Toro Lawn Mower Model 21442 Manual

The Toro Model 21442 is a 22-inch personal pace self-propelled lawn mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, rear-wheel drive, personal pace speed control system, single-lever height adjustment (1.5-4 inches), mulching, bagging, and side-discharge capabilities, 3-in-1 versatility, easy fold handle for storage, and a 2.5-bushel grass bag. 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 Height & Modes 7. Personal Pace System 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, Personal Pace control lever, single-lever height adjustment, 3-in-1 deck (mulch/bag/side-discharge), rear-wheel drive, foldable handle, 2.5-bushel grass bag.

Feature	Description
Personal Pace System	Automatically adjusts mower speed to your walking pace
Single-Lever Height Adjust	Adjusts all four wheels simultaneously (1.5" to 4")
3-in-1 Versatility	Mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings
Rear-Wheel Drive	Provides traction on slopes and uneven terrain
Foldable Handle	Easy storage in garage or shed
2.5-Bushel Grass Bag	Large capacity reduces emptying frequency
Briggs & Stratton Engine	190cc, reliable starting and performance
Easy Start System	Primer bulb and auto-choke for quick starts
Safety Key	Must be inserted to start engine (operator presence control)
Warranty	Limited residential warranty (see manual)

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach Lower Handle: Secure to deck using provided bolts and washers.
Attach Upper Handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with knobs or bolts.
Install Grass Bag: Attach bag support brackets to deck, hang bag.
Install Side-Discharge Chute: If using side-discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
Add Oil & Gas: Add SAE 30 motor oil to engine (check dipstick). Fill with fresh unleaded gasoline.

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

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 with minimum 87 octane. Do not overfill.
Inspect Blade: Ensure cutting blade is sharp and securely fastened.
Adjust Cutting Height: Set single lever to desired height (recommend 2.5-3" for first mow).
Test Personal Pace: On a flat surface, push control lever forward to engage drive; release to stop.

CAUTION! Never add fuel while engine is hot. Allow engine to cool completely.

Specifications

Cutting Width: 22 inches.
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 190cc, 4-cycle.
Drive System: Rear-wheel, Personal Pace variable speed.
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches (single-lever adjustment).
Deck Material: Steel, corrosion-resistant.
Grass Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels.
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front.
Weight: Approximately 75 lbs (without bag).
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.5 gallons.
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30).

Controls and Operation

Key controls located on handle. Engine Controls: Primer bulb, throttle control, recoil starter. Drive Controls: Personal Pace lever, drive control cable. Safety Features: Safety key, blade control bail (must be held to run).

Starting Procedure: Insert safety key. Push primer bulb 3 times. Set throttle to FAST. Pull recoil starter. To engage blade, hold blade control bail against handle. To move, push Personal Pace lever forward; speed increases with pressure.

Stopping: Release blade control bail to stop blade. Release Personal Pace lever to stop drive. Set throttle to STOP. Remove safety key.

Cutting Height & Modes

Single-Lever Adjustment: Move lever to one of 7 positions (1.5" to 4").

Mulching: Install mulch plug (included). Cuts clippings finely and returns to lawn.
Bagging: Attach grass bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side-Discharge: Install side-discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side (right).

Tip: For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at one time. Keep blade sharp.

Personal Pace System

The Personal Pace system automatically matches mower speed to your walking pace.

To move forward: Push lever forward gently for slow speed, further for faster speed.
To stop drive: Release lever; drive disengages automatically.
To reverse: Pull mower backward; drive disengages, allowing free rolling.
Adjustment: If drive seems too fast/slow, adjust cable tension per manual instructions.

WARNING! Always release lever before changing direction. Do not force mower backward while drive is engaged.

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

After Each Use: Clean underside of deck (remove grass buildup).
Monthly: Check blade sharpness and balance; sharpen or replace as needed.
Seasonally: Change oil (first 5 hours, then every 50 hours or season). Replace air filter. Check spark plug.
Storage: Run engine dry or add fuel stabilizer. Store in dry place. Fold handle for compact storage.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Allow engine to cool completely.

Regulatory Information

This mower complies with ANSI B71.1 safety standards. Engine meets EPA Phase 3 emissions requirements. Contains parts from USA and imported components. Copyright © Toro Company. For support, visit www.toro.com or contact 1-888-384-9939. Keep this manual for future reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged air filter, safety key not inserted	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, ensure safety key is inserted, check spark plug.
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose blade, unbalanced blade, debris under deck	Tighten blade bolt, balance or replace blade, clean deck underside.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, cutting height too low, wet grass	Sharpen blade, raise cutting height, mow when grass is dry.
Drive not engaging	Drive cable loose, Personal Pace lever stuck	Adjust drive cable tension, lubricate lever pivot points.
Grass bag not filling	Deck clogged, bag full, improper installation	Clean deck, empty bag, ensure bag is properly attached.

Reset: For engine issues, wait 5 minutes then attempt restart.

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