This rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower is intended to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns on residential properties.
It is not designed for cutting brush or for agricultural uses. Read this information 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. Identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product.
Write the numbers in the space provided. Important: With your mobile device, you can scan the QR code on the serial number decal (if equipped) to access warranty, parts, and other product information. CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning This product contains a chemical or chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. 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 defined in Section 4442, maintained in effective working order or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire.
Gross or Net Torque: The gross or net torque of this engine was laboratory rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1940 or J2723. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine torque on this class of mower will be significantly lower. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s information included with the machine. Important: If you are using this machine above 1500 m (5,000 ft) for a continuous period, ensure that the High Altitude Kit has been installed so that the engine meets CARB/EPA emission regulations. The High Altitude Kit increases engine performance while preventing spark-plug fouling, hard starting, and increased emissions. Once you have installed the kit, attach the high-altitude label next to the serial decal on the machine.
Contact any Authorized Toro Service Dealer to obtain the proper High Altitude Kit and high-altitude label for your machine. To locate a dealer convenient to you, access our website at www.Toro.com or contact our Toro Customer Care Department at the number(s) listed in your Emission Control Warranty Statement.Remove the kit from the engine and restore the engine to its original factory configuration when running the engine under 1500 m (5,000 ft). Do not operate an engine that has been converted for high-altitude use at lower altitudes; otherwise, you could overheat and damage the engine.If you are unsure whether or not your machine has been converted for high-altitude use, look for the following label. This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and of throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to avoid serious personal injury.
Using this product for purposes other than its intended use could prove dangerous to you and bystanders. 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 working on the machine. Keep bystanders and children a safe distance away from the machine.
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 off the engine, 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. 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 these instructions may result in personal injury or death. You can find additional safety information where needed throughout this manual.
131-4514. Warning—read the Operator's Manual. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand, mower blade—stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand, mower blade—disconnect the spark-plug wire and read the instructions before servicing or performing maintenance. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance away from the machine; shut off the engine before leaving the operating position; pick up any debris before mowing.
Cutting/dismemberment hazard of foot, mower blade—do not operate up and down slopes; operate side to side on slopes; look behind you when backing up. Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs. Check that all guards and safety devices, such as deflectors and/or grass catcher, are in place and working properly. Always inspect the machine to ensure that the blades, blade bolts, and cutting assembly are not worn or damaged.
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. Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving blade, causing serious injury. Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (electric-start model only), and wait for all moving parts to stop. Do not put your fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height. Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive.
A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property. To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel, place the container and/or machine directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object. Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area, when the engine is cold. Wipe up any fuel that spills. Do not handle fuel when smoking or around an open flame or sparks. Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel to the tank while the engine is running or hot.
If you spill fuel, do not attempt to start the engine. Avoid creating a source of ignition until the fuel vapors have dissipated.
Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out of the reach of children. Fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious injury and illness. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Keep your hands and face away from the nozzle and the fuel-tank opening. Keep fuel away from your eyes and skin. For best results, use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE by volume is acceptable. Do not use ethanol blends of gasoline, such as E15 or E85, with more than 10% ethanol by volume. Performance problems and/or engine damage may result, which may not be covered under warranty.
Do not use gasoline containing methanol. Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or in fuel containers over the winter unless fuel stabilizer has been added to the fuel. Do not add oil to gasoline. 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 gasoline all season.
Mix the stabilizer with gasoline less than 30 days old. Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection; long pants; slip-resistant, substantial footwear; and hearing protection. Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing, and do not wear loose jewelry. Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury. Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (electric-start model only), and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
When you release the blade-control bar, the engine should shut off and the blade should stop within 3 seconds. If not, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer. Keep bystanders, especially small children, out of the operating area.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area. Always look down and behind you before moving the machine in reverse. Operate the machine only in good visibility and appropriate weather conditions. Do not operate the machine when there is the risk of lighting. Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the blade. Avoid mowing in wet conditions. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause the machine to overturn or cause you to lose your balance or footing. If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately shut off the engine, remove the key (if equipped), wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect the wire from the spark plug before examining the machine for damage.
Make all necessary repairs before resuming operation. Before leaving the operating position, shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (electric-start model only), and wait for all moving parts to stop. If the engine has been running the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you.
Keep away from the hot muffler. Check the grass catcher components and the discharge chute frequently for any wear or deterioration and replace them with the manufacturer's recommended parts when necessary. Use accessories and attachments approved by The Toro® Company only. Inspect the area where you will use the machine and remove all objects that the machine could throw. Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never deliberately mow over any object. If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately shut off the engine, remove the key (if equipped), disconnect the wire from the spark plug, and examine the machine for damage.
For best performance, install a new blade before the cutting season begins. Replace the blade when necessary with a Toro replacement blade.
Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not cut below 51 mm (2 inches) unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down. When cutting grass over 15 cm (6 inches) 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 machine may plug and cause the engine to stall. Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause the machine to plug or the engine to stall. Avoid mowing in wet conditions. Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry conditions, follow all local fire warnings, and keep the machine free of dry grass and leaf debris.
Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.
If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try 1 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 machine. Cut the grass more frequently.
Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass. The machine may dislodge material from under the machine. Wear eye protection. Stay in the operating position (behind the handle) when the engine is running. Do not allow bystanders in the area.
For best results, clean the machine soon after you have completed mowing. Lower the machine to the lowest cutting-height setting.
Move the machine onto a level surface. Wash out the area under the rear door (if applicable) where the clippings go from the underside of the machine to the grass bag. Attach a garden hose that is connected to a water supply to the washout port. Maintenance Service Interval Maintenance Procedure After the first 5 operating hours. Change the engine oil. Before each use or daily. Check the engine oil level.
Ensure that the engine shuts off within 3 seconds after releasing the blade-control bar. Clean grass clippings and dirt from under the machine. Every 25 hours.
Lubricate the rear wheel gears. Yearly. Service the air filter. Change the engine oil. Replace the blade or have it sharpened (more frequently if the edge dulls quickly). Clean the engine by removing dirt and debris from its top and sides; clean it more frequently in dusty operating conditions. Yearly or before storage.
Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed and before yearly storage. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug before performing any maintenance procedure. Wear gloves and eye protection when servicing the machine.
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury. Wear gloves when servicing the blade. Do not repair or alter the blade(s). Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Fuel is flammable and explosive, and can cause personal injury.
Run the engine dry or remove the fuel with a hand pump; never siphon the fuel. To ensure optimum performance and continued safety certification of the machine, use only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories.
Replacement parts and accessories made by other manufacturers could be dangerous, and such use could void the product warranty. Figure 25. Latch tabs. Paper air filter. Foam pre-filter. Open the cover. Remove the paper air filter and the foam pre-filter.
Inspect the foam pre-filter, and replace it if it is damaged or excessively dirty. Inspect the paper air filter. If the air filter is damaged or is wet with oil or fuel, replace it. If the air filter is dirty, tap it on a hard surface several times or blow compressed air less than 207 kPa (30 psi) through the side of the filter that faces the engine. Note: Do not brush the dirt off the filter; brushing forces dirt into the fibers. Remove the dirt from the air-filter body and the cover using a moist rag. Important: Do not wipe dirt into the air duct.
Install the foam pre-filter and the paper air filter into the air filter. Install the cover. Figure 27. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the operating position. Carefully pour about 3/4 of the engine capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.
Wait 3 minutes for the oil to settle in the engine. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but do not screw it in, then remove the dipstick. Read the oil level on the dipstick. If the oil level on the dipstick is too low, carefully pour a small amount of oil into the oil-fill tube, wait 3 minutes, and repeat steps 8 through 10 until the oil level on the dipstick is correct. If the oil level on the dipstick is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is correct. Important: If the oil level in the engine is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.
Install the dipstick into the oil-fill tube securely. Recycle the used oil properly. Figure 31. Handle (left side). Adjustment knob. Self-propel-drive cable. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten the adjustment.
Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen the adjustment. Adjust the tension on the cable by pulling it back or pushing it forward and holding that position. Note: Push the cable toward the engine to increase the traction; pull the cable away from the engine to decrease the traction. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise to tighten the cable adjustment. Note: Tighten the knob firmly by hand. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer (such as Toro Premium Fuel Treatment) to the fuel as directed on the label.
Dispose of any unused fuel properly. Recycle it according to local codes or use it in your automobile. Note: Old fuel in the fuel tank is the leading cause of hard starting. Do not store fuel without fuel stabilizer more than 30 days, and do not store stabilized fuel more than 90 days.
Run the machine until the engine shuts off from running out of fuel. Start the engine again and allow it to run until it shuts off. When you can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
Toro Model 20161 Owners Manual
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug and connect the wire to the retaining post (if equipped). Remove the spark plug, add 30 ml (1 fl oz) of engine 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. Loosely install the spark plug. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.