Toro Lawn Mower Model 20074 Manual

The Toro Model 20074 is a 22-inch self-propelled, rear-bagging lawn mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), single-lever height adjustment (1.5-4 inches), electric start capability, Personal Pace® self-propulsion system, SmartStow® vertical storage, and a durable steel deck. 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 System Setup 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22-inch steel cutting deck, 190cc engine, rear collection bag, Personal Pace® control bar, height adjustment lever, electric start receptacle, SmartStow® handle.

Feature	Description
Engine	190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 Series, OHV
Cutting Width	22 inches
Cutting Height	Single lever adjusts 1.5 to 4 inches
Propulsion	Personal Pace® self-propelled system
Starting System	Recoil and electric start (battery sold separately)
Cutting System	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Deck Material	Durable steel
Bag Capacity	2.6 bushels
Handle	Folding with SmartStow® for vertical storage
Warranty	Limited lifetime on deck, 3-year on engine

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach Lower Handle: Bolt lower handle sections to deck using provided hardware.
Install Upper Handle: Connect upper handle to lower handle, secure with knobs.
Attach Bag: Hang rear bag onto bag support brackets; ensure clips engage.
Install Control Cable: Connect Personal Pace® cable to engine and control bar.
Add Oil & Gas: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not add gasoline during assembly or in enclosed space. Ensure all bolts are tight before operation.

First-Time Setup

Prepare mower for first use after assembly.

Check Oil Level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 87 octane. Do not overfill.
Set Cutting Height: Adjust lever to desired height (recommend 3 inches for first mow).
Select Cutting Mode: Install mulch plug, bag, or side discharge chute as needed.
Test Controls: Practice engaging Personal Pace® system without engine running.

CAUTION! Always check for debris under deck. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: 20074
Engine: 190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 Series, OHV
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches
Wheel Size: 10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Self-Propelled Speed: 0-3.5 mph with Personal Pace®
Bag Capacity: 2.6 bushels
Weight (approx.): 85 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz SAE 30 (summer)

Controls and Operation

Main Controls: Personal Pace® drive control bar, throttle control, blade control bail, height adjustment lever, electric start key slot.

Starting: For recoil start: Set throttle to FAST, pull cord. For electric start: Insert key, turn to start. Stopping: Release blade control bail. Driving: Squeeze Personal Pace® bar to engage drive; release to stop. Speed adjusts automatically with pressure. Height Adjustment: Move single lever to desired setting; all wheels adjust simultaneously.

Cutting System Setup

3-in-1 system allows mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug and mulch blade (included). Grass clippings are cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Attach rear bag. Ensure chute is closed. Empty bag when full.
Side Discharge: Install side discharge chute. Direct clippings away from work area.

Tip: Always shut off engine and disconnect spark plug before changing cutting mode.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (or annually), check air filter, inspect spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, lubricate wheel bearings and height adjuster
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean entire mower, store properly

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Use SmartStow® feature for compact vertical storage.

Prepare for Storage: Clean mower thoroughly. Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer.
Fold Handle: Loosen handle knobs, fold handle down toward deck.
Store Vertically: Tilt mower back onto rear wheels and rear handle. Ensure area is clean and dry.
Battery (if equipped): Remove and store battery indoors on charger.

CAUTION! Store in dry location away from heat sources and open flame.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Do not mow wet grass.
Never leave mower unattended with engine running.
Keep children and pets away from area.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes.
Disconnect spark plug for maintenance or clearing jams.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away.

Warranty & Support

Limited Lifetime Warranty on cutting deck. 3-Year Limited Warranty on Briggs & Stratton engine (residential use). Proof of purchase required. For technical support, parts, or service, contact Toro directly or visit an authorized service dealer.

Contact: The Toro Company | Customer Support: 1-888-384-9939 | www.toro.com

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, spark plug disconnected	Add fresh fuel, check spark plug connection, ensure blade control is engaged.
Mower vibrates excessively	Damaged or unbalanced blade	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, inspect and sharpen or replace blade.
Poor cut quality	Dull blade, clogged deck, speed too fast	Sharpen blade, clean deck, reduce mowing speed.
Self-propel not working	Drive cable loose or broken	Check cable tension and connection at both ends; adjust or replace.
Bag not filling	Clogged chute, wet grass, engine speed low	Clean chute and deck, mow when grass is dry, run engine at FULL throttle.

Reset: For electric start models, ensure battery is charged.

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