Operator's Manual

8
3328-282
• For best performance, install a new blade before
the cutting season begins.
• Replace the blade when necessary with an
original Toro replacement blade.
Cutting Grass
• Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a
time. Do not cut below the 2-inch (51 mm) 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 5.
• 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.
Warning
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 inches (51 mm) and the
rear wheels at 2-3/8 inches (60 mm).
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.
• If you mow over oak leaves, you can add lime to
the grass in the spring to reduce the acidity of the
leaves.
Maintenance
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine 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.
• Remove grass clippings and dirt from under the housing.
1 Year (25 Hours)
1
• Replace the air filter; replace it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
• Change the engine oil.
2
• Replace the blade or have the blade sharpened; replace it or have it sharpened
more frequently if the edge dulls quickly.
• Lubricate the wheel gears.
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.
1
Whichever comes first
2
Change the engine oil after the first 2 operating hours.