Toro 17-44HXL Wheel Horse Operator's Manual
Form No. 3326-255
17-44HXL Indy Special Edition
Wheel Horse Lawn Tractor
Model No. 71233—210000001 and Up
Operator ’s Manual
Domestic English (EN)
Warning
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Important The engine in this product is not equipped
with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation of California
Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this
engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or
grass-covered land as defined in CPRC 4126. Other states
or federal areas may have similar laws.
This spark ignition system complies with Canadian
ICES-002.
Ce système d’allumage par étincelle de véhicule est
conforme à la norme NMB-002 du Canada.
The enclosed Engine Owner’s Manual is supplied for
information regarding The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Emission
Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance
and warranty.
Keep this engine Owner’s Manual with your unit.
Should this engine Owner’s Manual become damaged
or illegible, replace immediately. Replacements may be
ordered through the engine manufacturer.
Page
Testing the Safety System 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pushing the Machine by Hand 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving Forward or Backward 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Machine 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for Mowing Grass 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Maintenance Schedule 17. . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greasing and Lubrication 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Fluid 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draining the Fuel Tank 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and Storage 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Diagram 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Toro Total Coverage Guarantee 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents
Introduction 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Operating Practices 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Toro Riding Mower Safety 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slope Chart 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety and Instruction Decals 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gasoline and Oil 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Gasoline 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stabilizer/Conditioner 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Fuel Tank 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Engine Oil Level 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Think Safety First 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the Seat 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Blade Control (PTO) 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Height of Cut 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and Stopping the Engine 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Safety Interlock System 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2001 by The Toro Company
8111 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420-1196
Page
Introduction
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.
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 product ready. Figure 1 illustrates
the location of the model and serial numbers on the
product.
1
m–1856
Figure 1
1. Location of the model and serial numbers
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the USA
2
Write the product model and serial numbers in the space
below:
Model No.
Serial No.
This manual identifies potential hazards and has special
safety messages that help you and others avoid personal
injury and even death. Danger, Warning, and Caution are
signal words used to identify the level of hazard. However,
regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.
Danger signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious
injury or death if you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
Warning signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or
death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate
injury if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
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.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Safety
This machine meets or exceeds the B71.1–1998
specifications of the American National Standards
Institute, in effect at the time of production. However,
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 always pay
attention to the safety alert
CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER—“personal
safety instruction.” Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or death.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.1—1998.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
operator’s manual and on the machine before starting.
• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine.
symbol, which means
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower–related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from serious
.
injury
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Follow Toro’s recommendations for wheel weight or
counterweights to improve stability.
3
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
– Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as near a water
heater or furnace.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel goes
over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Service
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
– Use only an approved container.
– Never remove the gas cap or add fuel when the
engine is running. Allow the engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.
– Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade
attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow the
machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Use only genuine Toro replacement parts to ensure that
original standards are maintained.
Toro Riding Mower Safety
The following list contains safety information specific to
Toro products or other safety information that you must
know that is not included in the ANSI standards.
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which
is an odorless, deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run engine indoors or in an enclosed area.
• Stop the engine, disconnect spark plug wire(s) and
remove key before performing any service, repairs,
maintenance or adjustments.
• Slow down before turning. Sharp turns on any terrain
may cause loss of control.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
the ignition and KeyChoice keys before dismounting.
• Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from
attachment discharge area, underside of mower and any
moving parts while engine is running.
4
• Do not touch equipment or attachment parts which may
be hot from operation. Allow to cool before attempting
to maintain, adjust or service.
• Battery acid is poisonous and can cause burns. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Protect your face,
eyes and clothing when working with a battery.
• Battery gases can explode. Keep cigarettes, sparks and
flames away from battery.
• Use only genuine replacement parts to ensure that
original standards are maintained.
• Use only Toro approved attachments. Warranty may be
voided if used with unapproved attachments.
• Do not mow across hillsides or slopes exceeding 5
degrees.
• Do not mow down hillsides or slopes exceeding 15
degrees.
• Do not mow up hillsides or slopes exceeding 10
degrees.
• If a steep slope must be ascended, back up the hill, and
drive forward down the hill, keeping the machine in
gear.
• Avoid turning on slopes. If you must turn, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. Heavy grass
bags could cause loss of control or overturn the
machine.
• If loading the machine onto a trailer or truck, use a
single, full-width ramp only. The ramp angle should not
exceed 15 degrees.
5
6
Slope Chart
7
8
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.
92-2461
99-6095
99-8139
92-2462
100-7449
1. To push the tractor, pull the lever out.
2. To operate the tractor, push the lever in.
3. Read the operator’s manual for maintenance procedures.
4. Do not tow.
99-2985
99-5339
9
Gasoline and Oil
Recommended Gasoline
Use UNLEADED Regular Gasoline suitable for automotive
use (85 pump octane minimum). Leaded regular gasoline
may be used if unleaded regular is not available.
Important Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol
because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil
with gasoline.
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.
• 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. Add
gasoline to the fuel tank until the level is 1/4 to
1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This empty space in the tank allows
gasoline to expand.
• Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where gasoline
fumes may be ignited by a spark.
• Store gasoline in an approved container and
keep it out of the reach of children. Never buy
more than a 30-day supply of gasoline.
• Always place gasoline containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel the
equipment with its wheels on the ground.
• If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
• If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used, keep
the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete.
Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide
the following benefits:
• Keeps gasoline fresh during storage of 90 days or less.
For longer storage it is recommended that the fuel tank
be drained.
• Cleans the engine while it runs
• Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel system,
which causes hard starting
Important Do not use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of gas stabilizer/conditioner to the
gas.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when
mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the chance of
varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at all
times.
Filling the Fuel Tank
1. Shut the engine off and set the parking brake.
2. Clean around the fuel tank cap and remove the cap. Add
unleaded regular gasoline to the fuel tank, until the level
is 1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This space in the tank allows the gasoline to
expand. Do not fill the fuel tank completely full.
3. Install the fuel tank cap securely. Wipe up any gasoline
that may have spilled.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Before you start the engine and use the machine, check the
oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the Oil
Level, page 18.
10
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