The Toro Flex Force Power System 60V MAX 22in Recycler Lawn Mower is a walk-behind rotary-blade machine designed for residential homeowners to cut grass on well-maintained lawns. It is not intended for cutting brush or for agricultural uses. The mower is designed to operate with specific lithium-ion battery packs, including Models 88660 and 88675, and is also compatible with Models 88625 and 88640. Some models (20363T and 20366T) do not include a battery or charger, allowing users to leverage existing Flex Force Power System components.
Function Description
The primary function of this lawn mower is to efficiently cut grass and manage clippings. It offers multiple clipping management options: recycling, bagging, and side-discharging, providing versatility based on lawn conditions and user preference. The "Recycler" feature is designed to finely cut and re-circulate grass clippings back into the lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer. For users who prefer to collect clippings, the machine is equipped with a grass bag. Additionally, a side-discharge chute can be installed for situations where grass is very tall and needs to be discharged away from the cutting path.
The mower features a self-propel drive system, which automatically adjusts its speed to match the user's walking pace, reducing physical effort during operation. An electric-start button ensures easy and reliable starting. The cutting height is adjustable, allowing users to customize the lawn's appearance and adapt to different grass lengths.
Usage Features
Operating the Toro Flex Force Power System mower involves several user-friendly features. Before operation, the handle needs to be unfolded and locked into the operating position. The battery pack, which is not fully charged upon purchase, must be charged using the specified Toro battery charger and then installed into the battery compartment. The battery compartment lid securely covers the battery during use.
Starting the machine is straightforward: insert the electric-start button, press it, and then squeeze the blade-control bar against the handle. To stop the machine, simply release the blade-control bar, remove the electric-start button, and then remove the battery pack.
The self-propel drive is engaged by simply walking with hands on the upper handle. The machine will automatically keep pace. If the machine does not roll backward freely after self-propelling, a slight forward push can disengage the wheel drive.
Clipping management is flexible. The mower comes factory-ready for recycling. To bag clippings, the grass bag needs to be installed, and the bag-on-demand lever moved to the bagging position. The bag-on-demand lever allows users to switch between collecting and recycling clippings even with the grass bag attached. For side-discharging, the side-discharge chute is installed after lifting the side deflector.
The cutting height can be easily adjusted for all wheels to the same desired height. This allows for precise control over the lawn's appearance and helps in managing different grass lengths.
Operating tips emphasize safety and efficiency. Users are advised to avoid striking solid objects, install a new blade at the start of the cutting season, and replace dull blades. For cutting grass, it's recommended to cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time and to cut at a higher height for improved runtime. When cutting tall grass, it's best to mow at the highest setting first, then lower it for a finer cut. Wet conditions should be avoided to prevent clogging and motor stalling. Alternating mowing direction helps disperse clippings evenly. For cutting leaves, multiple passes at varying heights may be necessary to finely cut and distribute them.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the mower. Before any maintenance or cleaning, the electric-start button and battery pack must be removed, and all moving parts allowed to stop.
Cleaning under the machine is recommended before each use or daily. This can be done by moving the machine to a flat paved surface, lowering the cutting height, and washing out clippings from under the rear door. The washout port allows for easy connection of a garden hose to clean the underside of the machine. After washing, the motor should be run for a few minutes to dry the underside and prevent rusting. For cleaning in the vertical-stow position, the machine is set upright, and clippings are washed out from underneath.
The handle can be folded for storage, either to a vertical or fully forward position, to minimize storage space. Care must be taken to avoid damaging cables when folding or unfolding the handle.
Blade maintenance is a yearly task. If the blade is damaged, cracked, dull, or nicked, it should be replaced or sharpened and balanced. When servicing the blade, safety precautions include wearing gloves and being aware that the blade can still move even when the power source is off. A torque wrench is required to properly tighten the blade bolt to ensure safety and performance.
The self-propel drive may require adjustment if a new cable is installed or if the drive is out of adjustment. This involves adjusting the tension on the self-propel cable using an adjustment nut.
The machine does not require lubrication, as all bearings are factory-lubricated for the life of the machine.
For storage, the machine, battery pack, and charger should be kept in an enclosed, clean, dry area within specified temperature ranges. If storing for a year or longer, the battery pack should be partially charged (2 or 3 LED indicators green) and removed from the machine. Fully charged or fully depleted batteries should not be stored. Before using after long-term storage, the battery pack should be fully charged.
Finally, the manual provides instructions for preparing the battery pack for recycling, emphasizing the importance of covering terminals with heavy-duty adhesive tape and not attempting to destroy or disassemble the pack. Users are advised to contact their local municipality or authorized Toro distributor for recycling information.