Toro Recycler 20018 - User Manual

This document is an operator's manual for the Toro 22" Recycler Lawn Mower, Model No. 20018, with serial numbers 220000001 and up. It provides comprehensive information on the safe operation, maintenance, and technical specifications of the mower.

Function Description:

The Toro 22" Recycler Lawn Mower is a walk-behind rotary lawn mower designed for residential use. Its primary function is to cut grass and, with its "Recycler" feature, finely chop clippings for natural fertilization. It is equipped with an electric start system and a self-propelled drive mechanism for ease of use. The mower is designed to meet or exceed CPSC blade safety requirements for walk-behind rotary lawn mowers and B71.1 specifications of the American National Standards Institute.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: 20018
Serial Numbers: 220000001 and Up
Engine Oil Capacity: Max. fill: 20 oz. (0.591 L)
Engine Oil Type: SAE 30W detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, or SJ.
Spark Plug Torque: 15 ft-lb (20 N·m)
Blade Bolt Torque (Curved or Captive Washer): 60 ft-lb (82 N·m)
Blade Bolt Torque (Split Lock Washer): 50 ft-lb (68 N·m)
Battery: Requires charging for a minimum of 24 hours when first purchased, after each mowing or each month, and before winter storage.
Fuse: 40-amp plug-in type fuse for the electric start system.
Cutting Height: Adjustable, with recommended settings for different grass lengths.
Engine Exhaust: Contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Spark Arrester Muffler: Not equipped; use or operation on forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442.
Ignition System: Complies with Canadian ICES-002.

Usage Features:

Electric Start: The mower features an electric start system, requiring a 40-amp fuse to be installed and the battery to be charged.
Recoil Start: In addition to electric start, a recoil start handle is provided as an alternative.
Self-Propel Drive: The mower is self-propelled, automatically adjusting its pace to the operator's walk when hands are on the upper handle and elbows are at the sides.
Adjustable Cutting Height: A cutting height lever allows for easy adjustment of the mowing height. All four wheels should be set to the same height.
Adjustable Handle Height: The handle height can be adjusted by squeezing the bottom of the handle halves and changing the pin positions.
Grass Bag: The mower can be used with a grass bag for collecting clippings.
Side Discharge Chute: A side discharge chute can be installed for discharging clippings to the side.
Rear Discharge Plug: For recycling grass, the rear discharge plug must be in place.
Primer: A primer button is used to facilitate engine starting, especially in colder temperatures (below 55°F/13°C).
Blade Control Bar: The blade control bar must be held against the handle to operate the engine and blade. Releasing it stops the engine and blade within 3 seconds.
Mowing Tips:
- Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time.
- Avoid cutting below the 2-inch (51 mm) setting unless grass is sparse or in late fall.
- For grass over 6 inches (15 cm), mow at the highest setting first, then at a lower setting.
- Mow only dry grass or leaves to prevent clumping and stalling.
- Alternate mowing direction for even fertilization.
- For unsatisfactory lawn appearance, consider replacing/sharpening the blade, walking slower, raising cutting height, cutting more frequently, overlapping swaths, or setting front wheels one notch lower than rear wheels.
Cutting Leaves:
- Ensure half of the lawn shows through the cut leaf cover.
- For more than 5 inches (13 cm) of leaves, set front cutting height one or two notches higher than the rear.
- Slow down mowing speed if leaves are not cut finely enough.
- Consider adding lime to grass in spring if mowing over oak leaves to reduce acidity.

Maintenance Features:

Engine Oil Check and Change:
- Check engine oil level before each use.
- Change engine oil after the first 2 operating hours, then yearly.
- Use SAE 30W detergent oil (SF, SG, SH, or SJ).
- Do not overfill; fill to the "Full" mark on the dipstick.
- Dispose of used oil properly.
Battery Charging:
- Charge battery for 24 hours monthly (or every 25 starts) or as needed.
- Use only the supplied charger.
- Charge in a sheltered area at room temperature (70°F or 22°C).
- Recycle or dispose of lead-acid battery according to local codes when it no longer holds a charge.
Fuse Replacement: Replace the 40-amp fuse if the battery does not charge or the electric starter fails to turn the engine.
Air Filter Replacement: Replace yearly, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Blade Maintenance:
- Check blade for damage, cracks, or dullness whenever running out of gasoline.
- Replace or sharpen blade as necessary.
- Ensure the curved washer's cup is upward against the blade during installation.
- Tighten blade bolt to specified torque (60 ft-lb for curved/captive washer, 50 ft-lb for split lock washer).
Lubricating Wheel Gears: Lubricate inner and outer sides of the wheel gears.
Cleaning the Mower: Spray water in front of the right rear wheel with the engine running on a paved surface to clean clippings from under the housing.
Fuel System Maintenance:
- Add fuel stabilizer to gasoline all season, especially for fuel less than 30 days old, to reduce starting problems.
- For storage, run the fuel tank dry or remove fuel with a hand pump (never siphon).
General Maintenance:
- Remove grass clippings and dirt from under the housing before each use.
- Keep all nuts and bolts tight.
- Never tamper with safety devices.
- Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris.
- Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
- Allow mower to cool before storing.
- Stop and inspect equipment if an object is struck.
- Clean the cooling system annually (refer to engine operator's manual).
Storage Preparation:
- Add fuel stabilizer to the last refueling of the year.
- Run the mower until the engine stops from lack of fuel.
- Remove spark plug, add 1 oz. (30 ml) of oil, and pull starter rope slowly to distribute oil.
- Loosely install spark plug.
- Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
- Charge battery for 72 hours, then unplug charger and store in an unheated area. If stored in a heated area, charge every 90 days.
Removing from Storage:
- Remove spark plug, spin engine rapidly to blow excess oil.
- Install spark plug and tighten to 15 ft-lb (20 N·m).
- Charge the battery.
- Connect the wire to the spark plug.

Safety Information:

The manual emphasizes safety with "Danger," "Warning," and "Caution" messages. Key safety points include:

Always read and understand the manual before starting the engine.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep children and other people clear of the mowing area.
Only allow responsible individuals to operate the mower.
Clear the area of objects before mowing.
Do not operate barefoot or in open sandals.
Do not pull mower backward unless necessary, and look behind when doing so.
Do not operate without proper guards, plates, grass catcher, or other safety devices.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stop the engine before cleaning, unclogging, or leaving the equipment.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Never operate in wet grass; ensure good footing.
Disengage self-propelled mechanism before starting.
Stop engine and check for cause if abnormal vibration occurs.
Wear safety goggles or glasses with side shields.
Exercise extreme caution on slopes; mow across, not up and down.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive; handle with care.
Never refuel indoors or near open flames/sparks.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Never run engine in a closed area due to carbon monoxide.
Disconnect spark plug wire before any maintenance.
Mower blades are sharp; wear gloves when servicing.
Do not change engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
Do not make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear; check and replace with genuine Toro parts.
Folding/unfolding the handle improperly can damage cables, causing unsafe operation.
The engine exhaust contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm (California Proposition 65 warning).
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive harm; wash hands after handling battery.

Warranty Information:

The mower comes with a Toro Total Coverage Guarantee and The Toro Starting Guarantee on GTS-2 Engines.

Recycler Walk Mowers: 2-year full warranty for residential use.
Batteries: 1-year full warranty for residential use.
GTS-2 Engine: Guaranteed to start on the first or second pull for two years for residential use, provided routine maintenance is performed.
Commercial Use: 45-day limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship; the Starting Guarantee does not apply. The warranty covers parts and labor, but not transportation costs. It does not cover regular maintenance, misuse, accidents, improper battery care, or repairs by unauthorized personnel. Specific conditions apply to starting difficulties. Owners are responsible for routine maintenance costs. For warranty service, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.