Toro Recycler 21320 - User Manual

The device described in the manual is a Toro 21in Recycler®/Rear Bagging Lawn Mower, Model No. 21320, with Serial No. 404320000 and Up. It is a rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower designed for residential homeowners to cut grass on well-maintained lawns. Using the product for purposes other than its intended use could be dangerous to the user and bystanders.

Function Description:

The primary function of this machine is to cut grass and, optionally, to recycle clippings back into the lawn or collect them in a grass bag. The mower is designed for ease of use and maintenance in a residential setting.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: 21320
Serial Number Range: 404320000 and Up
Engine Oil Capacity: 0.44 L (15 fl oz)
Engine Oil Viscosity: SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 detergent oil
API Service Classification: SJ or higher
Blade Torque: 82 N·m (60 ft-lb)
Spark Plug Torque: 20 N·m (15 ft-lb)
Fuel Type: Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method). Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE by volume is acceptable. Ethanol blends like E15 or E85 (more than 10% ethanol by volume) and gasoline containing methanol are not recommended.
Cutting Height: Adjustable, with specific measurements provided (e.g., 83 mm (3-1/4 inches), 70 mm (2-3/4 inches), 57 mm (2-1/4 inches), 44 mm (1-3/4 inches), 32 mm (1-1/4 inches)).

Usage Features:

Handle Installation: The handle is installed by attaching it to the machine housing with knobs and bolts, then unfolding it. Proper installation is crucial to avoid damaging cables.
Recoil-Starter Rope: The recoil-starter rope is installed in a guide for safe and easy engine starting.
Engine Oil Filling: The engine requires oil before its first use. The manual provides a step-by-step visual guide for filling the engine oil, including checking the level.
Grass Bag Assembly: The grass bag can be assembled and attached to collect clippings.
Cutting Height Adjustment: The cutting height is adjustable, with all wheels needing to be set to the same height for even cutting.
Engine Starting: The engine is started by holding the blade-control bar against the handle and pulling the recoil-start handle.
Engine Shut-Off: Releasing the blade-control bar shuts off the engine and stops the blade within 3 seconds. If not, service is required.
Clipping Management: The mower is factory-ready for recycling grass and leaf clippings. A grass bag can be installed for bagging clippings.
Operating Tips:
- General Mowing: Users are advised to inspect the area for objects, avoid striking solid objects, and check for vibrations after striking an object.
- Cutting Grass: Only about a third of the grass blade should be cut at a time, and cutting below 51 mm (2 inches) is generally not recommended unless grass is sparse or in late fall. For tall grass (over 15 cm/6 inches), mow at the highest setting first, then lower it.
- Cutting Leaves: For leaf cover, ensure half of the lawn shows through. For thick leaf layers (over 13 cm/5 inches), mow at a higher cutting height first, then again at the desired height. Slow down if leaves are not cut finely enough.
Handle Folding: The handle can be folded for storage by loosening the handle knobs. This feature is important for compact storage.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Checks:
- Before each use or daily: Check engine-oil level, ensure engine shuts off within 3 seconds of releasing blade-control bar.
- After each use: Clean grass clippings and dirt from under the machine.
- Every 25 hours: Service the air filter (more frequently in dusty conditions).
- Yearly: Replace air filter, replace or sharpen blade, clean engine from dirt and debris.
- Yearly or before storage: Empty fuel tank before repairs and yearly storage.
Safety Precautions for Maintenance: Disconnect the spark-plug wire, wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid tampering with safety devices.
Preparing for Maintenance: Shut off the engine, remove the ignition key (if equipped), and wait for all moving parts to stop before disconnecting the spark-plug wire.
Cleaning under the Machine: Lower the machine to its lowest cutting height, move to a paved surface, and spray water in front of the right, rear wheel with the engine running and blade engaged to clean clippings. Run the engine for a few minutes afterward to dry the underside.
Servicing the Air Filter: Open the air-filter cover, replace the filter, and close the cover.
Changing the Engine Oil: While not required, if desired, run the engine to warm the oil, remove the dipstick, tip the machine to drain used oil, return to operating position, and refill with new oil, checking the level with the dipstick.
Replacing the Blade: Tip the machine on its side, use a block of wood to hold the blade, remove mounting hardware, install the new blade (curved ends pointing toward the housing), and tighten the blade bolt to 82 N·m (60 ft-lb) with a torque wrench.
Storage Preparation: Add fuel stabilizer, dispose of unused fuel, run the machine until it runs out of fuel, disconnect the spark-plug wire, add engine oil through the spark-plug hole to prevent corrosion, and loosely install the spark plug. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
Removing from Storage: Check and tighten fasteners, remove the spark plug and spin the engine to blow out excess oil, install the spark plug (tighten to 20 N·m/15 ft-lb), perform maintenance, check engine-oil level, fill fuel tank, and connect the spark-plug wire.

The manual also includes important safety warnings, such as the safety-alert symbol, warnings about thrown objects, cutting/dismemberment hazards, and specific instructions for safe operation on slopes. It also provides a California Proposition 65 warning regarding chemicals in engine exhaust.