Toro 22 in Recycler Lawn Mower

Owners Manual & Operation Guide

22 Inch Cutting Width

Installation & Setup

Tools Needed:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
  • Pliers
  • Socket set
  • Safety gloves

Step-by-Step Assembly

  1. Unpack and Inspect: Remove all packaging materials and inspect for any shipping damage.
  2. Handle Assembly: Attach the upper and lower handle sections using provided bolts and hardware.
  3. Install Height Adjuster: Attach the cutting height adjustment lever to the deck.
  4. Attach Grass Bag: Install the recycler grass bag assembly to the rear discharge chute.
  5. Add Engine Oil: Fill the engine with recommended SAE 30 oil to the proper level.
  6. Add Fuel: Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane).
  7. Battery Installation: For electric start models, install the battery following polarity markings.
  8. Final Check: Ensure all bolts are tightened and safety features are functioning properly.
Warning: Always wear protective equipment during assembly. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model Series 20332 / 20333 / 20334
Type Self-Propelled Recycler Lawn Mower
Engine Type Toro Premium 163cc OHV
Cutting Width 22 inches
Cutting Heights 1.5" - 4.5" (12 positions)
Start Type Recoil / Electric Start (model dependent)
Drive System Front Wheel Drive
Speed Settings Variable (0-3.5 mph)
Fuel Capacity 0.95 quarts
Oil Capacity 20 oz
Weight 85 lbs
Warranty 3 years residential / 90 days commercial

Warranty Information

  • Full Warranty: 3 years residential use
  • Commercial Warranty: 90 days commercial use
  • Additional Coverage: Optional extended warranty available

For warranty service, contact Toro Customer Service at 1-888-384-9939 or visit Toro.com

Key Features

Recycler® Cutting System

Toro's patented Recycler system cuts grass clippings into tiny particles that decompose quickly, returning nutrients to your lawn without bagging.

Personal Pace® Self-Propelled

The intuitive Personal Pace system automatically matches mower speed to your walking pace—just push the lever forward to go faster, back to slow down.

Quick Stick™ Height Adjustment

Change cutting height quickly with a single lever that adjusts all four wheels simultaneously—no bending or adjusting individual wheels.

FLEX™ Force® Battery System

On electric start models, the FLEX Force battery provides reliable starting power and can be used with other Toro FLEX Force tools.

DuraForce® Engine

The premium 163cc DuraForce engine delivers maximum power and torque for tough mowing conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency.

VersaTrack™ Wheels

Large 11-inch rear wheels with deep treads provide excellent traction and stability on slopes and uneven terrain.

Cutting Options Explained

Recycle

Returns nutrient-rich clippings to the lawn for natural fertilization

Mulch

Finely chops clippings for rapid decomposition

Side Discharge

Discharges clippings to the side for tall or wet grass

Bag

Collects clippings in rear bag for clean disposal

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure

  1. Pre-Start Check: Ensure area is clear of debris and obstacles
  2. Fuel Check: Verify adequate fuel level
  3. Oil Check: Check engine oil level
  4. Height Adjustment: Set desired cutting height
  5. Recoil Start: Pull starter cord briskly (recoil models)
  6. Electric Start: Turn key or push button (electric start models)
  7. Warm Up: Allow engine to run for 30 seconds before mowing

Mowing Techniques

  • Overlap Pattern: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cutting
  • Slope Mowing: Mow across slopes, not up and down
  • Wet Grass: Avoid mowing when grass is excessively wet
  • Cutting Height: Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade length
  • Pattern Variation: Change mowing direction weekly for healthier turf
Safety First: Always wear eye protection, hearing protection, and sturdy footwear while operating.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task Frequency Procedure
Check Engine Oil Before each use Verify oil level is between marks on dipstick
Air Filter Cleaning Every 25 hours Clean foam pre-filter, replace paper element yearly
Spark Plug Replacement Every 100 hours Replace with Toro recommended plug (gapped at 0.030")
Blade Sharpening Every 25 hours Remove and sharpen blade, maintain balance
Deck Cleaning After each use Remove grass buildup from underside of deck
Wheel Bearing Lubrication Every season Apply light machine oil to wheel bearings

Winter Storage

  1. Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer
  2. Change engine oil
  3. Remove spark plug and add oil to cylinder
  4. Clean entire mower thoroughly
  5. Store in dry, covered location
  6. Remove battery (electric start models) and store separately

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Engine won't start Empty fuel tank, stale fuel, clogged fuel line Add fresh fuel, check fuel line, clean carburetor
Engine runs poorly Dirty air filter, old spark plug, water in fuel Clean/replace air filter, replace spark plug, drain fuel
Uneven cutting Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, bent blade Sharpen/replace blade, check tire pressure, inspect deck
Excessive vibration Unbalanced blade, loose components, bent crankshaft Balance blade, tighten bolts, inspect crankshaft
Self-propel not working Drive belt worn, drive cable loose, wheels locked Replace belt, adjust cable, check wheel engagement
Grass clumping Wet grass, cutting too low, dull blade Wait for dry conditions, raise height, sharpen blade

Common Issues

  • Hard Starting: Check fuel freshness and spark plug condition
  • Loss of Power: Clean air filter and check fuel system
  • Poor Bagging: Clean deck and check bag for clogs
  • Won't Self-Propel: Inspect drive belt and cable tension
  • Excessive Noise: Check for loose components or foreign objects
  • Oil Leaks: Inspect gaskets and seals for wear

Manual Downloads

Current Model Manuals

20332

22" Recycler with Recoil Start

20333

22" Recycler with Electric Start

20334

22" Recycler with FLEX Force

20335

22" Super Recycler

Popular Previous Models

20330

22" Recycler (2019 Model)

20328

22" Recycler (2018 Model)

20325

22" Recycler (2017 Model)

20322

22" Recycler (2016 Model)

Note: For models not listed here, please visit the Toro Support Website for complete documentation.