Toro Recycler 20999 Manual

Introduction

This rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower is intended to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns on residential properties. It is not designed for cutting brush or for agricultural uses.

Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and maintain your machine properly and to avoid injury and equipment damage. You are responsible for operating the machine properly and safely.

You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product and accessory information, help finding a dealer, or to register your product.

Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of your machine ready. Figure 1 identifies the location of the model and serial numbers on the product.

1. Model and serial number location

Write the product model and serial numbers:
Model No. ___
Serial No. ___

This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety messages identified by the safety alert symbol (), which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.

This manual uses 2 words to highlight information.

calls attention to special mechanical information and

Note emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.

This product complies with all relevant European directives. For details, see the separate product-specific Declaration of Conformity (DOC) sheet.

For models with stated engine horsepower, the gross horsepower of the engine was laboratory rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with SAE J1940. As configured to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements, the actual engine horsepower on this class of lawn mower will be significantly lower.

Do not tamper with the engine controls or alter the governor speed; doing so may create an unsafe condition resulting in personal injury.

Safety

Improperly using or maintaining this mower can result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with these safety instructions.

Toro designed and tested this machine for reasonably safe service; however, failure to comply with the following instructions may result in personal injury.

To ensure maximum safety, best performance, and to gain knowledge of the product, it is essential that you and any other operator of the mower read and understand the contents of this manual before the engine is ever started. Pay particular attention to the safety alert symbol (), which means Caution, Warning, or Danger—"personal safety instruction." Read and understand the instruction because it has to do with safety. Failure to comply with the instruction may result in personal injury.

General Lawn Mower Safety

The following instructions have been adapted from EN 836.
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and of throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Training

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the mower. Local regulations can restrict the age of the operator.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
• Understand explanations for all pictograms used on the mower or in the instructions.

Gasoline

Gasoline is highly flammable. Take the following precautions.

• Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
• Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refueling.
• Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
• If gasoline is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the mower away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have dissipated.
• Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.

Preparation

• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones and other foreign objects.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that guards, and safety devices, such as deflectors and/or grass catchers, are in place and working correctly.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.

Starting

• Do not tilt the mower when starting the engine unless the mower has to be tilted for starting. In this case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and lift only the part which is away from the operator.
• Start the engine carefully according to instructions and with feet well away from the blade(s) and not in front of the discharge chute.

Operation

• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Never pick up or carry a lawn mower while the engine is running.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling a pedestrian controlled lawn mower towards you.
• Walk, never run.
• Slopes:
  • Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
  • Exercise extreme caution when on slopes.
  • Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down, and exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
  • Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
• Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent overturning or loss of control.
• Stop the blade if the lawn mower has to be tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass and when transporting the lawn mower to and from the area to be mowed.
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
• Stop the engine
  • whenever you leave the lawn mower.
  • before refueling.
  • before removing the grass catcher.
  • before making height adjustment unless adjustment can be made from the operator's position.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark-plug wire. – before clearing blockages or unclogging chute.
  • before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn mower.
  • after striking a foreign object, inspect the lawn mower for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the lawn mower.
  • if lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).
• Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you see lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not operate the machine; seek shelter.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.

Maintenance and Storage

• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Do not use pressure-cleaning equipment on machine.
• Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank and inside a building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery compartment and gasoline storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.
• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
• Replace faulty silencers.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating an engine at excessive speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.
• Be careful during adjustment of the lawn mower to prevent entrapment of the fingers between moving blades and fixed parts of the lawn mower.
• To ensure the best performance and safety, purchase only genuine Toro replacement parts and accessories. Do not use will fit parts and accessories; they may cause a safety hazard.

Sound Pressure

This unit has a sound pressure level at the operator's ear of 89 dBA, which includes an Uncertainty Value (K) of 1 dBA.
The sound pressure level was determined according to the procedures outlined in EN 836.

Sound Power

This unit has a guaranteed sound power level of 98 dBA, which includes an Uncertainty Value (K) of 1 dBA.
The sound power level was determined according to the procedures outlined in ISO 11094.

Hand/Arm Vibration

Measured vibration level for right hand = 6.6 m/s2
Measured vibration level for left hand = 7.9 m/s2
Uncertainty Value (K) = 3.1 m/s2
Measured values were determined according to the procedures outlined in EN 836.

Safety and Instructional Decals

Safety and instruction decals are located near areas of potential danger. Replace damaged decals.

Manufacturer's Mark

1. Indicates the blade is identified as a part from the original machine manufacturer.
   

1. Height of cut
   

1. Height of cut
   

1. Engine switch Off
2. Engine switch On
3. Unlocked
4. Locked

1. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance from the machine.
2. Cutting/dismemberment of hand or foot—stay away from moving parts.

1. 
   read the Operator's Manual.
2. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance from the machine.
3. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—disconnect the spark plug wire and read the instructions before servicing or performing maintenance.
4. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—stay away from moving parts.
5. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower blade—do not operate up and down slopes; operate side to side on slopes; stop the engine before leaving the operating position; and look behind you when backing up.

1. Handle in raised position
2. Handle in lowered position
3. Foot pedal location

Setup

Remove and discard the protective plastic sheet that covers the engine.

Unfolding the Handle

No Parts Required

Procedure

1. Unfold the handle as illustrated in Figure 3.
   
2. Tighten all handle knobs.
3. Move the upper handle to the desired position and tighten the upper handle knob firmly (Figure 4).
   
   Figure 4

Installing the Recoil-starter Rope in the Rope Guide

No Parts Required

Procedure

You must install the recoil-starter rope in the rope guide.

Hold the blade-control bar to the upper handle and pull the recoil-starter rope through the rope guide on the handle (Figure 5).

1. Recoil-starter rope
2. Rope guide

Filling the Engine with Oil

No Parts Required

Procedure

This machine does not come with oil in the engine. Before starting the engine, fill the engine with oil.

Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Remove the dipstick (Figure 6) and pour about 3/4 of the crankcase capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.
   Note: Max. fill: 0.59 l (20 oz.), type: SAE 30 detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.
3. Wipe off the dipstick end with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, and screw it in until it stops.
5. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level on the dipstick; refer to Figure 6.
   
   • If the oil level is too low, add a small amount of oil slowly to the oil-fill tube, and then repeat steps 3 through 5 until the oil level is correct as shown in Figure 6.
   • If the oil level is too high, drain the excess oil until you obtain the correct oil level on the dipstick. To drain the excess oil, refer to Changing the Engine Oil.
     
     If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.
6. Install the dipstick securely by hand.

Install the Mulch Plug or the Grass Bag

No Parts Required

Procedure

You must correctly install the mulch plug (for mulching or side-discharging) or the grass bag (for bagging); otherwise, the engine will not start.

The machine has a safety switch, located at the bottom of the channel at the top, right rear of the machine, that prevents the machine from operating without a mulch plug or a grass bag. This prevents the machine from throwing debris at the operator through the rear chute.

For the switch to detect the presence of the mulch plug, the top of the mulch plug lever must lie fully in the bottom of the channel (Figure 7).

1. Top of mulch plug lever in channel bottom

1. Insert the mulch plug into the machine if it isn't already installed (Figure 8).
   
2. Squeeze the button on the lever with your thumb, and fully insert the mulch plug into the opening (Figure 9).
   
3. Release the button on the lever and ensure that the top of the lever lies fully in the switch channel (Figure 10). If the top of the lever is not in the switch channel, your machine will not start.
   

Note: If the lever does not latch properly, disconnect the wire from the spark plug and check for and remove any debris buildup in the tunnel.

Product Overview

Figure 11

1. Cutting-height lever (4)
2. Spark plug
3. Oil fill/Dipstick (not shown)
4. Recoil-start handle
5. Blade-control bar
6. Upper handle
7. Upper-handle knob
8. Fuel-tank cap
9. Foot pedal
10. Air filter

Figure 12

1. Grass bag
2. Side-discharge chute
3. Recycle plug (installed)

Specifications

Model	Weight	Length	Width	Height
20999	38 kg (84 lb)	157 cm (62 in)	56 cm (22 in)	112 cm (44 in)

Operation

Filling the Fuel Tank

Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and others.

• To prevent a static charge from igniting the gasoline, place the container and/or machine directly on the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on an object.
• Fill the tank outdoors when the engine is cold. Wipe up spills.
• Do not handle gasoline when smoking or around an open flame or sparks.
• Store gasoline in an approved fuel container, out of the reach of children.

Note: Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded regular gasoline from a major name-brand service station (Figure 13).

Figure 13

1. 1 cm (1/2 in)

Note: Use unleaded regular gasoline suitable for automotive use (87 pump octane minimum). Leaded regular gasoline may be used if unleaded regular is not available.

Never use methanol, gasoline containing methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol because they could damage the fuel system. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

To reduce starting problems, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with gasoline less than 30 days old.

Checking the Engine Oil Level

Service Interval: Before each use or daily

Max. fill: 0.59 l (20 oz.), type: SAE 30 detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Remove the dipstick (Figure 14).
   
3. Wipe off the dipstick end with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube and screw it in until it stops.
5. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level; refer to Figure 14.
   • If the oil level is too low, add a small amount of oil slowly to the oil-fill tube, and then repeat steps 3 through 5 until the oil level is correct as shown in Figure 14.
   • If the oil level is too high, drain the excess oil until you obtain the correct oil level on the dipstick. To drain the excess oil, refer to Changing the Engine Oil.
     
     If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.
6. Install the dipstick securely by hand.

Adjusting the Cutting Height

Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into contact with the moving blade, causing serious injury.

• Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
• Do not put your fingers under the housing when adjusting the cutting height.

If the engine has been running, the muffler will be hot and can severely burn you. Keep away from the hot muffler.

Adjust the cutting height as desired. Set all four wheels to the same height.

Note: To raise the machine, move all 4 cutting height levers forward; to lower the machine, move them all rearward (Figure 15).

Note: The cutting height settings are 25 mm (1 in); 38 mm (1-1/2 in); 51 mm (2 in); 64 mm (2-1/2 in); 76 mm (3 in); 89 mm (3-1/2 in); 102 mm (4 in); and 114 mm (4-1/2 in).

Adjusting the Upper Handle Height

You may raise or lower the upper handle to a position comfortable for you.

Note: You cannot raise the upper handle higher than the angle of the lower handle.

1. Loosen the upper-handle knob (Figure 16).
   
2. Move the upper handle to the desired position (Figure 17).
   
3. Tighten the upper-handle knob firmly (Figure 18).
   
   Figure 18

Starting the Engine

The machine has a safety system that prevents you from starting the machine unless you first install the mulch plug or the grass bag securely on the machine.

1. Install the mulch plug (Figure 19) or the grass bag (Figure 20) on the machine.
   
2. Hold the blade-control bar against the handle and pull the recoil starter (Figure 21).
   
   1. Blade-control bar
      Note: If the machine still does not start, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
3. Test the machine safety system; refer to Testing the Machine Safety System in Storage.

Using the Self-propel Drive

To operate the self-propel drive, simply walk with your hands on the upper handle and your elbows at your sides, and the machine will automatically keep pace with you (Figure 22 and Figure 23).

Note: If the machine does not freely roll backward after self-propelling, stop walking, hold your hands in place, and allow the machine to roll a couple of inches (centimeters) forward to disengage the wheel drive. You can also try reaching just under the personal pace handle to the metal handle and push the machine forward a couple of inches (centimeters). If the machine still does not roll backward easily, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Stopping the Engine

Service Interval: Before each use or daily—Ensure that the engine stops within 3 seconds after releasing the blade-control bar.

To stop the engine, release the blade-control bar.

When you release the blade-control bar, both the engine and blade should stop within 3 seconds. If they do not stop properly, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Recycling the Clippings

Your machine comes from the factory ready to recycle the grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn.

If the grass bag is on the machine, remove it; refer to Removing the Grass Bag before recycling the clippings. If the side-discharge chute is on the machine, remove it and lock the side-discharge door; refer to Removing the Side-discharge Chute before recycling the clippings.

The machine has a safety switch that prevents you from starting the machine unless you first install the recycle plug securely on the machine (Figure 24).

1. Top of recycle plug lever in channel bottom

Bagging the Clippings

Use the grass bag when you want to collect grass and leaf clippings from the lawn.

If the side-discharge chute is on the machine, remove it and lock the side-discharge door; refer to Removing the Side-discharge Chute before bagging the clippings.

The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury.

Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

Installing the Grass Bag

1. Remove the recycle plug (Figure 25).
   
2. Route the starter rope around the lower-rope guide (Figure 26).
   
   Note: The lower-rope guide releases the starter rope when you pull the recoil-start handle.
3. Insert the grass-bag handle into the grooves at the top of the machine (Figure 27).
   
   
   The machine has a safety switch that prevents you from starting the machine unless you first install the grass bag securely on the machine.

Removing the Grass Bag

1. Route the starter rope around the lower-rope guide (Figure 28).
   
2. Lift the grass-bag handle out from the grooves at the top of the machine and remove the bag from the machine (Figure 29).
   
3. Insert the mulch plug (Figure 30).
   
   Figure 30

Side-discharging the Clippings

Use the side discharge for cutting very tall grass.

If the bag is on the machine, remove it and insert the recycle plug; refer to Removing the Grass Bag before side-discharging the clippings.

The machine has a safety switch that prevents you from starting the machine unless you first install the recycle plug securely on the machine; refer to Recycling the Clippings.

Installing the Side-discharge Chute

1. Unlock the side-discharge door (Figure 31).
   
2. Lift open the side-discharge door (Figure 32).
   
3. Install the side-discharge chute and close the door onto the chute (Figure 33).
   
   Figure 33

Removing the Side-discharge Chute

To remove the side discharge chute, reverse the steps above.

Lock the side-discharge door after you close it (Figure 34).

Operating Tips

General Mowing Tips

• Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches, and other debris that the blade could hit.
• Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never deliberately mow over any object.
• If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate, immediately stop the engine, disconnect the wire from the spark plug, and examine the machine for damage.
• For best performance, install a new blade before the cutting season begins.
• Replace the blade when necessary with a Toro replacement blade.

Cutting Grass

• Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not cut below the 51 mm (2 in) setting unless the grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow down. Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.
• When cutting grass over 15 cm (6 in) tall, mow at the highest cutting-height setting and walk slower; then mow again at a lower setting for the best lawn appearance. If the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause the engine to stall.
• Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and leaves tend to clump on the yard and can cause the machine to plug or the engine to stall.

Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if you slip and contact the blade. Mow only in dry conditions.

• Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.
• If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try one or more of the following:
  • Replace the blade or have it sharpened.
  • Walk at a slower pace while mowing.
  • Raise the cutting height on your machine.
  • Cut the grass more frequently.
  • Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath with each pass.
  • Set the cutting height on the front wheels 1 notch lower than the rear wheels. For example, set the front wheels at 51 mm (2 in) and the rear wheels at 64 mm (2-1/2 in).

Cutting Leaves

• After cutting the lawn, ensure that half of the lawn shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need to make more than a single pass over the leaves.
• If there are more than 13 cm (5 in) of leaves on the lawn, set the front cutting height 1 or 2 notches higher than the rear cutting height.
• Slow down your mowing speed if the machine does not cut the leaves finely enough.

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.
Before each use or daily	Check the engine oil level. Ensure that the engine stops within 3 seconds after releasing the blade-control bar. Clean the underside of the machine housing.
Every 25 hours	Replace the air filter yearly; replace it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
Every 50 hours	Change the engine oil; change it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
Yearly	Lubricate the wheel gears. Lubricate the upper handle.
Yearly or before storage	Change the engine oil; change it more frequently in dusty operating conditions. Replace the blade.

Refer to your Engine Operator's Manual for additional maintenance procedures.

Preparing for Maintenance

1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 35) before performing any maintenance procedure.
   
3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s), connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.

Before tipping the machine to change the oil or replace the blade, allow the fuel tank to run dry through normal usage. If you must tip the machine prior to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel pump to remove the fuel. Always tip the machine onto its side with the dipstick down.

Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Gasoline is flammable, explosive and can cause personal injury.

Run the engine dry or remove the gasoline with a hand pump; never siphon.

Replacing the Air Cleaner

Service Interval: Every 25 hours

1. Unscrew the knob and open the cover (Figure 36).
   
   1. Cover
   2. Knob
   3. Air cleaner element
2. Replace the air cleaner element (Figure 36).
3. Install the cover.

Changing the Engine Oil

Service Interval: After the first 5 hours

Every 50 hours
Yearly or before storage

Note: Max. fill: 0.59 l (20 oz), type: SAE 30 detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Ensure that the fuel tank contains little or no fuel so that fuel does not leak out when you tip the machine onto its side.
3. Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil to warm it.
   Note: Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.
4. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug; refer to Preparing for Maintenance.
5. Set an oil-drain pan beside the machine on the side of the dipstick.
6. Remove the dipstick from the oil-fill tube (Figure 37).
   
7. Tip the machine onto its side, with the oil-fill tube down, to drain the used oil out through the oil-fill tube into the oil-drain pan (Figure 38).
   
8. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the operating position.
9. Pour about 3/4 of the crankcase capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.
   Note: Max. fill: 0.59 l (20 oz), type: SAE 30 detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.
10. Wipe off the dipstick end with a clean cloth.
11. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube and screw it in until it stops.
12. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level; refer to Figure 37.
    • If the oil level is too low, add a small amount of oil slowly to the oil-fill tube, and then repeat steps 10 through 12 until the oil level is correct as shown in Figure 37.
    • If the oil level is too high, drain the excess oil until you obtain the correct oil level on the dipstick.
      
      If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.
13. Install the dipstick securely by hand.
14. Recycle the used oil at a local recycling center.

Lubricating the Wheel Gears

Service Interval: Yearly

1. Remove the wheel bolt in the center of each rear wheel and remove the rear wheels.
2. Apply a lubricating oil to the inner and outer sides of the gear as shown in Figure 39.
   
3. Install the rear wheels.

Lubricating the Upper Handle

Service Interval: Yearly

Lubricate the left and right sides of the upper handle with a low-viscosity silicone spray lubricant yearly or as needed.

1. Spray the outer plastic end of the inner handle (Figure 40).
   
   Note: Use the straw that comes with the spray can to direct the spray.
2. Push the upper handle fully down and spray the inner plastic surface of the outer handle (Figure 41).
   

Adjusting the Self-propel Drive Cable

1. Loosen the nut on the cable mount (Figure 42).
   
   1. Cable mount
2. Pull the upper handle back fully rearward.
   Note: If the handle does not move smoothly, refer to Lubricating the Upper Handle.
3. Pull the cable jacket downward until you remove the slack in the exposed cable (Figure 43).
   
   1. Exposed cable
4. Push the cable jacket upward 1/8 inch (3 mm).
   Note: You can place a ruler against the upper side of the black cable mount and measure how far the upper end of the cable jacket moves (Figure 44).
   
   1. Cable mount
   2. Cable jacket
      Note: Moving the cable jacket upward decreases the ground speed; moving the jacket downward increases the ground speed.
5. Tighten the nut firmly.
6. Start the machine and check the adjustment.
   Note: If the self-propel drive is not properly adjusted, repeat this procedure.

Replacing the Blade

Service Interval: Yearly or before storage

You will need a torque wrench to install the blade properly. If you do not have a torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Examine the blade whenever you run out of gasoline. If the blade is damaged or cracked, replace it immediately. If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have it sharpened or replace it.

The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result in serious personal injury.

Wear gloves when servicing the blade.

1. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug; refer to Preparing for Maintenance.
2. Tip the machine onto the side with the dipstick down.
3. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady (Figure 45).
   
4. Remove the blade, saving all mounting hardware (Figure 45).
5. Install the new blade and all mounting hardware (Figure 45).
   
   Position the curved ends of the blade to point toward the machine housing.
6. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to 82 N-m (60 ft-lb).

A bolt torqued to 82 N-m (60 ft-lb) is very tight. While holding the blade with a block of wood, put your weight behind the ratchet or wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is very difficult to overtighten.

Cleaning the Underside of the Machine Housing

Service Interval: Before each use or daily

The machine may dislodge material from under the machine housing.

• Wear eye protection.
• Stay in the operating position (behind the handle).
• Do not allow bystanders in the area.
  1. With the engine running on a flat paved surface, spray a stream of water in front of the right rear wheel (Figure 46).
     
     Note: The water will splash into the path of the blade, cleaning out the clippings.
  2. When no more clippings come out, stop the water and move the machine to a dry area.
  3. Run the engine for a few minutes to dry the housing to prevent it from rusting.

Storage

Preparing the Machine for Storage

Gasoline vapors can explode.

• Do not store gasoline more than 30 days.
• Do not store the machine in an enclosure near an open flame.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing it.
  1. On the last refueling of the year, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel as directed by the engine manufacturer.
  2. Run the machine until the engine stops from running out of fuel.
  3. Prime the engine and start it again.
  4. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you can no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
  5. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
  6. Remove the spark plug, add 30 ml (1 oz) of oil through the spark plug hole, and pull the starter rope slowly several times to distribute oil throughout the cylinder to prevent cylinder corrosion during the off-season.
  7. Loosely install the spark plug.
  8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.

Folding the Handle

Upright Position

1. Step on the foot pedal and hold it down (Figure 47).
   
2. Move the handle to the upright position (Figure 48).
   

Forward Position

1. With the handle in the upright position, step on the foot pedal and hold it down.
2. Move the handle all the way forward and loosen the upper handle knob (Figure 49).
   
3. To unfold the handle, refer to 1 Unfolding the Handle.

Removing the Machine from Storage

1. Remove the spark plug and spin the engine rapidly using the starter to blow the excess oil from the cylinder.
2. Install the spark plug and tighten it with a torque wrench to 20 N-m (15 ft-lb).
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
4. Test the machine safety system; refer to Testing the Machine Safety System.

Testing the Machine Safety System

1. Move the machine to a level surface.
2. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
3. If the grass bag is not attached to the machine, remove the discharge plug and install the grass bag.
4. Start the engine.
5. While the engine is running, lift up the upper right rear corner of the grass bag until the wire-bag frame at the upper right front of the grass bag is completely out of the right-hand slot (Figure 50).
   The engine should stop.
   
   1. Grass bag
   2. Right side of handle partially removed for clarity
   3. Wire-bag frame
   4. Slot
      Note: The right-hand slot houses a safety interlock switch.
      
      Do not step outside the operating position while performing this step.
6. If the engine does not stop when you perform this test, release the control bar on the handle to stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and take your machine to an Authorized Toro Dealer to have the safety system properly repaired.

Warranty

Instructions for Obtaining Warranty Service
If you think that your Toro Product contains a defect in materials or workmanship, follow this procedure:

1. Contact your seller to arrange service of the product. If for any reason it is impossible for you to contact your seller, you may contact any Toro Authorized Distributor to arrange service. See attached Distributor List.
2. Bring the product and your proof of purchase (sales receipt) to the servicing outlet. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the servicing outlet's analysis or with the assistance provided, contact us at:
   Toro Customer Care Department, RLC Division
   Toro Warranty Company
   8111 Lyndale Avenue South
   Bloomington, MN 55420-1196
   001–952–948–4707

Register at www.Toro.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Lawn Mowers, Golf Equipment, Landscape Equipment, Irrigation | Toro

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Toro Recycler 20999 Manual