Toro 21564 Owners Manual

The Toro 21564 is a high-performance walk-behind lawn mower featuring a powerful engine, durable steel deck, adjustable cutting heights, easy-start system, mulching and bagging capabilities, ergonomic handle with controls, and rear-wheel drive. Designed for residential lawn care with safety features, easy maintenance, and reliable operation. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, Rear-wheel drive system, Adjustable handle, Mulching plug, Grass bag, Blade control lever, Height adjustment lever.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine with easy-start system
Cutting Width	21-inch steel deck for efficient mowing
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches in 0.5-inch increments
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Mulching Capability	Includes mulching plug for nutrient recycling
Bagging	Large-capacity rear bag for clippings collection
Blade Control	Blade control lever for safe operation
Handle	Ergonomic folding handle with adjustable height
Wheels	8-inch rear wheels, 7-inch front wheels
Fuel Tank	1-quart capacity for extended runtime

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a flat, stable surface.

Attach handle: Align handle brackets with deck mounts; secure with provided bolts and washers.
Install wheels: Insert axles through wheel hubs; secure with retaining clips or nuts.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets; ensure secure fit.
Install mulching plug: Insert plug into rear discharge chute if mulching desired.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil; add unleaded gasoline to fuel tank.

WARNING! Wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly; perform pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; avoid overfilling.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired height (recommend 2.5-3 inches for first mow).
Test controls: Operate blade control and drive lever without engine running to ensure smooth movement.
Start engine: Follow starting procedure; let engine warm up for 1-2 minutes.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Clear mowing area of debris.

Specifications

Model: Toro 21564.
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV, 4-cycle.
Cutting Width: 21 inches.
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches.
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel.
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive with variable speed.
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels.
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front.
Weight: 65 lbs (approx.).
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

Controls and Operation

Key controls: Blade control lever, Drive control lever, Height adjustment lever, Recoil starter, Fuel shut-off valve.

Starting Procedure: 1. Move fuel valve to ON. 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter firmly. 4. Engage blade control lever.

Stopping Procedure: 1. Release blade control lever. 2. Move throttle to STOP. 3. Move fuel valve to OFF.

Operation Tips: Mow when grass is dry; overlap passes by 2 inches; avoid mowing in reverse.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust height via lever on each wheel.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Move adjustment lever to desired setting (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 inches).
Ensure all four wheels are set to same height.

Tip: Cut no more than 1/3 of grass height at a time. Adjust height seasonally.

Mulching and Bagging

Mulching: Install mulching plug; mow without bag. Bagging: Remove plug; attach grass bag.

For mulching: Ensure plug fully inserted; mow at moderate speed.
For bagging: Empty bag when 2/3 full to maintain airflow.
Side discharge: Remove both plug and bag for discharge mode.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing cutting mode. Keep hands clear of discharge chute.

Safety Features

Blade control system: Blade stops within 3 seconds of lever release. Safety key: Engine will not start without key inserted. Guarded discharge chute: Prevents debris ejection. Operator presence control: Requires operator at handle for blade engagement.

Maintenance & Storage

Regular maintenance ensures longevity.

After each use: Clean underside of deck; check for damage.
Monthly: Check blade sharpness; sharpen or replace if dull.
Seasonally: Change oil (first 5 hours, then every 50 hours); replace air filter; check spark plug.
Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer; store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance. Use only Toro-approved parts.

Warranty Information

Toro Limited Warranty: 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact authorized Toro dealer or call 1-888-384-9939. Register product at www.toro.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark plug, safety key missing	Check fuel level; inspect spark plug; ensure safety key inserted.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed, wet grass	Sharpen or replace blade; set throttle to FAST; mow when grass dry.
Vibration or noise	Loose blade, debris under deck, unbalanced blade	Tighten blade bolt; clean deck; balance or replace blade.
Won't drive	Drive cable loose, worn drive belt	Adjust drive cable tension; replace drive belt if worn.
Engine stalls	Clogged air filter, old fuel, carburetor issue	Clean/replace air filter; use fresh fuel; clean carburetor.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Toro service center. Use genuine Toro parts.

Support: 1-888-384-9939; www.toro.com