Form No. 3353-259 550 Garden Tractor Model No. 73542—250000001 and Up Model No. 73561—250000001 and Up Operator’s Manual Register your product at www.Toro.
Warning Think Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting and Stopping the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating the Power Take Off (PTO) . . . . . . . . . The Safety Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gauges and Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving Forward or Backward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction 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. 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.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over. • Slow down before turning. • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove key before dismounting. • Use extra care while operating mower with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do not use on steep slopes. • Disengage blades when not mowing.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary. • On slopes, the weight of towed equipment may cause a loss of traction and control. • Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. Service To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Slope Chart Fold along appropriate line Example: Compare slope with folded edge. Align this edge with a vertical surface (Tree, Building, Fence post, pole, etc.
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. 80-8760 99-5339 93-1265 1. Hot surface/burn hazard—stay a safe distance from the hot surface.
1 m–3314 Battery Symbols Figure 2 Some or all of these symbols are on your battery. 1. Explosion hazard 2. No fire, open flames, or smoking. 3. Caustic liquid/chemical burn hazard 4. Wear eye protection; explosive gases can cause blindness and other injuries 5. Wear eye protection 1. Hood latch 6. Read the Operator’s Manual. 7. Keep bystanders a safe distance from the battery. 8. Battery acid can cause blindness or severe burns. 9. Flush eyes immediately with water and get medical help fast. 10.
2. Raise the hood. Danger 3. Lift up and twist each of the two side panel latches until they line up with the open slot (Fig. 4). 2 In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and others and can damage property. 1 • Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area, when the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline that spills. • Do not fill the fuel tank completely full.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when mixed with fresh gasoline. Filling the Fuel Tank 1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, lower the attachment lift, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key. 1 Note: When filling the tank, make sure that the machine is on a level surface so that adequate air space is allowed. 2. Clean around the fuel tank cap and remove the cap. m–3219 3. Add fuel until the fuel level is 1/4 to 1/2 in.
Important If possible, blow dirt out (Fig. 9), rather than washing it out. If water is used, keep it away from electrical items. ÓÓÓ ÓÓÓ ÓÓÓ 1 m–3412 Figure 7 m–3615 Figure 9 Arrows show air intake and exhaust path 1. Air intake screens (1 of 3 shown) Important Do not clean the machine using pressurized water. High-pressure washing can damage the electrical system or deplete grease. 3. Wipe away debris before each use and/or during use, if required. 6.
Operation Using the Parking Brake Set the parking brake when you stop the machine or leave it unattended. Think Safety First Setting the Parking Brake Please carefully read all the safety instructions on pages NO TAG through 7. Knowing this information could help you, your family, pets, or bystanders avoid injury. 1. Push the brake pedal (Fig. NO TAG) down and hold it. Controls 2. Lift the parking brake lever (Fig. NO TAG) up and gradually take your foot off the brake pedal.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise and hold it in the start position (Fig. 13). powered and the starter will not crank while the PTO is engaged. Always turn off the PTO before getting off the seat. 2 Engaging the PTO 1 1. Press the brake pedal to stop the machine. 3 2. Move the throttle lever to the fast position. Important For best performance, always use full throttle when the PTO is on. 4 3. Pull the PTO switch to the on position (Fig. 14). m–3312 Figure 13 1. Stop 2. Run with lights 2 1 3.
Operating in Reverse The tractor has an interlock feature that prevents mowers, snowthrowers, and other PTO powered attachments from operating while the tractor is traveling in reverse. If you shift into reverse with the PTO engaged, the PTO will stop. 1 If you need to mow or use other PTO powered attachments while in reverse gear, you can temporarily deactivate this interlock. Do not mow while backing up unless it is absolutely necessary. m–4260 Figure 15 1. Reverse interlock key Danger 3.
Parking Brake Light 9. Fully press the brake pedal, set the parking brake, push the PTO switch to the Off position, and start the engine. When the parking brake light is on, it indicates the parking brake is set. The machine will not drive while the parking brake is set. 10. Pull the PTO switch to the On position and rise slightly from the seat; the engine should stop. 11. With the parking brake released, turn the ignition key to the Run position without starting the engine.
Hour Meter 2 The hour meter (Fig. NO TAG) records the amount of time the engine has run. Use it to schedule regular maintenance. 1 Driving Forward or Backward 3 1. Stop the tractor. Important Do not shift gears with the tractor in motion. Internal transmission damage may result. 4 Important Do not force the shift lever. Applying slight pressure to the traction control pedal while shifting will help the gears engage. m–3258 Figure 17 1. Traction control pedal 2. Brake pedal 2.
1 1 m–3313 Figure 18 1. Cruise control Engaging the Cruise Control m–3258 1. Drive the tractor forward and obtain the desired speed. Figure 19 2. While holding your foot steady on the traction control pedal, push the cruise control switch (Fig. 18) to the set position. 1. Attachment power lift lever This locks the traction control in position. Raising Attachments 3. Remove your foot from the traction control. 1. Start the tractor.
Positioning the Tilt Steering Wheel Lowering Attachments 1. Start the tractor. 2. Push the lift lever down to lower the attachment (Fig. 20). The steering wheel has four tilt locations. Position the steering wheel where you have the best control of the machine and are most comfortable. Positioning the Seat 1. Lift the tilt lever to release the lock (Fig. 23). You can move the seat forward and backward. Position the seat where you have the best control of the machine and are most comfortable. 2.
Pushing the Machine by Hand allows you to make turns at higher speeds without having to change the speed control position. After the turn, the original speed is automatically restored. Important Do not tow the machine because transmission damage may occur. Always push the machine by hand. The Smart Turnt Steering feature does not affect engine speed. 1. Disengage the PTO and stop the engine. This system was set at the factory and should not need adjustment. 2.
Maintenance Service Interval Maintenance Procedure 200 Hours • • • • Engine oil filter—change Transaxle oil and oil filter—change3 Power steering filter—have it cleaned by your Authorized Service Dealer3 Spark plugs—change Yearly/Storage Service • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chipped surfaces—paint Brakes—check Safety System—check Air-intake screens—clean Rear transaxle cover—clean Engine air precleaner—clean Tires—check pressure Battery—check electrolyte level Grease fittings—grease Power take off
2 2 1 1 4 3 m–3247 Figure 25 5 7 1. Foam element 6 8 5. Squeeze the element to distribute the oil. Checking the Paper Element m–3214 Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, damage to the rubber seal, excessive dirt, or other damage (Fig. 26). If any of these conditions exit, replace the filter. Figure 24 1. 2. 3. 4. Air cleaner cover Knob Cover nut Cover 5. 6. 7. 8. 2.
4. Open the hood. Important To prevent engine damage, always operate the engine with the complete foam and paper air cleaner assembly installed. Caution Installing the Foam and Paper Elements Components under the hood will be hot if the tractor has been running. If you touch hot components you may be burned. 1. Carefully slide the foam element onto the paper air cleaner element (Fig. 24). Allow the tractor to cool before performing maintenance or touching components under the hood. 2.
11. Slowly add additional oil to bring the oil level to the full mark on the dipstick. a spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plugs and a gapping tool/feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap. Important Overfilling the crankcase with oil may cause engine damage. Type: Champion RC-12YC (or equivalent) Air Gap: 0.030” (0.76 mm) Changing the Engine Oil Filter Removing the Spark Plug 1. Drain the oil from the engine; refer to Changing Oil, page 22, steps 1 through 8. 1.
How to Add Grease 2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes (Fig. 31) and bend the side electrode, if the gap is not correct. 2 1. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, lower the attachment lift, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key. 3 2. Clean the grease fittings with a cloth. 1 3. Scrape off any paint from the fittings. 0.030” (0.76 mm) 4. Connect a grease gun to each fitting in turn. 5. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings. 6.
Danger The rotating, cooling fan and drive shaft can catch fingers, hands, feet, hair, and loose clothing, causing amputation or other severe injury. • Do not operate the tractor without the drive shaft cover in place. • Keep fingers, hands and clothing clear of the rotating, fan and drive shaft. • Stop the engine and remove the ignition key before performing maintenance. m–3409 Figure 36 Maintaining the Tire Pressure 4. Lubricate the three grease fittings (Fig. 34).
Adjusting the Brake 1. Park the machine on a level surface to ensure that the fuel tank drains completely. 1. Place the transmission in neutral. 2. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, lower the attachment lift, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key. 2. Depress the brake pedal. There should be 2 in. (51 mm) of free travel (Fig. 38) before the brake begins to engage. 3. Close the fuel shut-off valve at the fuel tank (Fig. 40 & 41). 2” m–3418 Figure 38 1 3.
Important valve. Servicing the Front Wheel Toe-In Do not turn or unscrew the fuel shut-off 8. Remove the drain hose. Maintaining correct front wheel toe-in is important for safety, Smart Turn steering operation, and ease of use. If uneven tire wear, lawn scuffing, or hard steering develop, you may need to adjust the toe-in of the front wheels. Check the toe-in after every 100 operating hours or once a year, whichever occurs first. 9. Install the fuel line onto the fuel shut-off valve. 10.
Checking the Transaxle Oil 1. Park the machine on a level surface. 1 2 2 2. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, lower the attachment lift, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key. 1 3. Tilt the seat up. m–3397 4. Clean around the transmission dipstick (Fig. 46) so dirt cannot fall into the filler hole and damage the transaxle. Figure 44 1. Jam nut 2. Steering rod 2. Rotate both steering rods equal amounts to adjust the toe-in to 1/8 to 1/4 in. (3 to 6 mm). 3.
Draining the Transaxle Oil 2. Wipe the filter adapter gasket surface (Fig. 49). 1. Warm up the transaxle oil by driving the tractor. 3. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket on the replacement filter (Fig. 49). 2. Park the machine on a level surface to ensure that the oil drains completely. 4. Install the replacement transaxle filter to the filter adapter. Turn the filter clockwise until the rubber gasket contacts the filter adapter, then tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn (Fig. 49).
5. Push and rotate the bulb counterclockwise until it stops (approx. 1/4 turn) and remove the bulb from the bulb holder (Fig. 52). 1 2 3 1 4 m–3316 4 Figure 50 1. F1; main-30 amp 2. F2; regulator-25 amp 2 2 3 3. F3; dash, interlock-10 amp 4. F4; headlights-10 amp 4 Replacing Headlights Figure 52 1. Bulb 2. Metal pins Specification: Bulb # 1156 Automotive Type 3. Bulb holder 4. Slots Removing the Bulb Installing the Bulb 1.
parts water and one part baking soda. Apply a light coating of grease to the battery terminals to prevent corrosion. Battery size: 12 v, 380 Cold Cranking Amps Removing the Battery 4 3 1 2 1. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, lower the attachment lift, stop the engine, and remove the ignition key. m–3321 2. Remove the front grill by pulling it outward toward you. Figure 53 1. Lens 2. Screws 3. Bulb 4. Socket 3. Remove the battery shield (Fig. 54). 1 3 3.
Warning Battery terminals or metal tools could short against metal tractor components causing sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in personal injury. 2 3 • When removing or installing the battery, do not allow the battery terminals to touch any metal parts of the tractor. • Do not allow metal tools to short between the battery terminals and metal parts of the tractor. 1 mĆ5004 Figure 55 1. Vent caps 2. Upper line 3.
Installing the Battery 6. Reinstall the battery vent caps. 1. Place the battery onto the chassis (Fig. 54). Charging the Battery Important first. Warning Always connect the positive (red) cable 2. Using the bolt, washer and locknut, connect the positive (red) cable to the positive (+) battery post (Fig. 54). Charging the battery produces gasses that can explode. 3. Using the bolt, washer and locknut, connect the negative (black) cable to the negative (–) battery post (Fig. 54).
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when mixed with fresh gasoline and used at all times. B. Run the engine to distribute conditioned fuel through the fuel system (5 minutes). C. Stop the engine, allow it to cool and drain the fuel tank; refer to Draining the Fuel Tank, page 26. D. Restart the engine and run it until it stops. E. Choke the engine. F. Start and run the engine until it will not start again. G. Dispose of fuel properly. Recycle as per local codes.
BK OR A B Y BN 2 5 K4 VIO BU W PK PK BK B+D A BATTERY LIGHT MODULE OR D C B J A H K E F BK #194 LAMPOR #194 LAMP #194 LAMP GN #194 LAMP #194 LAMPT #194 LAMP VOLTAGE COMPARATOR BATTERY PARK PTO OIL OVER RIDE CRUISE BN 1 VIO 2 OR BK BU W PK GN T VIO SW7 PARK BRAKE IS ENGAGED SWITCH CLOSES WHEN PK VIO W I S Y TEMP. GAUGE GND TEMP.
Troubleshooting Problem The starter does not crank. The engine cranks, but will not start. Possible Causes Corrective Action 1. The PTO is on. 1. Move the PTO to the off position. 2. The brake is not depressed or the parking brake is not on. 2. Set the parking brake. 3. The operator is not seated. 3. Sit on the seat. 4. The electrical connections are corroded or loose. 4. Check the electrical connections for good contact. 5. A fuse is blown or loose. 5. Correct or replace fuse. 6.
Problem The engine starts, but does not p running g keep The engine runs, but knocks or misses. The engine will not idle. Possible Causes Corrective Action 1. Misadjusted or broken choke or throttle control cable. 1. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer. 2. The fuel tank vent is restricted. 2. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer. 3. Dirt or water in the fuel system. 3. Drain and flush the fuel system; add fresh fuel. 4. The fuel filter is clogged. 4. Replace the fuel filter. 5.
Problem The engine overheats. Possible Causes Corrective Action 1. The crankcase oil level is incorrect. 1. Fill or drain to the full mark. 2. The fuel mixture is lean. 2. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer. 3. Excessive loading. 3. Reduce load; use lower ground speed. 4. The air intake screens are dirty. 4. Clean with every use. 5. The cooling fins and air passages under the engine blower housing and/or the rotating air intake screen are plugged. 5. Clean with every use. 1.
Problem The tractor will not operate in either direction. The tractor operates erratically. The tractor operates in both directions, but with a loss of power. This condition becomes p worse as the th transmission t i i becomes hot. Abnormal vibration or noise. Possible Causes Corrective Action 1. The High-Low range lever is in neutral (N). 1. Move the High-Low range lever to L or H. 2. The transmission oil is low. 2.
Problem PTO belt comes off of pulleys, p or fails. slips, Possible Causes Corrective Action 1. Belt tension is incorrect. 1. Refer to the attachment operator’s manual. 2. Mower level is incorrect 2. Refer to the attachment operator’s manual. 3. Blade slope in transport is incorrect. 3. Refer to the attachment operator’s manual. 4. Cutter deck belt guide is loose or incorrectly adjusted. 4. Adjust and tighten belt guide. 5. Belt is worn or damaged. 5. Refer to the attachment operator’s manual.
Setup Loose Parts Note: Use the chart below to identify parts for assembly. DESCRIPTION QTY. USE Bolt, 1/4-20 x 0.88 in. 2 Washer, 1/4 in. 2 Hex Nut, 1/4-20 in. 2 Hitch Pin 1 Hairpin Cotter 1 Flat Washer, 0.
Activating the Battery Warning 2 3 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. 1 m-5004 Figure 58 Purchase bulk electrolyte with 1.265 specific gravity battery supply outlet. 1. Filler caps 2. Upper line Danger 7. Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which is a deadly poison and causes severe burns.
Installing the Drawbar Hitch Pin 6. As applicable, check and test the operation of the following: • Engine, choke and throttle controls Insert the drawbar hitch pin into the drawbar hitch and secure it with a 0.50 in. inside diameter flat washer and hairpin cotter (Fig. 60). • Gauges • Headlights and taillights • Indicator lights • PTO clutch and brake • Lift system • Service and parking brakes • Transmission controls • Steering 1 2 • Tractor operation in forward and reverse 7.
Consumer Lawn Tractors and Lawn & Garden Tractors The Toro Total Coverage Guarantee 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.
