Form No. 3394-184 Rev C TimeCutter® MX 4250 Riding Mower Model No. 74760—Serial No. 315000001 and Up Register at www.Toro.com.
Introduction WARNING CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning This product contains a chemical or chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This machine is a ride-on, rotary-blade lawnmower intended to be used by homeowners in residential applications.
Charging the Battery......................................... 39 Servicing the Fuses .......................................... 40 Drive System Maintenance .................................. 41 Checking the Tire Pressure............................... 41 Releasing the Electric Brake ............................. 41 Mower Maintenance............................................. 42 Servicing the Cutting Blades ............................. 42 Leveling the Mower Deck..................................
Safety • Be alert, slow down and use caution when making turns. Look behind and to the side before changing directions. 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. • Never leave a running machine unattended.
Towing Safety • Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes. • Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree • Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch limbs, etc. from the mowing area. Tall grass can hide obstacles. point. • Follow the attachment manufacturer's • Avoid sudden starts when mowing uphill because recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. Towed weight must not exceed the weight of the machine, operator, and ballast.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing must know that may not be included in the ANSI standards. immediately. • Stop the engine, move the motion-control levers • Never overfill the fuel tank. Replace gas cap and to NEUTRAL and outward to the PARK position, disengage the blade-control switch, remove key before and disconnect spark plug wire(s) performing any service, repairs, maintenance or adjustments. tighten securely. General Service: • Never operate a machine inside a closed area.
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. decal93-7009 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. decal110-6691 110-6691 1. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance from the machine. 2.
decal119-8814 119-8814 1. Parking position 4. Neutral 2. Fast 3. Slow 5. Reverse decal121-2989b 121-2989 1. Bypass lever position for pushing the machine 2. Bypass lever position for operating the machine decal119-8815 119-8815 1. Parking position 4. Neutral 2. Fast 3. Slow 5. Reverse decaloemmarkt Manufacturer's Mark 1. Indicates the blade is identified as a part from the original machine manufacturer. decalbatterysymbols Battery Symbols Some or all of these symbols are on your battery 1.
decal131-1097 131-1097 1. Oil drain decal131-4036 131-4036 1. Maximum drawbar pull 36 kg (80 lb) 2. Read the Operator's Manual.
decal121-0772 121-0772 1. Fast 2. Continuous variable setting 4. Choke 5. Power take-off (PTO), Blade control switch 3.
decal131-3947 131–3947 1. Trim—slow 2. Tow—medium 3. Mow—fast decal132-0869 132-0869 1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual. 5. Ramp tipping 3. Cutting hazard of hand, hazard—when loading mower blade; pinching onto a trailer, do not use hazard of hand, belt—keep dual ramps; only use a hands and feet away from single ramp wide enough moving parts; keep all for the machine and that guards and shields in place.
Product Overview g028166 Figure 4 1. Deflector 4. Height of cut lever 7. Footrest 10. Engine 2. Rear drive wheel 5. Operator seat 8. Fuel tank cap 11. Engine guard 3. Motion-control levers 6. Smart Speed™ lever 9. Control panel 12. Front caster wheel Controls Become familiar with all of the controls in Figure 4 and Figure 5 before you start the engine and operate the machine. g027839 Figure 5 Control Panel 13 1. Throttle 3. Blade control switch (power take-off) 2. Ignition switch 4.
Ignition Switch The ignition switch has three positions, OFF, RUN and START . The key will turn to START and move back to RUN upon release. Turning the key to the OFF position will stop the engine; however, always remove the key when leaving the machine to prevent someone from accidentally starting the engine (Figure 5). Throttle Control The throttle controls the engine speed and it has a continuous variable setting from Slow to Fast (Figure 5). g027625 Figure 6 1.
Operation Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position. Adding Fuel • For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method). • Ethanol: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol g027869 Figure 8 (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same. Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not approved for use.
DANGER DANGER 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. 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.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective new, placing additional load on the engine. Allow 40 to 50 hours of break-in time for new machines to develop full power and best performance. when mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the chance of varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at all times. Think Safety First Filling the Fuel Tank Operating Safety Note: Ensure that the engine is shut off and the motion controls are in the PARK position.
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: • The blades are disengaged. • The motion-control levers are in the PARK position.
12. While the engine is running, move the motion-control levers to the center, unlocked position, engage the blade-control switch, and rise slightly from the seat. Starting the Engine Note: The engine should stop. than 5 seconds at a time. Engaging the starter motor for more than 5 seconds can damage the starter motor. If the engine fails to start, wait 10 seconds before operating the engine starter again. Note: A warm or hot engine may not require choking.
Operating the Blades Stopping the Engine The blade-control switch, represented by a power take-off (PTO) symbol, engages and disengages power to the mower blades. This switch controls power to any attachments that draw power from the engine, including the mower deck and cutting blades. Engaging the Blades Important: Do not engage the blades when 1. Disengage the blades by moving the blade-control switch to OFF (Figure 14). 2. Move the throttle lever to the FAST position (Figure 13). 3.
Using the Smart SpeedTM Control System The Smart Speed TM Control-System lever, located below the operating position (Figure 16), gives the operator a choice to drive the machine at 3 ground speed ranges—trim, tow, and mow. g027625 Figure 16 1. Smart speed lever To change speeds, do the following: g004532 Figure 15 1. Park (brake) position 4. Backward 2. Center, unlock position 5. Front of the machine 3. Forward 1. Move the motion-control levers to neutral and outward to the PARK position. 2.
• Parking Tow • Heavy, wet grass mowing conditions This is the medium speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows: • Training • Bagging • Mulching Mow This is the fastest speed. The suggested uses for this speed are as follows: • Normal mowing • Transporting the machine Driving Forward 1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position. 2. To go forward, slowly push the motion-control levers forward (Figure 17).
Driving Backward Adjusting the Height-of-Cut Note: Always use caution when backing up and Note: The TRANSPORT position is the highest height-of-cut position or cutting height (115 mm (4.5 inches)) as shown in Figure 19. turning. 1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position. 2. To go backward, look behind you and down, as you slowly pull the motion-control levers rearward (Figure 18). Height-of-cut is controlled by the lever located to the right of the operating position (Figure 19).
Adjusting the Anti-Scalp Rollers Whenever you change the height-of-cut, adjust the height of the anti-scalp rollers. Note: Adjust the anti-scalp rollers so the rollers do not touch the ground in normal, flat mowing areas. 1. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position and set the parking brake. 2. Stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position. 3.
Adjusting the Motion-Control Levers 3. Locate the bypass levers on the frame on both sides of the engine. Adjusting the Height 4. Move the bypass levers forward through the key hole and down to lock them in place as shown in Figure 23 . Ensure this is done for each lever. 5. Move the motion-control levers inward to the NEUTRAL position and turn the ignition key to the RUN position. Do not start the machine. for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
Grass Deflector Transporting the Machine The mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf. Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine. Ensure that the trailer or truck has all necessary brakes, lighting, and marking as required by law. Please carefully read all the safety instructions. Knowing this information could help you, your family, pets, or bystanders avoid injury.
Loading the Machine WARNING Loading a machine onto a trailer or truck increases the possibility of tip-over and could cause serious injury or death. Use extreme caution when loading or unloading machines onto a trailer or a truck. Use a full-width ramp that is wider than the machine for this procedure. Back up ramps and drive forward down ramps (Figure 25). • Use extreme caution when operating a machine on a ramp. • Use only a full-width ramp; do not use individual ramps for each side of the machine.
Operating Tips Fast Throttle Setting For best mowing and maximum air circulation, operate the engine at the FAST position. Air is required to thoroughly cut grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut so low as to 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.
Avoid Cutting Too Low If the cutting width of the mower is wider than the mower you previously used, raise the cutting height to ensure that uneven turf is not cut too short. Long Grass 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.
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 5 hours • Change the engine oil and filter. Before each use or daily • • • • • Check the safety-interlock system. Check the engine-oil level. Clean the air intake screen. Check the cutting blades. Inspect the grass deflector for damage After each use • Clean the mower deck housing.
Pre-Maintenance Procedures Lubrication Raising the Seat Service Interval: Every 25 hours—Grease all 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-based grease Greasing the Bearings The following components can be accessed by raising the seat: 1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade-control switch. • Serial plate 2.
5. Engine Maintenance Wipe up any excess grease. Servicing the Air Cleaner Note: Service the air cleaner more frequently (every few hours) if operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy. Removing the Elements 1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade-control switch (PTO). 2. Engage the parking brake, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position. 3.
5. Servicing the Engine Oil Remove the foam element from the paper element (Figure 30). Oil Type: Detergent oil (API service SF, SG, SH, SJ, or SL) Crankcase Capacity: 2.4 L (2.5 US qt) Viscosity: See the table below. g027802 Figure 30 Servicing the Foam Element Service Interval: Every 25 hours/Monthly (whichever comes first)—Clean the foam element (more often in dusty, dirty conditions).
g029368 Figure 32 Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter Service Interval: After the first 5 hours/After the first month (whichever comes first)—Change the engine oil and filter. Every 100 hours/Yearly (whichever comes first)—Change the engine oil (more often in dusty, dirty conditions). Every 100 hours/Yearly (whichever comes first)—Change the oil filter (more often in dusty, dirty conditions). Note: Change the engine-oil filter more frequently when operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.
5. Change the engine oil filter (Figure 34). g027799 g027477 Figure 34 Note: Ensure that the oil-filter gasket touches the engine, and then turn the filter an extra 3/4 turn.
6. Servicing the Spark Plug 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 35). Service Interval: Every 100 hours/Yearly (whichever comes first)—Check the spark plug(s). Every 200 hours/Every 2 years (whichever comes first)—Replace the spark plug(s). Make sure the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug.
Checking the Spark Plug Cleaning the Cooling System Important: Do not clean the spark plug(s). Always replace the spark plug(s) when it has: a black coating, worn electrodes, an oily film, or cracks. Clean the air intake screen from grass and debris before each use. If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is operating properly. A black coating on the insulator usually means the air cleaner is dirty. 1. Disengage the blade-control switch and apply the parking brake. 2.
Fuel System Maintenance DANGER 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. g027939 • Perform any fuel related maintenance when the engine is cold. Do this outdoors in an open area. Wipe up any gasoline that spills. • Never smoke when draining gasoline, and stay away from an open flame or where a spark may ignite the gasoline fumes.
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 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.
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. 2. Charge the battery for a minimum of 1 hour at 6 to 10 amps. Do not overcharge the battery. 3.
Drive System Maintenance Releasing the Electric Brake Checking the Tire Pressure The electric brake releases by manually rotating the link arms forward. Once the electric brake is energized the brake will reset. Service Interval: Every 25 hours—Check tire pressure. To release the brake: Maintain the air pressure in the front and rear tires as specified. Uneven tire pressure can cause uneven cut. Check the pressure at the valve stem (Figure 43).
Mower Maintenance Servicing the Cutting Blades Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season because sharp blades cut cleanly without tearing or shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding turns grass brown at the edges, which slows growth and increases the chance of disease. g006530 Figure 45 Check the cutter blades daily for sharpness, and for any wear or damage. File down any nicks and sharpen the blades as necessary.
3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here. g014973 Figure 49 1. Opposing blade edge, in position for measuring g014973 Figure 47 2. Level surface 3. Second measured distance between blade and surface (B) 1. Blade, in position for measuring 2. Level surface 3. Measured distance between blade and surface (A) WARNING 4. A blade that is bent or damaged could break apart and could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.
Removing the Blades The blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the blade is out of balance, or if the blade is bent. To ensure optimum performance and continued safety conformance of the machine, use genuine Toro replacement blades. Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may result in non-conformance with safety standards. 1. Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove. 2. Remove the blade bolt, the curved washer, and the blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 50).
4. Carefully rotate the blades so that they are all side to side (Figure 53). 9. Check the side-to-side adjustments again. Repeat this procedure until the measurements are correct. 10. Continue leveling the deck by checking the front-to-rear blade slope; refer to Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope (page 45). Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope Check the front-to-rear blade level any time you install the mower. If the front of the mower is more than 5/16 inch (7.
g014634 Figure 56 1. Adjusting rod 3. Lock nut 2. Adjusting block g014635 7. 8. 9. Figure 57 To raise the front of the mower, tighten the adjustment nut. To lower the front of the mower, loosen the adjustment nut. 1. Front support rod After adjustment, check the front-to-rear slope again. Continue adjusting the nut until the front blade tip is 1/16-5/16 inch (1.6-7.9 mm) lower than the rear blade tip (Figure 47). 5. 3. Deck bracket 2.
Mower Belt Maintenance Inspecting the Belts Service Interval: Every 25 hours—Check the belts for wear/cracks. Check the belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, or any other damage. Replace damaged belts. Replacing the Mower Belt Squealing when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks, and cracks are signs of a worn mower belt. Replace the mower belt if any of these conditions are evident. 1.
Replacing the Grass Deflector Service Interval: Before each use or daily—Inspect the grass deflector for damage WARNING 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. Never operate the lawn mower unless you install a mulch plate, discharge deflector, or grass collection system. Inspect the grass deflector for damage before each use.
4. Cleaning Lift the loop end of the spring and place it into the notch on the deflector bracket (Figure 61). Washing the Underside of the Mower 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. Important: You can wash the machine with mild detergent and water. Do not pressure wash the machine.
7. Turn the water off and remove the coupling from the washout fitting. Storage Note: If the mower is not clean after one Cleaning and Storage washing, soak it and let it stand for 30 minutes. Then repeat the process. 8. 1. Disengage the blade-control switch, move the motion-controls outward to the PARK position, stop the engine, and remove the key. 2. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the external parts of the entire machine, especially the engine.
the spark plug(s). Do not install the wire on the spark plug(s). 12. Clean any dirt and chaff from the top of the mower. 13. Scrape any heavy buildup of grass and dirt from the underside of the mower, then wash the mower with a garden hose. 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. 16. Paint all scratched or bare metal surfaces. Paint is available from your Authorized Service Dealer.
Troubleshooting Problem The engine overheats. Possible Cause 1. The engine load is excessive. 1. Reduce 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 fuel system. The starter does not crank.
Problem There is 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. 5. Tighten the blade mounting bolt. 6. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer. 1.
Schematics g028022 Electrical Diagram (Rev.
Notes:
The Toro Total Coverage Warranty TimeCutter and TITAN Mowers Limited Warranty (see warranty periods below) Conditions and Products Covered The Toro Company and its affiliate, Toro Warranty Company, pursuant to an agreement between them, jointly promise to the original purchaser to repair the Toro Products listed below if defective in materials or workmanship.
