Power Equipment
It might seem like a strange question to ask how to start a mower; if you’re old school, you pull a rev cord or turn a key, if you’ve got a newer mower you hit a button. Well, yes this is technically how you physically start a mower. But if you’ve invested in a good mower, like a Toro Zero Turn Mower, you need to make sure you’re in the habit of going through some small but vital motions every time you use it to retain good maintenance. It’s not the same for every mower, so we’re sharing the starting process for the Toro lawn mower.
Firstly, make sure it’s on a flat surface.
Check the petrol levels and fill it up if it needs topping up. Make sure the lid is firmly closed (turning clockwise).
Now, the oil. Use the clean dipstick attached to the oil tank lid (this is really important; so always have a paper towel handy to wipe down after use for next time) to check the oil levels. Don’t tighten the lid when you do this. Refill oil if required. Be careful not to overfill the tank (you’ll have to pour cautiously and go by eye).
If you’ve spilled any excess fuel or oil, use a paper towel to wipe it dry.
Push the lap bars away from your body as you sit in the driver’s seat. You have to be seated as you plan to go on to ensure the disengage interlock system functions properly. Put the key in the ignition with the lap bars still pushed outward, and turn off the mowing deck by switching off the PTO.
Pull the choke lever in to warm the engine. (This is to be done when you freshly start the mower, not throughout the mow as you stop/start.). Turn the key to start the engine and rev with the choke halfway, let go of the choke at around 30 seconds.
Get mowing!
There’s no primer button on the Toro 22” mower so you can just slowly squeeze the mower blade control bar (front side of the handle) and mower handle. You’ll need to be holding this with one hand throughout use.
Pull the mower starter handle until you feel some resistance, release it and give it time to return to its original position.
As you’re mowing, do some system checks that the blades are working properly and that the steering feels right. If not, it might need a maintenance check.
You can use any standard unleaded petrol, but for greater TLC of your mower, opt for the higher quality unleaded petrol. And, as with your car, don’t let fuel dwindle to the bottom of the barrel. Keep it at half or higher at all times. If there are big gaps between using your mower, talk with your supplier (our Sutto’s maintenance team are always here to help) about draining the petrol tank of your Toro to put in fresh fuel.
The recommended oil for the Toro walk mowers is SAE 30W Detergent oil with SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL or higher API service classification. For a fresh oil change, run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil and it will drain a lot more effectively.