Toro 20041 - User Manual

This document is a user manual for the Toro 22" Recycler Lawn Mower, Model No. 20041, with serial numbers 250000001 and up. It provides comprehensive information on the mower's operation, safety, maintenance, and warranty.

Function Description:

The Toro 22" Recycler Lawn Mower is designed for residential use to cut grass and leaves. Its primary function is to recycle grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer. It also supports bagging clippings and side discharging for different mowing needs. The mower features a self-propel drive system, allowing the user to walk at a comfortable pace while the mower automatically keeps pace. It is equipped with an electric starter for easy starting and a recoil start handle as a backup.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: 20041
Serial Number Range: 250000001 and Up
Engine Type: The manual refers to an "Engine Owner's Manual" for detailed engine specifications, but it mentions that the engine's gross horsepower is based on SAE standards/procedures (J1940 and J1995) and that actual engine horsepower will be significantly lower due to safety, emission, and operating requirements.
Fuel Type: Fresh unleaded regular gasoline. Fuel stabilizer is recommended for storage.
Oil Type: SAE 30W detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.
Oil Capacity: Maximum fill of 20 oz.
Battery: Lead-acid battery, requiring charging.
Fuse: 40-amp plug-in type fuse for the electric starter.
Blade Torque: 60 ft-lb (82 N·m) for the blade bolt.
Cutting Width: 22 inches (implied by the model name).
Cutting Height: Adjustable, with specific recommendations for different grass lengths (e.g., not cutting below 2 inches (51 mm) unless grass is sparse).
Safety Compliance: Meets or exceeds CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary lawn mowers and ANSI B71.1 specifications.
Emissions: The engine exhaust contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002.
Spark Arrester: The engine is not equipped with a spark arrester muffler, making its use on forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 and potentially other state or federal laws.

Usage Features:

Recycling Clippings: The mower is factory-ready for recycling grass and leaf clippings. This requires the rear discharge plug to be in place and the grass bag or side discharge chute to be removed.
Bagging Clippings: A grass bag is provided for collecting clippings. Installation involves raising the rear door, removing the rear discharge plug, and installing the bag onto the door rod.
Side Discharging Clippings: A side discharge chute can be installed for cutting very tall grass. This requires the rear discharge plug to be in place.
Self-Propel Drive: The "Personal Pace" self-propel system allows the mower to match the user's walking speed.
Adjustable Cutting Height: The cutting height can be adjusted by moving four cutting height levers. Moving them forward raises the mower, and moving them rearward lowers it.
Adjustable Handle Height: The handle height can be adjusted by squeezing the handle halves and changing the pin positions in the handle holes (B for raising, C for lowering).
Easy Starting: Features an electric starter (requiring battery charging and fuse installation) and a recoil start handle. A primer button is used to prepare the engine for starting, with specific instructions for different air temperatures.
Engine Stopping: Releasing the blade control bar stops the engine and blade within 3 seconds. The ignition key should be removed when leaving the mower.
Folding Handle: The handle can be folded for storage, with instructions to loosen knobs and route cables properly to prevent damage.

Maintenance Features:

Engine Oil: Requires initial oil fill before first use. Regular checks of the oil level (each use) and oil changes (after the first 5 operating hours, then yearly) are specified. Instructions for draining old oil and refilling are provided.
Air Filter: Replacement is recommended yearly, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug: Regular checks and replacement are recommended (refer to engine manual).
Blade: Regular checks for sharpness and damage are required. Sharpening or replacement is recommended yearly or more frequently if the edge dulls quickly. Instructions for removal and installation with proper torque are included.
Battery Charging: Initial 24-hour charge, then monthly (or every 25 starts) and before winter storage. The manual specifies using the supplied charger and charging at room temperature.
Fuel System: Recommendations include using fresh unleaded regular gasoline, adding fuel stabilizer for storage, and running the engine dry or removing fuel with a hand pump before storage or maintenance.
Cleaning: Instructions for cleaning the mower housing by spraying water in front of the right rear wheel while the engine is running, followed by drying the housing to prevent rusting.
Lubrication: Lubrication of wheel gears is recommended yearly.
General Checks: Keeping all nuts and bolts tight, checking safety devices, and keeping the machine free of debris are emphasized.
Storage Preparation: Detailed steps for preparing the mower for annual storage, including fuel stabilization, running the engine dry, adding oil to the cylinder, and charging the battery.
Troubleshooting: Guidance for abnormal vibration (stop engine and check cause) and starting difficulties (check primer, contact dealer).

Safety Features:

The manual heavily emphasizes safety with numerous warnings and instructions:

Safety Alert Symbol: A triangle with an exclamation mark is used to alert to potential personal injury hazards.
Danger/Warning/Caution Messages: Clearly defined terms for different levels of hazard.
General Operation Safety: Instructions to read the manual, keep hands/feet away from the machine, clear the area of objects, stay behind the handle, ensure no bystanders, wear substantial footwear, avoid pulling backward unnecessarily, never direct discharged material toward anyone, ensure safety devices are in place, never leave running machine unattended, stop engine before cleaning/removing grass catcher, operate in daylight, avoid alcohol/drugs, avoid wet grass, disengage drive before starting, and wear eye protection.
Slope Operation Safety: Mow across slopes, not up and down; exercise caution when changing direction; watch for holes/ruts/bumps/rocks; avoid wet grass or excessively steep slopes; avoid drop-offs/ditches/embankments.
Children Safety: Keep children out of mowing area, be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area, never allow children to operate, use care near blind corners/shrubs/trees.
Gasoline Safety: Extremely flammable and explosive. Instructions include extinguishing ignition sources, using approved containers, allowing engine to cool before refueling, never refueling indoors or near open flames/pilot lights, filling containers on the ground, removing equipment from truck/trailer for refueling, keeping nozzle in contact with tank rim, changing fuel-spilled clothing, and not overfilling.
Exhaust Warning: Contains carbon monoxide; do not run engine indoors or in enclosed areas.
Muffler Warning: Hot muffler can cause burns; keep away.
Blade Safety: Sharp blade can cause serious injury. Instructions to stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before adjusting cutting height, not putting fingers under housing, wearing gloves when servicing, and ensuring proper blade installation.
Wet Conditions Warning: Wet grass or leaves can cause slipping and contact with the blade; mow only in dry conditions.
Storage Safety: Gasoline vapors can explode; do not store gasoline more than 30 days or mower near an open flame. Allow engine to cool before storing.
Handle Folding Safety: Improper folding can damage cables, leading to unsafe operation.
Decals: Safety and instruction decals are located on the machine, and damaged decals should be replaced. Examples include battery charging instructions, general warning about injury risks, and a "DANGER KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY" decal.