Form No. 3381-503 Rev B TimeCutter® ZS 5000TF Riding Mower Model No. 74395—Serial No. 314000001 and Up Register at www.Toro.com.
Introduction This machine is a ride-on, rotary-blade lawnmower intended to be used by homeowners in residential applications. It is primarily designed for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns. It is not designed for cutting brush, mowing grass and other growth alongside highways, or for agricultural uses. Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and product damage. You are responsible for operating the product properly and safely.
Contents Inspecting the Belts ................................................46 Replacing the Mower Belt ........................................46 Cleaning ...................................................................47 Washing the Underside of the Mower ........................47 Storage ........................................................................48 Cleaning and Storage ..............................................48 Troubleshooting ....................................................
Safety • Never carry passengers. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. 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 pay attention to the safety alert symbol , which means Caution, Warning, or Danger—“personal safety instruction.” Failure to comply with the instructions may result in personal injury or death.
Towing Safety • Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and loss of control. • Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. • Follow the attachment manufacturer's recommendation • Always keep the drive wheels engaged when going down for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. Towed weight must not exceed the weight of the machine, operator, and ballast.
Toro Riding Mower Safety • Never interfere with the intended function of a safety device or to reduce the protection provided by a safety device. Check their proper operation regularly. The following list contains safety information specific to Toro products or other safety information that you must know that may not be included in the ANSI standards. • Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage fuel soaked debris.
Slope Indicator G011841 Figure 3 This page may be copied for personal use. 1. The maximum slope you can safely operate the machine on is 15 degrees. Use the slope chart to determine the degree of slope of hills before operating. Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees. Fold along the appropriate line to match the recommended slope. 2. Align this edge with a vertical surface, a tree, building, fence pole, etc. 3. Example of how to compare slope with folded edge.
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 lost. 93-7009 1. Warning—don't operate the mower with the deflector up or removed; keep the deflector in place. 2. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—stay away from moving parts. 110-6691 1. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance from the machine. 2.
119-8814 1. Parking position 4. Neutral 2. Fast 3. Slow 5. Reverse 121-2989 1. Bypass lever position for pushing the machine 119-8815 1. Parking position 4. Neutral 2. Fast 3. Slow 5. Reverse 2. Bypass lever position for operating the machine Manufacturer's Mark 1. Indicates the blade is identified as a part from the original machine manufacturer. Battery Symbols Some or all of these symbols are on your battery 1. Explosion hazard 6. Keep bystanders a safe distance from the battery. 2.
120-5468 2. Fast speed 1. Slow speed 120-2239 1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual. 5. Warning—do not use split ramps, use a full ramps when transporting machine. 2. Warning—read the instructions before servicing or performing maintenance; move the motion control levers to the park (brake) position, remove the ignition key and disconnect the spark plug wire. 6.
121-0773 1. Fast 2. Continuous variable setting 4. Choke 5. Power take-off (PTO), Blade control switch 3.
Product Overview 5 6 8 15 4 9 5 14 7 3 2 1 11 12 13 10 G020177 Figure 4 1. Deflector 5. Motion-control levers 2. Rear drive wheel 6. Operator seat 10. Engine guard 9. Engine 13. Anti-scalp roller 14. Smart Speed™ lever 3. Height-of-cut lever 7. Foot-assist lever (certain models only) 11. Mower deck 15. Hydraulic reservoir 4. Control panel 8. Fuel-tank cap 12.
Motion-control Levers and Parking Brake Position Height-of-Cut Lever The height-of-cut lever allows the operator to lower and raise the deck from the seated position. When the lever is moved up (toward the operator), the deck is raised from the ground, and when moved down (away from the operator), it is lowered toward the ground. Only adjust the height-of-cut while the machine is not moving (Figure 22). The motion-control levers are speed-sensitive controls of independent-wheel motors.
Operation DANGER In certain conditions during fueling, static electricity can be released causing a spark which can ignite the gasoline vapors. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and others and can damage property. • Always place gasoline containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
of varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at all times. 3. Install the fuel-tank cap securely, and tighten until it clicks. Filling the Fuel Tank Checking the Engine-oil Level Ensure that the engine is shut off and the motion controls are in the parked position. Before you start the engine and use the machine, check the oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the Engine-oil Level (page 28). Important: Do not overfill fuel tank.
Understanding the Safety-interlock System WARNING If safety-interlock switches are disconnected or damaged, the machine could operate unexpectedly causing personal injury. • Do not tamper with the interlock switches. • Check the operation of the interlock switches daily, and replace any damaged switches before operating the machine. The safety-interlock system is designed to prevent the engine from starting unless: Figure 11 1. Safe zone—use the TimeCutter here 2.
5 2 3 4 5 6 4 g017700 g017699 Figure 15 Figure 14 1. Control panel 4. Slow 1. Control panel 4. Off 2. Throttle 3. Fast 5. Choke control 2. Choke control 3. Ignition key 5. Run 6. Start 5. Turn the ignition key to Start to energize the starter (Figure 15). 6. After the engine starts, push down on the Choke control (Figure 15). Note: When the engine starts, release the key. Note: If the engine stalls or hesitates, pull up on the Choke control and let the engine run for a few seconds.
Testing the Safety-interlock System Test the safety-interlock system before you use the machine each time. If the safety system does not operate as described below, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety system immediately. 1. While sitting on the seat, with the control levers in park position, and move the blade-control switch to On. 2. Try starting the engine; the engine should not crank. 3. While sitting on the seat, move the blade-control switch to Off. 4.
Driving Using the Smart Speed™ Control System Driving the machine benefits from an understanding of what zero-turn-radius mower means. The drive wheels turn independently, powered by hydraulic motors on each axle; hence one side can turn in reverse while the other turns forward causing the machine to spin rather than turn. This vastly improves the machine maneuverability but may require some adjustment if the operator is unfamiliar.
Driving Forward Driving Backward 1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position. 1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position. 2. To go forward, slowly push the motion-control levers forward (Figure 18). 2. To go backward, look behind you and down, as you slowly pull the motion-control levers rearward (Figure 21). G008953 Figure 21 G008952 Figure 20 To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion-control levers (Figure 21).
Adjusting the Height-of-Cut 4 Height-of-cut is controlled by the lever located to the right of the operating position (Figure 22). 1. Pull up and inward on the lever to move it to the desired cutting position. G010233 2. Once at the desired cutting position, slowly lower the lever until it engages the position. 3 The transport position is the highest height-of-cut position or cutting height, 114 mm (4.5 inches) as shown in Figure 22. 1 2 Figure 23 1. Anti-scalp roller 3. Flange nut 2. Bolt 4.
Adjusting the Motion-control Levers Pushing the Machine 1. Park the machine on a level surface, and disengage the blade-control switch. 2. Move the motion-control levers outward to the park position, stop the engine, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position. Adjusting the Height The motion-control levers can be adjusted higher or lower for maximum operator comfort. 3. Locate the bypass levers on the frame on both sides of the engine. 1.
Converting to Side-discharge Mode 1 5 WARNING Open holes in the mower deck expose you and others to thrown debris. Debris thrown out of the holes in the mower deck can cause injury. 5 • Never operate the mower deck without hardware mounted in all holes in the mower deck. 2 • Install hardware in the mounting holes when you remove a baffle. G021583 1 4 3 Figure 28 The deflector has been removed for the purpose of clarity. 1. Stop the engine and remove the ignition key. 2.
1 G018016 Figure 30 1. Cutoff baffle 10. For optimum performance in side discharge mode, install the side-discharge blades; refer to Installing the Blades (page 41). Note: Contact an Authorized Toro Dealer for the correct blades. 11. Install the mower deck; refer to Installing the Mower (page 44).
Cutting Long Grass Operating Tips If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at this setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower, normal setting. Using the Fast Throttle Setting For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the engine at the Fast throttle position.
Maintenance Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position. Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s) Maintenance Service Interval Maintenance Procedure After the first 8 hours • Change the engine oil. After the first 50 hours • Change the oil and filters for the hydraulic system, and bleed the system. Before each use or daily • • • • • Check the safety-interlock system. Check the engine-oil level. Clean the air-intake screen. Check the cutting blades.
Premaintenance Procedures Lubrication Raising the Seat Service Interval: Every 25 hours—Grease all the lubrication points. Make sure the motion control levers are locked in the park position. Lift the seat forward. Grease Type: No. 2 General Purpose, Lithium-Base Grease 1. Park the machine on a level surface, and disengage the blade-control switch. 2.
Engine Maintenance Important: Never clean the paper element with pressurized air or liquids, such as solvent, gas, or kerosene. Replace the paper element if it is damaged or cannot be cleaned thoroughly. Servicing the Air Cleaner Note: Service the air cleaner more frequently (every few hours) if operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy. Servicing the Engine Oil Oil Type: Detergent oil (API service SF, SG, SH, SJ, or SL) Removing the Paper Element Crankcase Capacity:with a filter change, 2.
4. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position. 1 3 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 4 5 7 G0201 16 Figure 36 8 9 10 G0201 15 Figure 35 Changing the Engine Oil Service Interval: After the first 8 hours—Change the engine oil. Every 100 hours—Change the engine oil (more often in dusty, dirty conditions). Note: Dispose of the used oil at a recycling center. 1.
4. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the specified oil into the filler tube and slowly add the additional oil to bring it to the Full mark (Figure 37). 1 3 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 4 6 3/4 G0201 17 Figure 37 G0201 18 Figure 38 Changing the Engine-oil Filter Note: Ensure that the oil-filter gasket touches the engine and then an extra 3/4 turn is completed. Service Interval: Every 200 hours—Change the oil filter (more often in dusty, dirty conditions). 3.
1 Installing the Spark Plug 2 Tighten the spark plug(s) to 22 N-m (16 ft-lb). G020130 Figure 39 Note: Due to the deep recess around the spark plug, blowing out the cavity with compressed air is usually the most effective method for cleaning. The spark plug is most accessible when the blower housing is removed for cleaning. 16 ft-lb 22 N-m Checking the Spark Plug G010687 Important: Do not clean the spark plug(s).
Fuel System Maintenance 4. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamps together and slide them away from the filter (Figure 42). 5. Remove the filter from the fuel lines. 6. Install a new filter with the flow-direction arrow coming from the fuel tank and pointing to the engine. DANGER In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you, others, and can damage property. 7.
Electrical System Maintenance WARNING Incorrect battery-cable routing could damage the machine and cables causing sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in personal injury. WARNING • Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before disconnecting the positive (red) cable. 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.
Charging the Battery Servicing the Fuses Service Interval: Before storage—Charge the battery and disconnect battery cables. The electrical system is protected by fuses. It requires no maintenance; however, if a fuse blows, check the component/circuit for a malfunction or short. 1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing the Battery (page 33). Fuse type: 2. Charge the battery for a minimum of 1 hour at 6 to 10 amps.
Releasing the Electric Brake Drive System Maintenance The electric brake releases by manually rotating the link arms forward. Once the electric brake is energized the brake will reset. Checking the Tire Pressure To release the brake: 1. Locate the shaft on the electric brake where the brake-link arms are connected (Figure 47). Service Interval: Every 25 hours—Check tire pressure. Maintain the air pressure in the front and rear tires as specified. Uneven tire pressure can cause uneven cut.
Changing the Hydraulic-system Oil and Filters Hydraulic System Maintenance Hydraulic System Oil Specification Service Interval: After the first 50 hours Oil Type: Toro HYPR-OIL® 500 or 20W-50 motor oil. Every 400 hours System Capacity: approximately 4.5 L (152 oz) with a filter change. Important: The bleeding process is repeated until the oil remains at the FULL COLD line in the reservoir after purging.
Note: It is important that no dirt or contamination enter hydraulic system. 7. Place a container below the filter to catch the oil that drains when the filter and vent plugs are removed. 8. Locate and remove the vent plug on each transmission. 9. Unscrew the filter to remove it, and allow the oil to drain from the drive system. 10. Repeat this procedure for both filters. 1 2 3 g017660 2 1 Figure 50 1. Nut (5/16 inch) (27 to 33 ft-lb) 3. Transaxle support 2. Nut (3/8 inch) (15 to 19 ft-lb) 4.
Installing the Hydraulic-system Filters 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Apply a thin coat of the specified oil on the surface of the rubber seal of each filter. 2. Turn the filter clockwise until the rubber seal contacts the filter adapter, then tighten the filter an additional 3/4-to-1 full turn. 3. Repeat this for the other filter. 4. Using the 3 screws, install and secure the filter guards over each filter as previously removed. 5.
Mower Maintenance Bleeding the Hydraulic System 1. Enter the operator's position, start the engine, move the throttle control ahead to the 1/2 throttle position, and disengage parking brake. Servicing the Cutting Blades A. Move the bypass levers into the pushing the machine position; refer to Pushing the Machine by Hand (page 22). With the bypass valves open and the engine running, slowly move the motion-control levers in both forward and reverse (5 or 6 times). B.
3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface (Figure 55). 1 Figure 53 1. Cutting edge 3. Wear/slot forming 2. Curved area 4. Damage G014973 3 2 Figure 55 Checking for Bent Blades 1. Blade (in position for measuring) Note: The machine must be on a level surface for the following procedure. 2. Level surface 3. Measured distance between blade and the surface (A) 1. Raise the mower deck to the highest height-of-cut position; also considered the 'transport' position. 4.
Sharpening the Blades 1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 59). Note: Maintain the original angle. 1 Note: The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges. G014973 3 2 Figure 57 Figure 59 1. Opposite blade edge (in position for measuring) 1. Sharpen at original angle 2. Level surface 3. Second measured distance between blade and surface (B) 2.
9. Stop the deck at the adjusted position, and tighten the side locking nut on the hanger bracket to hold the new position (Figure 62). Requirements: • The machine must be on a level surface. • All 4 tires must be properly inflated; refer to Checking 10. Tighten the rear locking nut on the hanger bracket. the Tire Pressure (page 35). 11. Continue leveling the deck by checking the front-to-rear blade slope; refer to Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope (page 42).
9. Continue adjusting the nut until the front blade tip is 1.6 to 7.9 mm (1/16 to 5/16 inch) lower than the rear blade tip (Figure 63). 4. Carefully rotate the blades so they are facing front to rear (Figure 63). 3 10. When the front-to-rear blade slope is correct check the side-to-side level of the mower again; refer to Leveling the Mower from Side-to-Side (page 42). 2 1 Removing the Mower 2 1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade-control switch. 3 G009659 2.
Replacing the Grass Deflector Service Interval: Before each use or daily—Inspect the grass deflector for damage. WARNING 2 An uncovered discharge opening could allow the lawn mower to throw objects in the operator’s or bystander’s direction and result in serious injury. Also, contact with the blade could occur. 2 3 1 Never operate the lawn mower unless you install a mulch plate, discharge deflector, or grass collection system. G005077 Inspect the grass deflector for damage before each use.
2 1 3 3 2 1 4 4 g017618 Figure 68 1. Rod and spring assembly installed 2. Loop end of the spring installed into the notch in the deflector bracket 7. Secure the rod and the spring assembly by twisting it, so the short end of the rod can be placed behind the front bracket welded to the deck (Figure 68). g017617 5 Important: The grass deflector must be spring-loaded in the down position. Lift the deflector up to test that it snaps to the full down position. Figure 67 1. Rod 2. Spring 3.
Mower Belt Maintenance 7 3 2 5 1 Inspecting the Belts 3 7 Service Interval: Every 25 hours—Check the belts for wear or cracks. Check the belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, or any other damage. Replace damaged belts. Replacing the Mower Belt WARNING The spring is under tension when installed and can cause personal injury. Be careful when removing the belt.
Cleaning 9. Run the mower again for 1 to 3 minutes to remove excess water. Washing the Underside of the Mower WARNING A broken or missing washout fitting could expose you and others to thrown objects or blade contact. Contact with blade or thrown debris can cause injury or death. Service Interval: After each use—Clean the mower-deck housing. Wash the underside of the mower after each use to prevent grass buildup for improved mulch action and clipping dispersal.
Storage 14. Check the condition of the drive and mower belts. 15. Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws. Repair or replace any part that is worn or damaged. Cleaning and Storage 16. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is available from your Authorized Service Dealer. 1. Disengage the blade-control switch, move the motion controls outward to the park position, stop the engine, and remove the key. 17. Store the machine in a clean, dry garage or storage area.
Troubleshooting Problem The engine overheats. Possible Cause 1. The engine load is excessive. 1. Reduce the ground speed. 2. The oil level in the crankcase is low. 3. The cooling fins and air passages under the engine blower housing are plugged. 4. The air cleaner is dirty. 2. Add oil to the crankcase. 3. Remove the obstruction from the cooling fins and air passages. 5. Dirt, water, or stale fuel is in the fuel system. The starter does not crank.
Problem There is an abnormal vibration. The cutting height is uneven. Possible Cause 1. The engine-mounting bolts are loose. 1. Tighten the engine-mounting bolts. 2. The engine pulley, idler pulley, or blade pulley is loose. 3. The engine pulley is damaged. 4. The cutting blade(s) is/are bent or unbalanced. 5. A blade mounting bolt is loose. 6. A blade spindle is bent. 2. Tighten the appropriate pulley. 1. The blade(s) is not sharp. 1. Sharpen the blade(s). 2. A cutting blade(s) is/are bent. 3.
Schematics g017655 Electrical Diagram (Rev.
The Toro Total Coverage Warranty TimeCutter and TITAN Mowers Limited Warranty (see warranty periods below) Conditions and Products Covered the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory (look under “Lawn Mowers”) or access our web site at www.Toro.com. You may also call the numbers listed in item #3 to use the 24-hour Toro Dealer locator system.
