Toro Lawn Mower Model 20379 Manual

The Toro Model 20379 is a 22-inch Recycler® Self-Propelled Lawn Mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side-discharge capability, Personal Pace® self-propel system, SmartStow® vertical storage, electric start option, washout port, and 10-inch rear wheels. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and follow all safety instructions before use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Discharge Options 7. Starting & Stopping Procedures 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Recycler® cutting deck, Personal Pace® drive system, engine, height adjustment levers, bag, and control panel.

Feature	Description
Engine	190cc Briggs & Stratton, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width	22 inches
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side-Discharge
Drive System	Personal Pace® Self-Propelled
Start Options	Recoil and Electric Start (if equipped)
Height Adjustment	Single-point lever, 1.5 to 4 inches
Storage	SmartStow® for vertical storage
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Washout Port	For easy deck cleaning
Fuel Tank	Approximately 0.5 gallons

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from the box. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and knobs.
Install the upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with provided hardware.
Attach the grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets.
Install the battery (if electric start): Place in compartment, connect terminals (red to +, black to -).
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI if necessary.
Add oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not add fuel indoors or while engine is hot. Assemble on a flat, stable surface.

Safety Information

Read and understand the manual before operating. Always wear appropriate clothing and eye protection.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
Do not mow when children or pets are present.
Always start the engine outdoors, never in an enclosed area.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and discharge chute.
Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before unclogging, adjusting, or inspecting.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes. Do not mow on steep inclines.

DANGER! Gasoline is flammable. Handle with care. Engine parts become extremely hot during operation.

Specifications

Model: 20379
Type: 22" Recycler® Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 190cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches
Drive: Personal Pace® Self-Propelled (Forward only)
Start System: Recoil (Standard), Electric (Optional on some models)
Bag Capacity: 2.6 bushels
Wheels: 10" rear, 8" front
Weight (Approx.): 85 lbs
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (summer use)

Controls and Operation

Control Panel: Located on the upper handle. Includes drive control bail, blade control bail, throttle control, and primer bulb.

Key Controls: Drive Control Bail (engages self-propel), Blade Control Bail (engages cutting blade), Throttle Control (engine speed), Primer Bulb (for cold starts), Recoil Starter Handle, Height Adjustment Lever (single lever for all wheels).

Operation: To mow, press and hold the drive control bail against the handle to engage self-propel. Press and hold the blade control bail against the handle to engage the blade. Release either bail to stop that function. Use the Personal Pace® system: walking speed automatically adjusts to pressure on the drive control.

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 Capability: Configure for mulching, bagging, or side-discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug and mulch cover over the discharge chute. Cuts clippings finely and returns them to the lawn.
Bagging: Attach the grass bag assembly. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side-Discharge: Remove mulch plug and cover. Install side-discharge chute (optional accessory).

Tip: For best mulching results, mow when grass is dry and do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass height at once.

Starting & Stopping Procedures

Starting (Recoil):

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move throttle control to FAST position.
Press primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Stand behind mower, pull recoil starter handle briskly.

Starting (Electric - if equipped):

Insert key and turn to ON.
Press and hold the safety start button, then turn the key to START.

Stopping:

Release the blade control bail to stop the blade.
Release the drive control bail to stop movement.
Move throttle control to STOP position.
For electric start, turn key to OFF and remove.

WARNING! Never leave a running mower unattended.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check engine oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris.
Every 8 hours	Check tire pressure.
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), clean or replace air filter, check spark plug.
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck, check all nuts/bolts for tightness, lubricate wheel bearings and height adjuster.
As needed	Replace fuel filter, clean cooling fins, check drive belt tension.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage

For long-term storage (over 30 days):

Drain fuel from tank and carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer to a full tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change the engine oil.
Clean the mower thoroughly, especially the underside of the deck.
Remove the spark plug, add 1 oz of oil into the cylinder, pull recoil starter slowly, then reinstall plug.
Store in a clean, dry place. Use the SmartStow® feature for vertical storage to save space.

WARNING! Never store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.

Warranty Information

The Toro Model 20379 is covered by a limited warranty. The engine is covered by a separate Briggs & Stratton warranty. Proof of purchase is required.

Residential Use: 3-year full warranty on mower, 2-year limited warranty on battery (if equipped).
Commercial Use: 90-day warranty.
Warranty Service: Contact an Authorized Toro Service Dealer. For dealer locations or warranty details, visit www.toro.com or call 1-888-384-9939.

This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper storage, or normal wear items like blades, belts, and tires.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, old fuel, spark plug wire disconnected, clogged air filter, throttle not in correct position.	Add fresh fuel, check spark plug connection, clean/replace air filter, set throttle to FAST/CHOKE.
Engine runs poorly or stalls	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel, clogged fuel filter.	Replace air filter, drain and replace fuel, replace fuel filter.
Mower does not self-propel	Drive control bail not engaged, drive belt worn or broken.	Fully engage drive control bail, inspect and replace drive belt if necessary.
Uneven cutting	Dull or damaged blade, uneven tire pressure, deck not level.	Sharpen or replace blade, inflate tires to 14 PSI, level the deck.
Excessive vibration	Damaged or unbalanced blade, loose blade bolt, debris lodged in blade.	Stop engine immediately. Inspect blade for damage and tightness. Remove debris.
Grass bag not filling	Deck clogged, grass too wet/dense, bag full.	Clean underside of deck, mow when grass is drier, empty bag more frequently.

For Service: Contact an Authorized Toro Service Dealer. Have your model and serial numbers ready. Find your dealer at www.toro.com.