Toro 21464 Owners Manual

The Toro 21464 is a high-performance walk-behind lawn mower featuring a powerful engine, durable steel deck, adjustable cutting heights, easy-start system, mulching capability, rear bagging system, ergonomic handle with controls, and safety features including blade brake clutch. Designed for residential lawn care with efficient cutting and maneuverability. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Mulching & Bagging 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, Rear grass bag, Height adjustment lever, Blade brake clutch system, Ergonomic handle with controls.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	21-inch steel deck for durable cutting performance
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine with easy-start system
Cutting Height Adjustment	Single-lever adjustment for 6 cutting positions (1.5-4 inches)
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Mulching Capability	3-in-1 system: mulch, bag, or side discharge
Grass Bag	2.5 bushel rear bag with easy-empty feature
Blade Brake Clutch	Safety system that stops blade while engine runs
Handle	Ergonomic design with fold-down capability for storage
Wheels	8-inch rear wheels, 7-inch front wheels for maneuverability
Fuel Tank	0.75 gallon capacity for extended operation

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach handle: Align handle halves with lower brackets, insert bolts and tighten securely.
Install grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks until it clicks into place.
Connect control cables: Route drive and blade control cables per diagram, adjust tension.
Install height adjustment lever: Attach to deck bracket, connect to adjustment linkage.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz. capacity).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly. Wear gloves when handling sharp edges.

First-Time Operation

Complete assembly and pre-operation checks before starting.

Pre-start inspection: Check oil level, fuel, tire pressure, and blade condition.
Starting procedure: Set throttle to FAST, prime engine 3 times, pull starter cord firmly.
Engage blade: With engine running, press and hold blade control lever against handle.
Begin mowing: Walk at steady pace, overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Self-propelled operation: Squeeze drive control lever to engage wheels, adjust speed.

CAUTION! Clear mowing area of debris. Never operate without grass bag or mulch plug properly installed.

Specifications

Model: Toro 21464
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV, 4-cycle
Cutting Heights: 6 positions, 1.5 to 4 inches
Drive System: Self-propelled rear-wheel drive, variable speed
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Warranty: 2-year limited residential warranty
Weight: 75 lbs (assembled)
Fuel Capacity: 0.75 gallons

Controls and Settings

Handle controls: Blade control lever, Drive control lever, Throttle control, Choke.

Operation: Blade control must be held against handle for blade rotation. Release to stop blade while engine runs (Blade Brake Clutch). Drive control engages self-propelled system when squeezed. Throttle controls engine speed (FAST for mowing, SLOW for idle).

Adjustments: Cutting height via single lever. Drive speed via variable control. Handle height via adjustment knobs.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all wheels simultaneously with single lever.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop completely.
Pull height adjustment lever outward from deck.
Move lever to desired position (1-6, with 1 being lowest).
Release lever to lock into position.
Check all wheels are at same height before mowing.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest position, then gradually lower.

Mulching & Bagging

3-in-1 cutting system: mulch, bag, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug in rear discharge opening. Blade converts clippings into fine mulch.
Bagging: Remove mulch plug, install grass bag. Empty when bag indicator shows full.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and bag, attach discharge chute (optional accessory).
Best Practices: Mow when grass is dry. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing cutting mode. Ensure proper installation of components.

Safety Features

Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blade within 3 seconds when control is released while engine runs. Safety labels: Read and understand all warning labels. Handle design: Requires operator presence for operation. Discharge guard: Prevents direct access to discharge area.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean air filter, check spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly, store covered

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Allow engine to cool completely.

Warranty Information

Toro 21464 includes 2-year limited residential warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized Toro service dealer or call 1-888-384-9939. Register product at www.toro.com within 30 days of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel level, fresh gasoline, spark plug connection, choke position.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, engine speed	Sharpen or replace blade, ensure throttle at FAST, clear deck buildup.
Self-propelled not working	Drive cable, belt, or control	Check drive cable adjustment, inspect drive belt for wear, ensure control lever engaged.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Stop immediately, check blade balance and tightness, inspect for damage.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged	Mow when grass dry, clean underside of deck, check blade sharpness.

Service: For technical support: 1-888-384-9939 or www.toro.com