53cm Recycler Lawn Mower

Toro 53cm Recycler Lawn Mower User manual

  • Hello! I am an AI chatbot trained to assist you with the Toro 53cm Recycler Lawn Mower User manual. I’ve already reviewed the document and can help you find the information you need or explain it in simple terms. Just ask your questions, and providing more details will help me assist you more effectively!
  • What safety precautions should be taken when using the lawn mower?
    How should the lawn mower be prepared for use?
    What are the general safety guidelines for operating the lawn mower?
    How should the lawn mower be maintained?
    What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the lawn mower?
FormNo.3367-669RevA
53cmRecycler
®
LawnMower
ModelNo.20998—SerialNo.311000001andUp
ModelNo.20999—SerialNo.311000001andUp
Operator'sManual
Introduction
Thisrotary-blade,walk-behindlawnmoweris
intendedtobeusedbyresidentialhomeowners.
Itisdesignedprimarilyforcuttinggrasson
well-maintainedlawnsonresidentialproperties.It
isnotdesignedforcuttingbrushorforagricultural
uses.
Readthisinformationcarefullytolearnhowtooperate
andmaintainyourproductproperlyandtoavoidinjury
andproductdamage.Youareresponsibleforoperating
theproductproperlyandsafely.
YoumaycontactTorodirectlyatwww .Toro.comfor
productandaccessoryinformation,helpndinga
dealer,ortoregisteryourproduct.
Wheneveryouneedservice,genuineToroparts,or
additionalinformation,contactanAuthorizedService
DealerorToroCustomerServiceandhavethemodel
andserialnumbersofyourproductready.
Figure1
identiesthelocationofthemodelandserialnumbers
ontheproduct.
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberplate
Writetheproductmodelandserialnumbersinthespace
below:
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
Thismanualidentiespotentialhazardsandhas
safetymessagesidentiedbythesafetyalertsymbol
(
Figure2),whichsignalsahazardthatmaycauseserious
injuryordeathifyoudonotfollowtherecommended
precautions.
Figure2
1.Safetyalertsymbol
Thismanualusestwowordstohighlightinformation.
Importantcallsattentiontospecialmechanical
informationandNoteemphasizesgeneralinformation
worthyofspecialattention.
ThisproductcomplieswithallrelevantEuropean
directives.Fordetails,seetheseparateproductspecic
DeclarationofConformity(DOC)sheet.
Formodelswithstatedenginehorsepower,thegross
horsepoweroftheenginewaslaboratoryratedbythe
enginemanufacturerinaccordancewithSAEJ1940.
Asconguredtomeetsafety,emission,andoperating
requirements,theactualenginehorsepoweronthisclass
oflawnmowerwillbesignicantlylower.
Donottamperwiththeenginecontrolsoralterthe
governorspeed;doingsomaycreateanunsafecondition
resultinginpersonalinjury.
Safety
Improperlyusingormaintainingthismowercan
resultininjury.Toreducethepotentialforinjury,
complywiththesesafetyinstructions.
Torodesignedandtestedthismowerforreasonablysafe
service;however,failuretocomplywiththefollowing
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.
Toensuremaximumsafety,bestperformance,and
togainknowledgeoftheproduct,itisessential
thatyouandanyotheroperatorofthemowerread
andunderstandthecontentsofthismanualbefore
theengineiseverstarted.Payparticularattention
tothesafetyalertsymbol(
Figure2)whichmeans
Caution,Warning,orDanger—“personalsafety
©2010—TheToro®Company
8111LyndaleAvenueSouth
Bloomington,MN55420
Registeratwww.Toro.com.
OriginalInstructions(EN)
PrintedintheUSA
AllRightsReserved
instruction.”Readandunderstandtheinstruction
becauseithastodowithsafety.Failuretocomply
withtheinstructionmayresultinpersonalinjury.
GeneralLawnMowerSafety
ThefollowinginstructionshavebeenadaptedfromEN
836.
Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghands
andfeetandthrowingobjects.Failuretoobservethe
followingsafetyinstructionscouldresultinserious
injuryordeath.
Training
Readtheinstructionscarefully.Befamiliarwiththe
controlsandtheproperuseoftheequipment.
Neverallowchildrenorpeopleunfamiliarwiththese
instructionstousethemower.Localregulationscan
restricttheageoftheoperator.
Keepinmindthattheoperatororuserisresponsible
foraccidentsorhazardsoccurringtootherpeopleor
theirproperty.
Understandexplanationsforallpictogramsusedon
themowerorintheinstructions.
Gasoline
WARNING-Gasolineishighlyammable.Takethe
followingprecautions.
Storefuelincontainersspecicallydesignedforthis
purpose.
Refueloutdoorsonlyanddonotsmokewhile
refueling.
Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Neverremove
thecapofthefueltankoradgasolinewhilethe
engineisrunningorwhentheengineishot.
Ifgasolineisspilled,donotattempttostartthe
enginebutmovethemowerawayfromtheareaof
spillageandavoidcreatinganysourceofignition
untilgasolinevaporshavedissipated.
Replaceallfueltankandcontainercapssecurely.
Preparation
Whilemowing,alwayswearsubstantialfootwearand
longtrousers.Donotoperatetheequipmentwhen
barefootorwearingopensandals.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis
tobeusedandremoveallstones,sticks,wires,bones
andotherforeignobjects.
Beforeusing,alwaysvisuallyinspecttoseethat
guards,andsafetydevices,suchasdeectorsand/or
grasscatchers,areinplaceandworkingcorrectly.
Beforeusing,alwaysvisuallyinspecttoseethatthe
blades,bladeboltsandcutterassemblyarenotworn
ordamaged.Replacewornordamagedbladesand
boltsinsetstopreservebalance.
Starting
Donottiltmowerwhenstartingtheengineunless
themowerhastobetiltedforstarting.Inthiscase,
donottiltitmorethanabsolutelynecessaryandlift
onlythepart,whichisawayfromtheoperator.
Starttheenginecarefullyaccordingtoinstructions
andwithfeetwellawayfromtheblade(s)andnotin
frontofthedischargechute.
Operation
Nevermowwhilepeople,especiallychildren,orpets
arenearby.
Mowonlyindaylightoringoodarticiallight.
Stayalertforholesintheterrainandotherhidden
hazards.
Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunderrotatingparts.
Keepclearofthedischargeopeningatalltimes.
Neverpickuporcarryalawnmowerwhilethe
engineisrunning.
Useextremecautionwhenreversingorpullinga
pedestriancontrolledlawnmowertowardsyou.
Walk,neverrun.
Slopes:
Donotmowexcessivelysteepslopes.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenonslopes.
Mowacrossthefaceofslopes,neverupand
downandexerciseextremecautionwhen
changingdirectiononslopes.
Alwaysbesureofyourfootingonslopes.
Uselowthrottlesettingswhenengagingthe
traction-clutch,especiallyinhighgears.Reduce
speedonslopesandinsharpturnstoprevent
overturningorlossofcontrol.
Stopthebladeifthelawnmowerhastobetiltedfor
transportationwhencrossingsurfacesotherthan
grassandwhentransportingthelawnmowertoand
fromtheareatobemowed.
Donotoperatetheengineinaconnedspacewhere
dangerouscarbonmonoxidefumescancollect.
Stoptheengine
wheneveryouleavethelawnmower.
2
beforerefueling.
beforeremovingthegrasscatcher.
beforemakingheightadjustmentunless
adjustmentcanbemadefromtheoperator’s
position.
Stoptheengineanddisconnectthespark-plugwire.
beforeclearingblockagesoruncloggingchute.
beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthelawn
mower.
afterstrikingaforeignobject,inspectthelawn
mowerfordamageandmakerepairsbefore
restartingandoperatingthelawnmower.
iflawnmowerstartstovibrateabnormally(check
immediately).
Lightningcancausesevereinjuryordeath.Ifyousee
lightningorhearthunderinthearea,donotoperate
themachine;seekshelter.
Watchoutfortrafcwhencrossingornearroadways.
MaintenanceandStorage
Keepallnuts,boltsandscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.
Donotusepressurecleaningequipmentonmachine.
Neverstoretheequipmentwithgasolineinthetank
andinsideabuildingwherefumescanreachanopen
ameorspark.
Allowtheenginetocoolbeforestoringinany
enclosure.
Toreducetherehazard,keeptheengine,silencer,
batterycompartmentandgasolinestorageareafree
ofgrass,leaves,orexcessivegrease.
Checkgrasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
guardfrequentlyandreplacewithmanufacturer’s
recommendedparts,whennecessary.
Replacewornordamagedpartsforsafety.
Replacefaultysilencers.
Ifthefueltankhastobedrained,dothisout-doors.
Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
overspeedtheengine.Operatinganengineat
excessivespeedcanincreasethehazardofpersonal
injury.
Onmultibladedlawnmowers,takecareasrotating
oneblademaycauseotherstorotate.
Becarefulduringadjustmentofthelawnmowerto
prevententrapmentofthengersbetweenmoving
bladesandxedpartsofthelawnmower.
Toensurethebestperformanceandsafety,
purchaseonlygenuineTororeplacementparts
andaccessories.Donotuse
will t
partsand
accessories;theymaycauseasafetyhazard.
SoundPressure
Thisunithasasoundpressurelevelattheoperator’s
earof89dBA,whichincludesanUncertaintyValue(K)
of1dBA.Thesoundpressurelevelwasdetermined
accordingtotheproceduresoutlinedinEN836.
SoundPower
Thisunithasaguaranteedsoundpowerlevelof98dBA,
whichincludesanUncertaintyValue(K)of1dBA.The
soundpowerlevelwasdeterminedaccordingtothe
proceduresoutlinedinISO11094.
Hand-ArmVibration
Measuredvibrationlevelforthelefthand=6.6m/s
2
Measuredvibrationlevelfortherighthand=7.9m/s
2
UncertaintyValue(K)=3.1m/s
2
.
Themeasuredvaluesweredeterminedaccordingtothe
proceduresoutlinedinEN836.
3
SafetyandInstructionalDecals
Important:Safetyandinstructiondecalsarelocatednearareasofpotentialdanger.Replacedamaged
decals.
ManufacturersMark
1.Indicatesthebladeisidentiedasapartfromtheoriginal
machinemanufacturer.
108-7450
1.Heightofcut
108-7451
1.Heightofcut
110-9457
1.EngineswitchOff
3.Unlocked
2.EngineswitchOn
4.Locked
112-8760
1.Thrownobjecthazard—keepbystandersasafedistance
fromthemachine.
2.Cutting/dismembermentofhandorfoot—stayawayfrom
movingparts.
114-2820
1.Warning—readthe
Operator’sManual.
4.Cutting/dismemberment
hazardofhandorfoot,
mowerblade—stayaway
frommovingparts.
2.Thrownobject
hazard—keepbystanders
asafedistancefromthe
machine.
5.Cutting/dismemberment
hazardofhandorfoot,
mowerblade—remove
theignitionkeyandread
theinstructionsbefore
servicingorperforming
maintenance.
3.Thrownobjecthazard—do
notoperatethemower
withoutthereardischarge
plugorbaginplace;do
notoperatethemower
withoutthesidedischarge
coverordeectorinplace.
6.Cutting/dismemberment
hazardofhandorfoot,
mowerblade—donot
operateupanddown
slopes;operatesideto
sideonslopes;stopthe
enginebeforeleavingthe
operatingposition;and
lookbehindyouwhen
backingup.
4
117-5918
1.Fast
3.Slow
2.Continuousvariable
setting
Setup
Important:Removeanddiscardtheprotective
plasticsheetthatcoverstheengine.
1
UnfoldingtheHandle
NoPartsRequired
Procedure
1.Unfoldthehandleasillustratedin
Figure3and
Figure4.
Figure3
Model20998shown
Figure4
Model20998shown
2.Tightenallhandleknobs.
5
3.Movetheupperhandletothedesiredpositionand
tightentheupperhandleknobrmly(model20999
only)(Figure5).
Figure5
2
FillingtheEnginewithOil
NoPartsRequired
Procedure
Important:Yourmowerdoesnotcomewithoil
intheengine.
1.Removethedipstick(
Figure6).
Figure6
2.Slowlypouroilintotheoillltubeuntiltheoil
levelreachestheFulllineonthedipstick(
Figure6).
Donotoverll.(Max.ll:20oz.,type:SAE30
detergentoilwithanAPIserviceclassicationofSF,
SG,SH,SJ,SL,orhigher.)
Note:Ifyouoverlltheengine,poursomeoilout
ofitasdirectedinChangingtheEngineOil.
3.Installthedipsticksecurely.
Important:
Change the engine oil after the r st
5 operating hour s
;changeityearlythereafter.
RefertoChangingtheEngineOil.
3
InstalltheRecyclePlugor
GrassBag
NoPartsRequired
Procedure
Youmustcorrectlyinstalltherecycleplug(forrecycling
orside-discharging)orgrassbag(forbagging)orthe
enginewillnotstart.
Themowerhasasafetyswitch,locatedatthebottom
ofachannelonthetop,rightrearofthemower,that
preventsthemowerfromoperatingwithoutarecycle
plugorgrassbag.Thispreventsthemowerfrom
throwingdebrisattheoperatorthroughtherearchute.
Fortheswitchtodetectthepresenceoftherecycleplug,
thetopoftherecyclepluglevermustliefullyinthe
bottomofthechannel(
Figure7).
Figure7
1.Topofrecycleplugleverinswitchchannel
1.Inserttherecycleplugintothemower,ifitisnt
alreadyinstalled(Figure8).
6
Figure8
2.Squeezethebuttonontheleverwithyourthumb
andfullyinserttherecycleplugintotheopening
(
Figure9).
Figure9
3.Releasethebuttonontheleverandensurethatthe
topoftheleverisliesfullyintheswitchchannel
(Figure10).Ifthetopoftheleverisnotinthe
switchchannel,yourmowerwillnotstart!
Figure10
Note:Iftheleverdoesnotlatchproperly,
disconnectthewirefromthesparkplugandcheck
forandremoveanydebrisbuildupinthetunnel.
7
ProductOverview
Figure11
Model20998
1.Cuttingheightlever(4)
6.Upperhandle
2.Oilll/Dipstick7.Self-propeldrivebar
3.Upperhandleknob8.Fueltankcap
4.Recoilstarthandle
9.Airlter
5.Bladecontrolbar
10.Sparkplug
Figure12
Model20999
1.Cuttingheightlever(4)
6.Upperhandleknob
2.Oilll/Dipstick
7.Fueltankcap
3.Recoilstarthandle
8.Airlter
4.Bladecontrolbar
9.Sparkplug
5.Upperhandle
Figure13
1.Grassbag3.Recycleplug(installed)
2.Sidedischargechute
Specications
ModelWeightLengthWidthHeight
2099876lb
(34kg)
57in
(145cm)
22in
(56cm)
39in
(99cm)
2099984lb
(38kg)
62in
(157cm)
22in
(56cm)
44in
(112cm)
8
Operation
FillingtheFuelTank
DANGER
Gasolineisextremelyammableandexplosive.A
reorexplosionfromgasolinecanburnyouand
others.
Topreventastaticchargefromignitingthe
gasoline,placethecontainerand/ormower
directlyonthegroundbeforelling,notina
vehicleoronanobject.
Fillthetankoutdoorswhentheengineiscold.
Wipeupspills.
Donothandlegasolinewhensmokingoraround
anopenameorsparks.
Storegasolineinanapprovedfuelcontainer,out
ofthereachofchildren.
Fillthefueltankwithfreshunleadedregulargasoline
fromamajorname-brandservicestation(Figure14).
Important:Toreducestartingproblems,add
fuelstabilizertothefuelallseason,mixingitwith
gasolinelessthan30daysold.
Figure14
1.1/2inch(1cm)
CheckingtheEngineOilLevel
ServiceInterval:Beforeeachuseordaily
1.Removethedipstick,wipeitclean,andfullyinstall
thedipstick(
Figure15).
Figure15
2.Removethedipstickandchecktheoillevel
(Figure15).IftheoillevelisbelowtheAddmarkon
thedipstick,slowlypouroilintotheoillltubeto
raisetheoilleveltotheFullmarkonthedipstick.
Donotoverll.(Max.ll:20oz.,type:SAE30
detergentoilwithanAPIserviceclassicationofSF,
SG,SH,SJ,SL,orhigher.)
3.Installthedipsticksecurely.
AdjustingtheCuttingHeight
WARNING
Adjustingthecuttingheightmaybringyouinto
contactwiththemovingblade,causingserious
injury.
Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
Donotputyourngersunderthehousingwhen
adjustingthecuttingheight.
CAUTION
Iftheenginehasbeenrunning,themuferwillbe
hotandcanseverelyburnyou.Keepawayfromthe
hotmufer.
Adjustthecuttingheightasdesired.Setallfourwheels
tothesameheight.
Note:Toraisethemower,moveall4cuttingheight
leversforward;tolowerthemower,movethemall
rearward(
Figure16).
9
Figure16
Note:Thecuttingheightsettingsare1inch(25mm);
1-1/2inches(38mm);2inches(51mm);2-1/2inches
(64mm);3inches(76mm);3-1/2inches(89mm);4
inches(102mm);and4-1/2inches(114mm).
AdjustingtheUpperHandle
Height
Model20999only
Youmayraiseorlowertheupperhandletoaposition
comfortableforyou.
Note:Youcannotraisetheupperhandlehigherthan
theangleofthelowerhandle.
1.Loosentheupperhandleknob(
Figure17).
Figure17
2.Movetheupperhandletothedesiredposition
(Figure18).
Figure18
3.Tightentheupperhandleknobrmly(Figure19).
Figure19
StartingtheEngine
Important:Themowerhasasafetyswitchthat
preventsyoufromstartingthemowerunlessyou
rstinstalltherecycleplugorthegrassbagsecurely
onthemower.
1.Installtherecycleplug(
Figure20)orthegrassbag
(Figure21)onthemower.
10
Figure20
Figure21
2.Holdthebladecontrolbaragainstthehandleand
pulltherecoilstarter(
Figure22orFigure23).
Figure22
Model20998only
1.Bladecontrolbar
Figure23
Model20999only
1.Bladecontrolbar
Note:Ifthemowerstilldoesnotstart,contactan
AuthorizedServiceDealer.
UsingtheSelf-propelDrive
Model20998only
Tooperatetheself-propeldrive,squeezetheself-propel
drivebar(Figure24)towardthehandleandholdit.
Figure24
1.Self-propeldrivebar
Todisengagetheself-propeldrive,releasetheself-propel
drivebar.
Note:Themaximumself-propelgroundspeedisxed.
Toreducethegroundspeed,increasethespacebetween
theself-propeldrivebarandthehandle.
UsingtheSelf-propelDrive
Model20999only
Tooperatetheself-propeldrive,simplywalkwithyour
handsontheupperhandleandyourelbowsatyour
sides,andthemowerwillautomaticallykeeppacewith
you(
Figure25andFigure26).
11
Figure25
Figure26
Note:Ifthemowerdoesnotfreelyrollbackward
afterself-propelling,stopwalking,holdyourhandsin
place,andallowthemowertorollacoupleofinches
(centimeters)forwardtodisengagethewheeldrive.You
canalsotryreachingjustunderthepersonalpacehandle
tothemetalhandleandpushthemowerforwarda
coupleofinches(centimeters).Ifthemowerstilldoes
notrollbackwardeasily,contactanAuthorizedService
Dealer.
StoppingtheEngine
ServiceInterval:Beforeeachuseordaily—Ensurethat
theenginestopswithin3seconds
afterreleasingthebladecontrolbar.
Tostoptheengine,releasethebladecontrolbar
(Figure27).
Important:Whenyoureleasethebladecontrol
bar,boththeengineandbladeshouldstopwithin
3seconds.Iftheydonotstopproperly,stopusing
yourmowerimmediatelyandcontactanAuthorized
ServiceDealer.
Figure27
Model20999shown
RecyclingtheClippings
Yourmowercomesfromthefactoryreadytorecyclethe
grassandleafclippingsbackintothelawn.
Ifthegrassbagisonthemower,removeit(referto
RemovingtheGrassBag)beforerecyclingtheclippings.
Ifthesidedischargechuteisonthemower,removeit
andlockthesidedischargedoor(refertoRemovingthe
SideDischargeChute)beforerecyclingtheclippings.
Important:Themowerhasasafetyswitchthat
preventsyoufromstartingthemowerunlessyou
rstinstalltherecycleplugsecurelyonthemower
(
Figure28).
Figure28
1.Topofrecycleplugleverinswitchchannel
BaggingtheClippings
Usethegrassbagwhenyouwanttocollectgrassand
leafclippingsfromthelawn.
12
Ifthesidedischargechuteisonthemower,removeit
andlockthesidedischargedoor(refertoRemovingthe
SideDischargeChute)beforebaggingtheclippings.
WARNING
Thebladeissharp;contactingthebladecanresult
inseriouspersonalinjury.
Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartstostop
beforeleavingtheoperatingposition.
InstallingtheGrassBag
1.Removetherecycleplug(Figure29).
Figure29
2.Routethestarterropearoundthelowerropeguide
(
Figure30).
Figure30
Note:Thelowerropeguidereleasesthestarterrope
whenyoupulltherecoilstarthandle.
3.Insertthegrassbaghandleintothegroovesatthe
topofthemower(Figure31).
Important:Themowerhasasafetyswitchthat
preventsyoufromstartingthemowerunlessyou
rstinstallthegrassbagsecurelyonthemower.
Figure31
RemovingtheGrassBag
1.Routethestarterropearoundthelowerropeguide
(Figure32).
Figure32
2.Liftthegrassbaghandleoutfromthegroovesat
thetopofthemowerandremovethebagfromthe
mower(
Figure33).
Figure33
3.Inserttherecycleplug(Figure34.
13
Figure34
Side-dischargingtheClippings
Usethesidedischargeforcuttingverytallgrass.
Ifthebagisonthemower,removeitandinsertthe
recycleplug(refertoRemovingtheGrassBag)before
side-dischargingtheclippings.
Important:Themowerhasasafetyswitchthat
preventsyoufromstartingthemowerunlessyou
rstinstalltherecycleplugsecurelyonthemower
(refertoRecyclingtheClippings).
InstallingtheSideDischargeChute
1.Unlockthesidedischargedoor(Figure35).
Figure35
2.Liftopenthesidedischargedoor(Figure36).
Figure36
3.Installthesidedischargechuteandclosethedoor
ontothechute(
Figure37).
Figure37
RemovingtheSideDischargeChute
Toremovethesidedischargechute,reversethesteps
above.
Important:Lockthesidedischargedoorafteryou
closeit(Figure38).
Figure38
OperatingTips
GeneralMowingTips
Cleartheareaofsticks,stones,wire,branches,and
otherdebristhatthebladecouldhit.
Avoidstrikingsolidobjectswiththeblade.Never
deliberatelymowoveranyobject.
14
Ifthemowerstrikesanobjectorstartstovibrate,
immediatelystoptheengine,disconnectthewire
fromthesparkplug,andexaminethemowerfor
damage.
Forbestperformance,installanewbladebeforethe
cuttingseasonbegins.
ReplacethebladewhennecessarywithaToro
replacementblade.
CuttingGrass
Cutonlyaboutathirdofthegrassbladeatatime.
Donotcutbelowthe2inch(51mm)settingunless
thegrassissparseoritislatefallwhengrassgrowth
beginstoslowdown.RefertoAdjustingtheCutting
Height.
Whencuttinggrassover6inches(15cm)tall,mow
atthehighestcuttingheightsettingandwalkslower;
thenmowagainatalowersettingforthebestlawn
appearance.Ifthegrassistoolong,themowermay
plugandcausetheenginetostall.
Mowonlydrygrassorleaves.Wetgrassandleaves
tendtoclumpontheyardandcancausethemower
toplugortheenginetostall.
WARNING
Wetgrassorleavescancauseseriousinjuryif
youslipandcontacttheblade.Mowonlyindry
conditions.
Alternatethemowingdirection.Thishelpsdisperse
theclippingsoverthelawnforevenfertilization.
Ifthenishedlawnappearanceisunsatisfactory,try
oneormoreofthefollowing:
Replacethebladeorhaveitsharpened.
Walkataslowerpacewhilemowing.
Raisethecuttingheightonyourmower.
Cutthegrassmorefrequently.
Overlapcuttingswathsinsteadofcuttingafull
swathwitheachpass.
Setthecuttingheightonthefrontwheelsone
notchlowerthantherearwheels.Forexample,
setthefrontwheelsat2inches(51mm)andthe
rearwheelsat2-1/2inches(64mm).
CuttingLeaves
Aftercuttingthelawn,ensurethathalfofthelawn
showsthroughthecutleafcover.Youmayneedto
makemorethanonepassovertheleaves.
Iftherearemorethan5inches(13cm)ofleaves
onthelawn,setthefrontcuttingheightoneortwo
notcheshigherthantherearcuttingheight.
Slowdownyourmowingspeedifthemowerdoes
notcuttheleavesnelyenough.
Maintenance
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthemachinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)
MaintenanceService
Interval
MaintenanceProcedure
Aftertherst5hours
Changetheengineoil.
Beforeeachuseordaily
Checktheengineoillevel.
Ensurethattheenginestopswithin3secondsafterreleasingthebladecontrolbar.
Cleangrassclippingsanddirtfromunderthemower.
Every25hours
Replacetheairlter;replaceitmorefrequentlyindustyoperatingconditions.
Beforestorage
Emptythefueltankbeforerepairsasdirectedandbeforeannualstorage.
Yearly
Changetheengineoil.
Lubricatethewheelgears.
Lubricatetheupperhandle.
Replacethebladeorhaveitsharpened(morefrequentlyiftheedgedullsquickly).
RefertoyourEngineOperator’sManualforanyadditionalyearlymaintenance
procedures.
Important:Refertoyour
Engine Operator’ s Man ual
foradditionalmaintenanceprocedures.
15
PreparingforMaintenance
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartstostop.
2.Disconnectthesparkplugwirefromthesparkplug
(Figure39)beforeperforminganymaintenance
procedure.
Figure39
3.Afterperformingthemaintenanceprocedure(s),
connectthesparkplugwiretothesparkplug.
Important:Beforetippingthemowertochange
theoilorreplacetheblade,allowthefueltank
torundrythroughnormalusage.Ifyoumust
tipthemowerpriortorunningoutoffuel,usea
handfuelpumptoremovethefuel.Alwaystip
themowerontoitssidewiththeairlterup.
WARNING
Tippingthemowermaycausethefueltoleak.
Gasolineisammable,explosiveandcancause
personalinjury.
Runtheenginedryorremovethegasolinewith
ahandpump;neversiphon.
ReplacingtheAirFilter
ServiceInterval:Every25hours
Replacetheairlteryearly;replaceitmorefrequently
industyoperatingconditions.RefertoPreparingfor
Maintenance.
1.Useascrewdrivertoopentheairltercover
(Figure40).
Figure40
2.Replacetheairlter(Figure40).
3.Installthecover.
ChangingtheEngineOil
ServiceInterval:Aftertherst5hours
Yearly
Runtheengineafewminutesbeforechangingtheoil
towarmit.Warmoilowsbetterandcarriesmore
contaminants.
1.Performthepre-maintenanceprocedures;referto
PreparingforMaintenance.
2.Removethedipstick(
Figure41).
Figure41
3.Tipthemowerontoitsside,withtheairlterup,
todraintheusedoiloutthroughtheoillltube
(Figure42).
16
Figure42
4.Slowlypouroilintotheoillltubeuntiltheoillevel
reachestheFulllineonthedipstick(Figure41).
Donotoverll.(Max.ll:20oz.,type:SAE30
detergentoilwithanAPIserviceclassicationofSF,
SG,SH,SJ,SL,orhigher.)
5.Installthedipsticksecurely.
6.Disposeoftheusedoilproperlyatalocalrecycling
center.
LubricatingtheWheelGears
ServiceInterval:Yearly
1.Removethewheelboltinthecenterofeachrear
wheelandremovetherearwheels.
2.Applyalubricatingoiltotheinnerandoutersides
ofthegearasshowninFigure43.
Figure43
3.Installtherearwheels.
LubricatingtheUpperHandle
ServiceInterval:Yearly
Model20999only
Lubricatetheleftandrightsidesoftheupperhandle
withalow-viscositysiliconespraylubricantyearlyor
asneeded.
1.Spraytheouterplasticendoftheinnerhandle
(
Figure44).
Figure44
Note:Usethestrawthatcomeswiththespraycan
todirectthespray.
2.Pushtheupperhandlefullydownandspraythe
innerplasticsurfaceoftheouterhandle(
Figure45).
Figure45
AdjustingtheSelf-propelDrive
Cable
Model20998only
Wheneveryouinstallanewself-propelcableorif
theself-propeldriveisoutofadjustment,adjustthe
self-propeldrivecable.
1.Loosenthecablesupportnut(Figure46).
17
Figure46
1.1to1-1/2inches(25to38
mm)
4.Cablesupportnut
2.Self-propeldrivebar5.Cablesupport
3.Cablejacket
2.Holdtheself-propelbail1to1-1/2inches(25to38
mm)fromthehandle(Figure46).
3.Pulldownthecablejacket(towardthemower)until
thereisnoslackinthecable(Figure46).
4.Tightenthenutonthecablesupport.
5.Releasetheself-propeldrivebarandensurethatthe
cableisloose.
Note:Thecablemustbeloosewiththeself-propel
drivebarinthereleasedposition;otherwise,the
mowermaycreepwhenthebarisdisengaged.
AdjustingtheSelf-propelDrive
Model20999only
Ifyourmowerdoesnotself-propelproperly,adjustthe
self-propeldrivecable.
1.Loosenthenutonthecablemount(Figure47).
G009696
1
Figure47
1.Cablemount
2.Pulltheupperhandlebackfullyrearward.
Note:Ifthehandledoesnotmovesmoothly,refer
toLubricatingtheUpperHandle.
3.Pullthecablejacketdownwarduntilyouremovethe
slackintheexposedcable(Figure48).
Figure48
1.Exposedcable
4.Pushthecablejacketupward1/8inch(3mm).
Note:Youcanplacearuleragainsttheupperside
oftheblackcablemountandmeasurehowfarthe
upperendofthecablejacketmoves(Figure49).
18
Figure49
1.Cablemount2.Cablejacket
Note:Movingthecablejacketupwarddecreases
thegroundspeed;movingthejacketdownward
increasesthegroundspeed.
5.Tightenthenutrmly.
6.Startthemowerandchecktheadjustment.
Note:Iftheself-propeldriveisnotproperly
adjusted,repeatthisprocedure.
ReplacingtheBlade
ServiceInterval:Yearly
Important:
Y ou will need a torque wr ench to install
the blade pr oper l y
.Ifyoudonothaveatorque
wrenchorareuncomfortableperformingthis
procedure,contactanAuthorizedServiceDealer.
Examinethebladewheneveryourunoutofgasoline.If
thebladeisdamagedorcracked,replaceitimmediately.
Ifthebladeedgeisdullornicked,haveitsharpenedor
replaceit.
WARNING
Thebladeissharp;contactingthebladecanresult
inseriouspersonalinjury.
Weargloveswhenservicingtheblade.
1.Disconnectthesparkplugwirefromthesparkplug.
RefertoPreparingforMaintenance.
2.Tipthemowerontoitsside,withtheairlterup.
3.Useablockofwoodtoholdthebladesteady
(
Figure50).
Figure50
4.Removetheblade,savingallmountinghardware
(
Figure50).
5.Installthenewbladeandallmountinghardware
(Figure50).
Important:Positionthecurvedendsofthe
bladetopointtowardthemowerhousing.
6.Useatorquewrenchtotightenthebladeboltto
60ft-lb(82N
m).
Important:Abolttorquedto60ft-lb(82N
m)
isverytight.Whileholdingthebladewitha
blockofwood,putyourweightbehindthe
ratchetorwrenchandtightentheboltsecurely.
Thisboltisverydifculttoovertighten.
CleaningtheMower
ServiceInterval:Beforeeachuseordaily
WARNING
Themowermaydislodgematerialfromunderthe
mowerhousing.
Weareyeprotection.
Stayintheoperatingposition(behindthe
handle).
Donotallowbystandersinthearea.
1.Withtheenginerunningonaatpavedsurface,
sprayastreamofwaterinfrontoftherightrear
wheel(Figure51).
Note:Thewaterwillsplashintothepathofthe
blade,cleaningouttheclippings.
19
Figure51
2.Whennomoreclippingscomeout,stopthewater
andmovethemowertoadryarea.
3.Runtheengineforafewminutestodrythehousing
topreventitfromrusting.
Storage
Storethemowerinacool,clean,dryplace.
PreparingtheMowerfor
Storage
WARNING
Gasolinevaporscanexplode.
Donotstoregasolinemorethan30days.
Donotstorethemowerinanenclosurenearan
opename.
Allowtheenginetocoolbeforestoringit.
1.Onthelastrefuelingoftheyear,addfuelstabilizer
tothefuelasdirectedbytheenginemanufacturer.
2.Runthemoweruntiltheenginestopsfromrunning
outoffuel.
3.Primetheengineandstartitagain.
4.Allowtheenginetorununtilitstops.Whenyoucan
nolongerstarttheengine,itissufcientlydry.
5.Disconnectthewirefromthesparkplugandconnect
thewireontotheretainingpost.
6.Removethesparkplug,add1oz.(30ml)ofoil
throughthesparkplughole,andpullthestarterrope
slowlyseveraltimestodistributeoilthroughoutthe
cylindertopreventcylindercorrosionduringthe
off-season.
7.Looselyinstallthesparkplug.
8.Tightenallnuts,bolts,andscrews.
9.Chargethebatteryfor24hours,thenunplugthe
batterychargerandstorethemowerinanunheated
area.Ifyoumuststorethemowerinaheatedarea,
youmustchargethebatteryevery90days.
FoldingtheHandle
WARNING
Foldingorunfoldingthehandleimproperlycan
damagethecables,causinganunsafeoperating
condition.
Donotdamagethecableswhenfoldingor
unfoldingthehandle.
Ifacableisdamaged,contactanAuthorized
ServiceDealer.
1.Loosenthehandleknobsuntilyoucanmovethe
upperhandlefreely(Figure52).
20
/