Some of the most common reasons a mower may not start are listed below:

• Fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Gasoline gets "stale" over time and fresh fuel ignites more easily. Stale gas can leave harmful deposits in your products fuel system.
  
  Today's gasoline does not have the same chemical makeup as years ago. Testing has shown that significant deterioration can begin in as little as 30 days. The first sign of old gas is it makes starting more difficult. This is because the most volatile components of the fuel are the first to deteriorate and are the ones that help an engine start easily.
  
  We recommend that you use a national name brand to ensure that you are beginning with good quality fuel. Use fuel with an octane rating of 87 or as close to 87 as you can. Higher octane fuels offer no benefit for our residential products and some high octane additive packages are not good for small engines. Only purchase what you expect to use within 30 days, or add stabilizer. If you add a fuel stabilizer the day you buy the gasoline you can expect the fuel to stay fresh for 4-6 months. Fuel stabilizer is available from most Toro dealers.
  
  
• Starting will be easier if the spark plug in good condition. If in doubt, replace it. A new spark plug will be able to provide a better spark to ignite the fuel air mix within the engine. You should also make sure the spark plug wire is attached to the spark plug.
  
  
• A clean air filter helps make it easier to start your machine. A dirty filter will make it much more difficult for the engine to draw in air. Clean or replace the filter if it is dirty. A clean filter will also help keep dust out of the engine and reduce wear.
  
  
• On electric start models the battery should be charged at the beginning and end of the season. One charge may be enough to last through the whole season. If not, additional charging during the season may be necessary. Important: You can not start the mower with the electric start or charge the battery unless you install the fuse.
  
  
• Review the starting procedures outlined in the Operator's Manual including the proper operation of the safety features of your unit.

For further assistance, please visit our online interactive manual for our Trouble Shooting Guide for Starting Your Mower or contact your local Toro Authorized Service Dealer.

When pressing the toggle switch in the Stop position, securely hold the toggle switch down until the engine stops (this can take a few seconds).

To request or download a replacement Owner's Manual, Service Manuals or Parts Manual, you will need the model and serial number of your unit.

See Also: 

• Advanced Search - Don't know your model and serial number.  Try using our Advanced search feature.

What should I do to prepare my machine for the mowing season?

Note: See your Operator's Manual  for further details on performing any of the maintenance mentioned, and please pay special attention to the safety warnings when following these procedures.

• Check blades for sharpness.
• Make sure the cutting deck is cleared of old clippings.
• Check pull cords to insure they are not frayed and are in good working condition.
• Check that attachments are connected and working properly.

The model and serial number location may be listed in your Owner's Manual or you may visit our Model/Serial Help section and select your product type for the possible locations of the model and serial number on your machine.

See Also:  Advanced Search - Do not have an Owner's manual or not near your machine?  Try using our Advanced Search feature to help determine your model number.

Where can I find parts and part numbers?

Our parts are retailed exclusively through a worldwide network of independent dealers, home centers, and national retailers.  Toro Parts, except Engine manufacturer parts, are available for most models online at www.ToroDealer.com.

To purchase engine parts or parts that are not available online, please contact your  nearest Toro Authorized Service Dealer.

Owner's manuals, Parts Catalogs and Service Manuals are available for most of our product models online.  To ensure you obtain the correct manual or part number you will need the model and serial number of your machine. 

To access our parts catalogs and manuals visit our Product Center and enter your model and serial number, click on Search then select Manuals or Look Up Parts. 

See Also: 

• Advanced Search - Don't know your model number?
• Model/Serial # Help - Can' find the model/serial number information on my machine?

Where can I find parts and part numbers?

Our parts are retailed exclusively through a worldwide network of independent dealers, home centers, and national retailers.  Toro Parts, except Engine manufacturer parts, are available for most models online at www.ToroDealer.com. 

To purchase engine parts or parts that are not available online, please contact your  nearest Toro Authorized Service Dealer.

Owner's manuals, Parts Catalogs and Service Manuals are available for most of our product models online.  To ensure you obtain the correct manual or part number you will need the model and serial number of your machine. 

To access our parts catalogs and manuals visit our Product Center and enter your model and serial number, click on Search then select Manuals or Look Up Parts. 

See Also: 

• Advanced Search - Don't know your model number? 
• Model/Serial # Help - Can' find the model/serial number information on my machine?

4 - Cycle Oil Recommendations:

Recommended Oil type (4-Cycle Engines)  - SAE 30W Detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

Fuel and Oil Ratios for 2-cycle:

Recommended Oil Type (2-Cycle Engine) - Toro 2-Cycle or NMMA-TCW3 equivalent.  Oil can be purchased from and Authorized Service Dealer or hardware store.

Review your machine's operators manual to determine the correct ratio.

• 16 to 1 = 8 oz. two cycle oil per one gallon fuel
• 32 to 1 = 4 oz. two cycle oil per one gallon fuel
• 50 to 1 = 2.6 oz. two cycle oil per one gallon fuel  

Fuel Brand:

We recommend that you use a national name brand to ensure that you are beginning with good quality fuel. Use fuel with an octane rating of 87 or as close to 87 as you can. Higher octane fuels offer no benefit for our residential products and some high octane additive packages are not good for small engines. Only purchase what you expect to use within 30 days, or add stabilizer.  Fuel stabilizer is available from most Toro dealers.

Ethanol fuel:  Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol is acceptable to use per engine manufacturers guidelines. 

Plastic vs. Metal Containers:

Metal cans have the potential to rust so plastic is always preferred as that can keep the fuel system from encountering rust flakes.

Stabilizer:

Stabilizer is designed to help keep the fuel fresher longer. It has to be added the day the fuel is purchased otherwise it will not do the job. It is designed to keep fuel fresh for 4 to 6 months. It will not make old fuel fresh again. (Please follow the manufacturers instructions of the Stabilizer for the amount and how to add to the fuel)

Stale or Fresh Fuel:

Fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Gasoline gets "stale" over time and fresh fuel ignites more easily. Stale gas can leave harmful deposits in your products fuel system.

Today's gasoline does not have the same chemical makeup as years ago. Testing has shown that significant deterioration can begin in as little as 30 days. The first sign of old gas is it makes starting more difficult. This is because the most volatile components of the fuel are the first to deteriorate and are the ones that help an engine start easily.

Synthetic Oil: 

• Yes, synthetic oil can be used in any of our units.
• Easier to start in cold weather (pertains to snowthrowers and tractors).
• Still need to change the oil as often as recommended in the manual.

Two Cycle Oil and Brand:

• We recommend using Toro oil.  Toro oil meets all our engines requirements and is the only oil we use when testing our products. (NMMA TCW III rated oil is acceptable to use if no Toro oil is available to the customer.)

For Recycler® and Super Recycler® mowers:

Recommended Oil type for Toro Walk Behind Mowers, 4-Cycle engines - SAE 30W Detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

• 
  
• Run the engine for five minutes to warm the oil so it drains better. (Recommend only filling fuel tank with enough gas to run for five minutes before changing oil.)
• Remove the dipstick.
• Tip the mower onto its side (air filter side up) to drain the used oil out through the oil fill tube into a drain pan. (Tipping the machine on its side is the recommended method by engine manufacturers.)
• Let oil drain completely.
• Tip the mower back up on its wheels and slowly pour new oil into the oil fill tube until oil level reaches the FULL line on the dipstick.  (To properly check the oil level , wait one or two minutes after filling the engine with oil to allow it to settle.  Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert dipstick, remove dipstick and check oil level, repeat the process a second time.)
• Important Do Not overfill - If you overfill the engine with oil you will need to remove the excess oil by following the oil draining  steps listed above.   Too much oil can cause engine damage or failure. 

For complete step-by-step instructions, please consult your Owner's Manual or view our interactive smart manual by selecting your model number from the list below.

• 22" Toro Recycler® Mower
• Super Recycler® Model 20053 - 20058
• Troubleshooting Guide for Starting

See Also:

• Advanced Search -  Try our Advanced Search feature to help determine your machines Model number. 
• Authoirzed Service Dealer - Not comfortable doing the maintenance yourself? Contact your local authorized service dealer for assistance.

21" Super Recycler Mowers:

The design of the Toro rocking key wheel engagement system requires two things to occur prior to disengaging.

1. The first requirement is for the drive belt to become slack.

• For Personal Pace models, the operator simply needs to stop walking and allow the handle to move rearward. The rearward position removes all tension from the engagement cable and the belt becomes slack.

• For single- or three-speed transmissions, the bail must be released to remove tension on the drive cable. 

2. The second requirement involves the mower rolling forward a few inches with the belt slack.

• The mower must roll forward a few inches with the belt slack.

• During normal operation on fairly level turf, this process should happen without effort.

• Also, if your mower's drive cable is not adjusted correctly, the keys will not disengage without extra effort (see your Operator's Manual for applicable drive cable adjustment procedures).

• Another cause of this difficulty is too much or too little grease in the rear pivot arms.

22" Recycler Mowers:

Note: There will be some slight resistance when the mower is pulled backwards compared to when the mower is pushed forwards.   

Possible causes of the mower rear wheels locking up or skidding when the unit is pulled backwards are:

• The traction/drive cable is kinked (Replace cable)

• Debris is caught or built up near the belt guide (See your Owner's Manual  for proper maintenance procedures)

• The transmission has failed. (Contact an  Authorized Servie Dealer)

See also:

• Advanced Search - Try our Advanced search feature to help determine your model number of your machine.
• Authorized Service Dealer - Locate a dealer near you.

The Toro Company guarantees that any Toro GTS® engine will start on the first or second pull during the GTS® warranty period if you provide the routine maintenance it requires or we will fix it for free.  Consult your Owner's Manual  for the complete details on your machines warranty.

(Note: This only applies to starting the unit with the recoil rope on the first or second pull, not by the electric starter.) 

• This starting guarantee varies from 2 to 5 years and is offered on select snowthrowers and walk power mowers.
• To keep this GTS® warranty in effect you must maintain your Toro GTS® engine, at your expense, by following the maintenance schedule detailed in the operator's manual.
• You must record this work in the maintenance chart provided in your operator's manual and keep your proof of purchase.

See also:  

• Troubleshooting Guide for Starting Your Mower
• Dealer Locator
• Advanced Search

The noise is not from the transmission, but rather, is coming from the belt tapping the deck. This noise is an inherent part of mower operation, and does no harm to your Toro mower.

Most Walk Power Mowers we offer do not have a throttle control. A throttle control would allow you to vary the engine speed from idle all the way up to full speed. We have found, not having it actually increases engine life and product performance.

Here are some of the reasons full throttle operation is best:

• Cleaner cut on the grass
• More power, less likely to bog down
• Less stress on the engine
• Engine runs cooler (Full speed means more cooling air from the flywheel area)
• Slow engine speeds can result in hot spots on the cylinder

On units with throttle control we recommend full throttle operation while in use. Throttling down for a minute to talk to the neighbor is fine but that’s about the only time.

Battery Storage

For any battery used on our products, we recommend storing it in a cool dry place. Removing the battery is not necessary. Storing it in a heated or warm area during the winter will actually shorten the battery's life. The best thing to do is to make sure it is fully charged at the end of each season, then store the product away in a cool (or cold) dry place.

The story behind batteries:

Batteries self-discharge due to a chemical reaction. The warmer the battery, the faster the reaction, resulting in greater loss. A loss of 1-2% per day in warm temperatures is normal. Storing a battery in a cool or cold area will greatly slow this reaction.  A fully charged battery will not freeze during the winter. A discharged battery may freeze. Freezing a battery usually damages it to the point of failure. Fully charge the battery in the fall and it will not freeze. 

When a battery is stored in a discharged state or allowed to discharge completely while in storage, a process called "sulfation" occurs. Sulfation also occurs normally with batteries while they are in use, but at a very slow rate - eventually this process is one of the things that contribute to a battery "going bad". Think of sulfation as an aging process. Some sulfation can be reversed when the battery is charged, but not all. Batteries left in a discharged state will sulfate heavily - the consequence of this is a loss of battery capacity (the battery runs down quicker).  Eventually, the battery can become so sulfated there is not enough capacity left to crank the engine at all.

Battery Life
If the battery is well cared for it will typically last 3-5 years. In a battery powered product good care means charging the product fully, immediately after each use.Battery powered mowers are to be left plugged in between uses. Leaving a machine with a partially or completely discharged battery is one of the worst things you can do for battery life.

Memory
This is not applicable to the batteries used in any of our Toro products.

For detailed information regarding your mowers warranty coverage, please refer to the last page in your owner's manual. To request or view an Owner's Manual, click here.

The Toro Company does not make an electric starter kit for Toro walk power mowers available. Attempts to convert a recoil start mower to accept such a system would involve costly engine modifications that are not recommended.

Maintenance schedules vary by model. We recommend that you consult your Toro owner's manual. To request or view an Owner's Manual, click here.

View our online interactive manual maintenance schedule for the All 22" Recycler® mowers and the Super Recycler® - Model 20053 - 20058.

How do I properly store my Toro mower?

See your operator's manual for further details on performing any of the maintenance mentioned below. Click here, to obtain an Operator's manuals and parts lists can be down loaded for free. Click here to locate an Authorized Toro Service Dealer.

If you're planning to do your own maintenance, or just want to see what we recommend, please read the following tips which will help you be ready for spring.

Here is a list of basic maintenance procedures: (refer to your owner's manual for more specific information on your model)

• Check the blade and engine mounting fasteners making sure they are all tight.
• Clean/replace air filter
• Drain and refill engine crankcase with fresh oil. Start engine to allow engine oil to warm up. (4-Cycle models)  
• Clean built-up grass clippings and dirt
• Clean grass clippings and debris under belt cover and drive belt (self-propelled models)
• Grease rear height adjuster brackets (self propelled models)
• Sharpen or replace blade

Fuel System Preparation:

• Add Toro Fuel Stabilizer to the fuel in the tank.
• Run engine to distribute stabilized fuel through the system.
• Stop engine, allow to cool properly, drain fuel tank or run dry.
• Restart engine and run till it stops.
• Attempt to restart engine and run till it stops, repeat till engine does not restart.
• Dispose of gasoline properly. Recycle per local codes. (Shops that work on small engines or automobiles will typically take old fuel for a small fee)
• Do not store stabilized gasoline over 90 days.

Engine:

4-Cycle

• Remove spark plug and put about one tablespoon of oil through the spark plug hole
• Slowly pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil.
• Replace spark plug but DO NOT connect spark plug wire.

2-Cycle

• Slowly pull recoil starter until resistance is felt due to compression, then stop.
• Release starter tension slowly to prevent engine from reversing due to compression pressure. This position closes both the intake and exhaust ports to prevent outside entry, which can result in corrosion of the cylinder bore.

Store in a cool dry place, but NOT near a stove, furnace or water heater which uses a pilot light or any device that may create a spark.

For Recycler® and Super Recycler® mowers:

Recommended Oil type for Toro Walk Behind Mowers, 4-Cycle engines - SAE 30W Detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

• 
  
• Run the engine for five minutes to warm the oil so it drains better. (Recommend only filling fuel tank with enough gas to run for five minutes before changing oil.)
• Remove the dipstick.
• Tip the mower onto its side (air filter side up) to drain the used oil out through the oil fill tube into a drain pan. (Tipping the machine on its side is the recommended method by engine manufacturers.)
• Let oil drain completely.
• Tip the mower back up on its wheels and slowly pour new oil into the oil fill tube until oil level reaches the FULL line on the dipstick.  (To properly check the oil level , wait one or two minutes after filling the engine with oil to allow it to settle.  Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert dipstick, remove dipstick and check oil level, repeat the process a second time.)
• Important Do Not overfill - If you overfill the engine with oil you will need to remove the excess oil by following the oil draining  steps listed above.   Too much oil can cause engine damage or failure. 

For complete step-by-step instructions, please consult your Owner's Manual or view our interactive smart manual by selecting your model number from the list below.

• 22" Toro Recycler® Mower
• Super Recycler® Model 20053 - 20058
• Troubleshooting Guide for Starting

See Also:

• Advanced Search -  Try our Advanced Search feature to help determine your machines Model number. 
• Authoirzed Service Dealer - Not comfortable doing the maintenance yourself? Contact your local authorized service dealer for assistance.

Directions for Lubricating the wheel gears may vary from model to model and within model years.  It is important to know what type of mower you own to perform the required maintence of the wheel gears.   (Note: Not all models require lubricating the wheel gears.)

Step by step instructions can be found in your Owner's Manual or you can view our Interactive Manuals on how to lubricate the wheel gears online.  Just click on the type of  mower you own below.  

Interactive Manuals:

• All 22" Recycler Mower
• Super Recycler - Models 20053 - 20058 

See also:

• Advanced Search - Don't know your model number?  Try our Advanced earch feature to help you determine your model number.

Replacement parts are available from an Authorized Service Dealer or at www.ToroDealer.com.

Directions for Lubricating the wheel gears may vary from model to model and within model years.  It is important to know what type of mower you own to perform the required maintence of the wheel gears.   (Note: Not all models require lubricating the wheel gears.)

Step by step instructions can be found in your Owner's Manual or you can view our Interactive Manuals on how to lubricate the wheel gears online.  Just click on the type of  mower you own below.  

Interactive Manuals:

• All 22" Recycler Mower
• Super Recycler - Models 20053 - 20058 

See also:

• Advanced Search - Don't know your model number?  Try our Advanced earch feature to help you determine your model number.

Replacement parts are available from an Authorized Service Dealer or at www.ToroDealer.com.

Maintenance schedules vary by model. We recommend that you consult your Toro owner's manual. To request or view an Owner's Manual, click here.

View our online interactive manual maintenance schedule for the All 22" Recycler® mowers and the Super Recycler® - Model 20053 - 20058.

How do I properly store my Toro mower?

See your operator's manual for further details on performing any of the maintenance mentioned below. Click here, to obtain an Operator's manuals and parts lists can be down loaded for free. Click here to locate an Authorized Toro Service Dealer.

If you're planning to do your own maintenance, or just want to see what we recommend, please read the following tips which will help you be ready for spring.

Here is a list of basic maintenance procedures: (refer to your owner's manual for more specific information on your model)

• Check the blade and engine mounting fasteners making sure they are all tight.
• Clean/replace air filter
• Drain and refill engine crankcase with fresh oil. Start engine to allow engine oil to warm up. (4-Cycle models)  
• Clean built-up grass clippings and dirt
• Clean grass clippings and debris under belt cover and drive belt (self-propelled models)
• Grease rear height adjuster brackets (self propelled models)
• Sharpen or replace blade

Fuel System Preparation:

• Add Toro Fuel Stabilizer to the fuel in the tank.
• Run engine to distribute stabilized fuel through the system.
• Stop engine, allow to cool properly, drain fuel tank or run dry.
• Restart engine and run till it stops.
• Attempt to restart engine and run till it stops, repeat till engine does not restart.
• Dispose of gasoline properly. Recycle per local codes. (Shops that work on small engines or automobiles will typically take old fuel for a small fee)
• Do not store stabilized gasoline over 90 days.

Engine:

4-Cycle

• Remove spark plug and put about one tablespoon of oil through the spark plug hole
• Slowly pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil.
• Replace spark plug but DO NOT connect spark plug wire.

2-Cycle

• Slowly pull recoil starter until resistance is felt due to compression, then stop.
• Release starter tension slowly to prevent engine from reversing due to compression pressure. This position closes both the intake and exhaust ports to prevent outside entry, which can result in corrosion of the cylinder bore.

Store in a cool dry place, but NOT near a stove, furnace or water heater which uses a pilot light or any device that may create a spark.

4-Cycle Engines (Oil and Gas Separate):

• Remove spark plug and add about one tablespoon of oil through spark plug hole.
• Slowly rotate engine several times using starter rope or key starter to distribute oil. Reinstall spark plug, but do not connect spark plug wire.

2-Cycle Engines (Oil and Gas Mixture):

• Slowly pull recoil starter until resistance is felt due to compression pressure, then stop.
• Release starter tension slowly to prevent engine from reversing due to compression pressure.
• This position closes both the intake and exhaust ports to prevent outside air entry, which can result in corrosion of the cylinder bore.

Engine Service Manuals are available on most of our popular products.  You can view or download these service manuals through our Product Center using the model and serial number of your machine.

See Also:

Advanced Search - Try using our Advanced Search feature to determine you machines model and serial number.

To obtain the best quality of cut:

• Make sure the blade is sharp (for best results, replace or sharpen yearly or when needed).
• Operate the machine at full throttle.
• Cut only 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.
• Mow only dry grass or leaves.

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

• Walk at slower pace while mowing.
• Raise the cutting height on your mower.
• Cut the grass more frequently
• Overlap the cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.
• Set the cutting height on the front wheels one notch lower than the rear wheels. (For example, set the front wheels at 2 inches and the rear wheels at 2 3/8 inches.)
• Alternate mowing direction to keep the grass standing straight - this helps disperse clippings, which enhances decomposition and fertilization.
• Clean the clippings and dirt from the underside of the mower after each use. (Grass build up inside the mower will affect cutting quality.)

For additional tips, view our online interactive manual for more information on obtaining the best quality of cut.

The rear of the grass bag is two layers thick to stop any foreign objects that the mower might pick up. However, some dirt and sand will go through the first layer. This is why we have intentionally left one side of the inner layer unsewn - leaving one side of this layer open allows the dirt to fall out when the bag is emptied.

We have heard reports of clippings leaking from the sides of the bag.  In the upper corners of the bag, there is a small plastic flap that will close off any gaps. When installed correctly, air pressure pushes the flap out to the frame and closes off the opening.

If the bag is assembled with the flap on the outside, the air pressure will blow the flap open and clippings can escape. The flap is large enough so that if installed inside it will stay there. Simply push the flap inside the frame.

Why does the grass fall out of the bag?

• If the bag is improperly mounted the hooks will not properly engage the mower. This bag should NOT rest on the handle cross bar. If it does the bottom of the bag will not fill up to the chassis and grass will fall out.
• When the bag is properly mounted it sets below the handle cross bar and will fit up to the mower housing correctly
• Bag frame may be bent.  (See your local Authorized Service Dealer for assistance)

With only a few exceptions, an optional bagger attachment is available for your mower. For availability and pricing information, please contact your local Authorized Service Dealer.

NOTICE!  For best performance, use only a Toro 36 –volt charger (part no. 119-0269).

 

It takes approximately 16 hours to charge a fully discharged battery.  Fully charge the battery before the first mowing of the season, after every use, and before off-season storage.  Failing to charge the battery after every use shortens the battery life.  Charge the battery even if you run the mower only a few minutes.

 

Note:  The battery is charged at the factory.  However, before using the mower for the first time, charge the battery and ensure that it has a full charge before operating.

Your battery charger has a two-color LED display that indicates the following states of charging:

• A red light indicates that the charger is charging the battery.
  
• A green light indicates that the battery is fully charged; the charger is trickle-charging the battery to maintain the battery charge.

 

NOTICE!  This mower has a battery charger that checks the charge state of the battery only when necessary.  Toro recommends that you unplug the charger from the wall outlet after 24 hours of charging, though you may leave the charger plugged into the mower longer without harming the system.  During the non-mowing season, you can unplug and store the mower for up to three months if the battery is fully charged and the mower is stored in a cold, dry place.

The battery charger is only needed to recharge the battery.  It is not used for mowing with the mower.

If the mower is run under too much load, the circuit breaker will trip.  Follow these instructions to reset the circuit breaker.

 

NOTICE!  Never reset the circuit breaker when the key is in the receptacle and the control lever is squeezed to the handle.

1. Remove the key from the receptacle.
2. Wait 30 seconds, and then push in the circuit breaker button.
3. Install the key in the plug receptacle.
4. Resume cutting under a lighter load.

 

Note:   If the circuit breaker repeatedly trips, raise the cutting height, use the grass bag, use the optional side discharge cute, or clean under the deck.



With the battery-powered mower, the conditions of the grass and the way that you mow will effect how long the battery will run on a single charge at each mowing.

 

The following are some things that will affect the battery run time:

• Moisture content of the grass – The more moisture there is in the grass, the faster the battery will run down.
• Walking/mowing speed – the faster you walk, the faster the battery will run down.
• Mode of operation – Mulching the grass requires the most battery energy.  Bagging requires the second highest amount of battery energy and side discharging uses the least.
• Cutting height - If the battery is running down too fast, raise the cutting height one notch.

Before cleaning the mower, stop the motor, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the key from the plug receptacle.

 

 

NOTICE!  Do not spray or pour water in the mower when cleaning.  Moisture can get trapped in the mower and cause corrosion of internal parts.

 

Cleaning after Each Use

• Clean the underside of the mower housing.  Be particularly careful to keep the front cavity clear of all grass clippings and debris.  Remove dirt and grass clippings with a hardwood scraper.  Avoid burrs and sharp edges.
  

• Brush all grass clippings and debris off the top of the mower housing after every use.

 

Cleaning after Each Season

• Remove the top shroud and clean out any grass clippings and debris from underneath it and around the battery with compressed air, a vacuum cleaner, or a brush.

 

NOTICE!  Do not use metal objects to clean around the battery.  If metal objects contact the positive and negative posts at the same time, this may short out the battery.  The battery or the conductor may overheat and cause burns.

• Check for any discoloration or charred wires and battery and switch contacts.  If any are damaged, contact an Authorized Service Dealer for repair.
  

Store the mower in cold clean and dry place such as an unheated garage.  Do not store a battery-powered mower in a warm basement.  Cover the lawnmower to keep it clean and protected.

• Clean the mower housing.  Refer to How to clean the mower housing.
  
• Remove grass clippings, dirt, grime from external parts of the shrouding and the top of the mower housing.
  
• Check the condition of the blade.  Refer to your Owner’s Manual for Maintaining the Blade.
  
• Tighten all loose nuts, bolts, and screws.

Toro designed the mower to mulch grass when the mulch door is completely closed.  For the best cutting results and lawn appearance, follow these instructions whether cutting grass or leaves.

• Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season. 
• Only mow dry grass or leaves.  Wet grass or leaves tend to clump on the yard and may cause the mower to plug up or the motor to stall.
• Clean the clippings or leaves from the underside of the mower deck after each mowing.  Use a wooden tool, not a metal one.
• Do not cut below the 2 ½ inch setting unless the grass is sparse, or is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down.  When changing the cutting height from an established setting to a higher cutting height, the grass may appear ragged or uneven until the grass adjusts to the new established cutting height and regains its normal appearance.
• Alternate the mowing direction.  This helps to disperse the clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.

 

If the finished cut lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try one or more of the following:

• Sharpen the blade.
• Walk at a slower pace while mowing.
• Raise the cutting height on your mower.
• Cut the grass more frequently.
• Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.
• Set the cutting height on the front wheels one notch lower than that of the rear wheels.  For example, set the front wheels at 2 ½ inch setting and the rear wheels at 3 inch setting.