toro lawn mower manual 20043

The Toro Lawn Mower Model 20043 is a versatile walk-behind mower designed for residential lawn care. It features a reliable gasoline engine, adjustable cutting heights, a durable steel deck, rear bagging capability, side discharge option, and mulching functionality. This manual covers essential safety information, assembly instructions, operation guidelines, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Gasoline engine, steel cutting deck, height adjustment lever, rear grass bag, side discharge chute, mulching plug, recoil starter, and operator presence control.

Feature	Description
Engine	4-cycle, 140cc gasoline engine for reliable power
Cutting Width	21-inch steel cutting deck
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Drive System	Self-propelled, variable speed (if applicable)
Grass Disposal	Rear bagging, side discharge, and mulching capabilities
Starter	Recoil (pull-start) system
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front wheels for easy maneuverability
Safety Features	Operator presence control, blade brake system
Fuel Tank	0.5-gallon capacity
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts and inspect for damage. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and washers.
Install the grass bag: Attach bag support frame to rear deck, then hook bag onto frame.
Install side discharge chute (if not using bag/mulch): Secure chute to side discharge opening.
Insert mulching plug (for mulching): Place plug into rear discharge opening.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to recommended PSI (printed on tire sidewall).
Add engine oil and gasoline: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (check level) and unleaded gasoline.

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

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating the mower.

Clear mowing area: Remove stones, toys, wires, and other objects that could be thrown.
Wear appropriate clothing: Sturdy shoes, long pants, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
Never operate without safety devices: Ensure grass bag, discharge chute, or mulching plug is properly installed.
Do not mow wet grass: Reduced traction and clogging may occur.
Keep bystanders away: Especially children and pets.
Stop engine before unclogging or adjusting: Wait for all moving parts to stop completely.
Use extreme caution on slopes: Mow across slopes, not up and down.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from deck during operation.

Specifications

Model: Toro 20043
Engine Type: 4-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled
Engine Displacement: 140cc
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (API service classification SJ or higher)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Drive Type: Self-propelled (rear-wheel drive)
Speed Control: Variable speed lever on handle
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever, speed control lever, height adjustment lever, operator presence control bar.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Hold operator presence control bar against handle.
Pull recoil starter cord briskly.

Stopping Procedure: Release operator presence control bar. Engine and blade will stop. Move throttle to STOP position.

Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze drive control lever to engage drive wheels. Adjust speed with speed control lever.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all four wheels to same height for even cutting.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Locate height adjustment lever near each wheel.
Pull lever outward and move to desired height setting (1-6).
Release lever to lock into position.
Repeat for all four wheels.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting. Gradually lower for subsequent mows.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use
Check air filter	Every 25 hours
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours or annually
Change engine oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours
Sharpen or replace blade	Every 25 hours or as needed
Check tire pressure	Monthly
Lubricate wheel bearings	Every 50 hours

Blade Sharpening: Remove spark plug wire. Remove blade bolt (clockwise thread). Sharpen at original angle. Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage extends mower life.

Run engine to use up fuel or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil if near due for change.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to distribute, reinstall plug.
Store in clean, dry place, protected from weather.
Cover mower to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

Warranty Information

Toro Model 20043 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship under normal residential use. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, commercial use, or improper maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Toro service dealer or call Toro Customer Support at 1-888-384-9939. Keep this manual and purchase receipt for warranty validation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, old gasoline, clogged air filter, spark plug issue	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check/replace spark plug, ensure throttle in START position.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, water in fuel, clogged fuel line	Clean air filter, drain fuel tank and add fresh gasoline, check fuel line for obstructions.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, incorrect cutting height	Sharpen or replace blade, inflate tires to equal pressure, adjust all wheels to same height.
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose blade, bent blade, debris wrapped around blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, tighten blade bolt, replace bent blade, remove debris.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn or broken, drive control cable loose	Check drive belt for wear/replace, adjust drive control cable tension.
Grass bag not filling	Wet grass, clogged deck, full bag	Mow when grass is dry, clean underside of deck, empty bag frequently.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Toro service dealer. Customer Support: 1-888-384-9939, www.toro.com