FORM NO. 3315–999EN Rev. A Wheel Horse 12–38 XL Lawn Tractor Model No. 71202 – 3900001 & Up Operator’s Manual IMPORTANT: Read this manual carefully. It contains information about your safety and the safety of others. Also become familiar with the controls and their proper use before you operate the product.
Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Toro product. All of us at Toro want you to be completely satisfied with your new product, so feel free to contact your local Authorized Service Dealer for help with service, genuine Toro parts, or other information you may require. Whenever you contact your Authorized Service Dealer or the factory, always know the model and serial numbers of your product.
Contents Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safe Operating Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slope Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gasoline and Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recommended Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stabilizer/Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Check Engine Oil Level . . . . . .
Safety This machine meets or exceeds the B71.1–1990 specifications of the American National Standards Institute, in effect at the time of production. However, improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety alert symbol, which means CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER—“personal safety instruction.” Failure to comply with the instruction may result in personal injury or death.
Safety 13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 14. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. 16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. • Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
Safety Children Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. The following requirements must be followed to prevent injury to children. 1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. 2. Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the area. 3.
Safety Slope Chart Read all safety instructions on pages 2–4.
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Safety International Symbols PTO ENGINE STOP ENGAGE ENGINE RUN DISENGAGE ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE START SWITCH/MECHANISM CHOKE ON/START FAST OFF/STOP SLOW HEADLIGHTS – MAIN BEAM CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE – LINEAR 7
Gasoline and Oil Recommended Gasoline Stabilizer/Conditioner Use UNLEADED Regular Gasoline suitable for automotive use (85 pump octane minimum). Leaded regular gasoline may be used if unleaded regular is not available. Toro Stabilizer/Conditioner IMPORTANT: Never use methanol, gasoline containing methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Add the correct amount of Toro Gas Stabilizer/Conditioner to the gas.
Operation Think Safety First Parking Brake Please carefully read all the safety instructions on pages 2–7. Knowing this information could help you, your family, pets or bystanders avoid injury. Always set the parking brake when you stop the machine or leave it unattended. Setting the Parking Brake Controls 1. Push the clutch/brake pedal (Fig. 2) down and hold it in the depressed position. Become familiar with all the controls (Fig. 1) before you start the engine and operate the machine. 2.
Operation Positioning the Seat The seat can move forward and backward. Position the seat where you have the best control of the machine and are most comfortable. 1. 2. Raise the seat and loosen the adjustment knob (Fig. 3). Move the seat to the desired position and tighten the knob. Positioning the Tilt Steering Wheel On select models the steering wheel tilts up and down. Position the steering wheel where you have the best control of the machine and are most comfortable. 1.
Operation Using the Blade Control (PTO) Setting the Height-of-Cut The blade control (PTO) engages and disengages power to the blade(s). The height-of-cut lever (deck lift) is used to raise and lower the mower to the desired cutting height. 1. The cutting height may be set in one of seven positions from approximately 1 to 4 inches (25 to 102 mm). 2. Pull on the height-of-cut lever (deck lift) and move it to the desired position (Fig. 6). Engaging the Blade(s) 1. 2.
Operation IMPORTANT: If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of continuous cranking, turn the ignition key to “OFF” and let the starter motor cool; refer to Troubleshooting, page NO TAG. 7. 3 2 4 After the engine starts, slowly move the throttle lever to “FAST” (Fig. 10). If the engine stalls or hesitates, move the throttle lever back to “CHOKE” for a few seconds. Then move the throttle lever to “FAST.” Repeat this as required. 2 1 1 Figure 7 1. Wheel 2. Wheel bracket 3. Locknut 4.
Operation Stopping 1. Move the throttle lever to “SLOW” (Fig. 10). 2. Turn the ignition key to “OFF” (Fig. 11). Note: If the engine has been working hard or is hot, let it idle for a minute before turning the ignition key “OFF.” This helps cool the engine before it is stopped. In an emergency, the engine may be stopped by turning the ignition key to “OFF.” The Safety System 1. Move the ground speed selector into neutral “N.” Set the parking brake. Move the blade control (PTO) to “ENGAGED.
Operation Driving Forward or Backward Stopping the Machine The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). To stop the machine, depress the clutch/brake pedal, shift into neutral, disengage the blade control (PTO), and turn the ignition key to “OFF” to stop the engine. Also set the parking brake if you leave the machine unattended; refer to Setting the Parking Brake, page 9. Remember to remove the key from the ignition switch.
Operation Side Discharge or Mulch Grass Installing the Discharge Cover To convert from side discharge to a mulching mower, install the discharge cover into the opening at the side of the mower. POTENTIAL HAZARD • Without the grass deflector, discharge cover, or complete grass catcher assembly mounted in place, you and others are exposed to blade contact and thrown debris. WHAT CAN HAPPEN • Contact with rotating mower blade(s) and thrown debris will cause injury or death.
Operation Tips for Mowing Grass Fast Throttle Setting For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the engine at “FAST.” Air is required to thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut too low or totally surround the mower by uncut grass. Always try to have one side of the mower free from uncut grass, which allows air to be drawn into the mower.
Maintenance Service Interval Chart Service Operation Each Use Oil—initial change 5 Hours 25 Storage Hours Service X Oil—check level X Safety System—check X X X X Cutter Blade—check X X X Brake—check X X X Chassis—grease X X Foam Air Cleaner—service X X Paper Air Cleaner—replace X X X Belts—check for wear/cracks X Gasoline—drain X Engine—clean outside X X X More often in dusty, y, dirty y conditions X X X Chipped Surfaces—paint X X X X X Battery—charge, disconnect
Maintenance Greasing and Lubrication 2. Lubricate the rear axle with 3–4 pumps of grease (Fig. 14). Service Interval/Specification Grease the machine after every 25 operating hours or once a year, whichever occurs first. Grease more frequently when operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy. Grease Type: General-purpose grease. How to Grease 1. Disengage the blade control (PTO), shift into neutral, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition key to “OFF” to stop the engine. 2.
Maintenance Adjusting the Brake Tire Pressure Service Interval/Specification Maintain the air pressure in the front and rear tires as specified. Check the pressure at the valve stem after every 25 operating hours or yearly, whichever occurs first. Check the tires when they are cold to get the most accurate pressure reading. Pressure: 12 psi (.85 kPa) front and rear 1 1. Check the brake before you adjust it; refer to Checking the Brake, page 19. 2.
Maintenance Wiring Diagram C–1301 20
Maintenance Fuse 5 5 Service Interval/Specification 1 3 The electrical system is protected by a fuse. It requires no maintenance, however if the fuse blows the starter will not crank. To replace the fuse pull up on the fuse (Fig. 17) to remove or replace it. 4 2 Fuse: 7.5 amp, blade-type 1 4 Figure 18 1. Bulb holder 2. Reflector 3. Tabs 4. Slots 5. Terminals Installing the Bulb 1. The bulb has metal pins on the side of its base.
Maintenance Installing the Battery Battery 1. Service Interval/Specification Check the electrolyte level in the battery before each use. Always keep the battery clean and fully charged. Use a paper towel to clean the battery and battery box. If the battery terminals are corroded, clean them with a solution of four parts water and one part baking soda. Apply a light coating of grease to the battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
Maintenance Checking Electrolyte Level 1. Tip the seat forward to see the battery. 2. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be up to the “UPPER” line (Fig. 22). Do not allow the electrolyte to get below the “LOWER” line (Fig. 22). 3. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery, page 23. Charging the Battery IMPORTANT: Always keep the battery fully charged (1.260 specific gravity).
Maintenance Checking the Spark Plug Spark Plug Service Interval/Specification 1. Install a new spark plug after every 100 operating hours. Check the spark plug after every 25 operating hours. Make sure the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plug and a gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap. Type: Champion RJ–19LM (or equivalent) Air Gap: 0.030” (0.
Maintenance Fuel Tank Draining The Fuel Tank POTENTIAL HAZARD • In certain conditions gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive. 3 WHAT CAN HAPPEN • A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you, others, and cause property damage. Figure 25 HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD • Drain gasoline from the fuel tank when the engine is cold. Do this outdoors in an open area. Wipe up any gasoline that spills. • Never drain gasoline near an open flame or where gasoline fumes may be ignited by a spark.
Maintenance Throttle and Choke Control 2 Normally the throttle and choke control does not require adjustment. However, you should check the control adjustment: • Before adjusting the carburetor • If the engine starts hard 1 Checking and Adjusting the Throttle and Choke Control 1. 5 3 Disengage the blade control (PTO), shift into neutral, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition key to “OFF” to stop the engine 2. Open the hood. 3. Checking Throttle Setting A.
Maintenance Carburetor 3 1 To adjust the carburetor, you will need a tachometer to set the idle speed. If you do not have a tachometer or the special knowledge required to adjust the carburetor, contact an authorized service dealer. IMPORTANT: Before you adjust the carburetor: (1) check the throttle control and adjust it if required; refer to Throttle and Choke Control, page 26, and (2) check the air cleaner and clean it if required; refer to Air Cleaner, page 28. 2 477 Figure 27 1.
Maintenance Air Cleaner 4. Carefully slide the foam element off the paper element (Fig. 29). Service Interval/Specification 1 Foam Element: Clean and re-oil after every 25 operating hours. Paper Element: Replace after every 100 operating hours or yearly, whichever occurs first. Note: 2 Service the air cleaner more frequently (every few hours) if operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy. Removing the Foam and Paper Elements Figure 29 1.
Maintenance Cleaning the Foam and Paper Elements 1. Foam Element A. Wash the foam element in liquid soap and warm water. When the element is clean, rinse it thoroughly. B. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth. C. Put one or two ounces of oil on the element (Fig. 31). Squeeze the element to distribute the oil. IMPORTANT: Replace the foam element if it is torn or worn. 1 2 Figure 32 1. Paper element 2.
Maintenance Engine Oil 5. Service Interval/Specification Change oil: • After the first 5 operating hours. • After every 25 operating hours. Note: Screw the oil dipstick fully onto the filler tube (Fig. 33). Unscrew the dipstick again and look at the metal end. If oil level is low, slowly pour only enough oil into the filler tube to raise the level to the “FULL” mark. IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the crankcase with oil because the engine may be damaged.
Maintenance 6. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the specified amount of oil into the filler tube (Fig. 33). Now check the oil level; refer to Checking Oil Level, page 30, steps 4–5. 2 1 Figure 34 1. Oil drain plug 2.
Maintenance Cutting Blade To assure a superior quality of cut, keep the blade(s) sharp. For convenient sharpening and replacement, you may want to have an extra blade(s). 1 2 POTENTIAL HAZARD • A blade that is worn or damaged could break apart and pieces could be thrown at bystanders or at you as you use the mower. WHAT CAN HAPPEN • Pieces of blade that may be thrown could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders. 3 151 Figure 35 1. Cutting edge 2. Curved area 3.
Maintenance Sharpening the Blade(s) Installing the Blade(s) 1. 1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Fig. 37). Maintain the original angle. The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges. IMPORTANT: The curved part of the blade must be pointing toward the inside of the mower to assure proper cutting. 2. 1 Install the blade, blade retainer, curved washer (cupped side toward blade), and the blade bolt (Fig. 36).
Maintenance Removing the Mower 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade control (PTO), shift into neutral, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition key to “OFF” to stop the engine. POTENTIAL HAZARD • The height-of-cut lever (deck lift) is spring-tensioned. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch and pull the wire off the spark plug. 3. Move the height-of-cut lever (deck lift) into the “D” notch.
Maintenance 7. Remove the bolts and lock nuts and pull the two mower pivot mount brackets down from the front axle (Fig. 41). 1 IMPORTANT: Tape or tie the long rods against the chassis to protect them from damage when you remove the mower. 10. Remove the mower belt from the lower engine pulley (Fig. 43). If you are careful, you can flex the belt guide(s) just far enough away from the pulley to remove the belt. If it is too difficult to remove the belt, loosen the bolts and nuts securing the belt guides.
Maintenance Installing the Mower 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade control (PTO), shift into neutral, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition key to “OFF” to stop the engine. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch and pull the wire off the spark plug. 3. Turn the front wheels fully to the left. Slide the mower under the chassis from the right side. 4. Install mower belt onto the lower engine pulley (Fig. 43).
Maintenance 9. Loop blade control cable around the two roller guides and hook the end into the hole in the idler arm on the mower (Fig. 46). 11. Hook the height-of-cut lift assist spring onto the retaining bolt (Fig. 47), using the spring tool provided with the machine. 3 1 1 2 2 3 Figure 46 1. Blade control cable 2. Idler arm 3. Roller guides 10. Move the height-of-cut lever (deck lift) into the “D” notch to make it easier to install the height-of-cut lift assist spring. Figure 47 1. Spring 2.
Maintenance Blade Drive Belt Removing the Blade Drive Belt 1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the Mower, page 34. 2. Remove the pulley cover mounting screws and pulley covers from both blade pulleys (Fig. 48). 3 1 1 2 3. Loosen, but do not remove the bolt and nut securing the idler pulley and belt guide (Fig. 48). 4. Remove the belt from the pulleys. 90° Figure 48 Installing the Blade Drive Belt 1. Install the new belt around the blade pulleys and under the belt guide on the idler pulley.
Maintenance Side-to-Side Mower Leveling 2 The mower blades must be level from side to side. Check the side-to-side level any time you install the mower or when you see an uneven cut on your lawn. Before you level the mower, set the air pressure in the front and rear tires to 12 psi (.85 kPa). 1. 3 Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade control (PTO), shift into neutral, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition key to “OFF” to stop the engine. 1 4 Figure 50 2.
Maintenance Front-to-Rear Blade Slope Check the front-to-rear blade slope any time you install the mower. Before you check the slope, set the air pressure in the front and rear tires to 12 psi (.85 kPa). If the front of the mower is more than 5/8” (15.875 mm) lower than the rear of the mower, adjust the blade slope using the following instructions: 1.
Maintenance 10. When front-to-rear slope is correct, recheck the side-to-side level of the mower; refer to Side-to-Side Mower Leveling, page 39. (15.875 mm) 5/8” 1 2 11. Push the wire onto the spark plug. 3 4 Figure 52 1. Adjusting block 2. Long rod 3. Hair pin cotter and washer 4. Mower mount 7. Check the front-to-rear slope again. If the front of the mower is more than 5/8” (15.875 mm) lower than the rear of the mower, proceed to step 8 for adjusting instructions.
Maintenance Storage 1. Clean dirt and chaff from the outside of the engine’s cylinder head fins and blower housing. Also remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the external parts of the entire machine, especially the engine, shrouding, and the top of the mower. IMPORTANT: You can wash the machine with mild detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine. Avoid excessive use of water, especially near the control panel, lights, engine, and the battery. 2.
Troubleshooting PROBLEM Starter does not crank Engine g will not start,, starts hard,, or f il to kkeep running. fails i Engine loses power. POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION 1. Blade control (PTO) is ENGAGED. 1. Move blade control (PTO) to DISENGAGED. 2. Parking brake is not on. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Battery is dead. 3. Charge the battery. 4. Electrical connections are corroded or loose. 4. Check electrical connections for good contact. 5. Fuse is blown. 5. Replace fuse. 6.
Troubleshooting PROBLEM Engine loses power (continued). Engine over heats. Abnormal vibration. Blade(s) does not rotate. Machine does not drive. Uneven cutting g height. g 44 POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION 6. Vent hole in fuel cap is plugged. 6. Clean or replace the fuel cap. 7. Dirt in fuel filter. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8. Dirt, water, or stale fuel is in fuel system. 8. Contact Authorized Service Dealer. 1. Engine load is excessive. 1.