Toro Recycler 21485 - User Manual

This document describes the Toro 22in Recycler Max Lawn Mower, Model No. 21485, a rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower designed for residential homeowners to cut grass on well-maintained lawns. Its primary function is to efficiently cut and manage grass clippings, offering both recycling and bagging capabilities.

Function Description:

The Toro 22in Recycler Max Lawn Mower is engineered to provide a versatile mowing experience. Its core function is to cut grass using a rotary blade, driven by an engine. The "Recycler" feature allows the mower to finely chop grass and leaf clippings, returning them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. This promotes a healthier lawn by enriching the soil with organic matter, reducing the need for external fertilizers, and eliminating the effort of bagging and disposing of clippings.

Beyond recycling, the mower also offers a bagging function, enabling users to collect grass and leaf clippings in a grass bag. This is particularly useful for maintaining a pristine lawn appearance, especially when dealing with longer grass or a large volume of leaves, or when clippings are not desired on the lawn surface. The bag-on-demand lever allows for easy switching between recycling and bagging modes, even with the grass bag attached, providing flexibility during operation.

The self-propel drive system is a key operational feature, designed to reduce user effort. It automatically adjusts to the user's walking pace, making mowing less strenuous, especially on uneven terrain or slopes. This feature enhances maneuverability and comfort, allowing for a smoother and more controlled mowing experience.

The mower is equipped with a recoil-start handle for engine ignition, designed for safe and easy starting. Safety is paramount, with the blade-control bar serving as a critical safety device. When released, it promptly shuts off the engine and stops the blade within 3 seconds, preventing accidental contact with the moving blade.

Usage Features:

The Toro 22in Recycler Max Lawn Mower is designed for user convenience and adaptability. Before operation, users are guided through essential setup steps, including unfolding the handle, installing the blade-control bar, and properly routing the recoil-starter rope. The handle is adjustable to two different heights, allowing users to customize it for a comfortable operating position, reducing fatigue during extended use.

Adding oil to the engine is a straightforward process, with clear instructions provided to ensure proper lubrication and prevent engine damage. The grass bag assembly is also detailed, ensuring users can easily prepare the mower for bagging operations.

During operation, the mower emphasizes safety and efficiency. Users are advised to wear appropriate protective clothing, maintain full attention, and avoid operating the machine under the influence of substances. The importance of keeping bystanders, especially children, out of the operating area is stressed.

For optimal cutting performance, the mower features adjustable cutting heights. Users can select the desired cutting height by adjusting all wheels to the same setting, allowing for precise control over lawn appearance and health. General mowing tips include cutting only about a third of the grass blade at a time, avoiding mowing in wet conditions, and alternating mowing directions for even fertilization. When dealing with tall grass or a large volume of leaves, users are advised to mow at higher settings first and then at the desired height.

The bag-on-demand lever is a standout feature, allowing seamless transition between recycling and bagging without removing the grass bag. This enhances operational efficiency, as users can adapt to changing lawn conditions or preferences on the fly.

After operation, the mower is designed for easy cleaning and storage. Cleaning under the machine is facilitated by a method that uses a stream of water while the engine is running, effectively removing clippings and preventing rust. The handle can be folded for compact storage, and the machine can be stored in a vertical-stow position, minimizing the space required.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the Toro 22in Recycler Max Lawn Mower. The manual provides a comprehensive recommended maintenance schedule, outlining daily, every 25 hours, and yearly tasks.

Daily checks include verifying the engine-oil level and ensuring the engine shuts off promptly when the blade-control bar is released. After each use, cleaning grass clippings and dirt from under the machine is recommended to prevent fires.

Every 25 hours, servicing the air filter is advised, with more frequent servicing in dusty conditions. Yearly maintenance includes replacing the air filter, changing the engine oil (if desired), and replacing or sharpening the blade. The engine should also be cleaned yearly to remove dirt and debris.

Detailed procedures are provided for each maintenance task. For servicing the air filter, users are guided on how to unclip the cover, remove, inspect, and reinstall the filter. Changing the engine oil involves warming the engine, tipping the machine to drain old oil, and carefully refilling with new oil, with specific instructions to avoid overfilling.

Blade replacement is a critical maintenance task, requiring a torque wrench for proper installation. Users are instructed to wear gloves, tip the machine on its side, use a block of wood to steady the blade, and tighten the blade bolt to the specified torque. The importance of positioning the curved ends of the blade toward the machine housing is highlighted.

For self-propel-drive models, adjusting the self-propel drive cable tension is outlined to ensure optimal performance.

Storage procedures are also detailed to prepare the machine for extended periods of inactivity. This includes adding fuel stabilizer, running the engine until it shuts off from lack of fuel, disconnecting the spark plug wire, and adding engine oil to the cylinder to prevent corrosion. These steps ensure the engine remains in good condition during storage and starts easily when removed from storage.

The manual emphasizes safety during all maintenance procedures, advising users to always shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect the spark-plug wire before performing any work. Wearing gloves and eye protection is also recommended when servicing the machine, particularly when handling the sharp blade. The importance of using genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories is stressed to ensure optimum performance and continued safety certification.

Toro Recycler 21485 Specifications

General

Brand	Toro
Model	Recycler 21485
Category	Lawn Mower
Engine	Briggs & Stratton
Engine Type	4-Cycle
Engine Displacement	163 cc
Fuel Type	Gasoline
Starter Type	Recoil
Deck Material	Steel
Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge Capability	Yes
Cutting Width	22 in
Drive System	Personal Pace
Wheel Size	8 in (front), 11 in (rear)
Warranty	2 years
Cutting Height	1.0 - 4.0 in
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.33 gallons