Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

S
Sheila LongJul 28, 2025
Why won't my Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL Lawn Mower engine start?
- S
  Shelly StephensonJul 28, 2025
  Several factors can prevent your Toro Lawn Mower engine from starting. Ensure you are seated, and the fuel tank isn't empty—refill it with gasoline if needed. A dirty air cleaner can also be the culprit; clean or replace the air cleaner element. Check that the spark plug wire is securely connected. The spark plug itself might be faulty—install a new, correctly-gapped spark plug if it's pitted, fouled, or has an incorrect gap. Also, ensure the choke is closing by adjusting the throttle cable. Lastly, a dirty fuel filter can cause starting issues; replace it if necessary.
A
adam43Aug 1, 2025
What to do if my Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL Lawn Mower starter does not crank?
- B
  Brian MillerAug 2, 2025
  If the starter on your Toro Lawn Mower isn't cranking, there are several things to check. First, ensure that the blades (PTO) are disengaged by shifting the blade control (PTO) lever. Next, make sure the parking brake is set. A dead battery can also prevent cranking, so charge the battery. Inspect the electrical connections for corrosion or looseness and ensure they have good contact. Finally, check for a blown fuse and replace it if necessary.
S
stevendavisAug 6, 2025
How to fix Toro Lawn Mower engine when it loses power?
- T
  thomas20Aug 6, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower engine is losing power, consider these potential causes: excessive engine load (shift to a lower gear), a dirty air cleaner (clean the air cleaner element), or low oil level in the crankcase (add oil). Also, check for plugged cooling fins and air passages under the engine blower housing and remove any obstructions. A faulty spark plug (replace with a new, correctly-gapped one), a plugged fuel cap vent hole (clean or replace the fuel cap), or a dirty fuel filter (replace the fuel filter) can also lead to power loss.
C
cynthia33Aug 9, 2025
What to do if Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL blades do not rotate?
- T
  Tara SmithAug 9, 2025
  If the blades on your Toro Lawn Mower aren't rotating, it could be due to a worn, loose, or broken blade drive belt; in this case, install a new blade drive belt. Another possibility is that the blade drive belt is off the pulley; reinstall the blade drive belt and check the idler pulley and belt guides for correct positioning.
J
Johnny EllisAug 14, 2025
Why is the cutting height uneven on my Toro Lawn Mower?
- D
  Danielle CooperAug 14, 2025
  Uneven cutting height on your Toro Lawn Mower can be attributed to incorrect tire pressure (set the tire pressure appropriately), an unlevel mower (level the mower from side-to-side and front-to-rear), or a dirty mower underside (clean the underside of the mower).
L
Lori ByrdAug 18, 2025
What causes a Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL engine to overheat?
- Z
  zvazquezAug 18, 2025
  A Toro Lawn Mower engine may overheat due to several reasons. These include excessive engine load, which can be resolved by shifting into a lower gear to reduce ground speed. Another cause is a low oil level in the crankcase; add oil to correct this. Lastly, check for obstructions in the cooling fins and air passages under the engine blower housing, and remove any blockages.
T
Theresa HerringAug 22, 2025
How to stop abnormal vibration in my Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL?
- C
  Charles AnthonyAug 23, 2025
  Abnormal vibration in your Toro Lawn Mower can stem from several issues. The cutting blades might be bent or unbalanced, requiring replacement with new ones. Check if the blade mounting bolt is loose and tighten it securely. Also, inspect the engine mounting bolts and tighten them if they are loose. A loose engine pulley, idler pulley, or blade pulley can also cause vibration; tighten the appropriate pulley.

Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL Specifications

General

Engine Power	16 HP
Engine	Kohler Command
Engine Type	4-cycle OHV
Transmission	Hydrostatic
Drive	Rear-wheel drive
Cutting Width	38 inches
Number of Blades	2
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO
Deck Material	Steel
Cutting Height	1.5 - 4 inches

Summary

Introduction

Safety Overview

General safety information, hazards, and precautions for operation.

Safe Operating Practices

Guidelines for safe operation according to ANSI standard B71.1-1998.

General Operation

Basic instructions for operating the tractor safely and correctly.

Safety

Slope Operation Safety

Precautions for operating the tractor on slopes to prevent accidents.

Children Safety

Warnings and guidelines to prevent accidents involving children.

Toro Riding Mower Safety

Specific safety warnings for Toro riding mowers and general precautions.

Safety and Instruction Decals

Information about safety decals and their locations on the tractor.

Gasoline and Oil

Recommended Gasoline

Guidelines for selecting and using the correct type of gasoline.

Fuel Tank Filling and Maintenance

Step-by-step instructions for safely filling the fuel tank and using stabilizer.

Operation

Controls and Operation

Identification of controls, parking brake, seat adjustment, and starting procedures.

Safety Interlock System

How safety interlocks function, including KeyChoice switch and testing.

Tractor Movement and Stopping

Procedures for pushing manually, driving forward/backward, and stopping.

Mower Operation

Side Discharge and Mulching

Instructions for installing discharge cover and general operating tips.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

A comprehensive schedule outlining maintenance tasks and intervals.

Engine Servicing

Engine Oil and Filter Service

Procedures for checking oil level, changing oil, and replacing the oil filter.

Air Cleaner Service

Instructions for cleaning foam and replacing paper air cleaner elements.

Spark Plug Service

Steps for removing, checking, and installing the spark plug.

Cooling System Cleaning

How to clean grass and debris from the engine cooling system.

Brake and Tire Service

Brake System Service

Procedures for checking and adjusting the tractor's brake system.

Tire Pressure Maintenance

How to check and maintain correct tire pressure.

Greasing and Lubrication

Greasing Procedures

Steps for greasing the tractor's fittings and lubrication points.

Battery Service

Battery Removal and Installation

Steps for safely removing and installing the tractor battery.

Battery Electrolyte and Charging

How to check electrolyte level, add water, and charge the battery.

Fuel System Service

Draining the Fuel Tank

Steps for safely draining the tractor's fuel tank.

Fuel Filter Replacement

Instructions for replacing the fuel filter.

Transaxle and Electrical Service

Transaxle Fluid Check

How to check the fluid level in the transaxle.

Fuse and Headlight Service

Information on servicing fuses and replacing headlight bulbs.

Mower Blade Service

Blade Inspection and Sharpening

How to check, sharpen, and balance the mower blades.

Blade Removal and Installation

Steps to safely remove and install the mower blades.

Mower Removal and Installation

Removing the Mower Deck

Detailed steps for detaching the mower deck from the tractor.

Installing the Mower Deck

Detailed steps for attaching the mower deck to the tractor.

Blade Drive Belt Service

Blade Drive Belt Replacement

Instructions for removing and installing the mower's blade drive belt.

Mower Leveling and Adjustment

Side-to-Side Mower Leveling

Procedure to ensure the mower deck is level side-to-side.

Front-to-Rear Blade Slope Adjustment

How to adjust the mower deck for proper front-to-rear slope.

Mower Cleaning

Washing the Underside of the Mower

Instructions for cleaning grass and debris from the mower deck underside.

Tractor Storage

Cleaning and Storing the Tractor

Procedures for cleaning the tractor and preparing it for long-term storage.

Wiring Diagram

Electrical schematic of the tractor's wiring system.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common problems and their solutions for the tractor's operation.

Warranty Information

The Toro Total Coverage Guarantee

Details of the product's warranty coverage and terms.

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Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Toro Wheel Horse 16-38HXL Specifications

Summary

Introduction

Safety Overview

Safe Operating Practices

General Operation

Safety

Slope Operation Safety

Children Safety

Toro Riding Mower Safety

Safety and Instruction Decals

Gasoline and Oil

Recommended Gasoline

Fuel Tank Filling and Maintenance

Operation

Controls and Operation

Safety Interlock System

Tractor Movement and Stopping

Mower Operation

Side Discharge and Mulching

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Engine Servicing

Engine Oil and Filter Service

Air Cleaner Service

Spark Plug Service

Cooling System Cleaning

Brake and Tire Service

Brake System Service

Tire Pressure Maintenance

Greasing and Lubrication

Greasing Procedures

Battery Service

Battery Removal and Installation

Battery Electrolyte and Charging

Fuel System Service

Draining the Fuel Tank

Fuel Filter Replacement

Transaxle and Electrical Service

Transaxle Fluid Check

Fuse and Headlight Service

Mower Blade Service

Blade Inspection and Sharpening

Blade Removal and Installation

Mower Removal and Installation

Removing the Mower Deck

Installing the Mower Deck

Blade Drive Belt Service

Blade Drive Belt Replacement

Mower Leveling and Adjustment

Side-to-Side Mower Leveling

Front-to-Rear Blade Slope Adjustment

Mower Cleaning

Washing the Underside of the Mower

Tractor Storage

Cleaning and Storing the Tractor

Wiring Diagram

Wiring Diagram

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Warranty Information

The Toro Total Coverage Guarantee

Related product manuals