Toro 71280 User manual

Operator’s Manual
IMPORTANT: Read this manual carefully. It contains information about your
safety and the safety of others. Also become familiar with the controls and
their proper use before you operate the product.
International English (GB)
FORM NO. 3321-934
Wheel Horse

17–44 HXLE
Lawn Tractor
Model No. 71280 – 9900001 & Up

The Toro Company – 1998
Printed in USA All Rights Reserved
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Toro product.
All of us at Toro want you to be completely satisfied
with your new product, so feel free to contact your
local Authorized Service Dealer for help with service,
genuine Toro replacement parts, or other information
you may require.
Whenever you contact your Authorized Service
Dealer or the factory, always know the model and
serial numbers of your product. These numbers will
help the Service Dealer or Service Representative
provide exact information about your specific
product. You will find the model and serial number
plate located in a unique place on the product as
shown below .
1
1856
1. Model and Serial Number Plate (under the seat)
For your convenience, write the product model and
serial numbers in the space below.
Model No:
Serial No.
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate
and maintain your product correctly. Reading this
manual will help you and others avoid personal injury
and damage to the product. Although Toro designs,
produces and markets safe, state-of-the-art products,
you are responsible for using the product properly
and safely. You are also responsible for training
persons who you allow to use the product about safe
operation.
The Toro warning system in this manual identifies
potential hazards and has special safety messages that
help you and others avoid personal injury, even death.
DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION are signal
words used to identify the level of hazard. However,
regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.
DANGER signals an extreme hazard that will cause
serious injury or death if the recommended
precautions are not followed.
WARNING signals a hazard that may cause serious
injury or death if the recommended precautions are
not followed.
CAUTION signals a hazard that may cause minor or
moderate injury if the recommended precautions are
not followed.
Two other words are also used to highlight
information. “Important” calls attention to special
mechanical information and “Note” emphasizes
general information worthy of special attention.
The left and right side of the machine is determined
by sitting on the seat in the normal operator’s
position.

1
Contents
Page
Safety 2.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-on
(riding) Rotary Lawnmower Machines 2 . .
Safe Operating Practices 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Pressure Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sound Power Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vibration Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slope Chart 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols Glossary 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols Glossary 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols Glossary 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gasoline and Oil 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Gasoline 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stabilizer/Conditioner 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Fuel Tank 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Oil Level 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Think Safety First 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the Seat 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Blade Control (PTO) 13 . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Height-of-Cut 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Starting and Stopping the Engine 14 . . . . . . .
The Safety Interlock System 16 . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating–in–Reverse 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing the Safety System 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pushing the Machine by Hand 18 . . . . . . . . . .
Driving Forward or Backward 19 . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Machine 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for Mowing Grass 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Interval Chart 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greasing and Lubrication 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Diagram 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and Storage 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2
Safety
Safe Operation Practices for
Ride-on (riding) Rotary
Lawnmower Machines
This machine meets or exceeds European
Standards in effect at the time of production.
However, improper use or maintenance by the
operator or owner can result in injury. To reduce
the potential for injury, comply with these safety
instructions and always pay attention to the safety
alert symbol, which means CAUTION,
WARNING, or DANGER—“personal safety
instruction.” Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or death.
Safe Operating Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
Training
1. Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
2. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the lawnmower. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
3. Never mow while people, especially children, or
pets are nearby.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to
other people or their property.
5. Do not carry passengers.
6. All drivers should seek and obtain professional
and practical instruction. Such instruction should
emphasize:
•the need for care and concentration when
working with ride-on machines;
•control of a ride-on machine sliding on a
slope will not be regained by the application
of the brake. The main reasons for loss of
control are:
insufficient wheel grip;
being driven too fast;
inadequate braking;
the type of machine is unsuitable for its
task;
lack of awareness of the effects of
ground conditions, especially slopes;
incorrect hitching and load distribution.
Preparation
1. While mowing, always wear substantial
footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing open
sandals.
2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all objects
which may be thrown by the machine.
3. WARNING – Fuel is highly flammable.
•Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose.
•Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke
while refuelling.
•Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel
while the engine is running or when the
engine is hot.

Safety
3
•If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine but move the machine away from
the are of spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until petrol vapors have
dissipated.
•Replace all fuel tanks and container caps
securely.
4. Replace faulty silencers.
5. Before using, always visually inspect to see that
the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are
not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged
blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
6. On multi–bladed machines, take care as rotating
one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space
where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can
collect.
2. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
3. Before attempting to start the engine, disengage
all blade attachment clutches and shift into
neutral.
4. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
•Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
•Limit loads to those you can safely control.
•Do not turn sharply. Use care when
reversing.
•Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in the instruction
handbook.
5. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
6. Stop the blades before crossing surfaces other
than grass.
7. When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the machine while in
operation.
8. Never operate the lawnmower with damaged
guards or without safety protective devices in
place.
9. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speeds may increase the hazard of
personal injury.
10. Before leaving the operator’
s position:
•disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
•change into neutral and set the parking
brake;
•stop the engine and remove the ignition and
“Key Choice” keys.
11. Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine,
and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove
the ignition key
•before cleaning blockages or unclogging
chute;
•before checking, cleaning or working on the
lawnmower;
•after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower for damage and make repairs
before restarting and operating the
equipment;
•if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately).
12. Disengage drive to attachments when
transporting or not in use.
13. Stop the engine and disengage drive to
attachment
•before refuelling;
•before removing the grass catcher;

Safety
4
•before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator’s
position.
14. Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out
and, if the engine is provided with a shut-off
valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of
mowing.
Slope Operation
1. For operation on slopes:
•Never mow side hills over 5_
•Never mow uphill over 10_
•Never mow downhill over 15_
2. Remember there is no such thing as a “safe”
slope. Travel on grass slopes requires particular
care. To guard against overturning:
•do not stop or start suddenly when going up
or downhill;
•
engage clutch slowly , always keep machine
in gear, especially when travelling
downhill;
•machine speeds should be kept low on
slopes and during tight turns;
•stay alert for bumps and hollows and other
hidden hazards;
•never mow across the face of the slope,
unless the lawnmower is designed for this
purpose.
Maintenance and storage
1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
2. Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark.
3. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
4. To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer, battery compartment and petrol storage
area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5. Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
6. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
7. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be
done outdoors.
8. On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating
one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
9. When machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended, lower the cutting means unless a
positive mechanical lock is used.
Sound Pressure Level
This unit has an equivalent continuous A-weighted
sound pressure at the operator ear of: 87 dB(A), based
on measurements of identical machines per Directive
84/538/EEC and amendments.
Sound Power Level
This unit has a sound power level of: 100 Lwa, based
on measurements of identical machines per
procedures outlined in Directive 84/538/EEC and
amendments.
Vibration Level
This unit has a maximum hand-arm vibration level of
10.0 m/s2and whole body vibration level of 0.4 m/s2,
based on measurements of identical machines per EN
1033 and EN 1032.

Safety
5
Slope Chart
Read all safety instructions on pages 2–8.

6

Safety
7
Symbols Glossary
Read operator ’ s manual
Rotating blade can cut off
toes or fingers. Stay clear
Thrown or flying objects–
Whole body exposure
Thrown or flying objects–
Rotary side-mounted mower .
Dismemberment–Mower
in rearward motion
Do not open or
remove safety shields
while engine is running
Stay a safe distance
from the machine
Machine rollover
Machine rollover
Machine rollover
side hill
up hill
down hill
Stay a safe distance
from the mower
Machine rollover
Safety alert symbol
of blade as long as engine
is running
Keep deflector shield in place
Consult Technical Manual for
proper service procedures
Safety alert symbol
Keep children a safe distance
from machine
Severing toes or foot–
mower blade
Severing fingers or hand–
mower blade
Operating in reverse not
allowed unless deactivated
by ”Key Choice” key

Safety
8
Symbols Glossary
Cutting element–
basic symbol
Cutting element–
height adjustment
Cutting unit-raised
Cutting unit–lower
Crushing of fingers
or hands–Force applied
from side
Kickback or upward
motion–Stored energy
Shut off engine & remove key
before performing maintenance
or repair work
Riding on this machine is allowed
only on a passenger seat & only
if the driver ’s view is not hindered
Severing of hand–
Rotating knives
Severing of foot–
Rotating knives
Cutting or entanglement
of foot–Rotating auger
Severing of fingers or hand–
impeller blade
Stay a safe distance
from the snowthrower
Keep a safe distance from
snowthrower
T ractors must be equipped
with 45kg rear wheel weight
with this attachment installed
Machine rollover
ROPS snowthrower
Neutral
First gear
Second gear
Third gear up to
Reverse
maximum # of
forward gears
High
Low
Machine travel direction–
combined