Toro Super Recycler 20792 User manual

 2005—The Toro Company
8111 Lyndale Ave., Bloomington, MN 55420, USA
Printed in the USA
All Rights Reserved
Original Instructions (EN)
Register your product at www.Toro.com
53cm Super Recycler)Lawn Mower
Model No. 20792—Serial No. 250000001 and Up
Form No. 3353-448 Rev A
Operator’s Manual
Introduction
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate
and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury
and product damage. You are responsible for
operating the product properly and safely.
You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for
product and accessory information, help finding a
dealer, or to register your product.
Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or
additional information, contact an Authorized Service
Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model
and serial numbers of your product ready. The
illustration below identifies the location of the model
and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers
in the space provided below:
Model #:
Serial #:
m-8102
This manual identifies potential hazards and has
safety messages identified by the following words:
•Danger signals an extreme hazard that will
cause serious injury or death if you do not follow
the recommended precautions.
•Warning signals a hazard that may cause
serious injury or death if you do not follow the
recommended precautions.
•Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor
or moderate injury if you do not follow the
recommended precautions.
This manual uses two other words to highlight
information. Important: calls attention to special
mechanical information and Note: emphasizes
general information worthy of special attention.
Safety
This lawn mower meets or exceeds the EN 836 and
the ISO 5395 standards in effect at the time of
production.
Read and understand the contents of this manual
before the engine is ever started.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death.
Improperly using or maintaining this mower
could result in injury or death. To reduce this
potential, comply with the following safety
instructions.
The following instructions have been adapted from
ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1 and ISO standard 5395.
General Operation
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of
the mower before starting.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
•Only allow responsible individuals, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate the
mower.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
•Do not operate the mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial
foot wear.
•Do not pull the mower backward unless
absolutely necessary. Look down and behind
before and while moving backward.
•Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective
devices in place.
•See the Toro instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories. Only use Toro
accessories.

2
3353-448 Rev A
•Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads.
•Stop the engine whenever you leave the
equipment, before cleaning the mower or
unclogging the chute.
•Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk; never run.
•Never pick up or carry a lawn mower while the
engine is running.
•Disengage the self-propelled mechanism before
starting the engine.
•If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields when operating mower.
Slope Operation
•Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. All
slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on
a slope, do not mow it.
•Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
•Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
•Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the mower and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where you last saw
them.
•Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult
•Be alert and turn mower off if children enter the
area.
•Before and while moving backward, look behind
and down for small children.
•Never allow children to operate the mower.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
Service
•Use extra care in handling gasoline. It is
flammable and vapors are explosive.
•Use only an approved container.
•Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.
•Never refuel the machine indoors.
•Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such as
a water heater.
•Never run an engine inside a closed area.
Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,
deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run the engine indoors or in an enclosed
area.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the
engine running. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent
accidental starting.
•Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in
good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
•Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
mower to cool before storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments
while the engine is running.
•Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage, and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
Frequently check components and replace with
genuine Toro parts, when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.

3
3353-448 Rev A
•Replace a faulty muffler.
•Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
Sound Pressure
This unit has a maximum sound pressure level at the
operator’s ear of 89 dBA, based on measurements of
identical machines per EN 11094 and EN 836.
Sound Power
This unit has a guaranteed sound power level of
100 dBA, based on measurements of identical
machines per EN 11094.
Vibration
This unit does not exceed a hand/arm vibration level
of 4.7 m/s2, based on measurements of identical
machines per EN 1033.
Safety/Instruction Decals
Important: Safety and instruction decals are located near areas of potential danger. Replace damaged decals.
104-7908
1. Warning—do not operate the mower without the rear discharge
plug or bag in place; do not operate the mower without the side
discharge cover or deflector in place.
104-7909
1. Warning—read the Operator’s Manual.
2. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance from
the machine.
3. Thrown object hazard, mower—keep the deflector in place.
4. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower
blade—stay away from moving parts.
5. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower
blade—do not operate up and down slopes; operate side to side
on slopes; stop the engine before leaving the operating position;
and look behind you when backing.
94-8072
Manufacturer’s Mark
1. Indicates the blade is identified as a part from the original
machine manufacturer.

4
3353-448 Rev A
Product Overview
m-8107
8
3
1
4
10
5
7
11
6
9
2
1. Upper handle
2. Recoil start handle
3. Upper and lower handle
knobs (4)
4. Fuel tank cap
5. Side discharge
6. Air filter
7. Primer
8. Spark plug
9. Cutting height lever (4)
10. Oil fill/Dipstick
11. Blade control bar
m-5630/m-8092
2
1
3
1. Grass bag
2. Side discharge chute
3. Rear discharge plug
(installed)

5
3353-448 Rev A
Setup
Important: Remove and discard the protective plastic
sheet that covers the engine.
Unfolding the Handle
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can
damage the cables, causing an unsafe operating
condition.
SDo not damage the cables when folding or
unfolding the handle.
SIf a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized
Service Dealer.
1. Carefully move the upper handle forward until the
handle halves are in line and nest together.
m-8108
m-8109
A.
B.
2. Tighten the
upper handle
knobs as tight as
you can by hand.
m-8095
3. Rotate the handle rearward.
m-8109
A.
B.
m-8110
4. Attach the
handle brackets
(A) to the lower
handle sides.
Note: Insert a
lock washer
between each
bracket and
knob, and
tighten the
lower handle
knob as tight as
you can by
hand.
A
m-8097

6
3353-448 Rev A
Filling the Engine with Oil
Important: Your mower does not come with oil in the
engine.
1. Remove the dipstick.
m-8099/m-5571
m-8098
2. Slowly pour oil into the oil fill tube until the oil
level reaches the Full line on the dipstick. Do not
overfill. (Max. fill: 20 oz., type: SAE 30W detergent
oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH,
SJ, SL, or higher.)
3. Install the dipstick securely.
Important: Change the engine oil after the first
5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer
to Changing the Engine Oil on page 13.
Before Operating
Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can
burn you and others.
STo prevent a static charge from igniting the gasoline, place the container and/or
mower directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.
SFill the tank outdoors when the engine is cold. Wipe up spills.
SDo not handle gasoline when smoking or around an open flame or sparks.
SStore gasoline in an approved fuel container, out of the reach of children.
Filling the Fuel Tank
Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded regular gasoline
from a major name-brand service station.
Important: To reduce starting problems, add fuel
stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with gasoline
less than 30 days old.
1/2 in. (1 cm)
m-8098
m-8099/m-5571

7
3353-448 Rev A
Checking the Engine Oil
Level
1. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and fully
install the dipstick.
m-8099/m-5571
m-8098
2. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. If the
oil level is below the Add mark on the dipstick,
slowly pour oil into the oil fill tube to raise the oil level
to the Full mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
(Max. fill: 20 oz., type: SAE 30W detergent oil with an
API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or
higher.)
3. Install the dipstick.
Adjusting the Cutting Height
Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving blade, causing
serious injury.
SStop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
SDo not put your fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height.
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you.
Keep away from the hot muffler.
Adjust the cutting height
as desired. Set all four
wheels to the same
height.
Note: To raise the mower,
move all 4 cutting height
levers forward; to lower
the mower, move them all
rearward. m-5629a
m-8098 m-8100
E= 3-1/4 inch (8 cm)
F= 3-3/4 inch (10 cm)
G= 4-1/4 inch (11 cm)
A= 1-1/4 inch (3 cm)
B= 1-3/4 inch (4 cm)
C= 2-1/4 inch (6 cm)
D= 2-3/4 inch (7 cm)

8
3353-448 Rev A
Adjusting the Handle
Height
You may raise or lower the handle to a position
comfortable for you.
1. Remove the
lower handle knobs
and lock washers
that attach the
handle brackets to
the lower handle
ends. A
m-8097
2. Insert the bolt
through the hole in each
of the handle brackets
that sets the handle to
the desired position.
Note: A is the
highest position; B
(either hole) is the
middle position; and
C is the lowest
position.
A
B
C
m-8101
3. Install the lock
washers and lower
handle knobs, and
tighten the knobs as
tight as you can by
hand.
Note: Insert the lock
washer between the
bracket and the
knob.
A
m-8097
Operation
Starting the Engine
1. Firmly push in
the primer 3 times
with your thumb,
holding the primer
in for a second
before releasing it
each time.
Note: If the air
temperature is
below 55°F (13°C),
firmly push the
primer in 5 times.
m-7311
2. Hold the blade
control bar (A)
against the handle.
A
m-5578
3. Pull the recoil
starter.
m-5606
4. If the mower does not start in 1 or 2 pulls, press
the primer button 1 or 2 times and try starting it again.
Note: If the mower still does not start, contact an
Authorized Service Dealer.

9
3353-448 Rev A
Using the Self-propel Drive
To operate the self-propel drive, simply walk with your
hands on the upper handle and your elbows at your
sides, and the mower will automatically keep pace
with you.
m-5582
m-5613
Stopping the Engine
Release the blade control bar.
m-5582
Important: When you release the blade control bar,
both the engine and blade should stop within
3 seconds. If they do not stop properly, stop using
your mower immediately and contact an Authorized
Service Dealer.
Recycling the Clippings
Your mower comes from the factory ready to recycle
the grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn.
If the grass bag is on the mower, remove it (refer to
Removing the Grass Bag on page 10) before
recycling the clippings. If the side discharge chute is
on the mower, remove it and lock the side discharge
door (refer to Removing the Side Discharge Chute on
page 11) before recycling the clippings.
Important: Ensure that
the rear discharge plug
is in place before you
recycle the clippings.
m-8103
Bagging the Clippings
Use the grass bag when you want to collect grass
and leaf clippings from the lawn.
If the side discharge chute is on the mower, remove it
and lock the side discharge door (refer to Removing
the Side Discharge Chute on page 11) before bagging
the clippings.
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can
result in serious personal injury.
Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to
stop before leaving the operating position.

10
3353-448 Rev A
Installing the Grass Bag
1. Raise and hold
up the rear door.
2. Remove the
rear discharge
plug.
1.
2.
3. Install the bag onto the door rod.
4. Lower the rear door.
m–8169
Removing the Grass Bag
To remove the bag, reverse the steps above.
Side Discharging the
Clippings
Use the side discharge for cutting very tall grass.
If the grass bag is on the mower, remove it and insert
the rear discharge plug (refer to Removing the Grass
Bag on page 10) before side discharging the
clippings.
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can
result in serious personal injury.
Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to
stop before leaving the operating position.
Installing the Side Discharge Chute
1. Unlock the
side discharge
door.
m-7195
2. Lift open the side
discharge door.
m-5584
3. Install the side discharge chute and close the
door onto the chute.
m-5585

11
3353-448 Rev A
Removing the Side Discharge Chute
To remove the side discharge chute, reverse the
steps above.
Important: Lock
the side discharge
door after you
close it.
m-7196
Operating Tips
•Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches,
and other debris that the blade could hit.
•Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never
deliberately mow over any object.
•If the mower strikes an object or starts to vibrate,
immediately stop the engine, disconnect the wire
from the spark plug, and examine the mower for
damage.
•For best performance, install a new blade before
the cutting season begins.
•Replace the blade when necessary with a Toro
replacement blade.
Cutting Grass
•Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a
time. Do not cut below the 2-1/4-inch (6 cm)
setting unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall
when grass growth begins to slow down. Refer to
Adjusting the Cutting Height on page 7.
•When cutting grass over 6 inches (15 cm) tall,
mow at the highest cutting height setting and walk
slower; then mow again at a lower setting for the
best lawn appearance. If the grass is too long, the
mower may plug and cause the engine to stall.
•Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and
leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause
the mower to plug or the engine to stall.
Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if
you slip and contact the blade. Mow only in dry
conditions.
•Alternate the mowing direction. This helps
disperse the clippings over the lawn for even
fertilization.
If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try
one or more of the following:
•Replace the blade or have it sharpened.
•Walk at a slower pace while mowing.
•Raise the cutting height on your mower.
•Cut the grass more frequently.
•Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full
swath with each pass.
•Set the cutting height on the front wheels one
notch lower than the rear wheels. For example,
set the front wheels at 2-1/4 inches (6 cm) and
the rear wheels at 2-3/4 inches (7 cm).
Cutting Leaves
•After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn
shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need
to make more than one pass over the leaves.
•If there are more than 5 inches (13 cm) of leaves
on the lawn, set the front cutting height one or
two notches higher than the rear cutting height.
•Slow down your mowing speed if the mower does
not cut the leaves finely enough.

12
3353-448 Rev A
Maintenance
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the mower by standing in the operating position.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Important: Refer to your engine operator’s manual for additional maintenance procedures.
Maintenance Service
Interval Maintenance Procedure
Each Use
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to Checking the Engine Oil Level on page 7.
•Remove grass clippings and dirt from under the housing. Refer to Cleaning the
Mower on page 14.
1 Year (25 Hours)1
•Replace the air filter; replace it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
Refer to Replacing the Air Filter on page 12.
•Check the spark plug (refer to your engine operator’s manual).
•Replace the blade or have the blade sharpened; replace it or have it sharpened
more frequently if the edge dulls quickly. Refer to Replacing the Blade on
page 13.
•Lubricate the wheel gears. Refer to Lubricating the Wheel Gears on page 13.
2 Years (50 Hours)1•Change the engine oil.2Refer to Changing the Engine Oil on page 13.
4 Years (100 Hours)1•Replace the spark plug (refer to your engine operator’s manual).
•Clean the cooling system (refer to your engine operator’s manual).
Annual Storage •Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed or before annual storage. Refer to
Preparing the Mower for Storage on page 14.
1Whichever comes first
2Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours.
Preparing for Maintenance
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to
stop.
2. Disconnect the
spark plug wire from the
spark plug before
performing any
maintenance procedure.
m-7313
3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s),
connect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Note: Before tipping the mower to change the oil or
replace the blade, allow the fuel tank to run dry
through normal usage. If you must tip the mower prior
to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel pump to
remove the fuel. Always tip the mower onto its side
(with the air filter up).
Tipping the mower may cause the fuel to leak.
Gasoline is flammable, explosive and can cause
personal injury.
Run the engine dry or remove the gasoline with a
hand pump; never siphon.
Replacing the Air Filter
Replace the air filter yearly; replace it more frequently
in dusty operating conditions.
Refer to Preparing for Maintenance on page 12.
1. Use a screw
driver to open the
air filter cover.
m-7314

13
3353-448 Rev A
2. Replace the air
filter.
m-7315
3. Install the cover.
Changing the Engine Oil
Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating
hours; change it yearly thereafter.
Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil
to warm it. Warm oil flows better and carries more
contaminants.
Refer to Preparing for Maintenance on page 12.
1. Remove the
dipstick.
m-7310
2. Tip the mower onto
its side (with the air filter
up) to drain the used oil
out through the oil fill
tube.
m-7316
3. Slowly pour oil into
the oil fill tube until the
oil level reaches the Full
line on the dipstick. Do
not overfill. (Max. fill:
20 oz., type: SAE 30W
detergent oil with an API
service classification of
SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or
higher.)
m-7310
4. Install the dipstick securely.
5. Dispose of the used oil properly at a local
recycling center.
Lubricating the Wheel
Gears
Lubricate each rear wheel with grease yearly.
1. Wipe the grease
fittings just inside the
rear wheels with a clean
rag.
2. Install a grease gun
onto each fitting and
gently apply 2 or
3 pumps of
#2 multi-purpose
lithium-base grease.
m-8104
Replacing the Blade
Important: You will need a torque wrench to
install the blade properly. If you do not have a
torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this
procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
Examine the blade whenever you run out of gasoline.
If the blade is damaged or cracked, replace it
immediately. If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have
it sharpened or replace it.
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can
result in serious personal injury.
Wear cloth or leather gloves when servicing the
blade.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance on page 12.
2. Tip the mower onto its side (with the air filter up).
3. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady.
4. Remove the blade, saving all mounting hardware.

14
3353-448 Rev A
5. Install the new blade and all mounting hardware.
Important: Position the curved ends of the blade to
point toward the mower housing.
m-8105
6. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to
60 ft-lb (82 N⋅m).
Important: A bolt torqued to 60 ft-lb (82 NVm) is
very tight. While holding the blade with a block of
wood, put your weight behind the ratchet or
wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is
very difficult to overtighten.
Cleaning the Mower
1. With the engine
running on a flat paved
surface, spray a stream
of water in front of the
right rear wheel.
1093
The water will splash into the path of the blade,
cleaning out the clippings.
2. When no more clippings come out, stop the water
and move the mower to a dry area.
3. Run the engine for a few minutes to dry the
housing to prevent it from rusting.
Storage
Store the mower in a cool, clean, dry place.
Preparing the Mower for
Storage
Gasoline vapors can explode.
SDo not store gasoline more than 30 days.
SDo not store the mower in an enclosure near
an open flame.
SAllow the engine to cool before storing it.
1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel
stabilizer to the fuel as directed by the engine
manufacturer.
2. Run the mower until the engine stops from
running out of fuel.
3. Prime the engine and start it again.
4. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you
can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
5. Remove the wire from the spark plug and connect
the wire onto the retaining post.
6. Remove the spark plug, add 1 oz. (30 ml) of oil
through the spark plug hole, and pull the starter rope
slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the
cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the
off-season.
7. Loosely install the spark plug.
8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.

15
3353-448 Rev A
Folding the Handle
1. Remove the
lower handle knobs
and lock washers.
2. Detach the
handle brackets
(A) from the lower
handle sides. A
m-8097
Note: Attach the lower handle knobs onto the
bolts in the handle to prevent losing them.
3. Rotate the handle forward.
A.
B.
m-8110
m-8109
4. To unfold the handle, refer to Unfolding the
Handle on page 5.
Removing the Mower from
Storage
1. Remove the spark plug and pull the recoil start
handle a few times to blow the excess oil from the
cylinder.
2. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque
wrench to 15 ft-lb (20 Nm).
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.