Form No. 3329-978 12-32XL Wheel Horse Lawn Tractor Model No.
Warning Setting the Height of Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stopping the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Safety Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . Testing the Safety Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving the Tractor Forward or Backward . . . . . . . Selecting the Ground Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stopping the Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This manual uses two other words to highlight information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note: emphasizes general information worthy of special attention. Introduction Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly. The information in this manual can help you and others avoid injury and product damage. Although Toro designs and produces safe products, you are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. • Turn off blades when not mowing. • Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. • Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. Children • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary. • If a steep slope must be ascended, back up the hill, and drive forward down the hill, keeping the machine in gear. • Use only genuine Toro replacement parts to ensure that original standards are maintained. • Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Slope Chart 7
Safety and Instruction 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 lost.
99-2985 99-8140 99-5339 104-4163 1. Explosion hazard 2. No fire, open flames, or smoking. 3. Caustic liquid/chemical burn hazard 99-6094 10 4. Wear eye protection 5. Read the Operator’s Manual. 6. Keep bystanders a safe distance from the battery.
104-4164 1. Contains lead; do not discard. 2. Recycle 3. Wear eye protection; explosive gases can cause blindness and other injuries 4. No sparks, flame, or smoking 5. Sulfuric acid can cause blindness or severe burns. 6. Flush eyes immediately with water and get medical help fast. 7. Maximum fill line 11 8. Minimum fill line 9.
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner Gasoline and Oil Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the tractor to provide the following benefits: Recommended Gasoline • It keeps gasoline fresh during storage for up to 90 days. For longer storage, drain the fuel tank. Use unleaded regular gasoline suitable for automotive use (85 pump octane minimum). You may use leaded regular gasoline if unleaded regular is not available. • It cleans the engine while it runs.
Using the Parking Brake Operation Always set the parking brake whenever you stop the tractor or leave it unattended. Note: Determine the left and right sides of the tractor from the normal operating position. Setting the Parking Brake Controls 1. Push the clutch/brake pedal (Fig. 3) down and hold it. Become familiar with the controls (Fig. 2) before you start the engine and operate the tractor. 1 1 10 2 2 9 3 4 11 5 8 m-1880 7 Figure 3 6 1. Clutch/brake pedal 12 2. Parking brake lever 2.
Positioning the Seat Disengaging the Blade The seat can move forward and backward. Position the seat where you have the best control of the tractor and are most comfortable. 1. Depress the clutch/brake pedal to stop the tractor. 2. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever to Disengage (Fig. 5). 1. Raise the seat and loosen the adjustment knobs (Fig. 4). Setting the Height of Cut Use the height-of-cut lever to raise and lower the mower to the desired cutting height.
Stopping the Engine 4. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever to Disengage (Fig. 5). 1. Shift the throttle lever to Slow (Fig. 8). 5. Shift the throttle lever to Choke (Fig. 8). 2. Turn the ignition key to Off (Fig. 9). 1 3. Remove the ignition key. 2 Using the Safety Interlock System 3 4 Caution m-1859 Figure 8 1. Choke 2. Fast If the safety interlock switches are disconnected or damaged, the tractor could operate unexpectedly, causing personal injury. 3. Slow 4.
3. Turn the KeyChoice key. Danger A red light on the front console (Fig. 11) turns on, indicating that the interlock is disabled. You could back over a child or bystander while the mower blade or other attachment is engaged and cause serious injury or death. • Do not mow in reverse unless it is absolutely necessary. • Do not insert the KeyChoice key unless it is absolutely necessary. • Always look backward and down before backing up the tractor.
3. With the ground speed lever in Neutral, set the parking brake, shift the blade control (PTO) lever to Disengage, and start the engine. While the engine is running, release the parking brake and rise slightly from the seat: The engine should stop. Caution Suddenly releasing the clutch pedal could cause you to lose control and suddenly put the tractor in motion. 4.
Installing the Discharge Cover Caution To convert from a side discharge to a mulching mower, install the discharge cover into the opening at the side of the mower. Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or attempt to operate the tractor while it is unattended. 1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Always remove the ignition and KeyChoice keys and set the parking brake when leaving the tractor unattended, even if just for a few minutes. 2. Remove the ignition key. 3.
Operating Tips • For the best performance, operate the engine at the maximum speed. The mower requires air to thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut too low or completely surround the mower in uncut grass. Always leave one side of the mower free from uncut grass to allow the air to be drawn into the mower. • Cut the grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that the cutting height of the mower does not scalp any uneven ground. When cutting grass longer than 6 in.
Maintenance Note: Determine the left and right sides of the tractor from the normal operating position. Recommended Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Service Interval Each use Maintenance Procedure • Check the engine oil level. • Check the safety interlock system. • Clean the mower housing. Every 5 hours • Check the brakes. • Check the cutting blade. Every 25 hours • • • • Every 50 hours • Change the engine oil.2 • Check the battery electrolyte.
Servicing the Engine Oil 9. Unscrew the oil dipstick and wipe the metal end clean (Fig. 14). Check the oil level before each use. 2 Change the oil after the first 5 operating hours and every 50 operating hours thereafter. 1 Note: Change the oil more frequently when operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy. Oil Type: Detergent oil (API service SF, SG, SH, SJ, or higher) Crankcase Capacity: 48 oz. or 1-1/2 qt. (1400 cc or 1.4 l) Viscosity: See the table below.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. 9. Place a drain pan below the oil dipstick/fill tube and remove the drain plug (Fig. 15). 5. Remove the ignition key. 2 6. Tip the seat forward to see the battery. 7. Disconnect the negative (black) ground cable from the battery post (Fig. 16). 2 5 1 m-1869 Figure 15 1. Oil drain plug 2. Oil dipstick/fill tube 10. When the oil has drained completely, install the oil drain plug.
Installing the Battery Adding Water to the Battery 1. Put the battery into the battery box and install it into the chassis (Fig. 16). The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just before you operate the tractor. This lets the water mix thoroughly with the electrolyte solution. 2. Using the bolt and the wing nut, connect the positive (red) cable to the positive (+) battery post (Fig. 16). 1. Remove the battery from the tractor; refer to Removing the Battery on page 22. 3.
5. Disconnect the charger leads from the battery posts (Fig. 18). 2. To increase the braking resistance, tighten the brake adjusting nut (Fig. 19) 1/8 turn clockwise. 4 2 3 1 1 m-1895 Figure 19 1. Brake adjusting nut m-4970 Figure 18 1. Positive battery post 2. Negative battery post 3. Check the parking brake again. 3. Red (+) charger lead 4. Black (–) charger lead 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the parking brake is set properly. 5. Push down on the clutch/brake pedal to release the parking brake.
Where to Add Grease 2 1 Lubricate the front wheels and the steering spindles until the grease begins to ooze out of the bearings (Fig. 20). m-2346 Figure 21 Figure 20 1. Air cleaner cover 2. Air cleaner cover handle 4. Carefully slide the paper element and foam element from the blower housing (Fig. 22). Servicing the Air Cleaner Foam Element: Clean after every 25 operating hours, or yearly, whichever occurs first.
Cleaning the Foam and Paper Elements 2. Shift the ground speed into Neutral. Foam Element: 3. Set the parking brake. 1. Wash the foam element in liquid soap and warm water. When the element is clean, rinse it thoroughly. 4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. 5. Remove the ignition key. 2. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth. Do not oil the element. Important worn. 6. Open the hood. 7. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 23).
3. Shift the ground speed lever into Neutral. 2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes (Fig. 24) and bend the side electrode if the gap is not correct. 4. Set the parking brake. 5. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Installing the Spark Plug 6. Remove the ignition key. 1. Install the spark plug and metal washer. 7. Open the hood. Note: Make sure that the air gap is set correctly. 8.
7. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamps together and slide them away from the old fuel filter (Fig. 26). Inspecting the Blade 8. Remove the old fuel filter from the fuel line. 1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the Mower on page 29. 9. Install a new fuel filter and move the hose clamps close to it. 2. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig. 28). If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove the blade and sharpen them; refer to Sharpening the Blade on page 29. 10. Close the hood.
Removing the Blade 2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Fig. 31). If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off of the back side of the blade. Repeat this step until the blade is balanced. 1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the Mower on page 29. 2. Carefully tip the mower over. 3. Remove the bolt (5/8 in. wrench), curved washer, retainer, and blade (Fig. 29).
9. Remove the height-of-cut lift assist spring from the retaining bolt (Fig. 32), using the spring tool provided with the tractor. 13. Remove the bolts and locknuts. 14. Pull the 2 mower pivot mount brackets down from the front axle (Fig. 34). Note: The spring is between the frame and the right rear wheel. 1 1 1 2 3 m-1851 Figure 32 1. Spring 2. Bolt m-1888 Figure 34 3. Spring tool 1. Pivot mount brackets 15. Remove the hairpin cotter and washer at the top of the mower leveling bracket (Fig. 35).
Installing the Mower 18. Remove the mower belt from the lower engine pulley (Fig. 36). 1. Park the tractor on a level surface. 2. Disengage the blade (PTO). 2 3 3. Shift the ground speed lever into Neutral. 4 4. Set the parking brake. 5. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. 5 1 6. Remove the ignition key. 7. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug. 8. Turn the front wheels fully to the left. 9. Slide the mower under the chassis from the right side. 10.
19. Hook the height-of-cut lift assist spring onto the retaining bolt (Fig. 40) using the spring tool provided with the tractor. 13. Slide the end of the long rod through the hole in the mower mount (Fig. 38). 1 2 1 2 4 3 3 2 m-1805 m-1851 Figure 38 1. Rod 2. Hairpin cotter and washer Figure 40 3. Leveling bracket 4. Mower mount 1. Spring 2. Bolt 14. Install the washer and hairpin cotter to secure the rod in place. Repeat this step on the opposite side of the mower. 3. Spring tool 20.
Installing the Blade Drive Belt 10. Measure between the outside cutting edges and the flat surface (Fig. 42). If both measurements are not within 3/16 in. (5 mm), adjust it; refer to steps 11 through 14. 1. Install the new blade drive belt around the blade pulley and inside both of the belt guides (Fig. 41). 11. Remove the hairpin cotter and washer from the leveling bracket (Fig. 43). 2. Adjust the belt guides so they are 1/8 in. (3 mm) away from the pulley. Tighten the mounting bolts (Fig. 41).
8. Check and adjust the side-to-side blade level if you have not checked the setting; refer to Leveling the Mower from Side-to-Side on page 33. 12. Install the end of the rod into the hole in the mower mount and secure it in place with the washer and hairpin cotter. 9. Move the height-of-cut lever into the “C” notch. 13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 on the opposite side of the mower. 10.
18. If you cannot get a 1/4 to 5/8 in. (6 to 16 mm) front slope by rotating the slope adjusting nut, move the mower pivot mount at the mower (Fig. 47). 5. Attach the coupling to the end of the mower washout fitting and turn the water on high (Fig. 48). 1 2 3 4 3 1 3 2 m-1903 m-3118 Figure 47 1. Mower pivot 2. Shoulder bolts Figure 48 3. Locknuts 4. Mower 1. Washout fitting 2. Coupling (not supplied) 19. Remove the shoulder bolts and locknuts from the mower (Fig. 47). 3.
Cleaning and Storing the Tractor 12. Remove and inspect the spark plug; refer to Servicing the Spark Plug on page 26. With the spark plug removed from the engine, pour 2 tablespoons of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Use the electric starter to crank the engine and distribute the oil inside the cylinder. Install the spark plug, but do not connect the wire to the spark plug. 1. Disengage the blade (PTO). 2. Set the parking brake. 3. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. 13.
Wiring Diagram KEY SWITCH OFF NO CONNECTION ON BIA START AND X Y WIRE COLOR CODES BIS S4 (IGNITION) X A I S I A BU OR R PK PINK BK BLACK GY GREY Y YELLOW W WHITE T TAN B VIO VIOLET GN GREEN R RED OR ORANGE KEY SW PK BROWN BLUE S B Y BN BU F2 R R 10A BATTERY 1 SHOWN WITH S2 (PTO) GND PTO DISENGAGED 2 PK 3 GY FUEL SOLENIOD BU GY T S5 ALTERNATOR F1 VIO SEAT CLOSED WHEN OPERATOR S3 IS IN THE SEAT 10A R STARTER OVER RIDE T R MOMENTARY KEY SWITC
Troubleshooting Problem The starter does not crank. The engine g will not start, starts h d or fails hard, f il to t keep k running. i The engine loses power. Possible Causes Corrective Action 1. The blade (PTO) is engaged. 1. Disengage the blade control (PTO). 2. The parking brake is not on. 2. Set the parking brake. 3. The battery is dead. 3. Charge the battery. 4. The electrical connections are corroded or loose. 4. Check the electrical connections for good contact. 5. A fuse is blown. 5.
Problem The engine overheats. There is an abnormal vibration. The blade does not rotate. The tractor does not drive. The cutting g height g is uneven. Possible Causes Corrective Action 1. The engine load is excessive. 1. Shift into a lower gear to reduce the ground speed. 2. The oil level in the crankcase is low. 2. Add oil to the crankcase. 3. The cooling fins and air passages under the engine blower housing are plugged. 3. Remove the obstruction from the cooling fins and air passages. 1.
The Toro Total Coverage Guarantee Consumer Riding Products A Two-Year Full Warranty (Limited Warranty for Commercial Use) Conditions and Products Covered The Toro Company and its affiliate, Toro Warranty Company, pursuant to an agreement between them, jointly promise to repair any Toro Product used for normal residential purposes* if defective in materials or workmanship.
