Operator's Manual

ManualsBrandsToro ManualsLawn MowersToro 20978

FormNo.3398-257RevB

TimeMaster

76cmLawnMower

ModelNo.20976—SerialNo.400000000andUp

ModelNo.20978—SerialNo.400000000andUp

Operator'sManual

Introduction

Thisrotary-blade,walk-behindlawnmowerisintended

tobeusedbyresidentialhomeowners.Itisdesigned

primarilyforcuttinggrassonwell-maintainedlawns

onresidentialproperties.Itisnotdesignedforcutting

brushorforagriculturaluses.

Readthisinformationcarefullytolearnhowtooperate

andmaintainyourproductproperlyandtoavoid

injuryandproductdamage.Youareresponsiblefor

operatingtheproductproperlyandsafely.

YoumaycontactT orodirectlyatwww.Toro.comfor

productandaccessoryinformation,helpndinga

dealer,ortoregisteryourproduct.

Wheneveryouneedservice,genuineToroparts,or

additionalinformation,contactanAuthorizedService

DealerorToroCustomerServiceandhavethemodel

andserialnumbersofyourmachineready.Figure1

identiesthelocationofthemodelandserialnumbers

ontheproduct.Writethenumbersinthespace

provided.

g017280

Figure1

1.Modelandserialnumberlocation

ModelNo.

SerialNo.

Thismanualidentiespotentialhazardsandhas

safetymessagesidentiedbythesafety-alertsymbol

(Figure2),whichsignalsahazardthatmaycause

seriousinjuryordeathifyoudonotfollowthe

recommendedprecautions.

g000502

Figure2

Safety-alertsymbol

Thismanualuses2wordstohighlightinformation.

Importantcallsattentiontospecialmechanical

informationandNoteemphasizesgeneralinformation

worthyofspecialattention.

ThisproductcomplieswithallrelevantEuropean

directives;fordetails,pleaseseetheseparateproduct

specicDeclarationofConformity(DOC)sheet.

NetTorque:Thegrossornettorqueofthisengine

waslaboratoryratedbytheenginemanufacturerin

accordancewiththeSocietyofAutomotiveEngineers

(SAE)J1940.Asconguredtomeetsafety,emission,

andoperatingrequirements,theactualenginetorque

onthisclassofmowerwillbesignicantlylower.Goto

www.Toro.comtoviewspecicationsonyourmower

model.

Contents

Introduction...............................................................1

Safety.......................................................................2

GeneralSafety...................................................2

SafetyandInstructionalDecals..........................3

Setup........................................................................5

1AssemblingtheHandle....................................5

2InstallingtheBlade-ControlBar........................6

3FillingtheEnginewithOil.................................6

4ChargingtheBattery........................................6

5AssemblingtheGrassBag...............................7

ProductOverview.....................................................8

Specications....................................................9

Operation..................................................................9

BeforeOperation...................................................9

BeforeOperationSafety.....................................9

FillingtheFuelT ank............................................9

CheckingtheEngine-OilLevel..........................10

8111LyndaleAvenueSouth

Bloomington,MN55420

Registeratwww.Toro.com.

OriginalInstructions(EN)

PrintedinMexico

AllRightsReserved

*3398-257*B

Summary of content (32 pages)

PAGE 1
Form No. 3398-257 Rev B TimeMaster® 76cm Lawn Mower Model No. 20976—Serial No. 400000000 and Up Model No. 20978—Serial No. 400000000 and Up Operator's Manual Introduction serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions. This rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower is intended to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns on residential properties. It is not designed for cutting brush or for agricultural uses.
PAGE 2
• Do not operate the machine without all guards Adjusting the Handle Height ..............................11 Adjusting the Cutting Height ..............................11 During Operation ................................................. 12 During Operation Safety ................................... 12 Starting the Engine ........................................... 12 Using the Self-Propel Drive............................... 13 Shutting Off the Engine.....................................
PAGE 3
Safety and Instructional Decals Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or missing. decaloemmarkt Manufacturer's Mark 1. This mark indicates that the blade is identified as a part from the original machine manufacturer. decal104-7953 104-7953 Electric-Start Model Only 1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual for information on charging the battery; contains lead; do not discard. 2.
PAGE 4
decal131-4514b 131-4514 1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual. 2. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—stay away from moving parts; keep all guards and shields in place. 3. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—disconnect the spark-plug wire and read the instructions before servicing or performing maintenance. 4.
PAGE 5
Setup Important: Remove and discard the protective plastic sheet that covers the engine and any other plastic or wrapping on the machine. Important: To prevent accidental starting, do not insert the key into the electric-start ignition until you are ready to start the engine (electric-start model only). 1 Assembling the Handle No Parts Required g016551 Figure 4 Procedure 1. Handle-lock lever WARNING 3.
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2 1. Move the machine to a level surface. 2. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 6). Installing the Blade-Control Bar No Parts Required Procedure Install the blade-control bar into the upper handle (Figure 5). g193261 Figure 6 1. Full 2. High g017217 Figure 5 3. Low 3. Carefully pour about 3/4 of the engine capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube. 4. Wait 3 minutes for the oil to settle in the engine. 5.
PAGE 7
4 Charging the Battery No Parts Required Procedure Electric-Start Model Only Refer to Charging the Battery (page 20). 5 Assembling the Grass Bag No Parts Required g027216 Procedure 1. Figure 8 Slip the grass bag over the frame as shown in Figure 7. 3. g027215 Figure 7 1. Handle 3. Grass bag 2. Frame Note: Do not slip the bag over the handle (Figure 7). 2. Hook the bottom channel of the bag onto the bottom of the frame (Figure 8).
PAGE 8
Product Overview g191981 Figure 10 Upper handle 1. Adjustment knob for the self-propel drive 4. Blade-control bar 2. Traction-assist handle 5. Ignition key (electric-start model only) 3. Blade-control-bar lock 6. Ignition switch (electric-start model only) or toggle switch (standard model only) g191969 Figure 9 1. Side-discharge door 9. Ignition switch (electric-start model only) or toggle switch (standard model only) 2. Spark plug 10. Battery (electric-start model only; not shown) 3.
PAGE 9
Fuel Safety Specifications Model 20976 20978 Weight Length 65 kg (144 lb) 68 kg (150 lb) 163 cm (64 in) Width 81 cm (32 in) Height DANGER Fuel is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from fuel can burn you and others and can damage property. • To prevent a static charge from igniting the fuel, place the container and/or machine directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object. • Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area, when the engine is cold.
PAGE 10
1. Checking the Engine-Oil Level Clean around the fuel-tank cap and remove the cap from the tank (Figure 12). 1. Move the machine to a level surface. 2. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out (Figure 14). g197784 Figure 12 1. Do not fill the fuel tank above the bottom of the fuel-tank neck. Important: This machine is equipped with a premium fuel tank that uses a foam insert to prevent fuel agitation.
PAGE 11
Adjusting the Handle Height You can raise or lower the handle to a position more comfortable for you. 1. Pull the handle-lock lever rearward to disengage the handle-lock pins (Figure 15). g017634 Figure 16 Front Cutting-Height Lever 1. A: 10.8 cm (4-1/4 inches) g191982 2. B: 9.5 cm (3-3/4 inches) 6. F: 4.4 cm (1-3/4 inches) 3. C: 8.3 cm (3-1/4 inches) 7. G: 3.2 cm (1-1/4 inches) 4. D: 7.0 cm (2-3/4 inches) Figure 15 1. Handle-lock lever 2. Handle-lock pin (2) 5. E: 5.7 cm (2-1/4 inches) 3.
PAGE 12
Slope Safety During Operation • Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. During Operation Safety • Do not mow on excessively steep slopes. Poor General Safety footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident. • Mow with caution near drop-offs, ditches, or • Wear appropriate clothing, including eye embankments. protection; slip-resistant, substantial footwear; and hearing protection.
PAGE 13
Electric-Start Model 1. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position (Figure 18). 2. Pull the recoil handle slowly to the rear until you feel resistance, then pull sharply. Allow the rope to return to the engine slowly. 1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position (Figure 21). Using the Self-Propel Drive To operate the self-propel drive, simply walk with your hands gripping the upper handle and your elbows at your sides, and the machine will automatically keep pace with you (Figure 19).
PAGE 14
Note: If the bag does not deflate within 3 seconds of releasing the blade-control bar, the blade-stop system may be deteriorating and, if ignored, could result in an unsafe operating condition. Have the machine inspected and serviced by an Authorized Service Dealer. 6. g193334 Figure 23 Shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Not Using the Grass Bag Disengaging the Blades 1. Move the machine onto a paved surface in a non-windy area. Release the blade-control bar (Figure 24). 2.
PAGE 15
g017408 g016490 Figure 26 Figure 25 1. Rear door 1. Rear door 2. Rear-discharge plug 3. Rear-discharge plug installed 3. Latch 2. Rear-discharge plug 2. Remove the rear-discharge plug by pulling down on the latch with your thumb and pulling the plug out from the machine (Figure 26). 3. Install the bag rod into the notches at the base of the handle and rock the bag back and forth to ensure that the rod is seated at the bottom of both notches; refer to Figure 27.
PAGE 16
Side-Discharging the Clippings Use the side discharge for cutting very tall grass. If the bag is on the machine, remove it and insert the rear-discharge plug; refer to Removing the Grass Bag (page 15) before side-discharging the clippings. Important: Ensure that the rear-discharge plug is in place before you recycle the clippings (Figure 25). g017522 Figure 29 Installing the Side-Discharge Chute 1. Removing the Side-Discharge Chute Lift open the side-discharge door (Figure 28).
PAGE 17
• Be aware of a potential fire hazard in very dry • • conditions, follow all local fire warnings, and keep the machine free of dry grass and leaf debris. Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the clippings over the lawn for even fertilization. If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try 1 or more of the following: – Replace the blades or have them sharpened. – Walk at a slower pace while mowing. – Raise the cutting height on your machine. – Cut the grass more frequently.
PAGE 18
Maintenance Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s) Maintenance Service Interval Maintenance Procedure After the first 5 hours • Change the engine oil. Before each use or daily • • • • Check the blade-brake-clutch operation. Clean grass clippings and dirt from under the machine. Check the air filter and clean or replace it, if necessary. Check the cutting blades. Every 25 hours • Charge the battery for 24 hours (electric-start model only).
PAGE 19
Important: Before tipping the machine to the interior of the filter using compressed air at less than 207 kPa (30 psi). change the oil or replace the blades, allow the fuel tank to run dry through normal usage. If you must tip the machine prior to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel pump to remove the fuel. Always tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down. Note: Do not brush or blow dirt from the outside of the filter; either forces dirt into the fibers.
PAGE 20
4. Tip the machine onto its side (so that the air filter is up) to drain the used oil from the oil-fill tube (Figure 34). WARNING CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. Charge the battery for 24 hours initially, then monthly (every 25 starts) or as needed.
PAGE 21
Replacing the Fuse Electric-Start Model Only If the battery does not charge or the engine does not run with the electric starter, the fuse may be blown. Replace it with a 40 A plug-in type fuse. Important: You cannot start the machine with the electric starter or charge the battery unless a working fuse is installed. 1. Open the sealed fuse holder and replace the fuse (Figure 36). g017523 Figure 37 1. Rear door and handle-lock-lever assembly 8. Remove the cover from the battery. 9.
PAGE 22
Adjusting the Self-Propel Drive Servicing the Blade-Drive System Whenever you install a new self-propel cable or if the self-propel drive is out of adjustment, adjust the self-propel drive. Service Interval: Every 50 hours 1. 1. Remove the blade-drive system cover (Figure 39). Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to loosen the cable adjustment (Figure 38). g016491 Figure 39 1. Bolts g027231 Figure 38 2. Cover 1. Handle (left side) 4. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten the adjustment. 2.
PAGE 23
4. Install the blade-drive system cover that you previously removed. Servicing the Blades Service Interval: Yearly Important: You will need a torque wrench to install the blades properly. If you do not have a torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer. Examine the blades whenever you run out of fuel. If the blades are damaged or cracked, replace them immediately.
PAGE 24
Checking for Bent Blades DANGER If you allow a blade to wear, a slot will form between the sail and flat part of the blade. Eventually a piece of the blade may break off and be thrown from under the housing, possibly resulting in serious injury to you or bystanders. 1. Rotate the blades to the position shown in Figure 43. • Inspect the blade periodically for wear or damage. • Never try to straighten a blade that is bent or weld a broken or cracked blade. • Replace a worn or damaged blade. 3.
PAGE 25
Removing the Blades Installing the Blades 1. Replace the blades when the machine hits a solid object or when a blade is out of balance or bent. Use only genuine Toro replacement blades. 1. Install the first blade so that it is horizontal, along with all mounting hardware as shown in Figure 45. Note: Tighten the bolt with your fingers. Use a block of wood to hold each blade steady and turn the blade bolt counterclockwise as shown in Figure 44.
PAGE 26
Storage Store the machine in a cool, clean, dry place. General Information g016536 Figure 47 1. Blade (2) 4. Tighten the second blade; refer to step 2. 5. Rotate the blades by hand a full 360° turn to ensure that they do not touch. Note: If the blades touch each other, they are not mounted correctly. Repeat steps 1 through 3, until the blades no longer touch each other. 1. Perform the recommended annual maintenance procedures; refer to Maintenance (page 18). 2.
PAGE 27
2. Start the engine again and allow it to run until it shuts off. When you can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry. Preparing the Engine 1. While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil; refer to Changing the Engine Oil (page 19). 2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug and remove the ignition key (electric-start model only). 3. Remove the spark plug. 4. Using an oil can, add about 30 ml (1 fl oz), of motor oil to the engine through the spark-plug hole. 5.
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Notes:
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Notes:
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Notes:
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European Privacy Notice The Information Toro Collects Toro Warranty Company (Toro) respects your privacy. In order to process your warranty claim and contact you in the event of a product recall, we ask you to share certain personal information with us, either directly or through your local Toro company or dealer. The Toro warranty system is hosted on servers located within the United States where privacy law may not provide the same protection as applies in your country.
PAGE 32
Residential Products The Toro Warranty and The Toro GTS Starting Guarantee Conditions and Products Covered The Toro Company and its affiliate, Toro Warranty Company, pursuant to an agreement between them, jointly promise to repair the Toro Product listed below if defective in materials or workmanship or if the Toro GTS (Guaranteed to Start) engine will not start on the first or second pull, provided the routine maintenance required in the Operator's Manual have been performed.