MANUAL
About This Manual We hope that you find this manual a valuable addition to your service shop. If you have comments or questions about this manual contact your Distributor Service Manager or us directly at the following address: The Toro Company Consumer Service Department 8111 Lyndale Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55420-1196 The Toro Company reserves the right to change product specifications or this manual without notice.
Table of Contents Introduction Manual Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Elements of Great Quality of Cut Overview . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Adjusting Side-to-Side Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Adjusting Front-to-Rear Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Models with Single Height of Cut Adjustment Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Wheel Does Not Touch Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Adjusting Side-to-Side Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents 5xi Series Tractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20 Adjusting Side-to-Side Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20 44-, 48-, 52-inch (111.7, 121.9, 132.0cm) Mowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20 60-inch (152.4cm) Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21 Adjusting Front-to-Rear Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Introduction Manual Purpose This manual describes the setup, operator instruction, and mowing tips that promote a great quality of cut. This manual contains material covering Toro and Lawn-Boy brand rotary mowers built in 2002. This information also applies to similarly-designed products produced before or after 2002. The Toro Company has made every effort to make the information in this manual complete and correct. Intended Audience 5.
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Elements of Great Quality of Cut Overview Quality of cut issues are best handled before they happen. Two factors largely determine quality of cut: proper mower setup and adequate operator instruction. This section describes the elements of proper mower setup. It also describes the elements mower preparation, lawn preparation, safety procedures, and mowing tips the operator should know to use the mower safely to get a great quality of cut. Figure 2 5300.010.
Elements of Great Quality of Cut 11. Check the transmission fluid level. (See owner’s manual; some models have a sealed transmission.) • Demonstrate for the operator the sound of the engine operating under a normal load and then operating in an overloaded condition in which it is starting to bog down. • Show the operator how to clean clippings out of the cutting chamber. Explain that this is important because clippings can harden and stick to the cutting chamber.
Elements of Great Quality of Cut Mowing Tips Explain to the operator that the operator’s manual contains tips for getting a great quality of cut. Remind the operator of the following: • The best ground speed is normal walking speed. However, if the engine bogs down at this speed, slow down to avoid degrading the lawn appearance. • With a mulching mower, it may be necessary to mow more slowly than with a bagging or side discharge mower.
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Inspecting and Sharpening the Blade Overview This section describes how to remove, inspect, sharpen, balance, and install a blade. Blade condition is a key factor in quality of cut. The blade should always be straight and sharp. A sharp blade produces a clean, neat cut and helps ensure healthy grass plants. A dull blade tears and shreds grass, producing a poor quality of cut and damaging the grass plants. Note: For best performance, install a new blade before the cutting season begins.
Inspecting and Sharpening the Blade Inspecting the Blade Sharpening the Blade Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear, especially where the flat and curved parts meet (Figure 5). The appearance of this part of the blade varies according to the model and type of blade. File or grind the top of the blade to maintain it's original cutting angle and inner cutting edge radius. To keep the blade balanced, remove the same amount of material from both cutting edges (Figure 6).
Inspecting and Sharpening the Blade Installing the Blade 1. Install the blade onto the spindle or blade driver. If the blade has curved tips (sails), they should be pointing towards the mower housing (Figure 9). If the bolt or nut uses a nylon patch or similar lock feature, it should be replaced every third time it has been removed. The patch will wear out with use. If a lock washer is used, inspect it for damage and replace if warranted. Figure 9 2.
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Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Overview This section describes how to check and adjust the blade level on consumer walk behind mowers and riding mowers.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Steel deck models (Toro Recyclers and Lawn-Boy Silver Series) use spring arms and pins to engage notches in a plate bolted to the mower housing (Figure 11). Checking Blade Level— All Mowers Checking the blade level involves preparing a suitable workspace and measuring the distance from one of the blade tips to a level flat surface at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. Preparing the Workspace Use a straight edge to verify that the workspace is flat.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Measuring Blade Level 1. On products with inflatable tires, check the tire pressure. Tires are commonly over inflated for initial shipment. Make certain that the pressure has been lowered to the correct level for operation and that the tires are very close to the same (see the Operator's Manual). If the range is 10-15 psi, do not have some tires at 10 psi and others at 15 psi. Keep them near the same pressure.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level If you don't have the measuring tool, use a piece of wood just short enough to fit under the mower housing. Wrap one end with tape. Place the untaped end on the floor and the tape against the cutting edge of the blade (Figure 17). Make a mark in the tape with the blade. Measure from the end that was on the floor to the mark you made in the tape and record the measurement on your sketch. Cover the marked tape with a fresh piece of tape.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Blade Length/Nominal Front-to-Rear Pitch Measurement Difference Blade Length: U.S. Models Front-to-Rear Pitch Measurement Difference 18 inches 0.314 inch 21 inches 0.366 inch 22 inches 0.383 inch Blade Length: Metric Models Front-to-Rear Pitch Measurement Difference 40cm 6.89mm 43cm 7.45mm 46cm 7.62mm 48cm 8.35mm 51cm 8.99mm 53cm 9.29mm Figure 20 2768-0011.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Reinstall the pivot and wheel. When you reinstall the wheel, use the extra clearance to raise it to the position of the other front wheel. After reinstalling the wheel and pivot, verify that the blade is level side-to-side. Adjusting Side-to-Side Level Figure 22 2001-065.TIF Wheel Does Not Touch Ground If the blade is not level within 1/8 inch (3.1mm) side to side, the engine will need to be shimmed. Loosen the engine mounting screws on the low side of the blade.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Models with Single Height of Cut Adjustment Lever Adjusting Side-to-Side Level A typical model with a single height of cut adjustment lever is shown below (Figure 25). Loosen the engine mounting screws on the side where the blade is low (Figure 27). Temporarily insert a washer between the engine and mower housing and re-measure the blade. If it is now level, remove the engine mounting screw and re-install through the housing, washer, and engine.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Riding Mowers Adjusting Blade Tracking Each series of riding mower uses different cutting units with unique suspension systems. Because of that, look for the type of riding mower you have and read the section that applies. IMPORTANT: perform all the steps under “Checking Blade Level—All Mowers” before beginning to measure. The blade should be a minimum of 1/8 inch (3.1mm) above the bottom of the housing.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Adjusting Side-to-Side Level The blade should be level within 3/16 inch (5.0mm). The height of cut bracket on the left side of the chassis can be adjusted up and down to level the blade. Loosen the two cap screws holding the bracket to the frame rail to do this (Figure 32). Figure 33 MVC-732X.JPG XL Series Front Engine Rider Figure 32 1. Height of cut support bracket 2. 32rerS2S.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Adjusting Side-to-Side Level—All Cutting Units Measure from the blade tip to the ground on each side. On single blade mowers use the same blade tip for both measurements (Figure 35). On multiple blade models. choose a tip on each blade and mark it so you can refer back to the same one (Figure 36 and Figure 37). Figure 37 1. 2. Figure 35 1. 2. Blade side to side Outside cutting edges 1. 2. Blade side to side Outside cutting edges XL1bS2S.TIF 3.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Adjusting Front-to-Rear Pitch Each of the three XL cutting units has a slightly different specification for front-to-rear pitch and slight variations in the adjustment process. Each cutting unit is covered separately in one of the following subsections. 32-inch (81.3cm) Cutting Unit The blade on this model should be 1/4-5/8 inch (6-16mm) lower in front. If the pitch is outside this range adjustment is necessary (Figure 39). Figure 40 1. 2. Figure 39 1.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level 5. 6. Using a 1-inch wrench or socket, slowly rotate the left side adjusting nut down to raise the front of the mower and up to lower it. Slowly rotate the right side adjusting nut until both nuts are in the same position. Note: If the adjusting nut does not stay in position, tighten the center bolt and locknut and repeat steps 4 and 5. 7. 38-inch (96.5cm) Cutting Unit The blade pitch for a 38-inch (96.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level 4. To adjust the front-to-rear pitch, loosen the front pivot plate mounting bolts slightly (Figure 44). Figure 44 1. Eye bolt locknut 2. 1. Check side-to-side level and adjust as needed (see “Adjusting Side-to-Side Level—All Cutting Units” on page 4-10). 2. Measure the length of the rod extending out the front of the adjusting block on the sides of the chassis (Figure 45). If the rod length is not 5/8 inch (15.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level 4. Measure from the front blade tip to the ground, mark that tip with tape for future reference and rotate it 180 degrees to the rear and measure from the tip to the ground. If the tip in the front is not 0-5/16 inch (0-8mm) lower than in the rear, adjustment is necessary (Figure 46). 7. After adjusting both eyebolt lock nuts evenly, check the front-to-rear pitch again.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level 38- and 44-inch (96.5 and 111.7cm) Cutting Units On mowers with multiple blades, not only do the blades need to be a minimum of 1/8 inch up from the bottom edge of the housing, but they must also line up where the tips come together. Take the two blade tips and point them towards each other. They must be within 1/8-3/16 inch of level with each other, or both must be the same distance from the blade to the ground (Figure 48).
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level 260 Series Tractor There are four mower attachments for the 260 series tractors. The process for adjusting the 38-inch (96.5cm) mower is different from that for adjusting the other mowers, and so it is described separately. The 42-, 48-, and 52-inch (106.6, 121.9, and 132.0cm) mowers all require the same leveling process, and so they are covered together. All four mowers require the same procedure for checking and adjusting blade tracking. Figure 52 1. Bolt 2.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level 1. Raise attachment lift lever to release pressure on the gage wheels. Remove the 7/16 inch (10.9mm) hairpin cotter from the trunnion (Figure 54). 2. Rotate the bolt on front adjustable link to change front-to-rear pitch. Turn the bolt clockwise to shorten the link and raise the front of the mower. Turn counterclockwise to lower. 3. When the front-to-rear pitch is correct, tighten the jam nut. Recheck side-to-side leveling. 42-, 48-, 52-inch (106.6, 121.9, 132.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Adjusting Side-to-Side Level with Mower Suspended The distance from the outside blade tips to the ground should be equal within 3/16 inch (4.6mm) (Figure 56). If not, an adjustment is in order. Figure 57 1. 2. Figure 56 1. 2. Blades side to side Outside cutting edges 2. After adjusting, tighten bolt and check side-to-side level. IMPORTANT: If hangar is rotated to the end of adjustment on one side and mower is not level, adjust the opposite side.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level An alternate way to check this is to remove the mower housing and turn it over. Remove the blades and lay a straight edge on two blade saddles (Figure 59). It should lie flat. If not, either the spindle or the housing where the spindle mounts may be bent. Figure 59 300-400-500 Series Garden Tractor (Excluding 5xi Series) The mower attachments used on these tractors all have the side-to-side level and the height of cut determined by the rear gage wheels (Figure 60).
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Adjusting Blade Tracking On mowers with multiple blades, not only do the blades need to be a minimum of 1/8 inch up from the bottom edge of the housing, but they must also line up where the tips come together. Take the two blade tips and point them towards each other. They must be within 1/8-3/16 inch of level with each other, or both must be the same distance from the blade to the ground (Figure 62). Figure 62 1.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level 60-inch (152.4cm) Mower Adjusting Transport Blade Pitch The mower blades should also be level side-to-side within about 3/16 inch (4.76mm). The adjustment is made on the gage wheels as shown (Figure 66). Because the attachment lift is used when the PTO drive is engaged, blade pitch in transport must be adjusted to extend PTO drive belt life. This adjustment also provides for adequate transport height.
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Adjusting Blade Tracking TimeCutter Z On mowers with multiple blades, not only do the blades need to be a minimum of 1/8 inch up from the bottom edge of the housing, but they must also line up where the tips come together. Take the two blade tips and point them towards each other. They must be within 1/8-3/16 inch of level with each other, or both must be the same distance from the blade to the ground (Figure 69).
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level Adjusting Front-to-Rear Pitch The mower blade should be between 1/16- 5/16 inch (1.6-7.9mm) lower in front than in the rear. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: 1. the same distance from the blade to the ground (Figure 74). To adjust the front-to-rear blade pitch, remove the hairpin cotter from the front trunnion yokes and loosen the jam nuts (Figure 73). Figure 74 1. trclevel.
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Troubleshooting Quality of Cut This section contains some common complaints along with actions that will normally resolve the complaints described. To keep the section brief and easy to use, we make no attempt to explain how the suggested action resolves the problem. Definitions of the terms used here are in the Glossary in the Appendices of this manual. Note that a good quality of cut is achieved by several factors working together.
Troubleshooting Quality of Cut Clogged Chute (Bagging or Side Discharging Only) Stair Step or Sawtooth Cut 1. Check for an alternate blade. A low lift blade on a bagging mower may have an increased tendency to plug. Install a higher lift blade if available. On multi-blade mowers, verify all blades are at the same height. 2. On bagging mowers, the air exhaust may be restricted. Ensure that the bag is not caked with dirt and the air exhaust screen is not clogged.
Troubleshooting Quality of Cut 7. 8. 9. Verify that there is not a gage wheel or roller pushing the grass down before the blade can cut it. Uncut Grass 1. Excessive toe in on front tires can push the grass down to the point where the mower might have difficulty pulling it up to cut it. Check and adjust as needed. Verify the correct blade is being used. Some models have different blades for mulching versus bagging. 2.
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Kits to Improve Quality of Cut This section describes special kits developed to help resolve various quality of cut issues. Toro Recycler Mulch Plug Model 59134 fits Toro 21-inch Recycler Steel Decks Model 59135 fits Toro 21-inch Super Recycler Cast Aluminum Decks Cast Deck Height of Cut Notch Repair Kits P/N 105-1290 (Figure 77) fits 21-inch (35cm) Super Recyclers built 1995 and newer. These plugs smooth the surface under the deck while adding an additional deflector.
Kits to Improve Quality of Cut Anti-scalping Roller Kit P/N 93-3898 Used on Toro Wheel Horse XL series 38-inch decks, this kit adds rollers to the deck to help avoid scalping on uneven lawns. Rollers are standard on European models. Level Assist Kit P/N 94-9780 This kit can be used on 260 Series Lawn and Garden tractors to help keep the mower deck level when using a vac-bagger attachment. (Standard on 2001 and later vac-baggers.
Appendices This section includes three subsections: • Glossary—a list of terms used in this manual • Special Tools—a list of special tools required for the procedures described in this manual • Quality of Cut Checklist—a form to copy and use when troubleshooting quality of cut problems Anti-scalp wheel—a wheel that contacts the ground only momentarily to prevent scalping when a mower encounters a high spot or crest in the lawn.
Appendices Blade—rotary mowers use a blade, usually steel, to provide the fan action that provides the airflow to stand up, hold, and transport the grass clippings. The blade also cuts the grass with a sharpened edge. The parts of the blade affecting airflow and grass cutting are identified in the following figure. 1 2 2 Ground Speed/Blade Passes Ground Speed (MPH) Clips per Foot Moved Forward Clips per Inch Moved Forward 1 68.18 5.68 2 34.09 2.84 3 22.72 1.
Appendices Discharge Chute—the opening in the mower cutting chamber that allows the cut grass to be discharged from the mower. Halo—a noticeable circle of clippings dropped by a mower, usually when a mower is stopped. Engine RPM (revolutions per minute)—a measurement of the speed the engine is running. Floating deck—a mower that is free to follow the terrain separately from the tractor through the use of gage wheels. This term is often applied to decks that are actually semi-floating. halo.
Appendices Power band—the RPM range where an engine produces its best power. This range is usually below wide-open throttle but above peak torque. As the grass load slows the engine, the RPM drops to near peak torque. Wide-open throttle and peak torque are the two ends of the power band. terrain.TIF Scalping—when the blade cuts the grass at ground level or actually strikes the ground and removes earth. 5300-005.TIF Ragged cut—grass blades are not cut cleanly or the edge is shattered.
Appendices Stragglers—random, individual blades of grass that are not cut when the mower has passed over an area. Thin / Thick grass—the density or the number of plants in a specific area. The density of the grass is a factor in how much volume of grass the mower is asked to process and in how readily air can enter the cutting chamber. 5300-023.TIF Streaking—a strip of uncut or partially-cut grass. A streak can be a continuous or broken line or strip of grass.
Appendices Uncut grass—grass left standing after a mower has passed over it. This usually refers to grass that is not cut at all, as opposed to grass cut longer than the mower’s height of cut setting should leave. This term can also refer to an area of grass that has not been cut or passed over by a mower. 5300-031.TIF Unlevel cut—a cut path with an inconsistent height of cut. Wet grass—grass that is wet to the touch. Rain, watering, or morning dew can be the source of the moisture.
Appendices Special Tools Normal hand tools will be needed when correcting a quality of cut complaint. However, there are a few special items that will be a big time saver. • Height of cut measuring tool. This tool has an arm that is slid under the mower attachment and pushed up to the bottom of the blade. The indicator reads the height of cut. known straight edge to check the floor. Remember you will be trying to measure within 1/8 inch or less. Many shop floors are not that flat.
Appendices • A reference board. A reference board can be easily made. Use a board that will span the width of cut of the mowers you will be checking. Mark off level regular lines on your board, one-inch intervals are recommended. Place at least one stake on either end, so they can be pushed into the ground and hold the board up. If you handle riders and tractors, you may wish to make the board as wide as the largest mower attachment that you handle.
Mower Quality of Cut Checklist Customer name Date Walk behind or riding mower model/VIN S/N Mower attachment model/VIN S/N Bagger model/VIN S/N Clipping disposal: Side discharged 1. Complaint: Streaking Clumping Mulched Ragged cut Bagged Windrow Other: 2. Description of problem: 3. Is a vacuum or sweeper being used? 4. Service/Check/Adjust—in shop A. Underside of mower housing clean? B. Blades sharp and in balance? C. Blades too short, bent, or not aligned with each other? D.
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QUALITY OF CUT MANUAL Form No.
