Toro Z287L Z–Master User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

K
kimberly86Aug 13, 2025
What to do if my Toro Z287L Z–Master starter does not crank?
- A
  Amy RiveraAug 13, 2025
  If the starter on your Toro Lawn Mower isn't cranking, possible causes include: the blade control (PTO) is engaged (move it to disengaged); the parking brake isn't set (set it); the operator isn't seated (sit on the seat); the battery is dead (charge it); electrical connections are corroded or loose (check them); the fuse is blown (replace it); or a relay or switch is defective (contact an authorized service dealer).
L
lucasmariaAug 17, 2025
Why my Toro Z287L Z–Master engine will not start?
- R
  reesepeterAug 17, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower engine won't start, starts hard, or stalls, it could be due to several reasons: the fuel tank is empty (fill it with gasoline); the choke is not on (move choke lever to the ON position); the air cleaner is dirty (clean or replace the air cleaner element); the spark plug wires are loose or disconnected (install wires on spark plug); the spark plugs are pitted, fouled, or the gap is incorrect (install new, correctly gapped spark plugs); there is dirt in the fuel filter (replace the fuel filter); or there is dirt, water, or stale fuel in the fuel system (contact an Authorized Service Dealer).
B
Brooke CampbellAug 21, 2025
What to do if my Toro Lawn Mower engine loses power?
- B
  brownmichaelAug 21, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower engine loses power, consider these potential causes: The engine load may be excessive, so reduce ground speed. The air cleaner could be dirty, so clean the air cleaner element. The oil level in the crankcase might be low, so add oil. Cooling fins and air passages under the engine blower housing could be plugged, so remove any obstructions. The spark plugs may be pitted, fouled, or have an incorrect gap, so install new, correctly gapped spark plugs. The vent in the fuel cap might be closed, so open it. There might be dirt in the fuel filter, so replace it. Finally, dirt, water, or stale fuel could be in the fuel system, in that case you should contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
L
Lori RussellAug 25, 2025
What to do if Toro Lawn Mower blades do not rotate?
- L
  Laura RomanAug 25, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower blades do not rotate, it could be due to a worn, loose, or broken drive belt (install a new drive belt). It could also be that the drive belt is off the pulley (install the drive belt and check the adjusting shafts and belt guides for correct position). Another possibility is a worn, loose, or broken deck belt (install a new deck belt), or the deck belt is off the pulley (install the deck pulley and check the idler pulley, idler arm, and spring for correct position and function).
T
Thomas DeanAug 28, 2025
How to fix abnormal vibration in my Toro Z287L Z–Master?
- M
  Melissa MathewsAug 28, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower has an abnormal vibration, it could be caused by bent or unbalanced cutting blades (install new cutting blades). Alternatively, the blade mounting bolt could be loose (tighten it), the engine mounting bolts could be loose (tighten them), or a loose engine pulley, idler pulley, or blade pulley (tighten the appropriate pulley). Finally, the engine pulley could be damaged, or the blade spindle bent (in both cases, contact an Authorized Service Dealer).
D
Dylan McmahonAug 31, 2025
Why is my Toro Z287L Z–Master engine overheating?
- S
  Shane WarrenSep 1, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower engine overheats, you may need to check and add coolant. Also make sure to clean the air intake screens and radiator screen with every use. Dirty radiator fins can also cause overheating, so clean the radiator fins.
J
Jason ByrdSep 5, 2025
Why my Toro Z287L Z–Master Lawn Mower does not drive?
- R
  Russell FisherSep 5, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower isn't driving, it could be that the traction belt is worn, loose, or broken, or that the traction belt is off the pulley (in both cases, contact an Authorized Service Dealer). Another potential cause is a low hydro fluid level, so add hydro fluid to the reservoir.
A
Ashley HarrisSep 8, 2025
Why does my Toro Lawn Mower have an uneven cutting height?
- J
  Jeffrey MurraySep 8, 2025
  If your Toro Lawn Mower is producing an uneven cutting height, possible causes include: dull blade(s) (sharpen them); bent cutting blade(s) (install new ones); the mower not being level (level it from side-to-side and front-to-rear); the gage wheel not set correctly (adjust gage wheel height); the underside of the mower is dirty (clean it); incorrect tire pressure (adjust it); or a bent blade spindle (contact an Authorized Service Dealer).

Toro Z287L Z–Master Specifications

General

Brand	Toro
Model	Z287L Z–Master
Category	Lawn Mower
Language	English

Summary

Introduction

Safety Warning System Explanation

Explains hazard signal words like Danger, Warning, Caution for safety.

Safe Operating Practices

Training Requirements

Covers operator and mechanic training requirements.

Preparation Procedures

Details pre-operation checks and clothing requirements.

Safe Operation Guidelines

Outlines safe procedures for operating the machine.

Maintenance and Storage

Toro Mower Specific Safety

Specific safety guidelines for Toro mowers.

General Operation Safety

General guidelines for operating the mower safely.

Slope Operation Safety

Critical safety instructions for operating on slopes.

Service Procedures

General Service Guidelines

General guidelines for machine maintenance and care.

Slope Chart

Comparing Slopes Visually

Visual guide to compare slopes with chart lines.

Safety and Instruction Decals

Decals on Console and Gas Tank

Locations of safety and instruction decals on console and gas tank.

Other Decal Locations on Page 9

Decals found on seat, footrest, and engine baffles.

More Safety Decal Locations

Console, Seat, and Baffle Decals

Decals on console, seat, and engine baffles.

Footrest and Radiator Decals

Decals on footrest, hydraulic reservoir, and radiator areas.

Additional Safety Decal Locations

Reservoir, Fan, and Tilt Switch Decals

Decals on hydraulic reservoir, fan, tilt switch, and radiator trim.

Deck, Z-Stand, and Radiator Decals

Decals on deck support, Z-Stand, and radiator trim plate.

Final Safety Decal Locations

Mower Sides and Belt Cover Decals

Decals on mower sides, deflector, belt covers, and anti-scalp roller.

Top Center and Front Mower Decals

Decals on top center and left front of mower.

Gasoline and Oil

Recommended Gasoline Type

Specifies unleaded regular gasoline type and octane rating.

Using Fuel Stabilizer/Conditioner

Guidance on using fuel stabilizer for freshness and cleaning.

Fuel Tank Filling Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for safe refueling.

Check Engine Oil Level

Procedure to check engine oil level before operation.

Assembly

Loose Parts Verification

Lists parts included and their purpose for assembly.

Install Drive Wheels

Steps to attach drive wheels to the traction unit.

Tire Pressure Specification

Recommended tire pressure for optimal performance.

Install Seat Retaining Rod

Procedure to secure the seat retaining rod.

Motion Control Levers Installation

Levers Installation Steps

Instructions for installing the motion control levers.

Activate the Battery

Battery Activation Procedure

Steps to activate the machine's battery.

Install Battery

Battery Installation Procedure

Procedure for correctly installing the battery.

Cooling System

Checking Radiator Coolant

How to check and top off engine coolant levels.

Check Engine Oil Level

Engine Oil Level Check

Procedure to check engine oil level before use.

Check Side Discharge Chute

Side Discharge Chute Preparation

Steps to prepare the side discharge chute.

Check Mower Deck Leveling

Mower Deck Leveling Procedure

Instructions for ensuring the mower deck is level.

Greasing the Bearings

Cutting Unit Spindle Greasing

Procedure for greasing cutting unit spindles.

Hydraulic System

Checking the Hydraulic Fluid

How to check and maintain hydraulic fluid levels.

Operation

Think Safety First

Emphasizes reading safety instructions and wearing protective gear.

Controls Overview

Familiarization with the machine's controls.

Parking Brake

Setting the Parking Brake

Steps to engage the parking brake.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Starting the Engine

Procedures for safely starting the engine.

Stopping the Engine

Stopping Engine Procedure

Procedures for safely stopping the engine.

Operating the Power Take Off (PTO)

Engaging the PTO

How to engage the PTO for power to the electric clutch.

Disengaging the PTO

How to disengage the PTO.

The Safety Interlock System

Understanding the System

Explains the purpose of the safety interlock system.

Testing the System

Daily checks for proper operation of safety interlocks.

Driving Forward or Backward

Forward Movement Instructions

Instructions for driving the machine forward.

Driving Backward

Backward Movement Instructions

Instructions for driving the machine backward.

Stopping the Machine

Machine Stopping Procedure

Steps to safely stop the machine.

Instruments

Hour Meter Usage

Explains the function of the hour meter for maintenance scheduling.

Fuel Tanks

Fuel Tank System Information

Information about the fuel tank system.

Adjusting Height-of-Cut

Height-of-Cut Adjustment

How to set the cutting height for the mower deck.

Adjusting Anti-Scalp Rollers

Anti-Scalp Roller Adjustment

Guidance on adjusting rollers for deck flotation.

Positioning the Seat

Seat Adjustment Procedure

How to adjust the operator's seat for comfort and control.

Pushing the Machine by Hand

Manual Machine Movement

Safe procedure for manually moving the machine.

Transporting Machines

Loading Machines Safely

Precautions and steps for loading the machine onto trailers.

Using the Lift Assist Lever

Lift Assist Lever Operation

How to use the lift assist lever for raising the deck.

Using the Z-Stand

Driving up onto the Z-Stand

Procedure for safely positioning the machine on the Z-Stand.

Driving off the Z-Stand

Z-Stand Removal Procedure

Procedure for safely removing the machine from the Z-Stand.

Tips for Mowing Grass

Fast Throttle Setting for Mowing

Recommends using fast throttle for optimal mowing.

Cutting Grass Quality Advice

Advice on cutting height, direction, and frequency for best results.

Mowing Speed and Conditions

Guidance on cutting speed and handling long or wet grass.

Keep the Underside of the Mower Clean

Mower Underside Cleaning

Importance of cleaning the mower deck underside.

Blade Maintenance

Maintaining Cutting Blades

How to maintain sharp and undamaged cutting blades.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

A table detailing maintenance tasks and intervals.

Cutting Blades

Checking for Bent Blades

Procedure to check if mower blades are bent.

Before Inspecting or Servicing Blades

Blade Inspection Safety Precautions

Safety precautions before blade inspection.

Inspecting the Blades

Cutting Blade Inspection

How to inspect cutting blades for wear and damage.

Removing the Blades

Mower Blade Removal

Steps to safely remove mower blades.

Sharpening the Blades

Blade Sharpening and Balancing

Guide to sharpening mower blades and checking balance.

Installing the Blades

Mower Blade Installation

Procedure for installing mower blades correctly.

Air Cleaner

Cleaning Paper Elements

How to clean and inspect the paper air cleaner element.

Installing Paper Elements

Air Cleaner Element Installation

Procedure for installing the air cleaner element.

Engine Oil

Engine Oil Change Information

Information on changing engine oil and oil type.

Changing/Draining Oil

Engine Oil Change Procedure

Steps for changing the engine oil.

Checking Oil Level

Engine Oil Level Check

Procedure to check the engine oil level.

Change Oil Filter

Oil Filter Replacement

How to replace the engine oil filter.

Cooling System

Checking Radiator Coolant

How to check and top off engine coolant levels.

Cleaning Cooling System

Cooling System Daily Cleaning

Daily cleaning procedure for the cooling system.

Changing Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant Change Procedure

Procedure for changing the engine coolant.

Spark Plug

Removing the Spark Plug

Steps to remove the spark plug for inspection or replacement.

Checking the Spark Plug

Spark Plug Inspection and Gapping

How to inspect and check the spark plug gap.

Installing the Spark Plug

Spark Plug Installation

Procedure for installing the spark plug.

Fuel Filter

Replacing the Fuel Filter

Steps to replace the fuel filter.

Fuel Tank

Draining The Fuel Tank

Procedure for safely draining the fuel tank.

Servicing the Spark Arrester

Spark Arrester Inspection and Cleaning

Inspection and cleaning of the spark arrester.

Greasing and Lubrication

General Greasing Procedure

General procedure for greasing machine components.

Grease Front Castor Pivots

Lubrication instructions for front castor pivots.

Greasing the Bearings

Cutting Unit Bearing Lubrication

Regular lubrication of cutting unit bearings.

Tire Pressure

Tire Pressure Maintenance

Maintaining correct tire pressure for even cutting.

Wheel Hub Slotted Nut

Wheel Hub Nut Torque

Torque specification for the wheel hub slotted nut.

Castor Pivot Bearing Adjustment

Adjusting the pre-load on castor pivot bearings.

Hydraulic System

Checking the Hydraulic Fluid

How to check and maintain hydraulic fluid levels.

Replacing the Hydraulic Filter

Hydraulic Filter Replacement

Steps to replace the hydraulic system filter.

Bleeding Hydraulic System

Hydraulic System Bleeding

Procedure to bleed air from the hydraulic system.

Check Hydraulic Lines

Hydraulic Line Inspection

Inspection of hydraulic lines for leaks and damage.

Adjusting Motion Controls

Adjusting Handle Neutral

Aligning motion control levers to the neutral position.

Adjusting Hydraulic Pump Neutral

Hydraulic Pump Neutral Setting

Setting the hydraulic pump to neutral.

Throttle Lever Adjustment

Throttle Lever Tension Adjustment

Adjusting the tension of the throttle lever.

Replacing the Pump Drive Belt

Pump Drive Belt Replacement

Procedure for replacing the pump drive belt.

Adjustment Parking Brake

Parking Brake Adjustment Check

Checking and adjusting the parking brake.

Fuse

Fuse Service Interval and Specs

Service interval and specifications for electrical system fuses.

Battery

Checking Electrolyte Level

How to check and maintain battery electrolyte levels.

Adding Water to the Battery

Procedure for adding distilled water to the battery.

Charging the Battery

Instructions for safely charging the battery.

Mower Leveling

Mower Leveling Procedure

How to level the mower deck.

Compression Spring Adjustment

Deck Lift Spring Adjustment

Adjusting the compression springs for deck lift.

Belt Inspection

Drive Belt Inspection

Procedure for inspecting drive belts for damage.

Clean Under Deck

Mower Deck Underside Cleaning

Daily cleaning of grass build-up under the mower deck.

Replacing the Deck Belt

Deck Belt Replacement

Steps to replace the mower deck belt.

Replacing the PTO Drive Belt

PTO Drive Belt Replacement

Steps to replace the PTO drive belt.

Replacing the Grass Deflector

Grass Deflector Replacement

How to replace the grass deflector.

Waste Disposal

Environmental Waste Disposal

Guidelines for environmentally sound disposal of waste fluids.

Mercury Tilt Switch

Mercury Tilt Switch Information

Information about the mercury tilt switch and its hazards.

Mercury Tilt Switch Disposal

Safe Disposal of Mercury Switches

Safe disposal procedures for mercury tilt switches.

Wiring Diagram

Electrical System Wiring Diagram

Schematic showing the electrical system connections.

Cleaning and Storage

Machine Cleaning and Storage

Procedures for cleaning and preparing the machine for storage.

Troubleshooting

Starter Does Not Crank

Common causes and solutions for starter issues.

Engine Starting Problems

Troubleshooting for engines that won't start or run.

Engine Loses Power

Solutions for engine power loss issues.

Engine Overheats

Causes and remedies for engine overheating.

Troubleshooting

Machine Does Not Drive

Solutions for problems with machine drive system.

Abnormal Vibration Issues

Causes and fixes for abnormal machine vibration.

Uneven Cutting Height

Troubleshooting for inconsistent mower cutting height.

Blades Do Not Rotate

Solutions for issues where mower blades fail to rotate.

Toro Total Coverage Guarantee

Warranty Coverage and Conditions

Details products covered and warranty terms.

Obtaining Warranty Service

Instructions on how to get warranty service.

Owner Responsibilities

Owner's duties for maintaining warranty.

Items Not Covered by Warranty

Exclusions from the express warranty.

General Warranty Conditions

Legal conditions and rights related to the warranty.

Warranty Outside US/Canada

Information for customers outside the US and Canada.

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Toro Z287L Z–Master User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Toro Z287L Z–Master Specifications

Summary

Introduction

Safety Warning System Explanation

Safe Operating Practices

Training Requirements

Preparation Procedures

Safe Operation Guidelines

Maintenance and Storage

Toro Mower Specific Safety

General Operation Safety

Slope Operation Safety

Service Procedures

General Service Guidelines

Slope Chart

Comparing Slopes Visually

Safety and Instruction Decals

Decals on Console and Gas Tank

Other Decal Locations on Page 9

More Safety Decal Locations

Console, Seat, and Baffle Decals

Footrest and Radiator Decals

Additional Safety Decal Locations

Reservoir, Fan, and Tilt Switch Decals

Deck, Z-Stand, and Radiator Decals

Final Safety Decal Locations

Mower Sides and Belt Cover Decals

Top Center and Front Mower Decals

Gasoline and Oil

Recommended Gasoline Type

Using Fuel Stabilizer/Conditioner

Fuel Tank Filling Procedure

Check Engine Oil Level

Assembly

Loose Parts Verification

Install Drive Wheels

Tire Pressure Specification

Install Seat Retaining Rod

Motion Control Levers Installation

Levers Installation Steps

Activate the Battery

Battery Activation Procedure

Install Battery

Battery Installation Procedure

Cooling System

Checking Radiator Coolant

Check Engine Oil Level

Engine Oil Level Check

Check Side Discharge Chute

Side Discharge Chute Preparation

Check Mower Deck Leveling

Mower Deck Leveling Procedure

Greasing the Bearings

Cutting Unit Spindle Greasing

Hydraulic System

Checking the Hydraulic Fluid

Operation

Think Safety First

Controls Overview

Parking Brake

Setting the Parking Brake

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Starting the Engine

Stopping the Engine

Stopping Engine Procedure

Operating the Power Take Off (PTO)

Engaging the PTO

Disengaging the PTO

The Safety Interlock System

Understanding the System

Testing the System

Driving Forward or Backward

Forward Movement Instructions

Driving Backward

Backward Movement Instructions

Stopping the Machine

Machine Stopping Procedure