HoverPro® 450 and 550 Machines

Model No. 02610-Serial No. 403230000 and Up

Model No. 02611-Serial No. 402000000 and Up

Introduction

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.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product safety and operation training materials, accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro 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.

g017365

Figure 1

  1. Model and serial number plate

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.

g000502

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.

It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire.

This machine does not come equipped with a spark arrester standard. You must install the spark arrester kit before operating this machine in California.

The enclosed engine owner's manual is supplied for information regarding the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Emission Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance, and warranty. Replacements may be ordered through the engine manufacturer.

For models with stated engine horsepower, the gross horsepower of the engine was laboratory rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1349. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine horsepower on this class machine will be significantly lower.

Warning

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Use of this product may cause exposure to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety

General Safety

Important: Read these instructions carefully before using the machine, and keep them for future reference.

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and of throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious personal injury.

  • Read and understand the contents of this Operator’s Manual before starting the engine.

  • Do not put your hands or feet near moving components of the machine.

  • Do not operate the machine without all guards and other safety protective devices in place and functioning properly on the machine.

  • Keep bystanders and children out of the operating area. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Allow only people who are responsible, trained, familiar with the instructions, and physically capable to operate the machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

  • Shut off the engine, remove the key (if equipped), and wait for all movement to stop before you leave the operator’s position. Allow the machine to cool before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing it.

Improperly using or maintaining this machine can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety-alert symbolGraphic, which means Caution, Warning, or Danger—personal safety instruction. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury or death.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Graphic

Safety and instructional decals are easily visible and are located near areas of potential danger. Replace any damaged or missing decal.
decal130-8322

130-8322

  1. Use only fuel with an alcohol content by volume under 10%.
  2. Read the Operator's Manual for more information on fuel.
  3. Do not use fuel with an alcohol content by volume greater than 10%.
decal111-9826

111–9826

  1. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, cutting unit—keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.
  2. Read the Operator’s Manual.
decal111-5393

111-5393

  1. Warning—Receive training on the product; read the Operator’s Manual.
  2. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade; disconnect the wire from the spark plug before working on the machine; never fit metal cutting parts.
  3. Warning—wear eye and hearing protection.
  4. Thrown object hazard; keep bystanders away from the machine.
  5. Warning—do not touch hot surfaces; keep guards in place; Stay away from moving parts; keep guards in place.
decal94-8072

94-8072

  1. Warning—cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, cutting mechanism.
g017410

H295159

  1. Engine stop (shut off)
decal133-8062

133-8062

g017409

H295124

  1. Instruction for orientation of the machine for servicing the cutting mechanism and draining oil.

Setup

Assembling the Handle

  1. Slide 2 bushings into the frame.

    g017333

    Figure 3

    1. Lower handle
    2. Bushings
    3. Nut
    4. Frame
    5. Bolt
    6. Washers

  2. Place the lower handle between the bushings and secure it with 1 handlebar bolt, 2 washers, and 1 nut.

    Note: Place the lower handle between the bushings with the kick stop assembly at the right side.

  3. Repeat for the opposite side.

  4. Align the holes on the upper handle with the lower handle.

    g209291

    Figure 4

    1. Upper handle
    2. Hand wheel
    3. Washer
    4. U-bolt
    5. Lower handle

  5. Fit the U-bolt through the upper and lower handle and secure it with a washer and a hand wheel.

  6. Attach the throttle assembly to the outside of the handlebar and secure it with a nut and a pan screw.

    g209280

    Figure 5

    1. Nut
    2. Pan screw

Installing the Footstop

Secure the footstop to the bolt on the right side of the lower handle using a nut and 2 washers (Figure 6).

Note: Install the footstop using the lower hole in the footstop as shown in Figure 6.

g461337

Figure 6

  1. Footstop
  2. Nut
  3. Washer
  4. Lower handle

Filling the Engine with Oil

Important: Your machine does not come with oil in the engine. Before starting the engine, fill the engine with oil.

Engine Oil Specifications

Engine oil capacity0.59 L (20 fl oz)
Oil viscositySAE 10W-30 multigrade mineral oil
API service classificationSJ or higher

  1. Move the machine to a level surface.

  2. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 7).

    g017332

    Figure 7

    1. Full
    2. High
    3. Low

  3. Carefully pour about 3/4 of the engine capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube (Figure 8).

    g017338

    Figure 8

  4. Wait 3 minutes for the oil to settle in the engine.

  5. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.

  6. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but do not screw it in, then remove the dipstick.

  7. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 7).

    • If the oil level on the dipstick is too low, carefully pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 5 through 7 until the oil on the dipstick is at the correct level.

    • If the oil level on the dipstick is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil on the dipstick is at the correct level; refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

    Important: If the oil level in the engine is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

  8. Install the dipstick and hand tighten it securely.

    Important: Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

Product Overview

g017341

Figure 9

  1. Fuel cap
  2. Engine start
  3. Throttle control
  4. Operator-presence control
  5. Handlebar
  6. Handlebar securing knob
  7. Engine cover
  8. Exhaust guard
  9. Dipstick
g017335

Figure 10

  1. Spark plug
  2. Exhaust guard
  3. Exhaust
  4. Dipstick
  5. Starter grip
  6. Fuel cap
  7. Finger guard
  8. Air cleaner
  9. Carburetor
ModelCutting widthProduct width
0261046.5 cm (18-1/2 inches)57.5 cm (22-1/2 inches)
0261153.5 cm (21 inches)63.5 cm (25 inches)

Operation

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

Before Operation

Before Operation Safety

General Safety

  • Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.

  • Check that all guards and safety devices are in place and working properly.

  • Always inspect the machine to ensure that the blades, blade bolts, and cutting assembly are not worn or damaged.

  • Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that the machine could throw.

  • Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving blade, causing serious injury.

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

    • Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug before adjusting the cutting height.

Fuel Safety

Danger

Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property.

  • To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel, place the container and/or machine directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.

  • Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area, when the engine is cold. Wipe up any fuel that spills.

  • Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an open flame or sparks.

  • Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out of the reach of children.

Warning

Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and illness.

  • Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.

  • Keep your hands and face away from the nozzle and the fuel-tank opening.

  • Keep fuel away from your eyes and skin.

Filling the Fuel Tank

  • For best results, use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).

  • Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE by volume is acceptable.

  • Do not use ethanol blends of gasoline, such as E15 or E85, with more than 10% ethanol by volume. Performance problems and/or engine damage may result, which may not be covered under warranty.

  • Do not use gasoline containing methanol.

  • Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or in fuel containers over the winter unless fuel stabilizer has been added to the fuel.

  • Do not add oil to gasoline.

Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded regular gasoline from a major name-brand service station (Figure 11).

Important: To reduce starting problems, add fuel stabilizer/conditioner to fresh fuel as directed by the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer.

Refer to your engine owner’s manual for additional information.

g017340

Figure 11

Checking the Engine-Oil Level

  1. Move the machine to a level surface.

  2. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 12).

    g017332

    Figure 12

    1. Full
    2. High
    3. Low

  3. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.

  4. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but do not screw it in, then remove the dipstick.

  5. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 12).

    • If the oil level on the dipstick is too low (Figure 12), carefully pour a small amount of multigrade mineral SAE 10W-30 oil with an API series classification of SJ or higher into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 3 through 5 until the oil on the dipstick is at the correct level.

    • If the oil level on the dipstick is too high (Figure 12), drain the excess oil until the oil on the dipstick is at the correct level; refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

    Important: If the oil level in the engine is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

  6. Install the dipstick into the oil-fill tube securely.

    Important: Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

Adjusting the Cutting Height

Warning

Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving blade, causing serious injury.

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

  • Wear gloves while handling the cutting unit.

Caution

If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you.

Keep away from the hot muffler.

Adjust the cutting height as desired.

  1. Turn the fuel switch to the OFF position.

  2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

  3. Tip the machine on its side with the dipstick down.

  4. Wearing protective gloves, remove the blade bolt and cutting unit.

  5. Position the spacers to the desired height, then install the cutting unit as shown in Figure 13.

    g017336

    Figure 13

    1. Cutterbar
    2. Spacers
    3. Blade retainer
    4. Blade bolt
    5. Large spacer

    Note: The large spacer must be directly below the impeller at all times.

  6. Torque the blade bolt to 25 N∙m (18 ft-lb).

During Operation

During Operating Safety

General Safety

  • Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection; long pants; substantial, slip-resistant footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long hair and do not wear loose clothing or loose jewelry.

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

  • Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury. Shut off the engine, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

  • When you release the operator-presence control, the engine should shut off and the blade should stop within 3 seconds. If not, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

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

  • Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the blade. Avoid mowing in wet conditions if possible.

  • Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.

  • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip-and-fall accident.

  • Stop the machine and inspect the blades after striking an object or if there is an abnormal vibration in the machine. Make all necessary repairs before resuming operation.

  • Before leaving the operating position, shut off the engine, and wait for all moving parts to stop.

  • If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you. Keep away from the hot muffler.

  • Use accessories and attachments approved by The Toro® Company only.

Slope Safety

  • Before operating on any slope, complete a site survey to determine the actual slope where you will operate the machine.

  • Avoid mowing on wet grass. Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.

  • Mow with caution near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

  • When using the machine, always keep both hands on the handle.

  • When cutting from the top of a steep slope and you need longer reach, use an approved extended handle if you need a longer reach.

Starting the Engine

  1. Place the throttle control to the choke position, ensure that the fuel switch is in the ON position.

    g017346

    Figure 14

  2. Hold the operator-presence control against the handle.

    g017334

    Figure 15

    1. Handle
    2. Operator-presence control

  3. Place your foot on the deck and tilt the machine toward you (Figure 16).

    g017329

    Figure 16

  4. Pull the recoil-start handle.

Note: If the machine does not start after several attempts, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Adjusting the Choke

Use the throttle assembly to adjust the choke (Figure 17).

g017367

Figure 17

  1. Choke on
  2. Choke off

Shutting Off the Engine

Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
Before each use or daily
  • Ensure that the engine shuts off within 3 seconds after releasing the operator-presence control.
    		•

    To shut off the engine, release the operator-presence control (Figure 18).

    Important: When you release the operator-presence control, both the engine and blade should stop within 3 seconds. If they do not stop properly, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

    g017366

    Figure 18

    Operating Tips

    General Mowing Tips

    Important: Operating the machine on slopes of more than 45° will cause severe engine damage due to a lack of lubrication. Do not operate the machine on slopes greater than 45°.

    • Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that the machine could throw.

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

    • If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately shut off the engine, disconnect the wire from the spark plug, and examine the machine for damage.

    • For best performance, install a new blade before the cutting season begins.

    • Replace the blade when necessary with a Toro replacement blade.

    Cutting Grass

    • Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not cut below the highest setting unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down. Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.

    • Mowing grass over 15 cm (6 inches) in length is not recommended. If the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.

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

      Warning

      Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the blade. Mow only in dry conditions, if possible.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Mowing grass over 15 cm (6 inches) in length is not recommended. If the leaf cover is too thick, the machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.

    • Slow down your mowing speed if the machine does not cut the leaves finely enough.

    After Operation

    After Operating Safety

    General Safety

    • Clean grass and debris from the machine to help prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spills.

    • Allow the engine to cool before storing the machine in any enclosure.

    • 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.

    Hauling Safety

    • Use care when loading or unloading the machine.

    • Secure the machine.

    • Use care when loading and unloading the machine to avoid sharp edges.

    Cleaning the Machine

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Clean grass clippings and dirt from the entire machine.
    		•
    After each use
  • Clean grass clippings and dirt from the entire machine.
    		•

    Warning

    The machine may dislodge material from under the machine housing.

    • Wear eye protection.

    • Stay in the operating position (behind the handle).

    • Do not allow bystanders in the area.

    1. Tip the machine on its side with the dipstick down.

    2. Use a brush or compressed air to remove grass and debris from the exhaust guard, the top cowl, and the surrounding deck areas.

    Maintenance

    Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Before each use or daily
  • Ensure that the engine shuts off within 3 seconds after releasing the operator-presence control.
  • Clean grass clippings and dirt from the entire machine.
    		•
    After each use
  • Clean grass clippings and dirt from the entire machine.
    		•
    Before storage
  • Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed and before annual storage.
  • Clean the cooling system; remove grass clippings, debris, or dirt from the engine air cooling fins and starter. Clean the system more frequently in dirty or high-chaff conditions.
    		•
    Yearly
  • Service the air filter; service it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
  • Change the engine oil.
  • Service the spark plug and replace it if necessary.
  • Replace the blade or have it sharpened (more frequently if the edge dulls quickly).
    		•

    Maintenance Safety

    • Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug before performing any maintenance procedure.

    • Wear gloves and eye protection when servicing the machine.

    • The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury. Wear gloves when servicing the blade.

    • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

    • Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable and explosive, and can cause personal injury. Run the engine dry or remove the fuel with a hand pump; never siphon the fuel.

    • To ensure optimum performance and continued safety certification of the machine, use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Replacement parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous, and such use could void the product warranty.

    Preparing for Maintenance

    Warning

    Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable, explosive and can cause personal injury.

    Run the engine dry or remove the fuel with a hand pump; never siphon.

    1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 19) before performing any maintenance procedure.

      Important: Always tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down. If the machine is tipped in another direction, oil may fill the valve train, requiring at least 30 minutes to drain.

      g017342

      Figure 19

    3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s), connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.

    Servicing the Air Filter

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Yearly
  • Service the air filter; service it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
    		•

    1. Press down on the latch tabs on top of the air-filter cover (Figure 20).

      g017339

      Figure 20

      1. Cover
      2. Latch tabs
      3. Filter

    2. Open the cover.

    3. Remove the air-filter elements (Figure 20).

    4. Inspect the air filter and replace it if it is damaged or excessively dirty.

    5. Inspect the paper air filter.

      1. If the filter is damaged or is wet with oil or fuel, replace it.

      2. If the filter is dirty, tap it on a hard surface several times or blow compressed air less than 207 kPa (30 psi) through the side of the filter that faces the engine.

        Note: Do not brush the dirt off the filter; brushing forces dirt into the fibers.

    6. Remove dirt from the air-filter body and cover using a moist rag.

      Important: Do not wipe dirt into the air duct.

    7. Insert the air-filter elements into the air-filter body.

    8. Install the cover.

    Changing the Engine Oil

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Yearly
  • Change the engine oil.
    		•

    Note: Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil to warm it. Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.

    Engine Oil Specifications

    Engine oil capacity0.59 L (20 fl oz)
    Oil viscositySAE 10W-30 multigrade mineral oil
    API service classificationSJ or higher

    1. Ensure that the fuel tank contains little or no fuel so that the fuel does not leak when you tip the engine onto its side.

    2. Refer to Checking the Engine-Oil Level.

    3. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 21).

      g017332

      Figure 21

      1. Full
      2. High
      3. Low

    4. Tip the machine onto its side (so that the air filter is up) to drain the used oil from the oil-fill tube.

    5. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the operating position.

    6. Carefully pour about 3/4 of the engine capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.

    7. Wait 3 minutes for the oil to settle in the engine.

    8. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.

    9. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but do not screw it in, then remove the dipstick.

    10. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 21).

      • If the oil level on the dipstick is too low, carefully pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 8 through 10 until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

      • If the oil level on the dipstick is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

      Important: If the oil level in the engine is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

    11. Install the dipstick into the oil-fill tube securely.

    12. Recycle the used oil properly.

    Servicing the Spark Plug

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance Procedure
    Yearly
  • Service the spark plug and replace it if necessary.
    		•

    Use a Toro spark plug; contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

    1. Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

    2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Figure 19).

    3. Clean around the spark plug.

    4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.

      Important: Replace a cracked, fouled, or dirty spark plug. Do not clean the electrodes because grit entering the cylinder can damage the engine.

    5. Set the gap on the plug to 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) as shown in Figure 22.

      g000533

      Figure 22

      1. Center-electrode insulator
      2. Side electrode
      3. Air gap (not to scale)

    6. Install the spark plug.

    7. Torque the plug to 27 to 30 N∙m (20 to 22 ft-lb).

    8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

    Replacing the Blade

    Maintenance Service IntervalMaintenance 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.

    Examine the blade whenever you run out of fuel. 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

    The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury.

    • Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

    • Wear gloves when servicing the blade.

    1. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance.

    2. Tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down.

    3. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady.

      g209201

      Figure 23

    4. Remove the blade (turn the blade bolt counterclockwise), saving all the mounting hardware.

    5. Install the new blade (turn the blade bolt clockwise) and all mounting hardware.

      Important: Position the curved ends of the blade to point toward the machine housing.

    6. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to 25 N∙m (18 ft-lb).

      Important: While holding the blade with a block of wood, put your weight behind the ratchet or wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is very difficult to overtighten.

    Storage

    Store the machine in a cool, clean, dry place.

    Preparing the Machine for Storage

    Warning

    Fuel vapors can explode.

    • Do not store fuel more than 30 days.

    • Do not store the machine in an enclosure near an open flame.

    • Allow the engine to cool before storing it.

    1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel as directed by the engine manufacturer.

    2. Run the machine until the engine shuts off from running out of fuel.

    3. Prime the engine and start it again.

    4. Allow the engine to run until it shuts off. When you can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.

    5. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

    6. Remove the spark plug, add 30 ml (1 fl oz) of oil through the spark-plug hole, and pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the off-season.

    7. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque wrench to 20 N∙m (15 ft-lb).

    8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.

    Troubleshooting

    ProblemPossible CauseCorrective Action
    The engine does not start.
    1. The wire is not connected to the spark plug.
    2. The hole in the fuel-cap vent is plugged.
    3. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the gap is incorrect.
    4. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel system contains stale fuel.
    1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
    2. Clean the hole in the fuel-cap vent or replace the fuel cap.
    3. Check the spark plug and adjust the gap if necessary. Replace the spark plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
    4. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. If the problem persists, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
    The engine starts hard or loses power.
    1. The hole in the fuel-cap vent is plugged.
    2. The air filter element is dirty and is restricting the air flow.
    3. The underside of the machine housing contains clippings and debris.
    4. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the gap is incorrect.
    5. The engine oil-level is too low, too high, or excessively dirty.
    6. The fuel tank contains stale fuel.
    1. Clean the hole in the fuel-cap vent or replace the fuel cap.
    2. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or replace the paper air filter.
    3. Clean under the machine housing.
    4. Check the spark plug and adjust the gap if necessary. Replace the spark plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
    5. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if it is dirty; add or drain the oil to adjust the oil level to the Full mark on the dipstick.
    6. Drain and fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel.
    The engine runs rough.
    1. The wire is not connected to the spark plug.
    2. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the gap is incorrect.
    3. The air filter element is dirty and is restricting the air flow.
    1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
    2. Check the spark plug and adjust the gap if necessary. Replace the spark plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
    3. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or replace the paper air filter.
    The machine or engine vibrates excessively.
    1. The underside of the machine housing contains clippings and debris.
    2. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
    3. The blade mounting bolt loose.
    4. The blade is bent or is out of balance.
    1. Clean under the machine housing.
    2. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
    3. Tighten the blade mounting bolt.
    4. Balance the blade. If the blade is bent, replace it.
    There is an uneven cutting pattern.
    1. You are mowing in the same pattern repeatedly.
    2. The underside of the machine housing contains clippings and debris.
    3. The blade is dull.
    1. Change the mowing pattern.
    2. Clean under the machine housing.
    3. Sharpen and balance the blade.