Toro 04018 Greensmaster Flex 18 User manual

FormNo.3357-158RevC
Greensmaster®Flex18orFlex21
Walk-BehindMower
ModelNo.04018(TractionUnit)—SerialNo.260003001
andUp
ModelNo.04206(CuttingUnit)—SerialNo.260000001
andUp
ModelNo.04022(TractionUnit)—SerialNo.260003001
andUp
ModelNo.04202(CuttingUnit)—SerialNo.260000001
andUp
G000507
Registeratwww.Toro.com.OriginalInstructions(EN)

Warning
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,
orotherreproductiveharm.
ThissparkignitionsystemcomplieswithCanadian
ICES-002.
Introduction
Readthisinformationcarefullytolearnhowtooperate
andmaintainyourproductproperlyandtoavoidinjury
andproductdamage.Youareresponsibleforoperating
theproductproperlyandsafely.
YoumaycontactTorodirectlyatwww.Toro.comfor
productandaccessoryinformation,helpndinga
dealer,ortoregisteryourproduct.
Wheneveryouneedservice,genuineToroparts,or
additionalinformation,contactanAuthorizedService
DealerorToroCustomerServiceandhavethemodel
andserialnumbersofyourproductready.Figure1and
Figure2identifythelocationofthemodelandserial
numbersontheproduct.Writethenumbersinthe
spaceprovided.
Figure1
1.Locationofthemodelandserialnumbers-Tractionunit
Tractionunit:
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
Figure2
1.Locationofthemodelandserialnumbers-CuttingUnit
Cuttingunit:
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
Thismanualidentiespotentialhazardsandhas
safetymessagesidentiedbythesafetyalertsymbol
(Figure3),whichsignalsahazardthatmaycauseserious
injuryordeathifyoudonotfollowtherecommended
precautions.
Figure3
1.Safetyalertsymbol.
Thismanualusestwootherwordstohighlight
information.Importantcallsattentiontospecial
mechanicalinformationandNoteemphasizesgeneral
informationworthyofspecialattention.
©2007—TheToro®Company
8111LyndaleAvenueSouth
Bloomington,MN554202
Contactusatwww.Toro.com.
PrintedintheUSA.
AllRightsReserved

Contents
Introduction.................................................................2
Safety...........................................................................4
SafeOperatingPractices.......................................4
ToroMowerSafety...............................................5
SoundPressureforaFlex18.................................6
SoundPowerforaFlex18....................................6
VibrationforaFlex18..........................................6
SoundPressureforaFlex21.................................7
SoundPowerforaFlex21....................................7
VibrationforaFlex21..........................................7
SafetyandInstructionalDecals.............................7
Setup..........................................................................10
1InstallingtheHandle........................................11
2InstallingtheKickstandforFlex18Mowers
Only...............................................................11
3AdjustingtheHandle.......................................12
4InstallingtheTransportWheels........................12
5CheckingFluidLevels......................................13
6InstallingtheGrassBasket...............................13
ProductOverview......................................................14
Controls.............................................................14
Specications.....................................................15
Attachments/Accessories...................................16
Operation...................................................................16
ThinkSafetyFirst...............................................16
CheckingtheEngineOilLevel............................16
FillingtheFuelTank...........................................16
CheckingtheInterlockSwitchOperation............17
StartingandStoppingtheEngine........................17
TransportOperation..........................................18
PreparingtoMow...............................................18
MowingOperation.............................................18
Maintenance...............................................................20
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)................20
DailyMaintenanceChecklist...............................21
EngineMaintenance...............................................22
EngineOil..........................................................22
ServicingtheAirCleaner....................................22
ReplacingtheSparkPlug....................................23
FuelSystemMaintenance.......................................24
CleaningtheFuelFilter.......................................24
ElectricalSystemMaintenance................................24
ServicingtheInterlockSwitch............................24
DriveSystemMaintenance.....................................25
CheckingtheTransmissionFluidLevel...............25
ChangingtheTransmissionFluid........................26
BrakeMaintenance.................................................26
AdjustingtheService/ParkingBrake...................26
BeltMaintenance....................................................27
AdjustingtheBelts.............................................27
ControlsSystemMaintenance.................................30
AdjustingtheTractionControl...........................30
AdjustingtheReelControl..................................30
CuttingUnitMaintenance.......................................31
SeparatingtheCuttingUnitfromtheTraction
Unit................................................................31
AdjustingtheRearRoller....................................31
AdjustingtheBedknifetotheReel......................32
AdjustingtheHeightofCut................................33
AdjustingtheCut-OffBar..................................34
SettingtheMachinetoMatchTurf
Conditions.....................................................35
ServicingtheBedbar...........................................36
BacklappingtheReel..........................................37
Storage.......................................................................38
3

Safety
ThismachinemeetsorexceedsCENstandard
EN836:1997,ISOstandard5395:1990,andANSI
B71.4-2004specicationsineffectatthetimeof
productionwhentheOperatorPresenceKit,PartNo.
105-5333isinstalled.
Improperuseormaintenancebytheoperatororowner
canresultininjury.Toreducethepotentialforinjury,
complywiththesesafetyinstructionsandalwayspay
attentiontothesafetyalertsymbol,whichmeans
CAUTION,WARNING,orDANGER-“personalsafety
instruction."Failuretocomplywiththeinstructionmay
resultinpersonalinjuryordeath.
SafeOperatingPractices
ThefollowinginstructionsarefromtheCENstandard
EN836:1997,ISOstandard5395:1990,andANSI
B71.4-2004.
Training
•ReadtheOperator’sManualandothertraining
materialcarefully.Befamiliarwiththecontrols,
safetysigns,andtheproperuseoftheequipment.
•Neverallowchildrenorpeopleunfamiliarwiththese
instructionstouseorservicethemower.Local
regulationsmayrestricttheageoftheoperator.
•Nevermowwhilepeople,especiallychildren,orpets
arenearby.
•Keepinmindthattheoperatororuserisresponsible
foraccidentsorhazardsoccurringtootherpeopleor
theirproperty.
•Theowner/usercanpreventandisresponsiblefor
accidentsorinjuriesoccurringtohimselforherself,
otherpeople,orproperty.
Preparation
•Whilemowing,alwayswearsubstantialfootwear,
longtrousers,hardhat,safetyglasses,andear
protection.Longhair,looseclothing,orjewelrymay
gettangledinmovingparts.Donotoperatethe
equipmentwhenbarefootorwearingopensandals.
•Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipment
istobeusedandremoveallobjectswhichmaybe
thrownbythemachine.
•Warning-Fuelishighlyammable.Takethe
followingprecautions:
–Storefuelincontainersspecicallydesignedfor
thispurpose.
–Refueloutdoorsonlyanddonotsmokewhile
refuelling.
–Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Never
removethecapofthefueltankoraddfuelwhile
theengineisrunningorwhentheengineishot.
–Iffuelisspilled,donotattempttostartthe
enginebutmovethemachineawayfromthe
areaofspillageandavoidcreatinganysourceof
ignitionuntilfuelvaporshavedissipated.
–Replaceallfueltanksandcontainercapssecurely.
•Replacefaultysilencers.
•Evaluatetheterraintodeterminewhataccessories
andattachmentsareneededtoproperlyand
safelyperformthejob.Onlyuseaccessoriesand
attachmentsapprovedbythemanufacturer.
•Checkthatoperator’spresencecontrols,safety
switchesandshieldsareattachedandfunctioning
properly.Donotoperateunlesstheyarefunctioning
properly.
Operation
•Donotoperatetheengineinaconnedspacewhere
dangerouscarbonmonoxidefumescancollect.
•Mowonlyindaylightoringoodarticiallight.
•Beforeattemptingtostarttheengine,disengageall
bladeattachmentclutches,shiftintoneutral,and
engagetheparkingbrake.
•Donotuseonslopesofmorethan15°.
•Rememberthereisnosuchthingasasafeslope.
Travelongrassslopesrequiresparticularcare.To
guardagainstoverturning:
–donotstoporstartsuddenlywhengoingupor
downhill;
–engageclutchslowly,alwayskeepmachinein
gear,especiallywhentravellingdownhill;
–machinespeedsshouldbekeptlowonslopes
andduringtightturns;
–stayalertforhumpsandhollowsandother
hiddenhazards;
–nevermowacrossthefaceoftheslope,unless
themowerisdesignedforthispurpose.
•Stayalertforholesintheterrainandotherhidden
hazards.
•Watchoutfortrafcwhencrossingornearroadways.
•Stopthebladesrotatingbeforecrossingsurfaces
otherthangrass.
4

•Whenusinganyattachments,neverdirectdischarge
ofmaterialtowardbystandersnorallowanyonenear
themachinewhileinoperation.
•Neveroperatethemachinewithdamagedguards,
shields,orwithoutsafetyprotectivedevicesinplace.
Besureallinterlocksareattached,adjustedproperly,
andfunctioningproperly.
•Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
overspeedtheengine.Operatingtheengineat
excessivespeedmayincreasethehazardofpersonal
injury.
•Beforeleavingtheoperator’sposition:
–stoponlevelground;
–disengagethepowertake-offandlowerthe
attachments;
–changeintoneutralandsettheparkingbrake;
–stoptheengine.
•Disengagedrivetoattachmentswhentransporting
ornotinuse.
•Stoptheengineanddisengagedrivetoattachment
–beforerefuelling;
–beforeremovingthegrasscatcher/catchers;
–beforemakingheightadjustmentunless
adjustmentcanbemadefromtheoperator’s
position.
–beforeclearingblockages;
–beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthe
mower;
–afterstrikingaforeignobjectorifanabnormal
vibrationoccurs.Inspectthemowerfordamage
andmakerepairsbeforerestartingandoperating
theequipment.
•Reducethethrottlesettingbeforestoppingengine
and,iftheengineisprovidedwithafuelshut-off
valve,turnthevalveoffattheconclusionofmowing.
•Keephandsandfeetawayfromthecuttingunit.
•Slowdownandusecautionwhenmakingturns
andcrossingroadsandsidewalks.Stopreelsifnot
mowing.
•Donotoperatethemowerundertheinuenceof
alcoholordrugs
•Usecarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachine
intoatrailerortruck
•Usecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscurevision.
MaintenanceandStorage
•Keepallnuts,boltsandscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.
•Neverstoretheequipmentwithfuelinthetank
insideabuildingwherefumesmayreachanopen
ameorspark.
•Allowtheenginetocoolbeforestoringinany
enclosure.
•Toreducetherehazard,keeptheengine,silencer,
batterycompartmentandfuelstorageareafreeof
grass,leaves,orexcessivegrease.
•Checkthegrasscatcherfrequentlyforwearor
deterioration.
•Keepallpartsingoodworkingconditionandall
hardwareandhydraulicttingstightened.Replaceall
wornordamagedpartsanddecals.
•Ifthefueltankhastobedrained,dothisoutdoors.
•Becarefulduringadjustmentofthemachineto
prevententrapmentofthengersbetweenmoving
bladesandxedpartsofthemachine.
•Disengagedrives,disengagethecuttingunit,set
parkingbrake,stopengineanddisconnectsparkplug
wire.Waitforallmovementtostopbeforeadjusting,
cleaningorrepairing.
•Cleangrassanddebrisfromcuttingunit,drives,
mufers,andenginetohelppreventres.Cleanup
oilorfuelspillage.
•Carefullyreleasepressurefromcomponentswith
storedenergy.
•Disconnectbatteryandremovesparkplugwire
beforemakinganyrepairs.Disconnectthenegative
terminalrstandthepositivelast.Reconnect
positiverstandnegativelast.
•Usecarewhencheckingthereel.Wearglovesand
usecautionwhenservicingthem.
•Keephandsandfeetawayfrommovingparts.If
possible,donotmakeadjustmentswiththeengine
running.
ToroMowerSafety
Thefollowinglistcontainssafetyinformationspecic
toToroproductsorothersafetyinformationthatyou
mustknowthatisnotincludedintheCEN,ISO,or
ANSIstandard.
Thisproductiscapableofamputatinghandsand
feetandthrowingobjects.Alwaysfollowallsafety
instructionstoavoidseriousinjuryordeath.
Useofthisproductforpurposesotherthanitsintended
usecouldprovedangeroustouserandbystanders.
•Knowhowtostoptheenginequickly.
•Donotoperatethemachinewhilewearingtennis
shoesorsneakers.
5

•Wearingsafetyshoesandlongpantsisadvisableand
requiredbysomelocalordinancesandinsurance
regulations.
•Handlegasolinecarefully.Wipeupanyspills.
•Checkthesafetyinterlockswitchesdailyforproper
operation.Ifaswitchshouldfail,replacetheswitch
beforeoperatingthemachine.Aftereverytwoyears,
replaceallinterlockswitchesinthesafetysystem,
regardlessiftheyareworkingproperlyornot.
•Alwaysstandbehindthehandlewhenstartingand
operatingthemachine.
•Tostartandstoptheengine:
–Openfuelshut-offvalve.
–Verifythatthetractionandreeldrivecontrol
leversonhandleareinNeutralposition.
–Moveon/offswitchtoONposition,setchoke
tofullchokeposition(coldstart)andthrottleto
halfthrottle.
–Pullstartercordtostartengine.
–MovethrottletoSlowandon/offswitchtoOff
positiontostopengine.
•Totransportmowerfromoneareatoanother:
–Installtransportwheels.
–Disengagereeldrive.
–Startengine.
–Pressdownonhandletoraisefrontofmower
andengagetractiondrive.
•Beforebeginningmowingoperation:
–Disengagetractiondrive.
–Stopengine.
–Removetransportwheels.
–Startengine
–Engagereeldrive.
•Usingthemachinedemandsattention.Toprevent
lossofcontrol:
–Donotdriveclosetosandtraps,ditches,creeks,
orotherhazards.
–Reducespeedwhenmakingsharpturns.Avoid
suddenstopsandstarts.
–Whennearorcrossingroads,alwaysyieldthe
right-of-way.
–Applytheservicebrakeswhengoingdownhillto
keepforwardspeedslowandtomaintaincontrol
ofthemachine.
•Thegrassbasketmustbeinplaceduringoperation
ofthereelsorthatchersformaximumsafety.Shut
theengineoffbeforeemptyingthebaskets.
•Donottouchtheengine,mufer,orexhaustpipe
whiletheengineisrunningorsoonafterithas
stoppedbecausetheseareascouldbehotenough
tocauseburns.
•Stayclearoftherotatingscreenatthesideofthe
enginetopreventdirectcontactwithyourbodyor
clothing.
•Whenapersonorpetappearsunexpectedlyin
ornearthemowingarea,stopmowing.Careless
operation,combinedwithterrainangles,ricochets,
orimproperlypositionedguardscanleadtothrown
objectinjuries.Donotresumemowinguntilthe
areaiscleared.
MaintenanceandStorage
•Checkallfuellinesfortightnessandwearona
regularbasis.Tightenorrepairthemasneeded.
•Iftheenginemustberunningtoperforma
maintenanceadjustment,keephands,feet,clothing,
andanypartsofthebodyawayfromthecuttingunit,
attachments,andanymovingparts,especiallythe
screenatthesideoftheengine.Keepeveryoneaway.
•Toensuresafetyandaccuracy,haveanAuthorized
ToroDistributorcheckthemaximumenginespeed
withatachometer.Maximumgovernedenginespeed
shouldbe3600RPM.
•Ifmajorrepairsareeverneededorifassistanceis
desired,contactanAuthorizedToroDistributor.
•UseonlyToro-approvedattachmentsand
replacementparts.Thewarrantymaybevoidedif
usedwithunapprovedattachments.
SoundPressureforaFlex18
Thisunithasamaximumsoundpressurelevelatthe
operator’searof85dBA,basedonmeasurementsof
identicalmachinesperEN11094andEN836.
SoundPowerforaFlex18
Thisunithasaguaranteedsoundpowerlevelof96dBA,
basedonmeasurementsofidenticalmachinesperEN
11094.
VibrationforaFlex18
Thisunitdoesnotexceedahand/armvibrationlevelof
2.50m/s2,basedonmeasurementsofidenticalmachines
perEN1033.
6

SoundPressureforaFlex21
Thisunithasamaximumsoundpressurelevelatthe
operator’searof85dBA,basedonmeasurementsof
identicalmachinesperEN11094andEN836.
SoundPowerforaFlex21
Thisunithasaguaranteedsoundpowerlevelof98dBA,
basedonmeasurementsofidenticalmachinesperEN
11094.
VibrationforaFlex21
Thisunitdoesnotexceedahand/armvibrationlevelof
2.50m/s2,basedonmeasurementsofidenticalmachines
perEN1033.
SafetyandInstructional
Decals
Safetydecalsandinstructionsareeasilyvisibletotheoperatorandarelocatednearanyareaof
potentialdanger.Replaceanydecalthatisdamagedorlost.
93-7348
1.Warning—readtheOperator’sManual.
2.Firehazard—nore,openames,orsmoking;whenadding
fueltothetank,leavespacebetweenthefuelandthetopof
thetank.
3.Thrownobjecthazard—keepbystandersasafedistance
fromthemachine.
4.Cuttinghazardofhandorfoot—stayawayfrommovingparts
93-9356
1.Entanglementhazard—stayawayfrommovingparts.
105-5309
1.Hotsurface/burnhazard—keepasafedistancefromthe
hotsurface.
93-6085
1.Fast3.Slow
2.Continuousvariable
setting
7

93-9886
1.Useunleadedgasoline.
104-2618
1.Parkingbrake3.Engage
2.Disengage
93-8064
1.Warning—readtheinstructionsbeforeservicingor
performingmaintenance.
2.Cuttinghazardofhandorfoot—stoptheengineandwaitfor
movingpartstostop.
104-2617
1.Tractiondrive4.Forward
2.Reeldrive5.Leverengaged
3.Neutral6.Leverdisengaged
105-2411
1.Transmissionoil
8

104-2621
1.ReadtheOperator’sManual.
9

Setup
LooseParts
Usethechartbelowtoverifythatallpartshavebeenshipped.
ProcedureDescriptionQty.Use
1Handle1Installthehandle.
Kickstandassembly1
Spring1
Smallspacer1
Largespacer1
Largebolt(M8–1.25x100)1
Smallbolt(M8–1.25x030)1
Locknut(M8x1.25)2
2
Washer(M8)2
InstallthekickstandforFlex18Mowers
Only.
3Nopartsrequired–Adjustthehandle.
4Transportwheels(OptionalTransport
WheelKit,Model04123)2Installthetransportwheels.
5Nopartsrequired–Checktheengineoilandtransmission
uidlevels
6Grassbasket1Installthegrassbasket.
MediaandAdditionalParts
DescriptionQty.Use
Operator’sManual1
EngineOperator’sManual1
PartsCatalog1
OperatorTrainingMaterial1
CerticateofCompliance1
Readorviewbeforeoperatingthemachine
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthemachine
fromthenormaloperatingposition.
10

1
InstallingtheHandle
Partsneededforthisprocedure:
1Handle
Procedure
1.Removetheangelocknutfromtheboltandpivot
pinoneachsideofthemower(Figure4).
Figure4
1.Flangelocknut2.Pivotpin
2.Insertthehandleendsthroughtheslotsinthehandle
supportarms(Figure5).
Figure5
1.Lefthandleend3.Pivotpin
2.Supportarm4.Locknut
3.Squeezethehandleendsinwardandinstallthemon
thestepofthepivotpin(Figure5).
4.Securethehandletotheboltandpivotpinwiththe
angelocknut(Figure5).
5.Locatecabletielooselysecuringthrottlecableto
wireharness.Positioncabletieapproximatelyone
inchbehindtransmissionandtightencabletie.
2
InstallingtheKickstandfor
Flex18MowersOnly
Partsneededforthisprocedure:
1Kickstandassembly
1Spring
1Smallspacer
1Largespacer
1Largebolt(M8–1.25x100)
1Smallbolt(M8–1.25x030)
2Locknut(M8x1.25)
2Washer(M8)
Procedure
1.Positionthekickstandbetweenthetabsontherear
oftheframe.
2.Installawasher(M8)ontothesmallbolt(M8–1.25
x030).Installtherightsideofthekickstandtothe
framewiththeboltandwasher,thesmallspacer,
andlocknut(M8–1.25)(Figure6).Ensurethebolt
isinstalledfromtheinsideoftheframeasshown
inFigure6.
3.Installawasher(M8)ontothelargebolt(M8–1.25x
100).
4.Installthespacerintothespringandinstallthelarge
bolt(M8–1.25x100)intothespacer.
Important:Wheninstallingthespring,place
oneendofthespringundertherearframe
(Figure6).
5.Installtheleftsideofthekickstandtotheframe
withtheboltandwasher,thelargespacerandspring,
andlocknut(M8–1.25)(Figure6).Ensurethebolt
isinstalledfromtheinsideoftheframeasshown
inFigure6.
11

Figure6
1.Lefthandleend5.Largebolt(M8–1.25x
100)
2.Locknut(M8–1.25)6.Spring
3.Smallspacer7.Largespacer
4.Washer(M8)8.Ssmallbolt(M8–1.25x
030)
6.Placeanutrunnerovertheendofthespringpointing
towardstherearandmovetheendofthespringover
andunderthekickstandspacer(Figure7).
Figure7
1.Spring3.Nutrunner
2.Springendunderthe
frame
4.Movethespringendunder
thekickstandspacer.
3
AdjustingtheHandle
NoPartsRequired
Procedure
1.Removehairpincottersfromringpinsoneachside
ofmower(Figure8).
Figure8
1.Ringpins
2.Whilesupportinghandle,removeringpinsfrom
eachsideandraiseorlowerhandletodesired
operatingposition(Figure8).
3.Reinstallringpinsandhairpincotters.
4
InstallingtheTransport
Wheels
Partsneededforthisprocedure:
2Transportwheels(OptionalTransportWheelKit,
Model04123)
Procedure
1.Pushkickstanddownwithfootandpullupon
handlesupportuntilkickstandhasrotatedforward,
overcenter(Figure9).
12

Figure9
1.Kickstand
2.Presswheellockingcliptowardthecenterofwheel
andslidewheelontohexshaft(Figure10).
Figure10
1.Lockingclip
3.Rotatewheelbackandforthuntilitslidescompletely
ontoaxleandlockingclipissecuredingrooveon
axleshaft.
4.Repeatprocedureonoppositesideofmachine.
5.Inatethetiresto12-15psi.
6.Carefullyliftuponhandlesupporttoreleasekick
stand.
5
CheckingFluidLevels
NoPartsRequired
Procedure
1.Checktheengineoillevel,refertoCheckingthe
EngineOilLevelinEngineMaintenance,page22.
2.Checkthetransmissionuidlevel,refertoChecking
theTransmissionFluidLevelinDriveSystem
Maintenance,page25.
6
InstallingtheGrassBasket
Partsneededforthisprocedure:
1Grassbasket
Procedure
Graspbasketbytoplipandslidebasketframeintothe
receivers(Figure11).
Figure11
1.Grassbasket2.Basketreceivers
13

ProductOverview
Figure12
1.Handle5.Cuttingunit
2.Controlpanel6.Grassbasket
3.Engine7.Fueltank
4.Transportwheels
Controls
Figure13
1.Throttlecontrol3.Service/parkingbrake
2.Traction&reeldrive
engagementlever
ThrottleControl
Thethrottlecontrol(Figure13)islocatedonrearright
sideofcontrolpanel.Leverconnectstoandoperates
throttlelinkagetocarburetor.Enginespeedcanbe
variedfrom2400RPMto3600RPM.
TractionandReelDriveEngagement
Lever
Thetractionandreeldriveengagementlever(Figure13)
islocatedonfrontrightsideofcontrolpanel.Traction
leverhastwopositions:NeutralandForward.Pushing
leverforwardengagestractiondrive.
Thereeldriveleverhastwopositions:Engageand
Disengage.Movetopoflevertothelefttoengagereel
orbacktoneutraltodisengagereel.
Service/ParkingBrake
Theservice/parkingbrake(Figure13)islocatedonleft
frontsideofcontrolpanel.Pullingtheleverbackover
centerwillsettheparkingbrake.Brakemustbereleased
beforetractiondriveisengaged.
OperatorPresenceControl
Theoptionaloperatorpresencecontrolmustbeengaged
beforeengagingthetractionleverortheenginewillstop.
ChokeLever
Thechokelever(Figure14)islocatedonleftfrontof
engine.Leverhastwopositions:RunandChoke.Move
thechokelevertothehalf-openpositionwhenstarting
acoldengine.AfterenginestartsmovelevertoRun
position.
Figure14
1.Chokelever2.Fuelshut-offvalve
FuelShut-OffValve
Thefuelshut-offvalve(Figure14)islocatedonleft
frontofengine.Valvehastwopositions:Closedand
Open.Movelevertoclosedpositionwhenstoring
14

ortransportingmachine.Openvalvebeforestarting
engine.
RecoilStarter
Pullrecoilstarterhandle(Figure15)tostartengine.
Figure15
1.Recoilstarter3.Hourmeter
2.On/offswitch
On/OffSwitch
Theon/offswitch(Figure15)islocatedonrearof
engine.MoveswitchtoOnpositiontostartengineand
Offtostopengine.
HourMeter
Thehourmeter(Figure15)locatedonrearofengine,
indicatesthetotalhoursofmachineoperation.
Kickstand
Thekickstand(Figure16)ismountedtorearofmachine
andisusedtoraiserearofmachineforinstallationor
removaloftransportwheels.
Figure16
1.Kickstand
Specications
Flex21Flex18
Width35-1/2inches(90.1
cm)
32inches(81.3cm)
Height41–1/4inches
(104.8cm)
41–1/2inches
(105.4cm)
Lengthwithbasket61–1/2inches
(156.2cm)
61inches(155cm)
Weightwithfull
uidsandbasket
267lb(121kg)261lb(118kg)
Dryweightwith
basket
256lb(116kg)250lb(113kg)
EngineKawasaki,4-cycle,
3.7(2.7kw)air
cooledOHV
engine,3600
RPM,7.57cu
inch(124cc)
displacement,cast
ironcylindersleeve;
electronicignition
withintegrallighting
coil;maximum
noisesuppression
mufer;85dB(A)at
operator’sear
Kawasaki,4-cycle,
3.7(2.7kw)air
cooledOHV
engine,3600
RPM,7.57cu
inch(124cc)
displacement,cast
ironcylindersleeve;
electronicignition
withintegrallighting
coil;maximum
noisesuppression
mufer;85dB(A)at
operator’sear
Fuelcapacity2.64qt.(2.5
l);regulargrade
unleadedgasoline
2.64qt.(2.5
l);regulargrade
unleadedgasoline
GroundspeedMowingspeed:1.3
to3.3MPH(2.1to
5.3km/h)Transport
speed:4.9
MPH(7.9km/h)
maximum
Mowingspeed:1.3
to3.3MPH(2.1to
5.3km/h)Transport
speed:4.9
MPH(7.9km/h)
maximum
Widthofcut21inches(53.3cm)18inches(45.7cm)
15

Heightofcut1/16to19/64
inches(1.5to7.5
mm)withMicro-Cut
bedknife
1/16to19/64
inches(1.5to7.5
mm)withMicro-Cut
bedknife
Clipfrequency11blade
(standard):.14
in.
11blade
(standard):.14
inch
Attachments/Accessories
AselectionofToroapprovedattachmentsand
accessoriesareavailableforusewiththemachineto
enhanceandexpanditscapabilities.Contactyour
AuthorizedServiceDealerorDistributororgoto
www.Toro.comforalistofallapprovedattachments
andaccessories.
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
ThinkSafetyFirst
Pleasecarefullyreadallofthesafetyinstructionsand
decalsinthesafetysection.Knowingthisinformation
couldhelpyouorbystandersavoidinjury.
CheckingtheEngineOilLevel
Checktheengineoillevelbeforeeachuseorevery8
operatinghours,refertoCheckingtheEngineOilLevel
inEngineMaintenance,page22.
FillingtheFuelTank
Important:Neverusemethanol,gasoline
containingmethanol,gasoholcontainingmore
than10%ethanol,gasolineadditives,premium
gasoline,orwhitegasbecausethefuelsystem
couldbedamaged.Donotmixoilwithgasoline.
Figure17
1.Fueltankcap2.Fuelgauge
Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporscancauseserious
injuryandillness.
•Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
•Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgastankor
conditioneropening.
•Keepgasawayfromeyesandskin.
16

Incertainconditions,gasolineisextremely
ammableandhighlyexplosive.Areor
explosionfromgasolinecanburnyouand
othersandcandamageproperty.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoors,inanopenarea,
whentheengineiscold.Wipeupany
gasolinethatspills.
•Donotllthefueltankcompletelyfull.Add
gasolinetothefueltankuntilthelevelis1/4
to1/2inch(6to13mm)belowthebottomof
thellerneck.Thisemptyspaceinthetank
allowsgasolinetoexpand.
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,and
stayawayfromanopenameorwhere
gasolinefumesmaybeignitedbyaspark.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainerand
keepitoutofthereachofchildren.Never
buymorethana30-daysupplyofgasoline.
•Alwaysplacegasolinecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforelling.
•Donotllgasolinecontainersinsidea
vehicleoronatruckortrailerbedbecause
interiorcarpetsorplastictruckbedliners
mayinsulatethecontainerandslowtheloss
ofanystaticcharge.
•Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueltheequipmentwithitswheelsonthe
ground.
•Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmentonatruckortrailerfroma
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma
gasolinedispensernozzle.
•Ifagasolinedispensernozzlemustbeused,
keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimof
thefueltankorcontaineropeningatall
timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.
1.Cleanaroundfueltankcapandremovecapfrom
tank(Figure17).Usingunleadedgasoline,llfuel
tanknohigherthantobottomoflterscreen.Do
notoverll.
2.Installfueltankcapandwipeupanyspilledgasoline.
CheckingtheInterlockSwitch
Operation
Ifsafetyinterlockswitchesaredisconnected
ordamagedthemachinecouldoperate
unexpectedlycausingpersonalinjury.
•Donottamperwiththeinterlockswitches.
•Checktheoperationoftheinterlock
switchesdailyandreplaceanydamaged
switchesbeforeoperatingthemachine.
•Replaceswitcheseverytwoyearsregardless
ofwhethertheyareoperatingproperlyor
not.
1.Pushkickstanddownwithfootandpullupon
handlesupportuntilkickstandhasrotatedforward,
overcenter(Figure18).
Figure18
1.Kickstand
2.PlacetractionleverintoEngagepositionandengine
controlsinstartingposition.
3.Attempttostartengine.Engineshouldnotstart.
Ifenginestarts,theinterlockswitchneedsservice.
Correctproblembeforeoperating.Referto
ServicingInterlockSwitch.
4.Carefullyliftuponhandletoreleasekickstand.
StartingandStoppingthe
Engine
Note:Forillustrationsanddescriptionsofthecontrols
referencedinthissection,refertoControls,page14.
17

StartingtheEngine
Note:Makesuresparkplugwireisinstalledonspark
plug.
1.Makesuretractionandreeldriveleversarein
Disengagedposition.
Note:Enginewillnotstartiftractionleverisin
theengagedposition.
2.Openthefuelshut-offvalveontheengine.
3.Movetheon/offswitchtotheOnposition.
4.MovethethrottlecontroltotheFastposition.
5.Movethechokelevertothehalf-openposition
whenstartingacoldengine.Thechokemaynotbe
requiredwhenstartingawarmengine.
6.Pulltherecoilstarterhandleoutuntilpositive
engagementresults,thenpullitvigorouslytostart
theengine.Openthechokeasenginewarmsup.
Important:Donotpullrecoilropetoitslimit
orletgoofstarterhandlewhenropeispulled
outbecauseropemaybreakorrecoilassembly
maybedamaged.
StoppingtheEngine
1.Movethetractionandreeldrivecontrolstothe
Disengagedposition,thethrottlecontroltoSlow ,
andtheon/offswitchtoOff.
2.Pullthemoldedsparkplugwireoffofthespark
plugtopreventthepossibilityofaccidentalstarting
beforestoringmachine.
3.Closethefuelshut-offvalvebeforestoringor
transportingmowerinavehicle.
TransportOperation
Note:Donotrunthemowerenginewhiletransporting
itinatransporttrailerbecausedamagecanoccurto
themower.
1.Pushkickstanddownwithfootandpullupon
handlesupportuntilkickstandhasrotatedforward,
overcenter.
2.Toreleasekickstand,pulluponhandleandlower
rearofmowerontotransportwheels.
3.Ensuretractionandreeldrivecontrolsarein
Disengagepositionandstartengine.
4.SetthrottlecontroltoSlow,tipfrontofmachineup
graduallyengagetractiondriveandslowlyincrease
enginespeed.
5.Adjustthrottletooperatemoweratdesiredground
speedandtransportmowertodesireddestination.
PreparingtoMow
1.ReturntractioncontrollevertoDisengage,throttle
toSlowandstopengine.
2.Pushkickstanddownwithfootandpullupon
handlesupportuntilkickstandhasrotatedforward,
overcenter.
3.Removetransportwheels.
4.Releasekickstand.
MowingOperation
Properuseofthemachineprovidesthesmoothestturf
cuttingavailable.
Important:Grassclippingsactasalubricant
whenmowing.Excessiveoperationofthecutting
unitwiththeabsenceofgrassclippingscan
damagethecuttingunit.
PriortoMowing
Besurethemoweriscarefullyadjustedandissetevenly
onbothsidesofthereel.Impropermoweradjustment
ismagniedintheappearanceoftheclippedturf.
Removeallforeignobjectsfromturfpriortomowing.
Makesureeveryone,especiallychildrenandpets,are
clearoftheworkarea.
MethodofMowing
Thegreensshouldbemowedinastraightbackand
forthdirectionacrossthegreen.Avoidcircularmowing
orturningthemowerongreensareassincescufngmay
occur.Turningthemowershouldbedoneoffthegreen
byraisingthecuttingreel(pushingthehandledown)
andturningonthetractiondrum.Mowingshouldbe
doneatanormalwalkingpace.Fastspeedssavesvery
littletimeandwillresultinaninferiormowingjob.
Toassistinmaintainingastraightlineacrossthegreen
andtokeepthemachineanequaldistancefromthe
edgeofthepreviouscut,usethealignmentstripeson
thebasket(Figure19).
18

Figure19
1.Alignmentstripes
ControlOperation
Tooperatethecontrolswhilemowing:
1.Starttheengine,setthethrottleatreducedspeed,
pushdownonhandletoraisecuttingunit,move
tractionlevertoEngagedpositionandtransport
mowerontocollarofgreen(Figure20).
2.MovetractionlevertoDisengagedpositionand
Engagereeldrivelever(Figure20).
Figure20
1.Tractiondrive-neutral3.Tractiondrive-engaged
(transport)
2.Tractiondriveneutral&
reeldriveoff
4.Tractiondrive&reeldrive
engaged
3.MovetractionlevertoEngagedposition,increase
throttlespeeduntilthemoweristravelingatthe
desiredgroundspeed,drivethemoweroutontothe
greenarea,lowerthefrontofthemowerdownand
commenceoperation(Figure20).
AfterMowing
1.Driveoffgreen,movereeldriveandtractioncontrol
leverstoDisengageandstoptheengine.
2.Emptythegrasscatcherofclippings,installgrass
catcherandcommencetransportoperation.
19

Maintenance
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthemachinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)
MaintenanceService
IntervalMaintenanceProcedure
Aftertherst8hours•Changetheengineoil.
Aftertherst25hours•Cleanthefuellter.
•Changethetransmissionuid.
Beforeeachuseordaily•Checktheengineoillevel.
Every25hours•Cleantheaircleaner(moreoftenindirtyordustyconditions).
Every50hours
•Changetheengineoil.
•Cleanthefuellter.
•Checkthetransmissionuidlevel.
Every100hours•Cleanorreplacethepaperairlterelement(moreoftenindirtyordustyconditions).
•Checkthesparkplug.
Every200hours•Decarbontheengine.
Every1,500hours•Replacetheinterlockswitch.
•Changethetransmissionuid.(Or2years,whicheveroccursrst)
Beforestorage•Paintchippedsurfaces.
Important:Refertoyourengineoperator’smanualforadditionalmaintenanceprocedures.
20