Toro 72949 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

R
Rachel NashAug 16, 2025
Why won't my Toro 72949 Lawn Mower engine start?
- B
  Brian HendersonAug 16, 2025
  If the engine of your Toro Lawn Mower does not start, starts with difficulty, or fails to remain running, you may need to fill the fuel tank, open the fuel-shutoff valve, or add oil to the crankcase. Ensure the throttle control is midway between the SLOW and FAST positions. Other solutions include replacing the fuel filter, cleaning or replacing the air-cleaner element, checking the seat-switch indicator and replacing the seat if necessary, checking the electrical connections, adjusting or replacing the spark plug, and checking the spark-plug wire connection.
J
Jamie MonroeAug 19, 2025
How to fix Toro Lawn Mower when the starter does not crank?
- T
  Troy HallSep 12, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower's starter does not crank, make sure to disengage the blade-control switch, engage the parking brake, and move the motion-control levers outward to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position. Also, ensure you are sitting on the operator’s seat. Other possible solutions include charging the battery, checking the electrical connections, and replacing the fuse.
B
Barbara SmithAug 21, 2025
What to do if my Toro Lawn Mower engine loses power?
- J
  Jessica CollinsAug 22, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower engine loses power, try reducing the ground speed and cleaning the air-cleaner element. You may also need to add oil to the crankcase, remove any obstructions from the cooling fins and the air passages, clean or replace the fuel cap, or replace the fuel filter.
J
jennifernicholsonAug 25, 2025
How to fix uneven cutting height on Toro Lawn Mower?
- J
  Jessica StokesAug 25, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower's cutting height is uneven, you can sharpen the blade(s), install a new cutting blade(s), level the mower from side-to-side and front-to-rear, adjust the anti-scalp wheel height, clean the underside of the mower deck, or adjust the tire pressure.
B
birdwhitneyAug 28, 2025
Why is my Toro 72949 Lawn Mower vibrating so much?
- L
  Lacey DiazAug 28, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower is vibrating abnormally, you can install new cutting blade(s), tighten the blade mounting bolt, tighten the engine mounting bolts, or tighten the appropriate pulley.
L
Luis MartinAug 31, 2025
What causes my Toro 72949 Lawn Mower engine to overheat?
- S
  sandra21Aug 31, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower's engine overheats, try reducing the ground speed, adding oil to the crankcase, removing obstructions from the cooling fins and air passages, and cleaning or replacing the air-cleaner element.
M
michaelwintersSep 3, 2025
What to do if Toro 72949 blades do not rotate?
- B
  Brenda WattsSep 3, 2025
  If the blades on your Toro Lawn Mower do not rotate, install a new deck belt. You can also install the mower belt on the deck pulley and check the idler pulley, idler arm, and spring for correct position and function. Check the belt tension or install a new belt and replace the spring.
C
Cole CunninghamSep 5, 2025
Why does my Toro 72949 Lawn Mower pull to one side?
- C
  Colin NewmanSep 5, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower pulls to the left or right (with the motion-control levers fully forward), you can adjust the tracking and adjust the tire pressure in the drive tires.
D
Daniel BeckerSep 9, 2025
How to troubleshoot a Toro 72949 that won't drive?
- J
  Jessica JonesSep 9, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower does not drive, tighten the bypass valves, change the belt, replace the spring, or add hydraulic fluid to the reservoirs or let it cool down.
J
Joseph SpearsSep 12, 2025
What causes the clutch not to engage on a Toro 72949 Lawn Mower?
- L
  Laura RamirezSep 12, 2025
  If the clutch on your Toro Lawn Mower does not engage, replace the fuse, check the coil resistance, battery charge, charging system, and wiring connections, and replace components if necessary. Also, repair or replace the clutch lead wire or electrical system, clean the connector contacts, remove the shim or replace the clutch.

Toro 72949 Specifications

General

Power Source	Gasoline
Starter Type	Recoil
Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge Capability	Yes
Cutting Width	22 inches
Fuel Capacity	0.25 gallons
Weight	80 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.25 gallons

Summary

Introduction

General Safety

General safety precautions to follow before operating the machine.

California Proposition 65 Warning

Warning regarding chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.

Safety

General Safety

Essential safety instructions for operating the machine safely to prevent injury or death.

Slope Indicator

Safety and Instructional Decals

Product Overview

Controls

Familiarization with all controls before starting the engine and operating the machine.

Specifications

Attachments/Accessories

Information on available approved attachments and accessories for the machine.

Operation

Before Operation Safety

Safety checks and procedures to perform before starting the engine.

Fuel Safety

Precautions for handling and storing fuel to prevent fire and explosion.

Adding Fuel

Recommended fuel types, stabilizer use, and filling the fuel tank.

Using the Rollover-Protection System (ROPS)

Using the Safety-Interlock System

During Operation

During Operation Safety

Safety measures to ensure safe operation while the machine is running.

Slope Safety

Operating Controls

Operating the Parking Brake

Procedures for engaging and disengaging the parking brake.

Operating the Throttle

How to adjust the throttle for different engine speeds and performance.

Starting the Engine

Operating the Choke

How to use the choke control to start a cold engine.

Shutting Off the Engine

Using the Motion-Control Levers

How to use the motion-control levers for driving and stopping the machine.

Driving the Machine

Driving Forward

Step-by-step guide to driving the machine in the forward direction.

Driving in Reverse

Step-by-step guide to driving the machine in the reverse direction.

Mower Deck Operation

Using the Side Discharge

Information on dispersing grass clippings to the side.

Adjusting the Height of Cut

How to set the desired cutting height for the mower deck.

Adjusting the Height-of-Cut Pin

Adjusting the Anti-Scalp Rollers

How to adjust anti-scalp rollers when changing cutting height.

Flow Baffle Adjustment

Positioning the Flow Baffle

Recommendations for baffle positions based on grass conditions.

Operating Tips

Using the Fast Throttle Setting

Maximizing performance by operating the engine at the FAST throttle setting.

Cutting a Lawn for the First Time

Guidance for the initial mowing of a lawn.

After Operation

After Operation Safety

Safety steps to take after shutting off the engine.

Using the Drive-Wheel-Release Valves

Transporting the Machine

Selecting a Trailer

Guidelines for choosing a suitable trailer and ramp for transport.

Loading the Machine

Safe procedures for loading the mower onto a trailer or truck.

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Safety precautions to follow before and during maintenance procedures.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

A schedule outlining maintenance tasks and intervals.

Lubrication

Greasing the Machine

Steps for applying grease to the machine's lubrication points.

Greasing the Mower Deck

How to grease specific components of the mower deck.

Greasing the Caster Pivots

Procedure for greasing the caster pivots for smooth operation.

Greasing the Caster-Wheel Hubs

Steps for greasing and servicing the caster wheel hubs.

Engine Maintenance

Servicing the Air Cleaner

How to remove, inspect, and install air cleaner filters.

Servicing the Engine Oil

Steps for checking and changing the engine oil and filter.

Servicing the Spark Plug(s)

Procedures for removing, checking, and installing spark plugs.

Fuel System Maintenance

Electrical System Maintenance

Servicing the Battery

Instructions for removing and installing the machine's battery.

Charging the Battery

Safety and procedures for charging the battery correctly.

Servicing the Fuses

How to check and replace fuses in the electrical system.

Drive System Maintenance

Checking the Seat Belt

Inspecting the seat belt for wear and proper function.

Checking the Roll-Bar Knobs

Ensuring the roll-bar knobs are properly engaged for safety.

Adjusting the Tracking

How to adjust the machine's tracking for straight-line travel.

Checking the Tire Pressure

Maintaining correct tire pressure for an even cut.

Checking the Wheel-Hub Slotted Nut

Ensuring the correct torque on the wheel-hub slotted nut.

Adjusting the Caster-Pivot Bearing

Procedure for adjusting the caster-pivot bearing preload.

Cooling System Maintenance

Cooling System Safety

Precautions for handling hot coolant and the cooling system.

Cleaning the Engine Screen and Engine-Oil Cooler

Removing debris to ensure proper engine cooling.

Cleaning the Engine-Cooling Fins and Shrouds

Cleaning cooling fins and shrouds for optimal engine performance.

Checking and Cleaning the Hydraulic-Unit Shrouds

Inspecting and cleaning shrouds on hydraulic units.

Brake Maintenance

Adjusting the Parking Brake

Steps for properly adjusting the parking brake linkage.

Belt Maintenance

Inspecting the Belts

How to identify worn belts and when to replace them.

Replacing the Mower Belt

Step-by-step guide to replacing the mower deck belt.

Replacing the Hydraulic Pump-Drive Belt

Instructions for replacing the hydraulic pump drive belt.

Controls System Maintenance

Adjusting the Control-Handle Position

How to adjust the height of the control levers for operator comfort.

Adjusting the Motion-Control Linkage

Fine-tuning motion-control linkages for proper neutral positioning.

Adjusting the Motion-Control Damper

Adjusting lever resistance for desired control feel.

Adjusting the Motion-Control Neutral-Lock Pivot

Adjusting lever resistance for neutral-lock positioning.

Hydraulic System Maintenance

Hydraulic System Safety

Precautions to avoid injury from hydraulic fluid and pressure.

Checking the Hydraulic Fluid

How to check the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoirs.

Changing the Hydraulic Fluid and Filters

Procedures for replacing hydraulic fluid and filters.

Mower Deck Maintenance

Blade Safety

Safety precautions for inspecting, servicing, and replacing mower blades.

Cleaning under the Mower Deck

How to clean debris from under the mower deck after each use.

Servicing the Cutting Blades

Procedures for inspecting and servicing the cutting blades for optimal cut quality.

Inspecting the Blades

How to visually inspect cutting edges, curved areas, and for wear or cracks.

Removing the Blades

Steps for safely removing blades that are damaged or out of balance.

Sharpening the Blades

Instructions for sharpening the cutting edges of the mower blades.

Installing the Blades

Procedure for correctly installing mower blades and hardware.

Leveling the Mower Deck

Steps to ensure the mower deck is level for an even cut.

Removing the Mower Deck

Procedures for safely removing the mower deck from the machine.

Replacing the Grass Deflector

Storage

Storage Safety

Safety guidelines to follow when storing the machine.

Cleaning and Storage

Procedures for cleaning and preparing the machine for storage.

Troubleshooting

Schematics

California Proposition 65 Warning Information

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Toro 72949 User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Toro 72949 Specifications

Summary

Introduction

General Safety

California Proposition 65 Warning

Safety

General Safety

Slope Indicator

Safety and Instructional Decals

Product Overview

Controls

Specifications

Attachments/Accessories

Operation

Before Operation Safety

Fuel Safety

Adding Fuel

Using the Rollover-Protection System (ROPS)

Using the Safety-Interlock System

During Operation

During Operation Safety

Slope Safety

Operating Controls

Operating the Parking Brake

Operating the Throttle

Starting the Engine

Operating the Choke

Shutting Off the Engine

Using the Motion-Control Levers

Driving the Machine

Driving Forward

Driving in Reverse

Mower Deck Operation

Using the Side Discharge

Adjusting the Height of Cut

Adjusting the Height-of-Cut Pin

Adjusting the Anti-Scalp Rollers

Flow Baffle Adjustment

Positioning the Flow Baffle

Operating Tips

Using the Fast Throttle Setting

Cutting a Lawn for the First Time

After Operation

After Operation Safety

Using the Drive-Wheel-Release Valves

Transporting the Machine

Selecting a Trailer

Loading the Machine

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)

Lubrication

Greasing the Machine

Greasing the Mower Deck

Greasing the Caster Pivots

Greasing the Caster-Wheel Hubs

Engine Maintenance

Servicing the Air Cleaner

Servicing the Engine Oil

Servicing the Spark Plug(s)

Fuel System Maintenance

Electrical System Maintenance

Servicing the Battery

Charging the Battery

Servicing the Fuses

Drive System Maintenance

Checking the Seat Belt

Checking the Roll-Bar Knobs

Adjusting the Tracking

Checking the Tire Pressure

Checking the Wheel-Hub Slotted Nut

Adjusting the Caster-Pivot Bearing

Cooling System Maintenance

Cooling System Safety

Cleaning the Engine Screen and Engine-Oil Cooler

Cleaning the Engine-Cooling Fins and Shrouds

Checking and Cleaning the Hydraulic-Unit Shrouds