Toro Recycler 20018 User Manual

3328-284
2002 by The Toro Company
All Rights Reserved
Printed in USA
Original Instructions (EN)
22 Recycler

Lawn Mower
Model No. 20018—Serial No. 220000001 and Up
Form No. 3328-284
Operator’s Manual
Introduction
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate
and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury
and product damage. You are responsible for
operating the product properly and safely.
Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or
additional information, contact an Authorized Service
Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model
and serial numbers of your product ready. The
illustration below identifies the location of the model
and serial numbers on the product. Write the
numbers in the space provided below:
Model #:
Serial #:
m-5607
This manual identifies potential hazards and has
safety messages identified by the following words:
• Danger signals an extreme hazard that will
cause serious injury or death if you do not follow
the recommended precautions.
• Warning signals a hazard that may cause
serious injury or death if you do not follow the
recommended precautions.
• Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor
or moderate injury if you do not follow the
recommended precautions.
This manual uses two other words to highlight
information. Important: calls attention to special
mechanical information and Note: emphasizes
general information worthy of special attention.
Warning
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive
harm.
Important: This engine is not equipped with a spark
arrester muffler. It is a violation of California Public
Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this
engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land. Other states or federal areas
may have similar laws.
This spark ignition system complies with Canadian
ICES-002.
The enclosed Engine Owner’s Manual is supplied for
information regarding The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Emission
Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance
and warranty. Replacements may be ordered through
the engine manufacturer.
Safety
This lawn mower meets or exceeds the CPSC blade
safety requirements for walk-behind rotary lawn
mowers and the B71.1 specifications of the American
National Standards Institute in effect at the time of
production.
Read and understand the contents of this manual
before the engine is ever started.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death.
Improperly using or maintaining this mower
could result in injury or death. To reduce this
potential, comply with the following safety
instructions.
The following instructions have been adapted from
the ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1—1998.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the machine and in the manual. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of
the mower before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate the
mower.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.

Toro Recycler 20018 Specifications

General

Brand	Toro
Model	Recycler 20018
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

Introduction to Toro Mower Operation

Safety First: Essential Precautions

General Operation Safety

Read and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual for safe operation.

Safe Mowing Practices

Slope Operation Safety

Exercise extra caution on slopes; mow across the face, not up/down.

Child Safety

Keep children out of the mowing area and be alert to their presence.

Service Safety

Handle gasoline with care; disconnect spark plug before servicing.

Safety Decals and Warnings

Instruction Decal Information

Locates safety and instruction decals and advises replacing damaged ones.

Product Setup and Overview

Product Components

Identifies main parts of the Toro Recycler Lawn Mower.

Unfolding the Handle

Procedure for correctly unfolding the mower's handle.

Initial Setup and Before Operation

Filling the Engine with Oil

Instructions for adding the correct type and amount of oil to the engine.

Installing the Fuse

Guide to installing the 40-amp fuse for the electric start system.

Before Operating Warnings

Crucial warnings regarding gasoline hazards and adjusting cutting height.

Basic Adjustments and Checks

Filling the Fuel Tank

How to fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.

Checking Engine Oil Level

Procedure to check and maintain the engine oil level.

Adjusting Cutting Height

Instructions for setting the mower's cutting height for all wheels.

Adjusting Handle Height

Steps to adjust the handle to a comfortable operating height.

Attaching Accessories

Installing/Removing Grass Bag

Steps for attaching and detaching the grass bag.

Installing/Removing Side Discharge

Procedure for attaching and detaching the side discharge chute.

Engine Operation and Control

Starting the Engine

Detailed steps for starting the mower's engine using primer and starter.

Using the Self-Propel Drive

How to operate the self-propel drive for easier mowing.

Stopping the Engine

Procedure for safely stopping the engine and blade.

Mowing Tips and Techniques

General Operating Tips

Advice on clearing obstacles, handling impacts, and blade maintenance.

Cutting Grass Best Practices

Guidance on cutting height, grass condition, and appearance.

Cutting Leaves Efficiently

Techniques for mowing leaves and managing lawn acidity.

Maintenance Schedule and Procedures

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Overview of maintenance tasks based on usage intervals.

Preparing for Maintenance

Essential safety steps before performing any maintenance.

Replacing the Air Filter

Guide for replacing the air filter for optimal engine performance.

Engine and Electrical Maintenance

Changing the Engine Oil

Procedure for changing the engine oil after initial hours and yearly.

Charging the Battery

Instructions for charging the mower's battery for optimal performance.

Replacing the Fuse

Guide for replacing a blown fuse in the electric start system.

Lubricating Wheel Gears

Procedure for lubricating the mower's wheel gears for smooth operation.

Blade Replacement and Care

Replacing the Blade Safely

Instructions and warnings for replacing the mower blade.

Curved or Captive Washer Torque

Torque specification for the blade bolt with a curved/captive washer.

Split Lock Washer Torque

Torque specification for the blade bolt with a split lock washer.

Storage and Folding Procedures

Cleaning the Mower

Method for cleaning the mower using water while the engine runs.

Preparing for Storage

Steps to prepare the mower for storage, including fuel and battery.

Folding the Handle for Storage

Instructions for safely folding the mower's handle.

Removing Mower from Storage

Steps to prepare the mower for use after a storage period.