Toro Lawn Mower Model 21445 Manual

The Toro Model 21445 is a 22-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (1.5-4 inches), Personal Pace self-propulsion system, electric start option, washout port for easy cleaning, and 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 Height Adjustment 7. Mulching & Bagging 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22-inch steel cutting deck, 190cc engine, Personal Pace drive system, height adjustment lever, washout port, rear bagger, mulching plug.

Feature	Description
Engine	190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 Series, OHV
Cutting Width	22 inches
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4 inches (8 positions)
Drive System	Personal Pace self-propelled (front-wheel drive)
Starting System	Recoil pull-start (electric start optional)
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Grass Disposal	3-in-1: Mulch, Bag, Side-discharge
Bag Capacity	2.75 bushels (standard)
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallons (unleaded gasoline)
Weight	Approx. 85 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks; secure bag with Velcro straps.
Install mulching plug: Insert into rear discharge chute when mulching.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz); add fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (recommend 3 inches for first mow).
Test Personal Pace: Squeeze drive control lever; mower should move forward when you walk.
Practice starting: Engage blade control, pull recoil starter smoothly.

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

Specifications

Model: 21445
Engine: 190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 Series, OHV
Cutting Width: 22 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches
Drive: Front-wheel self-propelled (Personal Pace)
Starting: Recoil (electric start optional on some models)
Deck: 22-inch steel, powder-coated
Discharge Options: Mulch, Bag, Side-discharge
Bag Capacity: 2.75 bushels
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Operation

Main controls located on handle.

Handle Controls: Blade control lever (must be held to run engine), Drive control lever (Personal Pace), Height adjustment lever, Fuel cap, Oil fill.

Operation: 1. Check oil and fuel. 2. Set height. 3. Engage blade control. 4. Pull starter. 5. Squeeze drive lever to move. Personal Pace: Speed adjusts automatically to your walking pace. Stopping: Release blade control; engine stops. Drive disengages when lever released.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1.5 to 4 inches).
Release lever to lock in place.

Tip: For healthier grass, never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once. Adjust height seasonally.

Mulching & Bagging

3-in-1 system: Install appropriate accessory.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear discharge chute. Blade converts clippings to fine mulch.
Bagging: Attach grass bag to rear hooks. Ensure bag is empty before it fills completely.
Side-discharge: Remove both mulching plug and grass bag. Clippings discharge from side chute.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing discharge mode. Keep hands away from chute openings.

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 (SAE 30), check air filter, inspect spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck, lubricate wheels
As needed	Replace air filter, spark plug, drive belt

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade; maintain original angle. Balance before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Run engine to warm oil; drain oil and refill with fresh.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank; run engine 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect spark plug wire; clean entire mower.
Store in dry, covered area; cover with tarp if outdoors.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Drain fuel if storing longer than 30 days.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions.

Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Never mow wet grass.
Do not allow children to operate mower.
Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.
Never reach under deck while engine is running.
Use extreme caution on slopes; mow across slope, not up/down.

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

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; check throttle setting.
Mower vibrates excessively	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Stop engine; check blade balance; tighten bolts.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn, control cable loose	Inspect drive belt; adjust control cable tension.
Grass clumps under deck	Wet grass, deck clogged	Mow when dry; clean deck with washout port.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Toro service center. Customer support: 1-888-384-9939.