Toro Recycler 21464 - User Manual

This document describes the Toro 22in Recycler® Lawn Mower, models 21462 and 21464, designed for residential homeowners to cut grass on well-maintained lawns. It emphasizes safe and proper operation and maintenance to prevent injury and product damage.

Function Description

The Toro 22in Recycler® Lawn Mower is a rotary-blade, walk-behind machine primarily used for cutting grass. Its main function is to efficiently mow lawns, with features that allow for both recycling grass clippings back into the lawn and collecting them in a grass bag. The self-propel drive system assists the operator by matching their walking pace, reducing physical effort during operation. The engine is designed to shut off quickly when the blade-control bar is released, enhancing safety.

Usage Features

The mower offers several user-friendly features to optimize the mowing experience:

Handle Assembly and Adjustment: The handle can be easily assembled and unfolded. It also features height adjustment with two positions, allowing users to select a comfortable operating height. The cables are routed on the outside of the handle to prevent pinching.
Recoil-Starter Rope Guide: A dedicated guide ensures the recoil-starter rope is properly installed for safe and easy engine starting.
Engine Oil Management: The manual provides clear instructions for adding oil to the engine and checking the engine-oil level, with warnings about potential engine damage if oil levels are too low or too high.
Grass Bag Assembly and Operation: The grass bag is designed for easy assembly and removal, allowing users to collect grass and leaf clippings.
Bag-on-Demand Lever: This innovative feature allows the operator to switch between recycling grass clippings and bagging them without removing the grass bag. The lever can be moved to either the recycling or bagging position, providing flexibility based on lawn conditions and user preference.
Electric-Start (Optional): For models equipped with electric start, the mower can be started by inserting the electric-start button, engaging the blade-control bar, and pushing the button. This offers a convenient alternative to the recoil-start handle.
Recoil-Start: The standard recoil-start handle requires holding the blade-control bar and pulling the handle with a sharp motion after feeling resistance.
Self-Propel Drive: This feature allows the mower to automatically keep pace with the operator, reducing fatigue. The tension of the self-propel cable can be adjusted to increase or decrease traction.
Cutting Height Adjustment: The cutting height can be adjusted to various settings, from 25 mm (1 inch) to 102 mm (4 inches), by setting all wheels to the desired height. This allows for customization based on grass type and desired lawn appearance.
Mowing Tips: The manual provides guidance on optimal mowing practices, such as cutting only a third of the grass blade at a time, avoiding wet conditions, alternating mowing directions for even fertilization, and adjusting speed and cutting height for tall grass or unsatisfactory lawn appearance. It also includes tips for cutting leaves.
Safety Features: The mower incorporates several safety measures, including the requirement to keep hands and feet away from moving parts, operating with all guards in place, keeping bystanders clear, and shutting off the engine before servicing or unclogging. The blade-control bar ensures the engine and blade stop within 3 seconds of release.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the mower. The manual outlines a comprehensive maintenance schedule and procedures:

Daily/Before Each Use:
- Check engine-oil level and add oil as needed.
- Ensure the engine shuts off within 3 seconds of releasing the 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).
- Charge the battery (if equipped) for 24 hours.
Yearly:
- Replace the air filter (more frequently in dusty conditions).
- Change the engine oil (if desired).
- Replace or sharpen the blade (more frequently if the edge dulls quickly).
- Clean the engine by removing dirt and debris from its top and sides (more frequently in dusty conditions).
Yearly or Before Storage:
- Empty the fuel tank before repairs and yearly storage.
Preparing for Maintenance: Always shut off the engine, remove the electric-start button (if equipped), disconnect the spark-plug wire, and wait for all moving parts to stop before performing any maintenance.
Servicing the Air Filter: Instructions are provided for unclipping the air-filter cover, removing and inspecting the air filter, and replacing it if excessively dirty.
Changing the Engine Oil: The procedure includes warming the engine, removing the dipstick, tipping the machine to drain used oil, and refilling with new oil, with warnings about proper oil levels.
Charging the Battery (Electric-Start Models): Detailed steps for connecting the charger to the wire harness and plugging it into a wall outlet are provided, along with explanations of LED indicators for charging status.
Replacing the Fuse (Electric-Start Models): Instructions for replacing a blown fuse, including locating the fuse and using a spare fuse, are included.
Replacing the Blade: This procedure requires a torque wrench for proper installation and emphasizes wearing gloves due to the sharp blade. It involves tipping the machine, holding the blade steady with a block of wood, removing old hardware, installing the new blade with curved ends pointing toward the housing, and tightening the blade bolt to the specified torque.
Adjusting the Self-Propel Drive: Instructions for adjusting the cable tension to optimize self-propel performance are provided.
Storage: Recommendations for storing the machine in a cool, clean, dry place, including adding fuel stabilizer, running the engine dry, disconnecting the spark plug, adding engine oil to the cylinder to prevent corrosion, and charging the battery (for electric-start models).
Removing from Storage: Steps to prepare the machine for use after storage, such as charging the battery, checking fasteners, clearing excess oil, installing the spark plug, checking oil and fuel levels, and connecting the spark plug wire.
Cleaning Under the Machine: After each use, the underside of the machine can be cleaned by lowering the cutting height, moving the mower to a paved surface, and spraying water in front of the right rear wheel while the engine is running and the blade is engaged. This helps remove clippings and prevent rusting.

Toro Recycler 21464 Specifications

General

Cutting Width	22 inches
Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge	Yes
Start Type	Recoil
Deck Material	Steel
Weight	80 lbs
Drive System	Personal Pace
Warranty	2-Year Full Coverage
Engine	Briggs & Stratton® EXi 163cc
Cutting Height	1.0 - 4.0 in (2.5 - 10.2 cm)