Toro StreamLine 20353

This document describes the 22-inch Recycler® Lawn Mower, Model No. 20353, with serial numbers 404400000 and up. This walk-behind rotary-blade lawn mower is designed for residential homeowners to cut grass on well-maintained lawns. It emphasizes safe and proper operation and maintenance to prevent injury and property damage.

Function Description

The Toro 22-inch Recycler® Lawn Mower is primarily used for cutting grass and managing leaf clippings in residential settings. It features a rotary blade that cuts grass as the user walks behind it. The mower is designed to be user-friendly, with various features to enhance the mowing experience and ensure safety.

Usage Features

The mower offers several usage features to adapt to different mowing needs and user preferences:

Handle Adjustment: The handle height can be adjusted to 1 of 2 positions, allowing users to find a comfortable operating height. This helps reduce fatigue during extended use.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Users can adjust the cutting height to achieve their desired lawn appearance. It is crucial to set all wheels to the same cutting height for an even cut. The manual warns against putting fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height due to the moving blade.
Self-Propel Drive: For models equipped with self-propel, the mower automatically maintains pace with the user's walking speed. To activate, the user simply places their hands on the upper handle with elbows at their sides. If the machine does not freely roll backward after self-propelling, the user can push it forward a few centimeters to disengage the wheel drive.
Traction-Assist Handle: This feature allows users to control the machine's speed independently of their walking speed. By grasping the corners of the traction-assist handle and squeezing it, users can adjust the ground speed. This is particularly useful for navigating tight corners, going up hills, or mowing at maximum speed. The machine continues to self-propel until the traction-assist handle is released.
Clipping Management (Bag-on-Demand System): The mower offers versatile clipping management options:
- Recycling (Mulching): The machine comes factory-ready to recycle grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn. If the grass bag is attached and the bag-on-demand lever is in the bagging position, it can be moved to the recycling position. If the side-discharge chute is on, it must be removed for recycling.
- Bagging: Users can collect grass and leaf clippings using the grass bag. To bag, the bag-on-demand lever is moved to the forward (bagging) position. The grass bag is installed by raising the rear deflector and securing the bag's pins in the handle notches.
- Side-Discharging: For cutting very tall grass, the side-discharge chute can be installed by unlatching and lifting the side deflector. If the bag-on-demand lever is in the bagging position, it should be moved to the recycling position for side-discharge.
Engine Starting and Shut-Off: To start the engine, the blade-control bar must be held against the handle, and the recoil-start handle pulled sharply. To shut off the engine, the blade-control bar is released. The engine and blade should stop within 3 seconds for safety.
Mowing Tips: The manual provides general mowing tips, including inspecting the area for objects, avoiding striking solid objects, and exercising caution on uneven terrain or near drop-offs. It also advises on cutting grass (only about a third of the blade at a time, avoiding wet conditions, and alternating mowing direction) and cutting leaves (ensuring half of the lawn shows through the cut leaf cover, adjusting cutting height for thick leaf cover, and slowing mowing speed for finer cuts).

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the mower's longevity and safe operation. The manual outlines a recommended maintenance schedule and procedures:

Engine Oil:
- Checking Level: Before each use or daily, the engine-oil level should be checked. The dipstick is removed, wiped clean, reinserted, and then removed again to read the level. Oil should be added if too low, or drained if too high, as improper levels can damage the engine.
- Changing Oil: Annually, the engine oil can be changed. It's recommended to run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil for better flow. The machine is tipped onto its side (air filter up) to drain the used oil from the oil-fill tube. New oil (SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 detergent oil, SJ or higher) is then carefully poured into the oil-fill tube, and the level is checked with the dipstick.
Air Filter:
- Servicing: Every 25 hours or yearly, the air filter should be serviced. The air-filter cover is unclipped, and the air filter inspected. If excessively dirty, it should be replaced; otherwise, it can be gently tapped on a hard surface to loosen debris.
Blade Maintenance:
- Inspection and Replacement: The blade should be examined whenever the fuel runs out. If damaged, cracked, dull, or nicked, it should be sharpened or replaced with a genuine Toro replacement blade.
- Replacement Procedure: To replace the blade, the spark-plug wire is disconnected, the machine is tipped onto its side (air filter up), and a block of wood is used to hold the blade steady. The old blade is removed, and a new one is installed, ensuring the curved ends point toward the machine housing. The blade bolt is then tightened to 82 N·m (60 ft-lb) using a torque wrench.
Cleaning:
- Under the Machine: Before each use or daily, the underside of the machine should be cleaned. This involves moving the machine to a paved surface, shutting off the engine, lowering the cutting height, and washing out the area under the rear door and with the bag-on-demand in both fully forward and rearward positions. A garden hose can be attached to the washout port for easier cleaning. After washing, the engine should be run for a few minutes to dry the underside and prevent rusting.
- General Cleaning: Annually, the engine should be cleaned by removing dirt and debris from its top and sides, more frequently in dusty conditions.
Self-Propel Drive Adjustment (for self-propel models): If a new self-propel cable is installed or the drive is out of adjustment, the tension on the cables can be adjusted. This involves loosening the adjustment nut, pulling or pushing the cables to increase or decrease traction, and then tightening the nut.
Storage Preparation: Before yearly storage, the fuel tank should be emptied. Fuel stabilizer (such as Toro Premium Fuel Treatment) should be added to the fuel during the last refueling of the year if storing for more than 30 days. The machine should be run until it shuts off from running out of fuel, and then run again until it cannot be started, ensuring the engine is sufficiently dry. The spark-plug wire is disconnected, the spark plug removed, and 30 ml (1 fl oz) of engine oil added through the spark-plug hole, pulling the starter rope slowly to distribute oil and prevent cylinder corrosion. The spark plug is then loosely reinstalled, and all nuts, bolts, and screws tightened.
Removing from Storage: To prepare the machine after storage, all fasteners are checked and tightened. The spark plug is removed, the engine spun rapidly to blow out excess oil, and the spark plug reinstalled and tightened to 20 N·m (15 ft-lb). The engine-oil level and fuel tank are refilled, and the spark-plug wire connected.
Handle Folding: For storage or transport, the handle can be folded forward by removing the handle knobs and carriage bolts. It is important to route the cables to the outside of the handle knobs to prevent damage.

Safety Features and Warnings

The manual heavily emphasizes safety, using a safety-alert symbol (a triangle with an exclamation mark) to highlight potential hazards. Key safety instructions include:

General Safety: Always shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts to stop before adjusting, servicing, cleaning, or storing. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts and discharge openings. Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning. Inspect blades for wear or damage. Remove objects from the mowing area. Keep bystanders and children out of the operating area. Do not operate while ill, tired, or under the influence of drugs. Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection, long pants, and slip-resistant footwear.
Fuel Safety: Fuel is extremely flammable and explosive. Fill the tank outdoors, in an open area, when the engine is cold, and wipe up spills. Do not handle fuel while smoking or near open flames/sparks. Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel while the engine is running or hot. Store fuel in approved containers out of reach of children. Avoid prolonged breathing of fuel vapors and contact with skin/eyes.
Slope Safety: Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not mow on excessively steep slopes. Mow with caution near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
Muffler Warning: The muffler can be hot if the engine has been running, causing severe burns. Keep away from the hot muffler.
Engine Exhaust Warning: Operate the engine only in well-ventilated areas as exhaust gases contain lethal carbon monoxide.
Blade Safety: The blade is sharp and can cause serious injury. Disconnect the spark-plug wire before performing maintenance. Wear gloves when servicing the blade. Do not repair or alter blades.
Cable Damage Warning: Improperly folding or unfolding the handle can damage cables, leading to unsafe operating conditions.
Proposition 65 Warning: The product includes a California Proposition 65 warning regarding chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, present in engine exhaust and potentially other components.

The manual also advises contacting an Authorized Service Dealer if the machine does not start after several attempts, if the engine and blade do not stop within 3 seconds of releasing the blade-control bar, or if a cable is damaged. It stresses using genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories to ensure optimum performance and avoid voiding the product warranty.