Toro Lawn Mower Model 20353 Manual

The Toro Model 20353 is a 22-inch personal pace self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 6.75 ft-lbs gross torque Briggs & Stratton engine, single-lever height adjustment (1.5-4 inches), Personal Pace® self-propel system for automatic speed control, SmartStow® vertical storage capability, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), easy-start system, and washout port for cleaning. 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 & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, Personal Pace® drive system, SmartStow® handle, single-lever height adjuster, 3-in-1 cutting deck, washout port, rear bagger.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 163cc, 6.75 ft-lbs gross torque
Cutting Width	22 inches
Cutting Height	Single-lever adjustment (1.5-4 inches)
Drive System	Personal Pace® self-propelled with automatic speed control
Cutting System	3-in-1 (mulch, bag, side discharge)
Storage	SmartStow® for vertical storage
Starting System	Easy-start primer bulb and recoil starter
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallons (unleaded gasoline only)
Washout Port	For easy deck cleaning
Warranty	Limited lifetime on deck, 3-year on engine

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires adjustable wrench and screwdriver.

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into mounting brackets, secure with provided bolts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach bagger: Hook rear bagger onto deck pins, secure with retaining rod.
Install side discharge chute (if not mulching): Snap into place on deck opening.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz). Add fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Always wear gloves during assembly. Keep hands clear of cutting blade.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete assembly and perform pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher). Do not overfill.
Adjust cutting height: Set single lever to desired height (recommend 3 inches for first mow).
Test Personal Pace®: Engage drive control bar; walk naturally to test speed response.
Select cutting mode: Install mulch plug, bagger, or side discharge chute as needed.

CAUTION! Operate outdoors only. Clear mowing area of debris before starting.

Specifications

Model: 20353
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 163cc, 6.75 ft-lbs gross torque
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches (single lever)
Drive: Personal Pace® self-propelled rear wheel drive
Cutting Options: Mulch, bag, side discharge
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons (unleaded gasoline)
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30 detergent)
Wheel Size: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight: 78 lbs (without bagger)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Personal Pace® drive control bar, blade control bail, height adjustment lever.

Starting Procedure:

Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter handle firmly.

Operation: Squeeze blade control bail against handle to engage blade. Squeeze drive control bar to engage self-propel; walking speed controls mower speed. Release both to stop blade and drive.

Height Adjustment: Move single lever to one of 7 positions (1.5-4 inches).

Cutting System Setup

3-in-1 system allows quick change between mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug fully into deck opening.
Bagging: Remove mulch plug, attach bagger with retaining rod.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug and bagger, install discharge chute.

Tip: For best mulching, mow when grass is dry and cut no more than 1/3 of blade height.

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 oil (or annually), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, clean under deck
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, check drive system
As needed	Clean washout port after use, check tire pressure

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug wire. Remove blade; sharpen at 30° angle. Balance before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

For seasonal storage (over 30 days):

Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 2 minutes.
Change oil and replace spark plug.
Clean under deck using washout port.
Store vertically with SmartStow®: Lower handle, engage storage latch.
Remove battery (if electric start model) and store separately.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank beyond 30 days without stabilizer. Store in dry, covered area.

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear eye protection and sturdy shoes.

Keep hands and feet away from cutting blade.
Never operate without grass bag, mulch plug, or discharge chute properly installed.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.
Never allow children to operate mower.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors with engine off and cool.

Warranty & Support

Limited lifetime warranty on cutting deck, 3-year limited warranty on Briggs & Stratton engine (residential use). Proof of purchase required. For support, contact Toro at 1-888-384-9939 or visit www.toro.com. Register product online for warranty activation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blade; set throttle to FAST.
Mower doesn't self-propel	Drive cable loose, worn drive belt	Adjust drive cable tension; replace drive belt if worn.
Uneven cutting	Uneven tire pressure, bent blade	Inflate tires to 15 PSI; check blade balance.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt; clean under deck.
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged	Mow when grass dry; clean deck with washout port.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Toro service dealer. Use only Toro replacement parts.