Toro 44409 User manual

Form No. 3432-306 Rev F
ProLine Commercial W alk-Behind
Mower
with 36in, 48in, 54in, or 60in Cutting Unit
Model No. 44409 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44410 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44423 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44424 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44427 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44430 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44436 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44448 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44454 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Model No. 44460 —Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Register at www .T oro.com.
Original Instructions (EN)
*3432-306*

It is a violation of California Public Resource Code
Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on
any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered
land unless the engine is equipped with a spark
arrester , as dened in Section 4442, maintained in
ef fective working order or the engine is constructed,
equipped, and maintained for the prevention of re.
The enclosed engine owner's manual is supplied
for information regarding the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EP A) and the California Emission
Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance,
and warranty . Replacements may be ordered through
the engine manufacturer .
Please refer to the engine manufacturer ’ s information
included with the machine.
W ARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 W arning
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer , birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. W ash
hands after handling.
Use of this product may cause exposure
to chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer , birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
Introduction
This rotary-blade lawn mower is intended to be
used by professional, hired operators. It is designed
primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns
on residential or commercial properties. Using this
product for purposes other than its intended use could
prove dangerous to you and bystanders.
Read this information carefully to learn how to operate
and maintain your product properly and to avoid
injury and product damage. Y ou are responsible for
operating the product properly and safely .
V isit www .T oro.com for more information, including
safety tips, training materials, accessory information,
help nding a dealer , or to register your product.
Whenever you need service, genuine T oro parts, or
additional information, contact an Authorized Service
Dealer or T oro Customer Service and have the model
and serial numbers of your product ready . Figure 1
identies the location of the model and serial numbers
on the product. W rite the numbers in the space
provided.
Important: W ith your mobile device, you can
scan the QR code on the serial number decal (if
equipped) to access warranty , parts, and other
product information.
g291703
Figure 1
1. Model and serial number location
Model No.
Serial No.
This manual identies potential hazards and has
safety messages identied by the safety-alert symbol
(Figure 2 ), which signals a hazard that may cause
serious injury or death if you do not follow the
recommended precautions.
g000502
Figure 2
Safety-alert symbol
This manual uses 2 words to highlight information.
Important calls attention to special mechanical
information and Note emphasizes general information
worthy of special attention.
© 2023—The T oro® Company
81 1 1 L yndale A venue South
Bloomington, MN 55420
2
Contact us at www .T oro.com.
Printed in the USA
All Rights Reserved

Contents
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
General Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety and Instructional Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Attachments/Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Before Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Before Operation Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Using the Safety-Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1
Performing Daily Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
During Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
During Operation Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operating the Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Shutting Of f the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operating the Mower-Blade-Control Switch
(PT O) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Driving the Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the Adjustable Reference Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Side Discharging or Mulching Grass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Adjusting the Height of Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Adjusting the Anti-Scalp Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
After Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
After Operation Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the Fuel-Shutof f V alve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pushing the Machine by Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
T ransporting the Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Maintenance Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s) . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Pre-Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Removing the Mower Deck Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Greasing the Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Greasing the Front Caster Pivots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Greasing the Caster Wheel Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Engine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Engine Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Servicing the Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Servicing the Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Servicing the Spark Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Fuel System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Draining the Fuel T ank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Replacing the Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Electrical System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Electrical System Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Servicing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Servicing the Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Drive System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Checking the T ire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Checking the Wheel-Lug Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Adjusting the Neutral T raction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Adjusting the T racking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Adjusting the Caster-Pivot Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Servicing the Caster Wheels and
Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Cooling System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Cleaning the Air-Intake Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Cleaning the Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Brake Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
T esting the Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Adjusting the Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Belt Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Inspecting the Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Replacing the Mower-Deck Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Adjusting the Idler Pulley Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Replacing the T ransmission Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Controls System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Adjusting the Motion-Control Levers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Hydraulic System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Hydraulic System Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Hydraulic System Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Checking the Hydraulic Fluid Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Changing the Hydraulic Fluid and
Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Bleeding the Hydraulic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Mower Deck Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Blade Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Servicing the Cutting Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Leveling the Mower Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Replacing the Grass Deector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Cleaning under the Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Disposing of W aste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Storage Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cleaning and Storing the Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
T roubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3

Safety
This machine has been designed in accordance with
ANSI B71.4-2017.
General Safety
This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and of throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious personal injury .
•Read, understand, and follow the instructions
and warnings in this Operator ’ s Manual and on
the machine and attachments before starting the
engine.
•Do not put your hands or feet near moving parts of
or under the machine. Keep clear of any discharge
opening.
•Do not operate the machine without all guards
and other safety protective devices in place and
functioning properly on the machine.
•Keep bystanders and children out of the operating
area. Do not allow children to operate the machine.
Allow only people who are responsible, trained,
familiar with the instructions, and physically
capable to operate the machine.
•Stop the machine, shut of f the engine, remove
the ignition key (if equipped), and wait for all
moving parts to stop before servicing, fueling, or
unclogging the machine.
Improperly using or maintaining this machine can
result in injury . T o reduce the potential for injury ,
comply with these safety instructions and always
pay attention to the safety-alert symbol , which
means Caution, W arning, or Danger—personal safety
instruction. Failure to comply with these instructions
may result in personal injury or death.
Safety and Instructional Decals
Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area
of potential danger . Replace any decal that is damaged or missing.
decaloemmarkt
Manufacturer's Mark
1. This mark indicates that the blade is identied as a part
from the original machine manufacturer .
decalbatterysymbols
Battery Symbols
Some or all of these symbols are on your battery .
1. Explosion hazard 6. Keep bystanders away
from the battery .
2. No re, open ame, or
smoking
7. W ear eye protection;
explosive gases can
cause blindness and other
injuries.
3. Caustic liquid/chemical
burn hazard
8. Battery acid can cause
blindness or severe burns.
4. W ear eye protection. 9. Flush eyes immediately
with water and get medical
help fast.
5. Read the Operator's
Manual .
10. Contains lead; do not
discard
4

decal93-7818
93-7818
1. W arning—read the Operator's Manual for instructions on
torquing the blade bolt/nut to 1 15 to 149 N∙m (85 to 1 10
ft-lb).
decal98-1977
98-1977
1. Entanglement hazard, belt—stay away from moving parts.
decal1 16-5988
1 16-5988
1. Parking brake—engaged 2. Parking
brake—disengaged
Decal 1 17-1 194 is for 122cm (48-inch), 137cm
(54-inch), and 152cm (60-inch) models only .
decal1 17-1 194
1 17-1 194
1. Belt routing 2. Engine
decal126-1400
126-1400
1. W arning—read the Operator ’ s Manual for information about
attachments; certain attachments can cause you to fall.
decal130-0731
130-0731
1. W arning—thrown object
hazard; keep the deector
shield in place.
2. Cutting hazard of hand or
foot, mower blade—keep
away from moving parts.
Decal 130-0765 is for 122cm (48-inch), 137cm
(54-inch), and 152cm (60-inch) models only .
decal130-0765
130-0765
1. Read the Operator's
Manual .
3. Remove the key before
performing maintenance.
2. Height-of-cut selection
5

decal131-3536
131-3536
1. Battery 4. Parking brake
2. T ime 5. Engine—start
3. Power takeof f (PT O)
6. Engage the handle bars.
decal133-4604
133-4604
1. Thrown object
hazard—keep bystanders
away from the machine.
3. Severing hazard of hand
or foot—keep away from
moving parts.
2. Thrown object hazard,
open deector—only
operate the machine with
a deector or a grass
collector .
4. Entanglement
hazard—keep away
from moving parts; keep
all guards and shields in
place.
decal133-8062
133-8062
decal138-8816
138-8816
1. PT O—disengage
4. Neutral
2. Fast 5. Reverse
3. Slow
6. T raction controls
decal138-8820
138-8820
1. Disengage the hydrostatic
drive to push the machine.
2. Engage the hydrostatic
drive to operate the
machine.
decal138-8821
138-8821
1. Height of cut
6

decal139-2874
139-2874
1. T raction controls 4. Neutral
2. Fast 5. Reverse
3. Slow 6. PT O—disengage
Decal 139-7936 is for 91cm (36-inch) models only .
decal139-7936
139-7936
1. Belt routing
decal138-8818
138-8818
1. W arning—read the Operator ’ s Manual .
8. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away .
2. W arning—all operators should be trained before operating
the machine.
9. W arning—shut of f the engine, disconnect the spark plug, and
read the Operator ’ s Manual before performing maintenance.
3. W arning—wear hearing protection.
10. W arning—shut of f the engine before leaving the machine.
4. Fast
1 1. PT O—engage
5. Slow 12. PT O—disengage
6. Thrown object hazard—lower the deector before using the
machine.
13. Move the traction control levers to the Neutral position;
engage or disengage the PT O.
7. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand and foot; mower
blade—stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and
shields in place.
7

Product Overview
g299567
Figure 3
1. Side discharge 5. Control panel
2. Height-of-cut lever
6. Parking-brake lever
3. Engine 7. Mower deck
4. Fuel tank 8. Anti-scalp roller
Controls
Control Panel
g299386
Figure 4
1. Parking-brake lever
7. Rear reference bar
2. Adjustable reference bar
8. Blade-control switch
(PT O)
3. Left motion-control lever
9. Key switch
4. Hour meter 10. Throttle control
5. Reference bar adjustment
lever
1 1. Choke control
6. Right motion-control lever
Throttle Control
The throttle controls the engine speed, and it has a
continuous-variable setting from the S LOW to F AST
position ( Figure 4 ).
Blade-Control Switch (Power
T akeoff)
The blade-control switch, represented by a
power-takeof f (PT O) symbol, engages and
disengages power to the mower blades ( Figure 4 ).
Fuel-Shutoff V alve
Close the fuel-shutof f valve when transporting or
storing the machine.
Key Switch
The key switch, used to start and shut of f the engine,
has 3 positions: O FF , R UN , and S TART .
8

Choke
Use the choke to start a cold engine.
Hour Meter
The hour meter records the number of hours the
engine has operated. It operates when the engine
is running. Use these times for scheduling regular
maintenance ( Figure 4 ).
Safety-Interlock Indicators
There are symbols on the hour meter that indicate
with a black triangle that the interlock component is
positioned correctly ( Figure 5 ).
Battery-Indicator Light
If you turn the key switch to the O Nposition for a
few seconds, the battery voltage displays in the area
where the hours are normally displayed ( Figure 5 ).
The battery light turns on when the key switch is
turned on and when the charge is below the correct
operating level ( Figure 5 ).
g216020
Figure 5
1. Safety-interlock indicators
3. Hour meter
2. Battery light
Motion-Control Levers
Use the motion-control levers to drive the machine
forward, reverse, and turn either direction ( Figure 4 ).
Reference Bar Adjustment Lever
Use the adjustment lever to change the position of the
adjustable reference bar ( Figure 4 ).
Specications
Specications and design are subject to change
without notice.
91cm
(36-inch)
Mower
Deck
122 cm
(48-inch)
Mower
Deck
137 cm
(54-inch)
Mower
Deck
152 cm
(60-inch)
Mower
Deck
Cutting
width
91 cm (36
inches)
122
cm (48
inches)
137
cm (54
inches)
152
cm (60
inches)
Width with
deector
down
130
cm (51
inches)
160
cm (63
inches)
175
cm (69
inches)
191
cm (75
inches)
Width with
deector
up
94 cm (37
inches)
124
cm (49
inches)
140
cm (55
inches)
155
cm (61
inches)
Height 1 14
cm (45
inches)
1 17
cm (46
inches)
1 17
cm (46
inches)
1 17
cm (46
inches)
Length 196
cm (77
inches)
203
cm (80
inches)
203
cm (80
inches)
21 1
cm (83
inches)
W eight
44409
265 kg (585 lb)
44410
263 kg (580 lb)
44423
292 kg (644 lb)
44424
290 kg (639 lb)
44427
294 kg (648 lb)
44430
314 kg (693 lb)
44448
303 kg (669 lb)
44454
315 kg (695 lb)
Attachments/Accessories
A selection of T oro approved attachments and
accessories is available for use with the machine
to enhance and expand its capabilities. Contact
your Authorized Service Dealer or authorized T oro
distributor or go to www .T oro.com for a list of all
approved attachments and accessories.
T o ensure optimum performance and continued safety
certication of the machine, use only genuine T oro
replacement parts and accessories. Replacement
parts and accessories made by other manufacturers
could be dangerous, and such use could void the
product warranty .
9

Operation
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the
machine from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•Do not allow children or untrained people to
operate or service the machine. Local regulations
may restrict the age of the operator . The owner
is responsible for training all operators and
mechanics.
•Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•Always shut of f the machine, remove the ignition
key (if equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop,
and allow the machine to cool before adjusting,
servicing, cleaning, or storing it.
•Know how to stop the machine and shut of f the
engine quickly .
•Check that operator-presence controls, safety
switches, and safety protective devices are
attached and functioning properly . Do not operate
the machine unless they are functioning properly .
•Inspect the area where you will use the machine,
and remove all objects that could interfere with
the operation of the machine or that the machine
could throw .
•Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and
safely perform the job.
•Before using, always visually inspect to see that
the blades, blade bolts and mower deck are not
worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged
blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
Fuel Safety
•Use extreme care in handling fuel. It is ammable
and its vapors are explosive.
•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
•Use only an approved fuel container .
•Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel to the tank
while the engine is running or hot.
•Do not add or drain fuel in an enclosed space.
•Do not store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open ame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or other appliance.
•If you spill fuel, do not attempt to start the engine;
avoid creating a source of ignition until the fuel
vapors have dissipated.
•Do not ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner . Always place
containers on the ground, away from the vehicle
before lling.
•Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and
refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, refuel
such equipment with a portable container rather
than from a fuel-dispenser nozzle.
•Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container operating at all times until fueling
is complete.
Adding Fuel
Recommended Fuel
•For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than
30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
•Ethanol : Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol
(gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl
ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and
MTBE are not the same. Gasoline with 15%
ethanol (E15) by volume is not approved for use.
Never use gasoline that contains more than
10% ethanol by volume , such as E15 (contains
15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85
(contains up to 85% ethanol). Using unapproved
gasoline may cause performance problems and/or
engine damage which may not be covered under
warranty .
•Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
•Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel
containers over the winter unless you use a fuel
stabilizer .
•Do not add oil to gasoline.
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to
provide the following benets:
•Keeps fuel fresh longer when used as directed by
the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer
•Cleans the engine while it runs
•Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel
system, which causes hard starting
Important: Do not use fuel additives
containing methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner
to the fuel.
10

Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most
ef fective when mixed with fresh fuel. T o minimize
the chance of varnish deposits in the fuel system,
use fuel stabilizer at all times.
Filling the Fuel T ank
g302021
Figure 6
Using the Safety-Interlock
System
W ARNING
If the safety-interlock switches are
disconnected or damaged, the machine could
operate unexpectedly , causing personal
injury .
• Do not tamper with the interlock switches.
• Check the operation of the interlock
switches daily and replace any damaged
switches before operating the machine.
Understanding the
Safety-Interlock System
The safety-interlock system is designed to prevent
PT O from engaging unless you do the following:
•Move either motion-control lever to the center ,
unlocked position.
•Pull the PT O switch to the O Nposition.
The safety-interlock system is designed to stop
the blades/attachment if you move or release both
motion-control levers outward.
The hour meter has symbols to notify the user
when each interlock component is in the correct
position. When the component is in the correct
position, a triangle lights up in the corresponding
square ( Figure 7 ).
g031282
Figure 7
1. The triangles light up when the interlock components are
in the correct position.
T esting the Safety-Interlock
System
Service Interval : Before each use or daily
T est the safety-interlock system before you use the
machine each time.
Note: If the safety system does not operate as
described below , have an Authorized Service Dealer
repair the safety system immediately .
1. Engage the parking brake and start the engine.
2. Move the motion-control levers to the center ,
unlocked position.
Note: The engine should shut of f.
3. Start the engine and disengage the parking
brake. Do not move the motion-control levers.
Note: The engine should idle 5 seconds and
then shut of f.
4. Engage the parking brake and start the engine.
5. Press the O Nposition for the PT O switch.
Note: The mower blades should not engage.
6. Disengage the parking brake.
7. Hold either motion-control lever in the center
position and press the O Nposition for the PT O
switch.
Note: The mower blades should engage.
8. Release the motion-control lever .
Note: The engine should idle 5 seconds and
then shut of f.
9. Engage the parking brake and start the engine.
10. Disengage the parking brake.
1 1. Hold either motion-control lever to the center
position and press the O Nposition for the PT O
switch.
1 1

Note: The mower blades should engage.
12. Press the O FF position for the PT O switch.
Note: The mower blades should disengage.
13. Press the O Nposition for the PT O switch.
Note: The mower blades should engage.
14. Engage the parking brake.
Note: The mower blades should disengage and
the engine should shut of f.
15. Press the O Nposition for the PT O switch.
16. T ry starting the engine.
Note: The engine should not crank.
Performing Daily
Maintenance
Before starting the machine each day , perform the
Each Use/Daily procedures listed in Maintenance
( page 22 ) .
During Operation
During Operation Safety
General Safety
•The owner/operator can prevent and is responsible
for accidents that may cause personal injury or
property damage.
•W ear appropriate clothing, including eye
protection; long pants; substantial, slip-resistant
footwear; and hearing protection. T ie back long
hair and do not wear loose clothing or loose
jewelry .
•Use your full attention while operating the
machine. Do not engage in any activity that
causes distractions; otherwise, injury or property
damage may occur .
•Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or
under the inuence of alcohol or drugs.
•Before you start the engine, ensure that all drives
are in neutral, the parking brake is engaged, and
you are in the operating position.
•Keep bystanders out of the operating area. Stop
the machine if anyone enters the area.
•Operate the machine only in good visibility and
appropriate weather conditions. Do not operate
the machine when there is the risk of lightning.
•W et grass or leaves can cause serious injury if
you slip and contact the blade. A void mowing in
wet conditions.
•Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting
unit.
•Look behind and down before backing up to be
sure of a clear path.
•Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
block your view .
•Disengage the drive to the cutting unit and engage
the parking brake before adjusting the height of
cut.
•Operate the engine only in well-ventilated areas.
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which
is lethal if inhaled.
•Do not leave a running machine unattended.
•Before leaving the operating position (including to
empty the catchers or to unclog the cutting units),
do the following :
– Park the machine on level ground.
– Disengage the cutting unit and lower the
attachments.
– Engage the parking brake.
– Shut of f the machine and remove the ignition
key (if equipped).
– W ait for all moving parts to stop.
– Shut of f the machine and disengage the drive
to the cutting unit in the following situations:
◊ Before fueling
◊ Before clearing blockages
◊ Before checking, cleaning, or maintaining
the cutting unit
◊ After striking a foreign object or if an
abnormal vibration occurs. Inspect the
cutting unit for damage and make repairs
before starting and operating the machine
◊ Before leaving the operating position
– Use only accessories and attachments
approved by The T oro® Company .
– Be sure of your footing while using this
machine, especially when backing up. W alk;
do not run.
– Never operate with the discharge deector
raised, removed or altered, unless you are
using a grass catcher .
– Never carry passengers on the machine.
– Do not direct the discharge material toward
anyone. A void discharging material against
a wall or obstruction; material may ricochet
toward you. Stop the blade(s) when crossing
gravel surfaces.
– Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with your feet well away from
12

the blade(s) and not in front of the discharge
chute.
– Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling
the machine toward you.
– Stop the blade if you must transport the
machine to and from the mowing area and
when crossing surfaces other than grass.
Slope Safety
•Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and rollover accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. Y ou are responsible for safe slope
operation. Operating the machine on any slope
requires extra caution. Before using the machine
on a slope, do the following:
– Review and understand the slope instructions
in the manual and on the machine.
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to
determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good
judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can
quickly af fect the operation of the machine on
a slope.
•Operate across slopes, never up and down. A void
operation on excessively steep or wet slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.
•Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do
not operate the machine near drop-of fs, ditches,
embankments, water , or other hazards. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or the edge collapses. Keep a safe
distance between the machine and any hazard.
Use a handheld tool to operate in these areas.
•A void starting, stopping, or turning the machine on
slopes. A void making sudden changes in speed or
direction; turn slowly and gradually .
•Do not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering or stability is in question.
Be aware that operating the machine on wet
grass, across slopes or downhill may cause the
machine to lose traction. Loss of traction to the
drive wheels may result in sliding and a loss of
braking and steering. The machine can slide even
if the drive wheels are stopped.
•Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden hazards. T all
grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
•If you lose control of the machine, step away from
the direction of travel of the machine.
•Always keep the machine in gear when going
down slopes. Do not coast downhill (applicable
only to gear-drive units).
Operating the Parking
Brake
Always engage the parking brake when you shut
of f the machine or leave the operator position.
Before each use, check the parking brake for proper
operation.
Pull the parking-brake lever rearward to engage it
(Figure 8 ).
Push the parking-brake lever forward to disengage it.
Note: The engine shuts of f if you move the
motion-control levers while the parking brake is
engaged or if the machine idles for 5 seconds while
the parking brake is disengaged.
g009465
Figure 8
1. Parking brake—engaged 2. Parking
brake—disengaged
13

Starting the Engine
Note: If you release the motion-control levers and do not engage the parking brake, the engine will shut of f
after 5 seconds.
g292627
Figure 9
Shutting Off the Engine
g289750
Figure 10
14

Operating the
Mower-Blade-Control
Switch (PT O)
Use the blade-control switch (PT O) in conjunction with
the motion-control levers to engage and disengage
the mower blades.
Engaging the Mower Blades (PT O)
g299433
Figure 1 1
Disengaging the Mower Blades
(PT O)
Figure 12 and Figure 13 show 2 ways to disengage
the mower blades.
g299432
Figure 12
g031593
Figure 13
15

Driving the Machine
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as
measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). Place
the throttle control in the F AST position for best
performance.
Note: The engine shuts of f if you move the
motion-control levers while the parking brake is
engaged or if the machine idles for 5 seconds while
the parking brake is disengaged.
CAUTION
The machine can spin very rapidly , and you
may lose control of the machine, causing
personal injury to you and damage to the
machine.
Slow down the machine before making sharp
turns.
Driving Forward
1. Disengage the parking brake; refer to Operating
the Parking Brake ( page 13 ) .
2. Move the motion-control levers down to the
NEUTRAL position.
g299431
Figure 14
1. Front reference bar
4. Right control lever in
NEUTRAL position
2. Left control lever in
NEUTRAL position
5. Right control lever when
released
3. Rear reference bar 6. Left control lever when
released
3. Slowly push the motion-control levers forward
(Figure 15 ).
Note: The farther you move the motion-control
levers in either direction, the faster the machine
moves in that direction.
Note: T o stop, move the motion-control levers
back to the N EUTRAL position.
g303736
Figure 15
Driving Backward
1. Move both motion-control levers to the N EUTRAL
position.
2. Slowly pull the motion-control levers rearward
(Figure 16 ).
g303735
Figure 16
16

Using the Adjustable
Reference Bar
Use the adjustment lever to change the position of
the adjustable reference bar and limit the maximum
forward speed ( Figure 17 ).
Move the lever to the upper position to decrease the
maximum speed; move the lever to the lower position
to increase the maximum speed.
g299434
Figure 17
Side Discharging or
Mulching Grass
This mower has a hinged grass deector that
disperses clippings to the side and down toward the
turf.
DANGER
W ithout the grass deector , discharge cover ,
or complete grass catcher assembly mounted
in place, you and bystanders are exposed to
blade contact and thrown debris. Contact with
rotating mower blade(s) and thrown debris
can cause serious injury or death.
• Never remove the grass deector from the
mower deck, because the grass deector
routes material down toward the turf. If
the grass deector is damaged, replace it
immediately .
• Never put your hands or feet under the
mower deck.
• Never try to clear the discharge area or
mower blades before you disengage the
mower blades. T urn the ignition key to
the O FF position. Remove the key and
disconnect the spark-plug wires.
17

Adjusting the Height of Cut
Y ou can adjust the height of cut from 38 to 1 14 mm (1-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches) in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments.
g303747
Figure 18
18

Adjusting the Anti-Scalp
Rollers
Models with a 122 cm (48 inch),
137 cm (54 inch), or 152 cm (60
inch) Deck Only
Whenever you change the height-of-cut, adjust the
height of the anti-scalp rollers.
1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage
the blade-control switch, and engage the parking
brake.
2. Shut of f the engine, remove the key , and wait
for all moving parts to stop before leaving the
operating position.
3. Remove the nut and bolt position the anti-scalp
rollers and install the nut and bolt.
4. Ensure that the spacers and bushings are
installed ( Figure 19 ).
g301976
Figure 19
1. Bushing 4. Bolt
2. Anti-scalp roller 5. Nut
3. Spacer
After Operation
After Operation Safety
General Safety
•Always shut of f the machine, remove the ignition
key (if equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop,
and allow the machine to cool before adjusting,
servicing, cleaning, or storing it.
•Clean grass and debris from the machine to help
prevent res. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
•Never store the machine or fuel container where
there is an open ame, spark, or pilot light, such
as on a water heater or on other appliances.
•Use full-width ramps for loading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
•T ie the machine down securely using straps,
chains, cable, or ropes. Direct both front and rear
straps down and outward from the machine.
Using the Fuel-Shutoff
V alve
Close the fuel-shutof f valve for transport, maintenance,
and storage ( Figure 20 ).
Ensure that the fuel-shutof f valve is open when
starting the engine.
g299483
Figure 20
1. O FF position 2. O Nposition
19

Pushing the Machine by
Hand
Important: Always push the machine by hand.
Do not tow the machine, because towing may
damage it.
Important: Do not start or operate the machine
with the bypass valves open. Damage to system
may occur .
Pushing the Machine
1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage
the blade-control switch, and engage the parking
brake.
2. Shut of f the engine, remove the key , and wait
for all moving parts to stop before leaving the
operating position.
3. Locate the bypass levers on the frame on both
sides of the engine.
4. Move the bypass levers rearward through the
key hole and down to lock them in place ( Figure
21 ).
Note: Do this for each lever .
5. Disengage the parking brake.
g303749
Figure 21
1. Bypass-lever locations
3. Lever position for pushing
the machine
2. Lever position for
operating the machine
6. When nished, engage the parking brake.
Operating the Machine
Move the bypass levers forward through the keyhole
and down to lock them in place as shown in Figure 21 .
Note: Do this for each lever .
T ransporting the Machine
Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the
machine. Use a full-width ramp. Ensure that the trailer
or truck has all the necessary brakes, lighting, and
marking as required by law . Please carefully read all
the safety instructions. Knowing this information could
help you or bystanders avoid injury . Refer to your
local ordinances for trailer and tie-down requirements.
W ARNING
Driving on the street or roadway without
turn signals, lights, reective markings, or a
slow-moving-vehicle emblem is dangerous
and can lead to accidents, causing personal
injury .
Do not drive the machine on a public street
or roadway .
Selecting a T railer
W ARNING
Loading a machine onto a trailer or truck
increases the possibility of tip-over and could
cause serious injury or death ( Figure 22 ).
• Use only a full-width ramp; do not use
individual ramps for each side of the
machine.
• Ensure that the length of ramp is at least 4
times as long as the height of the trailer or
truck bed to the ground.
20