Toro Wheel Horse 14-38 HXL 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.
FORM NO. 3318–997GB
Wheel Horse
14–38 HXL
Lawn Tractor
Model No. 71219 – 7900001 & Up

The Toro Company – 1996
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. ModelandSerialNumberPlate
(under the seat)
1
1856
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. . . . . . . .
Slope Chart 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols Glossary 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gasoline and Oil 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Gasoline 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stabilizer/Conditioner 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Fuel Tank 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Oil Level 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Think Safety First 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the Seat 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the Tilt Steering Wheel 11. . . . . .
Headlights 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Blade Control (PTO) 12. . . . . . . . .
Setting the Height-of-Cut 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting Mower Wheels 12. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and Stopping the Engine 13. . . . . . .
The Safety System 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pushing the Machine by Hand 14. . . . . . . . . .
Driving Forward or Backward 15. . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Machine 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side Discharge or Mulch Grass 16. . . . . . . . .
Installing the Discharge Cover 16. . . . . . . . . .
Tips for Mowing Grass 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Maintenance 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Interval Chart 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greasing and Lubrication 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Diagram 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle and Choke Control 27. . . . . . . . . . . .
Carburetor 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cutting Blade 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Mower 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Mower 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade Drive Belt 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side-to-Side Mower Leveling 40. . . . . . . . . .
Front-to-Rear Blade Slope 41. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing Underside of Mower 42. . . . . . . . . .
Storage 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2
Safety
Safe Operation Practices for
Ride-on (riding) Rotary
Lawnmower Machines
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 – Petrol 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
petrol while the engine is running or when
the engine is hot.
•If petrol 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.

Safety
3
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. Do not use on slopes of more than:
•Never mow side hills over 5_
•Never mow uphill over 10_
•Never mow downhill over 15_
Note: Slope angle is calculated as in
5.4.2.3.2.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
8. Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
9. When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the machine while in
operation.
10. Never operate the lawnmower with defective
guards, shields or without safety protective
devices in place.
11. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speeds may increase the hazard of
personal injury.
12. 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 key.
13. 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).
14. Disengage drive to attachments when
transporting or not in use.

Safety
4
15. Stop the engine and disengage drive to
attachment
•before refuelling;
•before removing the grass catcher;
•before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator’s
position.
16. 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.
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 petrol 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: 100 dB(A),
based on measurements of identical machines per
ANSI B71.5-1984 procedures.
Sound Power Level
This unit has a sound power level of: 100 dB(A) /
1 pW, based on measurements of identical machines
per procedures outlined in Directive 79/113/EEC and
amendments. The test surface consisted of a surface
of coconut mat surrounded by 2” grass.
Vibration Level
This unit has a maximum hand-arm vibration level of
2.89 m/s2and whole body vibration level of
0.31 m/s2, based on measurements of identical
machines per ISO 5349.

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

Safety
6
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
ROPS
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

Safety
7
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
Tractors 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

Safety
8
Symbols Glossary
Fast
Slow
Decreasing/Increasing
Engine start
Engine stop
Choke
Clutch
Engage
Disengage
Brake system
Parking brake
On/Run
Battery charging conditin
Off/Stop
Engine
Head lights–
Main/high beam
Fuel
Engine lubricating
oil pressure
PTO (Power Take Off)
Unlock
Lock
Engine lubricating oil level
Engine temperature
Fuel level
Volume empty
Volume full