Operator’s Manual Form No. 3354-973 Rev. C Register your product at www.Toro.com LX500 Lawn Tractor Model No.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Gauge Tractor Set-up Know Your Lawn Tractor Operating Your Lawn Tractor Making Adjustments Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor Page 3 9 10 12 15 18 20 Content Service Off-season Storage Maintenance Chart Troubleshooting Specifications Warranty Information Page 24 27 28 29 30 35 FINDING MODEL NUMBER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor.
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol–heed its warning.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result. 19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed. 20.
CHILDREN 5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. 6. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. 7. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. 1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. a.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. 8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operationbefore each use. 9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, and remove the key. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating. 10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running. 11.
SECTION 2: SAFETY LABELS Safety labels found on your lawn tractor are illustrated below (3/4 actual size). Always follow their instructions and head their warnings. The label part number is listed below each. If you discover a safety label is scratched, damaged or missing, order a replacement immediately. S30015 • KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS. • REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY THE BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. • DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
SECTION 3: INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS Instructional labels found on your lawn tractor are illustrated below (3/4 actual size). Always follow their instructions and heed their warnings. If you discover a label is scratched, damaged or missing, order a replacement immediately.
SECTION 4: SLOPE GAUGE OR A FENCE POST PE RE P R E S ENTS A SLO E D O T T E D LIN OR A CORNER OF A BUILDING LONG &OLD A 3IGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE 9
SECTION 5: TRACTOR SET-UP Gas and Oil Fill-up WARNING: The shipping brace, used for packaging purposes only, must be removed and discarded before operating your tractor. Use only clean, fresh (under 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 inch below the top of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of throwing objects.
• Make certain the hold-down rod is in position over the battery, securing it in place. See Figure 2. Shoulder Screw Rubber Boot Lock Nut Shoulder Screw Hold Down Rod Lock Nut Hex Nut Hex Bolt Figure 3 f. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right fender.
SECTION 6: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR A G B H C SLOW I J K D L E F NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity. Figure 5 A B C D E F Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter PTO (Blade Engage) Knob Choke Control Parking Brake Lever Shift Lever Cup Holder G H I J K L Throttle Control Ignition Switch Module Brake Pedal Drive Pedal Cruise Control Lever Deck Lift Lever NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.
Throttle Control The throttle control lever is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. Ignition Switch Module WARNING: Never leave a running machine FAST unattended. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Systems Indicator Monitor / Hour Meter Electric PTO / Blade Engage Knob Battery To engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments, pull outward on the PTO/Blade Engage knob. Push the PTO/ Blade Engage knob inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. Oil 42.0 PTO (Blade Engage) LCD Parking Brake NOTE: The PTO/Blade Engage knob must be in the disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine.
SECTION 7: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR Safety Interlock System WARNING: Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area. This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. Before each use, check the safety interlock system for proper operation.
Starting the Engine Driving The Tractor WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, ex- interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. cessive speed and sudden stops. WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake.
Setting The Cruise Control IMPORTANT: With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the PTO clutch will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches on page 15. NOTE: The cruise control feature should only be utilized while traveling in the forward direction. • • • • Slowly depress the drive pedal until the desired speed is achieved. Lightly depress the cruise control lever.
SECTION 8: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Never attempt to make any • adjustments while the engine is running, Retighten the two lock nuts against the inner hex nuts when proper adjustment is achieved. Side to Side Leveling the Deck If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows: NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before • performing any deck leveling adjustments.
Parking Brake Adjustment Steering Adjustment If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other, or if the ball joints are being replaced due to damage or wear, the steering drag links may need to be adjusted. WARNING: Never attempt to adjust the brakes while the engine is running. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
SECTION 9: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR NOTE: Refer to Maintenance Chart on page 28 for a reference of recommended maintenance intervals. TEMPERATURE / OIL VISCOSITY CHART WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
IMPORTANT: The engine may overheat and/or damage may result if the oil level is below the ADD or over the FULL on the dipstick. • Oil Fill Cap / Dipstick Reinstall the oil fill cap/dipstick securely onto the oil fill tube. IMPORTANT: The oil fill cap/dipstick must be installed securely onto the tube at all times when the engine is operating. Severe engine damage could result from failure to do so.
Service Paper Element IMPORTANT: The oil fill cap/dipstick must be installed securely onto the tube at all times when the engine is operating. Severe engine damage could result from a failure to do so. • • • The paper element should be replaced at least once a season, or every 100 hours of operation. Replace more frequently if the tractor is operated under extremely dusty conditions.
• Front Wheels Check the gap using a feeler gauge and adjust, if necessary, by carefully bending the ground electrode. See Figure 14. Set the spark plug gap to .76 mm (0.030 in.). Each of the front wheel axles and rims is equipped with a grease fitting. See Figure 15. Lubricate with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multi-purpose lithium grease after every 25 hours of tractor operation.
SECTION 10: SERVICE WARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or Hex Flange Nut inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Wood Block Tires WARNING: Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire. The recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 14 psi for the front tires. Do not overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting deck to mow unevenly.
IMPORTANT:When replacing the blade, be sure to • install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position. • IMPORTANT:Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade Charging spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft. and 90 lbsft.
• • Gently slide the cutting deck toward the front of the tractor allowing the hooks on the deck to release themselves from the deck stabilizer rod. Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out from underneath the tractor. Pivoting Idler Pulley Changing the Deck Belt Idler Bracket WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off, Belt Guard 3/8” Square Hole Spring and remove ignition key to prevent unintended starting before removing the belt.
SECTION 11: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR on page 20 of this manual before storing for an extended period. To empty the system, run the engine until the tank and system are empty. WARNING: Drain fuel only into an approved container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow engine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition prior to draining fuel.
SECTION 12: MAINTENANCE CHART Before Each Use After Initial 24 Hours Every 10 Hours Clean Hood/Dash Louvers Check Engine Oil Level Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Precleaner Replace Air Filter Element Change Engine Oil & Filter Clean Battery Terminals Lube Front Axles and Rims Clean Engine Cooling Fins Lube Pedal Pivot Points Check Spark Plug Check Safety Interlock System 28 Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every Season Prior to Storing
SECTION 13: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action Engine fails to start PTO (Blade Engage) knob engaged. Place PTO (Blade Engage) knob in disengaged (OFF) position. Engage parking brake. Connect wire(s) to spark plug. Pull Choke Control into CHOKE position. Engine runs erratic Parking brake not engaged. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. Cchoke control not in correct starting position. Choke not activated Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug.
SECTION 14: SPECIFICATIONS* LX500 Capacities Fuel Tank 3.0 gal. (11.4 liters) Engine Crankcase (w/ filter) 57.5 oz. (1.7 liters) Constant Velocity Transmission Forward Speed 0 - 5.2 mph (8.2 km/h) Reverse Speed 0 - 2.3 mph (3.7 km/h) Engine (Air-cooled, 4-cycle) Make Kohler Courage Model SV720 Cylinders Twin Bore 83 mm (3.27 in.) Stroke 67 mm (2.64 in.) Displacement 725 cc (44.2 cubic in.) Power @3600 RPM 17.2 kW (23 HP)** Maximum Torque 60.9 Nm (44.9 ft. lb.
CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board and MTD Consumer Group Inc are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system warranty on your 2006 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mower must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards.
The Toro Company MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR LAWN & GARDEN TRACTORS IMPORTANT: To obtain warranty coverage owner must present an original proof of purchase and applicable maintenance records to the servicing dealer. Please see the operator’s manual for information on required maintenance and service intervals.
