Toro 74590 Operator's Manual

190-DH

Lawn Tractor

Model No. 74590—220000001 and Up

Form No. 3327-594

Operator ’s Manual

International English (GB)

Important The engine in this product is not equipped

with a spark arrester muffler. In some areas it is a violation
of the law to use or operate this engine on any
forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land.

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.

Contents

Page

Introduction 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-on (riding) Rotary

Lawnmower Machine 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safe Operating Practices 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Toro Riding Mower Safety 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sound Pressure Level 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sound Power Level 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vibration Level 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Slope Chart 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safety and Instruction Decals 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gasoline and Oil 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommended Gasoline 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stabilizer/Conditioner 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Filling the Fuel Tank 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking the Engine Oil Level 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operation 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Think Safety First 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Controls 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parking Brake 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cruise Control 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Positioning the Seat 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Headlights 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Blade Control (PTO) 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grass Collector Warning Light 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hour Meter 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting the Height of Cut 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Discharge Baffle 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusting the Mower Gauge Wheels 14. . . . . . . . . .

Starting and Stopping the Engine 14. . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Safety Interlock System 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Testing the Safety System 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pushing the Machine by Hand 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Driving Forward or Backward 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stopping the Machine 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Emptying the Grass Collector 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Towing Attachments 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tips for Mowing Grass 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 2001 by The Toro Company
8111 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420-1196

Page

Maintenance 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommended Maintenance Schedule 19. . . . . . . . .

Engine Oil 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brake 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tire Pressure 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Greasing and Lubrication 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuse 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Headlights 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Battery 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spark Plug 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Draining the Fuel Tank 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuel Filter 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Air Cleaner 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cutting Blade 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Removing the Mower 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing the Mower 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusting the Blade Drive Belt 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusting the Height Adjustment Cable Rod

Assembly 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grass Collector 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cleaning and Storage 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Troubleshooting 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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.

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 lawnmower. Local regulations
can restrict the age of the operator.

• Never mow while people, especially children, or pets

are nearby.

• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for

accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.

• Do not carry passengers.

• All drivers should seek and obtain professional and

practical instruction. Such instruction should
emphasize:

– the need for care and concentration when working

with ride-on machines;

– control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will

not be regained by the application of the brake. The
main reasons for loss of control are:

• insufficient wheel grip;

• being driven too fast;

Safety

Safe Operation Practices for
Ride-on (riding) Rotary
Lawnmower Machine

This machine meets or exceeds European Standards 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 symbol, which means 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 the CEN standard EN
836:1997.

This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.

• inadequate braking;

• the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;

• lack of awareness of the effect of ground

conditions, especially slopes;

• incorrect hitching and load distribution.

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 objects which may be thrown by
the machine.

• WARNING – Fuel is highly flammable.

– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this

purpose.

– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while

refuelling.

– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove

the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine
is running or when the engine is hot.

3

– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine

but move the machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition
until fuel vapors have dissipated.

– Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.

• Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other

than grass.

• When using any attachments, never direct discharge of

material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.

• Replace faulty silencers.

• 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.

• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one

blade can cause other blades to rotate.

Operation

• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where

dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

• Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all

blade attachment clutches and shift into neutral.

• Do not use on slopes of more than

–5 when mowing on side hills;
–10 when mowing uphill;
–15 when mowing downhill.

• Remember there is no such thing as a “safe” slope.

Travel on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard
against overturning:

– do not stop or start suddenly when going up or

downhill;

– engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,

especially when travelling downhill;

– machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and

during tight turns;

– stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden

hazards;

– never mow across the face of the slope, unless the

lawnmower is designed for this purpose.

• Never operate the machine with defective guards or

without safety protective devices in place.

• Do not change the engine governor settings or

overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive
speed can increase the hazard of personal injury.

• Before leaving the operator’s position:

– disengage the power take-off and lower the

attachments;
– change into neutral and set the parking brake;
– stop the engine and remove the key.

• Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and

disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
key

– before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
– before checking, cleaning or working on the

lawnmower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the

lawnmower for damage and make repairs before

restarting and operating the equipment;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check

immediately).

• Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or

not in use.

• Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment

– before refuelling;
– before removing the grass catcher;
– before making height adjustment unless adjustment

can be made from the operator’s position.

• Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if

the engine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the
fuel off at the conclusion of mowing.

• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.

– Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
– Limit loads to those you can safely control.
– Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
– Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when

suggested in the instruction handbook.

• 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.

• Never store the equipment with fuel in the tank inside a

building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark.

• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

4

• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer,

battery compartment and fuel storage area free of grass,
leaves, or excessive grease.

• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or

deterioration.

• Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.

Sound Pressure Level

This unit has an equivalent continuous A-weighted sound
pressure at the operator ear of: 77 dB(A), based on
measurements of identical machines as directed by
98/37/EC.

• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done

outdoors.

• On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one

blade can cause other blades to rotate.

• When machine is to be parked, stored or left

unattended, lower the cutting means unless a positive
mechanical lock is used.

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 CEN standard.

• Use only Toro-approved attachments. Warranty may be

voided if used with unapproved attachments.

Sound Power Level

This unit has a sound power level of: 100 Lwa, based on
measurements of identical machine as directed by
2000/14/EC.

Vibration Level

This unit has a maximum hand-arm vibration level of

1.6 m/s2 and whole body vibration level of 1.6 m/s2, based
on measurements of identical machines as directed by
98/37/EC.

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.

99-7824

1. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away.

2. Thrown object hazard from mower—keep the deflector in
place.

3. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hands or feet—stay away
from rotating blades and moving parts.

1. Crushing/dismemberment
hazard—look back and
down while backing up.

104-2854

2. Parking brake

3. Full grass bag indicator

4. PTO (Power Take Off)

1. Explosive hazard—wear
eye protection.

2. Caustic liquid hazard—if
contact occurs, flush with
water.

1. Parking brake

1. Key Choice switch

93-7276

3. Fire or open flame

4. Toxic risk—keep children

104-3237

99-5340

hazard—no sparks,
flame, or smoking.

away from the battery.

104-2903

1. Tipping hazard—do not go across slopes greater than 5
degrees, down slopes greater than 15 degrees, or up slopes
greater than 10 degrees.

2. Danger—read the operator’s manual.

3. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders away.

4. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hands or feet—stay away
from rotating blades and moving parts. Pull the wire off of the
spark plug before performing any maintenance.

104-3239

1. Heights of cut

9

104-3240

1. Decrease height of cut 2. Increase height of cut

104-3238

1. Starting procedure

2. Read the operator’s
manual.

3. Check the engine oil
level.

4. Raise the cutting unit.

5. Put the traction control
pedal in neutral.

6. Set the parking brake.

7. If the engine is cold, move
the throttle lever to
Choke.

8. Turn the ignition key to
start the engine.

9. Unlock the parking brake.

1. To drive the mower, push
the lever in.

1. Increase the discharge
opening when mowing
long, wet grass.

104-3243

2. To push the mower, pull
the lever out.

104-2853

2. Decrease the discharge
opening when mowing
short, dry grass.

1. Forward

2. Neutral

104-3241

3. Variable speed from slow

4. Reverse

to fast

1. Pull up to engage.

2. Push in to disengage.

3. Power Take Off (PTO)

10

104-3233

4. Choke off

5. Choke on

104-3234

1. Variable speed from slow
to fast

2. Engine stop

3. Headlights on

4. Engine on

5. Engine start

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

Using a stabilizer/conditioner in the machine:

• 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 Never use fuel additives containing

methanol or ethanol.

11