Other replacement parts and accessories could be dangerous, and such use could void the product warranty.

8. Maintain the machine—Keep cutting edges sharp and clean for the best and safest performance. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Keep guards in place and in working order. Keep blades sharp. Use identical replacement blades only.

9. Check the machine for damaged parts—If there are damaged guards or other parts, determine whether the machine will operate properly. Check for misaligned and binding moving parts, broken parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. Unless indicated in the instructions, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair or replace a damaged guard or part.

10. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from metal objects such as paper clips, coins, keys, nails, and screws that can make a connection from 1 terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals may cause burns or a fire.

11. Check the blade and motor mounting bolts frequently for tightness.

12. When you are not using the machine, store it indoors in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children.

13. CAUTION—A mistreated battery pack may present a risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not disassemble the battery pack. Do not heat the battery pack above 68°C (154°F) or incinerate it. Replace the battery pack with a genuine Toro battery pack only; using another type of battery pack may cause a fire or explosion. Keep battery packs out of the reach of children and in the original packaging until you are ready to use them.

14. Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The cell may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

Safety and Instructional Decals

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 missing.

134-6016

1. Engine speed—slow
2. Engine speed—fast

134-5099

1. Warning—keep hands and feet away from the mower blade.

134-5297

1. Max Power Mode

134-4550

1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual.
2. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand, mower blade—stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place.
3. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—remove the key and read the Operator’s Manual before performing maintenance.
4. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away; shut off the engine before leaving the operating position; pick up any debris before mowing.
5. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—do not operate up and down slopes; operate side to side on slopes; look behind you when moving in reverse.

137-9461

1. Battery charge status

Model 81825

137-9487

1. Read the Operator’s Manual.
2. Recycle the battery properly.
3. Do not discard.
4. Do not expose to flame.
5. Do not expose to rain.

Model 81850

140-2158

1. Read the Operator’s Manual.
2. Recycle the battery properly.
3. Do not discard.
4. Do not expose to flame.
5. Do not expose to rain.

137-9495

1. Read the Operator’s Manual.
2. Do not discard.
3. For indoor use.
4. Double insulated

137-9463

1. The battery pack is charging.
2. The battery pack is fully charged.
3. The battery pack is over or under the appropriate temperature range.
4. Battery pack charging fault

Important: The battery pack is not fully charged when it is purchased. Before using the machine for the first time, refer to Charging the Battery Pack.

Note: The safety key and all other loose parts have been placed in the battery compartment for safe delivery; ensure that you remove them from the compartment and store them in a safe place prior to assembly.

Mounting the Battery Charger (Optional)

Parts needed for this procedure:

Mounting hardware (not included)

2

If desired, mount the battery charger securely on a wall using the wall-mount key holes on the back of the charger.

Mount it indoors (such as a garage or other dry place), near a power outlet, and out of the reach of children.

Refer to Figure 3 for assistance in mounting the charger.

Slide the charger over the appropriately positioned hardware to secure the charger in place (hardware not included).

Figure 3

Figure 6

1. Battery compartment
2. Rear deflector
3. Handlebar release brace
4. Blade-control handles
5. Handlebar
6. Self-propel drive handles (Model 21844 only)
7. Grass box full indicator
8. Grass box
9. Height-of-cut button
10. Height-of-cut indicator window

Figure 7

1. Battery charger Model 81802 (included with Models 21836, 21843, and 21844)
2. Battery pack Model 81850 (included with Models 21843 and 21844)
3. Battery pack Model 81825 (included with Model 21836)

SmartStow Dimensions

Battery Pack

Battery Charger

Appropriate Temperature Ranges

*Charging time will increase if you do not charge the battery pack within this range.

Store the machine, battery pack, and battery charger in an enclosed clean, dry area.

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

Before Operation

Installing the Battery Pack

Important: Operate the battery pack only in temperatures that are within the appropriate range; refer to Specifications.

1. Ensure that the safety key is not installed to the machine.

2. Ensure that the vents on the battery are clear of any dust and debris.

3. Lift up the battery-compartment lid (A of Figure 8).

4. Line up the cavity in the battery pack with the tongue on the machine and slide the battery pack into the compartment until it locks into place (B of Figure 8).

5. Close the battery-compartment lid (C of Figure 8).

   Note: If the battery-compartment lid does not close completely, the battery is not fully installed.

Figure 8

Adjusting the Cutting Height

Warning

Adjusting the height-of-cut could bring your hands into contact with a moving blade and result in serious injury.

• Shut off the motor, remove the battery, and wait for all moving parts to stop before adjusting the cutting height.

• Do not put your fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height.

To adjust the cutting height, press down on the height-of-cut button and raise or lower the deck until the desired height-of-cut setting is shown in the height-of-cut window (Figure 9).

Figure 9

1. Height-of-cut button
2. Height-of-cut view window

The height of cut is adjustable in 6 increments between 19 mm (3/4 inch) and 70 mm (2-3/4 inches).

Indicator	Height of Cut Position
	1 (lowest)
	2
	3
	4
	5
	6 (highest)

During Operation

Starting the Machine

1. Ensure that the battery pack is charged and installed in the machine; refer to Installing the Battery Pack.

2. Install the safety key to the machine (Figure 10).

   

   Figure 10

3. Press the Power button at the center of the upper handle to turn on the machine.

4. Squeeze the blade-control handles to start the machine.

   

   Figure 11

Using the Self-Propel Drive

Model 21844/T Only

• To adjust the self-propel movement speed, adjust the speed control (Figure 12).

• To engage the self-propel drive, pull the self-propel drive handles up to the handle and hold them (Figure 12).

• To disengage the self-propel-drive, release the self-propel drive handles.

  Note: To reduce the ground speed, move the speed control to the left; to increase, move it to the right.

  

  Figure 12

  1. Self-propel speed control
  2. MAX button
  3. Self-propel drive handles

Adjusting the Blade Speed

This machine has 2 blade-speed settings: RUNSMART and MAX.

• When set to RUNSMART, the blade speed is adjusted automatically for greater efficiency; changes in cutting conditions are detected and the blade speed increases when necessary to maintain quality of cut.

• When set to the MAX, the blade speed remains at the highest speed at all times.

Press the MAX button below the On button to set the machine to MAX speed (Figure 12).

Recycling the Clippings

Your machine comes from the factory ready to recycle the grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn.

If the grass box is on the machine, remove it before recycling the clippings. Refer to Removing the Grass Box.

Installing the Mulch Plug

1. Shut off the machine and remove the battery pack and safety key; refer to Shutting Off the Machine.

2. Place the machine in the vertical stow position; refer to Storing the Machine in the Vertical-Stow Position.

3. Clean the bottom of the deck to ensure the plug installs properly; refer to Cleaning under the Machine.

4. Align the mulch plug and push the bottom of the plug until it snaps into place onto the 2 retaining pins as shown in Figure 13.

   Important: The bottom of the mulch plug should be flush with the bottom of the deck when properly installed; if the mulch plug does not install correctly, do not use it; contact your Authorized Service Dealer.

   

   Figure 13

Removing the Mulch Plug

To remove the mulch plug, remove the battery pack and then reverse the steps in Installing the Mulch Plug.

Bagging the Clippings

Use the grass box when you want to collect grass and leaf clippings from the lawn.

If the mulch plug is on the machine, remove it before bagging the clippings. Refer to Removing the Mulch Plug.

Installing the Grass Box

1. Move the handle into the upright position and lift up the rear deflector (A of Figure 14).

2. Install the hooks of the grass box into the notches on the rear of the machine (B of Figure 14).

3. Allow the rear deflector to rest on the box (C of Figure 14).

4. Return the handle back to the operating position; refer to Folding the Handle.

Figure 14

Grass Box Full Indicator

The grass box is fitted with a full indicator at the rear of the hard top. While grass is being collected, air flows through the grass box, raising the indicator flap into the open position. When the grass box is full, the airflow is blocked, and the indicator flap closes.

Figure 15

Removing the Grass Box

To remove the box, reverse the steps in Installing the Grass Box.

Do not operate the machine with the grass box removed unless the mulch plug is installed. Remove the grass box only when mulching, transporting the machine, storing the machine, or emptying the grass box (Figure 16).

Figure 16

Shutting Off the Machine

1. Release the blade-control bar (Figure 10).

   

   Figure 17

2. Remove the safety key from the machine (Figure 10).

   

   Figure 18

3. Remove the battery pack; refer to Removing the Battery Pack from the Machine.

   Note: Whenever you are not using the machine, remove the battery pack.

Removing the Battery Pack from the Machine

1. Lift up the battery-compartment lid.

2. Press the battery-pack latch to release the battery pack and remove the battery pack.

3. Close the battery-compartment lid.

Figure 19

Operating Tips

General Mowing Tips

• Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never deliberately mow over any object.

• For best performance, install a new Toro blade before the cutting season begins or when necessary.

Cutting Grass

• Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. For improved quality of cut, runtime, and bagging, cut grass at a higher height of cut.

• Do not cut at the lowest height-of-cut setting unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down.

• When cutting tall grass, mow at the highest cutting height setting and walk slower; then mow again at a lower setting for the best lawn appearance. If the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause the motor to stall.

• Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause the machine to plug or the motor to stall. Avoid mowing in wet conditions.

• Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry conditions, follow all local fire warnings, and keep the machine free of dry grass and leaf debris.

• Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.

• If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try 1 or more of the following:

  • Replace the blade or have it sharpened.

  • Walk at a slower pace while mowing.

  • Raise the cutting height on your machine.

  • Cut the grass more frequently.

  • Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.

Cutting Leaves

• After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need to make more than a single pass over the leaves.

• Remove excessive quantities of leaves from the ground before cutting the leaves. If the machine is not cutting leaves finely enough, slow down your mowing speed, or mow at a higher cutting height and then again at the desired cutting height.

Remove the safety key and battery pack from the machine before maintaining or cleaning the machine.

Use only the manufacturer’s recommended replacement parts and accessories.

Inspect and maintain the machine regularly. Have the machine repaired only by an Authorized Service Dealer.

Replacing the Blade

Maintenance Service Interval	Maintenance Procedure
Yearly	Replace the blade or have it sharpened (more frequently if the edge dulls quickly).

Important: You will need a torque wrench to install the blade properly. If you do not have a torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

If the blade is damaged or cracked, replace it immediately. If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have it sharpened and balanced, or replace it.

Warning

When servicing the blade, be aware that the blade can still move even though the power source is off. The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury.

Wear gloves when servicing the blade.

1. Remove the safety key and battery pack from the machine.

2. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady (Figure 24).

3. Remove the blade bolt, washer, and blade; save the washer and blade bolt (Figure 24).

4. Install the new blade, washer, and blade bolt (Figure 25).

   Important: Position the curved ends of the blade facing up toward the machine housing.

5. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to 35 N∙m (26 ft-lb).

Figure 24

Figure 25